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Sadique FL, Subramaiam H, Krishnappa P, Chellappan DK, Ma JH. Recent advances in breast cancer metastasis with special emphasis on metastasis to the brain. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 260:155378. [PMID: 38850880 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155378] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the underlying mechanisms of breast cancer metastasis is of vital importance for developing treatment approaches. This review emphasizes contemporary breakthrough studies with special focus on breast cancer brain metastasis. Acquired mutational changes in metastatic lesions are often distinct from the primary tumor, suggesting altered mutagenesis pathways. The concept of micrometastases and heterogeneity within the tumors unravels novel therapeutic targets at genomic and molecular levels through epigenetic and proteomic profiling. Several pre-clinical studies have identified mechanisms involving the immune system, where tumor associated macrophages are key players. Expression of cell proteins like Syndecan1, fatty acid-binding protein 7 and tropomyosin kinase receptor B have been implicated in aiding the transmigration of breast cancer cells to the brain. Changes in the proteomic landscape of the blood-brain-barrier show altered permeability characteristics, supporting entry of cancer cells. Findings from laboratory studies pave the path for the emergence of new biomarkers, especially blood-based miRNA and circulating tumor cell markers for prognostic staging. The constantly evolving therapeutics call for clinical trials backing supportive evidence of efficacies of both novel and existing approaches. The challenge lying ahead is discovering innovative techniques to replace use of human samples and optimize small-scale patient recruitment in trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fairooz Labiba Sadique
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Hemavathy Subramaiam
- Division of Pathology, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia.
| | - Purushotham Krishnappa
- Division of Pathology, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Dinesh Kumar Chellappan
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Jin Hao Ma
- School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
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Zhu Q, Zhang X, Lu F, Miao S, Zhang C, Liu Z, Gao Z, Qi M, An X, Geng P, Wang S, Ren H, Han F, Zhang R, Zha D. RUNX1-BMP2 promotes vasculogenic mimicry in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma via activation of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:227. [PMID: 38610001 PMCID: PMC11010429 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01605-x] [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: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the head and neck. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is crucial for tumor growth and metastasis and refers to the formation of fluid channels by invasive tumor cells rather than endothelial cells. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying VM during the malignant progression of LSCC remain largely unknown. METHODS Gene expression and clinical data for LSCC were obtained from the TCGA and Gene GEO (GSE27020) databases. A risk prediction model associated with VM was established using LASSO and Cox regression analyses. Based on their risk scores, patients with LSCC were categorized into high- and low-risk groups. The disparities in immune infiltration, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and functional enrichment between these two groups were examined. The core genes in LSCC were identified using the machine learning (SVM-RFE) and WGCNA algorithms. Subsequently, the involvement of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) in VM and metastasis was investigated both in vitro and in vivo. To elucidate the downstream signaling pathways regulated by BMP2, western blotting was performed. Additionally, ChIP experiments were employed to identify the key transcription factors responsible for modulating the expression of BMP2. RESULTS We established a new precise prognostic model for LSCC related to VM based on three genes: BMP2, EPO, and AGPS. The ROC curves from both TCGA and GSE27020 validation cohorts demonstrated precision survival prediction capabilities, with the nomogram showing some net clinical benefit. Multiple algorithm analyses indicated BMP2 as a potential core gene. Further experiments suggested that BMP2 promotes VM and metastasis in LSCC. The malignant progression of LSCC is promoted by BMP2 via the activation of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, with the high expression of BMP2 in LSCC resulting from its transcriptional activation by runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1). CONCLUSION BMP2 predicts poor prognosis in LSCC, promotes LSCC VM and metastasis through the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, and is transcriptionally regulated by RUNX1. BMP2 may be a novel, precise, diagnostic, and therapeutic biomarker of LSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingwen Zhu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fei Lu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Siyu Miao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chunyang Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhenzhen Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zejun Gao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Meihao Qi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaogang An
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Panling Geng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Sufang Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hongbo Ren
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fugen Han
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ruyue Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - DingJun Zha
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
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Wang S, Zhang Y, Ma X, Feng Y. Function and mechanism of GBP1 in the development and progression of cervical cancer. J Transl Med 2024; 22:11. [PMID: 38167153 PMCID: PMC10763113 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04837-6] [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: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Guanylate binding protein 1 (GBP1) is the most concerned member of the GBP family, which has a series of effects such as anti-infection and anti-angiogenesis. Its role in malignant tumors including cervical cancer is still controversial. We aim to explore the effects of GBP1 on cervical cancer through bioinformatics and related experiments. In this study, we first found that GBP1 was generally expressed in cervical cancer in various online databases and was closely related to immune invasion. Secondly, we used multicolor immunofluorescence technology to verify the expression of GBP1 in cervical cancer tissues and its relationship with immune invasion, and explored its relationship with the prognosis of patients with cervical cancer. Knockdown and overexpression assays of GBP1 in vitro were used to prove GBP1 as a potential oncogene of cervical cancer, and its carcinogenicity was verified by in vivo experiment. In order to explore the potential mechanism of GBP1 in promoting cancer, RNA-seq was performed on GBP1 overexpression and knockdown expression cell lines, and GBP1 knockdown and overexpression were found to be associated with many RNA alternative splicing events, suggesting that GBP1 maybe a RNA binding protein (RBP) which affect the biological characteristics of cervical cancer cells through the alternative splicing pathway. However, the later RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay proved that GBP1 was not a direct alternative splicing factor, while the co-immunoprecipitation (CoIP)-mass spectroscopy (MS) assay combined with protein protein interaction (PPI) analysis proved that 8 alternative splicing factors including Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein K (HNRNPK) were interacting proteins of GBP1. Combined with the existing reports and the results of RNA-seq alternative splicing analysis, it is speculated that GBP1 may regulate the alternative splicing of CD44 protein by binding to interacting protein-HNRNPK, and thus play a role in promoting cancer in cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senyu Wang
- Clinical Laboratory Center, Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yajing Zhang
- Clinical Laboratory Center, Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xiumin Ma
- Clinical Laboratory Center, Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang, China.
| | - Yangchun Feng
- Clinical Laboratory Center, Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang, China.
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Lin Y, Wu Y, Zhang Q, Tu X, Chen S, Pan J, Xu N, Lin M, She P, Niu G, Chen Y, Li H. RPTOR blockade suppresses brain metastases of NSCLC by interfering the ceramide metabolism via hijacking YY1 binding. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:1. [PMID: 38163890 PMCID: PMC10759737 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02874-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ceramide metabolism is crucial in the progress of brain metastasis (BM). However, it remains unexplored whether targeting ceramide metabolism may arrest BM. METHODS RNA sequencing was applied to screen different genes in primary and metastatic foci and whole-exome sequencing (WES) to seek crucial abnormal pathway in BM + and BM-patients. Cellular arrays were applied to analyze the permeability of blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the activation or inhibition of pathway. Database and Co-Immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assay were adopted to verify the protein-protein interaction. Xenograft and zebrafish model were further employed to verify the cellular results. RESULTS RNA sequencing and WES reported the involvement of RPTOR and ceramide metabolism in BM progress. RPTOR was significantly upregulated in BM foci and increased the permeability of BBB, while RPTOR deficiency attenuated the cell invasiveness and protected extracellular matrix. Exogenous RPTOR boosted the SPHK2/S1P/STAT3 cascades by binding YY1, in which YY1 bound to the regions of SPHK2 promoter (at -353 ~ -365 nt), further promoting the expression of SPHK2. The latter was rescued by YY1 RNAi. Xenograft and zebrafish model showed that RPTOR blockade suppressed BM of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and impaired the SPHK2/S1P/STAT3 pathway. CONCLUSION RPTOR is a key driver gene in the brain metastasis of lung cancer, which signifies that RPTOR blockade may serve as a promising therapeutic candidate for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Lin
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Yun Wu
- Department of General Practice Medicine, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Qiangzu Zhang
- The High Performance Computing Research Center, Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100095, China
| | - Xunwei Tu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Sufang Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Junfan Pan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Nengluan Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Ming Lin
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Peiwei She
- The Centre for Experimental Research in Clinical Medicine, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Gang Niu
- The High Performance Computing Research Center, Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100095, China.
| | - Yusheng Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China.
| | - Hongru Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China.
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Big Data Engineering, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China.
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Wang R, Wang C, Lu L, Yuan F, He F. Baicalin and baicalein in modulating tumor microenvironment for cancer treatment: A comprehensive review with future perspectives. Pharmacol Res 2024; 199:107032. [PMID: 38061594 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.107032] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. The burden of cancer incidence and mortality is increasing rapidly. New approaches to cancer prevention and treatment are urgently needed. Natural products are reliable and powerful sources for anticancer drug discovery. Baicalin and baicalein, two major flavones isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, a multi-purpose traditional medicinal plant in China, exhibit anticancer activities against multiple cancers. Of note, these phytochemicals exhibit extremely low toxicity to normal cells. Besides their cytotoxic and cytostatic activities toward diverse tumor cells, recent studies demonstrated that baicalin and baicalein modulate a variety of tumor stromal cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) in the tumor microenvironment (TME), which is essential for tumorigenesis, cancer progression and metastasis. In this review, we summarize the therapeutic potential and the mechanism of action of baicalin and baicalein in the regulation of tumor microenvironmental immune cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and ECM that reshape the TME and cancer signaling, leading to inhibition of tumor angiogenesis, progression, and metastasis. In addition, we discuss the biotransformation pathways of baicalin and baicalein, related therapeutic challenges and the future research directions to improve their bioavailability and clinical anticancer applications. Recent advances of baicalin and baicalein warrant their continued study as important natural ways for cancer interception and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruolei Wang
- The Center for Cancer Research, School of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- The Center for Cancer Research, School of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Lianheng Lu
- The Center for Cancer Research, School of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Fuwen Yuan
- The Center for Cancer Research, School of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Feng He
- The Center for Cancer Research, School of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
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6
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Liu Y, Wu Z, Lin J, Wang Z. Correlation between the risk of lymph node metastasis and the expression of GBP1 in breast cancer patients. Pak J Med Sci 2024; 40:159-164. [PMID: 38196488 PMCID: PMC10772427 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.40.1.8251] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To explore the prognostic value and correlation between the risk of lymph node metastasis (LNM) and Guanylate-binding Protein 1 (GBP1) in breast cancer (BC) patients. Methods In this retrospective study, the clinical data of 150 patients with BC who were surgically resected in The Affiliated Qingdao Central Hospital of Qingdao University from January 2019 to December 2021 were included. Patients were divided into metastasis group (n=110) or non-metastasis group (n=40) according to whether there was LNM post-surgery. Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors for LNM in BC, and Kaplan-Meier was used to assess the risk of disease progression 12 months post-operation in both groups. Patients were divided into a GBP1 low expression-group (n=75) or a GBP1 high expression-group (n=75). The risk of disease progression, one-year post-surgery was analyzed, and the predictive value of GBP1 in BC tissue was assessed by the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve. Results Independent risk factors for BC with LNM were GBP1, CEA and TNM stage (P<0.05). There is a linear relationship between GBP1 expression and LNM risk in BC (χ2=0.88, P<0.05). Patients with high expression of GBP1 had a higher risk of LNM (χ2=3.204, P<0.001) and early postoperative progression (χ2=7.412, P<0.05). The AUC of GBP1 in predicting the risk of LNM was 0.840. Conclusions Patients with BC and a higher expression of GBP1 could be at an increased risk of LNM. Elevations in GBP1 expression can also suggest a poor prognosis for patients with BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukun Liu
- Yukun Liu Department of Breast Surgery, Breast Disease Center, The Affiliated Qingdao Central Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266042, Shandong Province, P.R. China
| | - Ziying Wu
- Ziying Wu Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The Affiliated Qingdao Central Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266042, Shandong Province, P.R. China
| | - Jun Lin
- Jun Lin Department of Breast Surgery, Breast Disease Center, The Affiliated Qingdao Central Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266042, Shandong Province, P.R. China
| | - Zhimei Wang
- Zhimei Wang Department of Gynecological Neoplasms, The Affiliated Qingdao Central Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266042, Shandong Province, P.R. China
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7
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Zhao Z, Chen Y, Sun T, Jiang C. Nanomaterials for brain metastasis. J Control Release 2024; 365:833-847. [PMID: 38065414 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.12.001] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Tumor metastasis is a significant contributor to the mortality of cancer patients. Specifically, current conventional treatments are unable to achieve complete remission of brain metastasis. This is due to the unique pathological environment of brain metastasis, which differs significantly from peripheral metastasis. Brain metastasis is characterized by high tumor mutation rates and a complex microenvironment with immunosuppression. Additionally, the presence of blood-brain barrier (BBB)/blood tumor barrier (BTB) restricts drug leakage into the brain. Therefore, it is crucial to take account of the specific characteristics of brain metastasis when developing new therapeutic strategies. Nanomaterials offer promising opportunities for targeted therapies in treating brain metastasis. They can be tailored and customized based on specific pathological features and incorporate various treatment approaches, which makes them advantageous in advancing therapeutic strategies for brain metastasis. This review provides an overview of current clinical treatment options for patients with brain metastasis. It also explores the roles and changes that different cells within the complex microenvironment play during tumor spread. Furthermore, it highlights the use of nanomaterials in current brain treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhao Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yun Chen
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chen Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China.
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8
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Najjary S, de Koning W, Kros JM, Mustafa DAM. Unlocking molecular mechanisms and identifying druggable targets in matched-paired brain metastasis of breast and lung cancers. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1305644. [PMID: 38149244 PMCID: PMC10750385 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1305644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The incidence of brain metastases in cancer patients is increasing, with lung and breast cancer being the most common sources. Despite advancements in targeted therapies, the prognosis remains poor, highlighting the importance to investigate the underlying mechanisms in brain metastases. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in the molecular mechanisms involved in brain metastasis of breast and lung cancers. In addition, we aimed to identify cancer lineage-specific druggable targets in the brain metastasis. Methods To that aim, a cohort of 44 FFPE tissue samples, including 22 breast cancer and 22 lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and their matched-paired brain metastases were collected. Targeted gene expression profiles of primary tumors were compared to their matched-paired brain metastases samples using nCounter PanCancer IO 360™ Panel of NanoString technologies. Pathway analysis was performed using gene set analysis (GSA) and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The validation was performed by using Immunohistochemistry (IHC) to confirm the expression of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Results Our results revealed the significant upregulation of cancer-related genes in primary tumors compared to their matched-paired brain metastases (adj. p ≤ 0.05). We found that upregulated differentially expressed genes in breast cancer brain metastasis (BM-BC) and brain metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma (BM-LUAD) were associated with the metabolic stress pathway, particularly related to the glycolysis. Additionally, we found that the upregulated genes in BM-BC and BM-LUAD played roles in immune response regulation, tumor growth, and proliferation. Importantly, we identified high expression of the immune checkpoint VTCN1 in BM-BC, and VISTA, IDO1, NT5E, and HDAC3 in BM-LUAD. Validation using immunohistochemistry further supported these findings. Conclusion In conclusion, the findings highlight the significance of using matched-paired samples to identify cancer lineage-specific therapies that may improve brain metastasis patients outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dana A. M. Mustafa
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Bioinformatics, The Tumor Immuno-Pathology Laboratory, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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9
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Mohebifar H, Sabbaghian A, Farazmandfar T, Golalipour M. Construction and analysis of pseudogene-related ceRNA network in breast cancer. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21874. [PMID: 38072995 PMCID: PMC10711010 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49110-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in women. The present study explored the potential role of pseudogenes in BC via construction and analysis of a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network through a three-step process. First, we screened differentially expressed genes in nine BC datasets. Then the gene-pseudogenes pairs (nine hub genes) were selected according to the functional enrichment and correlation analysis. Second, the candidate hub genes and interacting miRNAs were used to construct the ceRNA network. Further analysis of the ceRNA network revealed a crucial ceRNA module with two genes-pseudogene pairs and two miRNAs. The in-depth analysis identified the GBP1/hsa-miR-30d-5p/GBP1P1 axis as a potential tumorigenic axis in BC patients. In the third step, the GBP1/hsa-miR-30d-5p/GBP1P1 axis expression level was assessed in 40 tumor/normal BC patients and MCF-7 cell lines. The expression of GBP1 and GBP1P1 was significantly higher in the tumor compared to the normal tissue. However, the expression of hsa-miR-30d-5p was lower in tumor samples. Then, we introduced the GBP1P1 pseudogene into the MCF-7 cell line to evaluate its effect on GBP1 and hsa-miR-30d-5p expression. As expected, the GBP1 level increased while the hsa-miR-30d-5p level decreased in the GBP1P1-overexprsssing cell line. In addition, the oncogenic properties of MCF-7 (cell viability, clonogenicity, and migration) were improved after GBP1P1 overexpression. In conclusion, we report a ceRNA network that may provide new insight into the role of pseudogenes in BC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Mohebifar
- Medical Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Shastkola Road, Falsafi Complex, Gorgān, 4934174611, Iran
| | - Amir Sabbaghian
- Medical Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Shastkola Road, Falsafi Complex, Gorgān, 4934174611, Iran
| | - Touraj Farazmandfar
- Medical Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Shastkola Road, Falsafi Complex, Gorgān, 4934174611, Iran
| | - Masoud Golalipour
- Medical Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Shastkola Road, Falsafi Complex, Gorgān, 4934174611, Iran.
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10
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Xu H, Jia Z, Liu F, Li J, Huang Y, Jiang Y, Pu P, Shang T, Tang P, Zhou Y, Yang Y, Su J, Liu J. Biomarkers and experimental models for cancer immunology investigation. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e437. [PMID: 38045830 PMCID: PMC10693314 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid advancement of tumor immunotherapies poses challenges for the tools used in cancer immunology research, highlighting the need for highly effective biomarkers and reproducible experimental models. Current immunotherapy biomarkers encompass surface protein markers such as PD-L1, genetic features such as microsatellite instability, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and biomarkers in liquid biopsy such as circulating tumor DNAs. Experimental models, ranging from 3D in vitro cultures (spheroids, submerged models, air-liquid interface models, organ-on-a-chips) to advanced 3D bioprinting techniques, have emerged as valuable platforms for cancer immunology investigations and immunotherapy biomarker research. By preserving native immune components or coculturing with exogenous immune cells, these models replicate the tumor microenvironment in vitro. Animal models like syngeneic models, genetically engineered models, and patient-derived xenografts provide opportunities to study in vivo tumor-immune interactions. Humanized animal models further enable the simulation of the human-specific tumor microenvironment. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the advantages, limitations, and prospects of different biomarkers and experimental models, specifically focusing on the role of biomarkers in predicting immunotherapy outcomes and the ability of experimental models to replicate the tumor microenvironment. By integrating cutting-edge biomarkers and experimental models, this review serves as a valuable resource for accessing the forefront of cancer immunology investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengyi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular OncologyNational Cancer Center /National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Ziqi Jia
- Department of Breast Surgical OncologyNational Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Fengshuo Liu
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Jiayi Li
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Department of Breast Surgical OncologyNational Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yansong Huang
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Department of Breast Surgical OncologyNational Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yiwen Jiang
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Pengming Pu
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Tongxuan Shang
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Pengrui Tang
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yongxin Zhou
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yufan Yang
- School of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jianzhong Su
- Oujiang LaboratoryZhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain HealthWenzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular OncologyNational Cancer Center /National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Department of Breast Surgical OncologyNational Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
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11
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Zhao X, Zhang J, Liu J, Luo S, Ding R, Miao X, Wu T, Jia J, Cheng X. Molecular characterization of cancer-intrinsic immune evasion genes indicates prognosis and tumour microenvironment infiltration in osteosarcoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:10272-10290. [PMID: 37796192 PMCID: PMC10599718 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205074] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-intrinsic immune evasion (IE) to cells is a critical factor in tumour growth and progression, yet the molecular characterization of IE genes (IEGs) in osteosarcoma remains underexplored. In this study, 85 osteosarcoma patients were comprehensively analyzed based on 182 IEGs, leading to the identification of two IE clusters linked to distinct biological processes and clinical outcomes. In addition, two IE clusters demonstrated diverse immune cell infiltration patterns, with IEGcluster A displaying increased levels compared to IEGcluster B. Moreover, an IE score was identified as an independent prognostic factor and nomogram may serve as a practical tool for the individual prognostic evaluation of patients with osteosarcoma. Finally, GBP1, a potential biomarker with high expression in osteosarcoma was identified. The findings of this study highlight the presence of two IE clusters, each associated with differing patient outcomes and immune infiltration properties. The IE score may serve to assess individual patient IE characteristics, enhance comprehension of immune features, and guide more efficacious treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokun Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
- Institute of Orthopedics of Jiangxi, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
| | - Jiahao Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
| | - Shengzhong Luo
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
| | - Rui Ding
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
| | - Xinxin Miao
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
- Institute of Minimally Invasive Orthopedics, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
| | - Tianlong Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
- Institute of Minimally Invasive Orthopedics, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
| | - Jingyu Jia
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
| | - Xigao Cheng
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
- Institute of Orthopedics of Jiangxi, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
- Institute of Minimally Invasive Orthopedics, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
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12
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Larionova I, Tashireva L. Immune gene signatures as prognostic criteria for cancer patients. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2023; 15:17588359231189436. [PMID: 37547445 PMCID: PMC10399276 DOI: 10.1177/17588359231189436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, the possibility of using immune gene signatures (IGSs) has been considered as a novel prognostic tool for numerous cancer types. State-of-the-art methods of genomic, transcriptomic, and protein analysis have allowed the identification of a number of immune signatures correlated to disease outcome. The major adaptive and innate immune components are the T lymphocytes and macrophages, respectively. Herein, we collected essential data on IGSs consisting of subsets of T cells and tumor-associated macrophages and indicating cancer patient outcomes. We discuss factors that can introduce errors in the recognition of immune cell types and explain why the significance of immune signatures can be interpreted with uncertainty. The unidirectional functions of cell types should be entirely addressed in the signatures constructed by the combination of innate and adaptive immune cells. The state of the antitumor immune response is the key basis for IGSs and should be considered in gene signature construction. We also analyzed immune signatures for the prediction of immunotherapy response. Finally, we attempted to explain the present-day limitations in the use of immune signatures as robust criteria for prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Larionova
- Laboratory of Translational Cellular and Molecular Biomedicine, National Research Tomsk State University, 36 Lenina Av., Tomsk 634050, Russia
- Laboratory of Molecular Therapy of Cancer, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Liubov Tashireva
- Laboratory of Molecular Therapy of Cancer, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
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13
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Meng K, Li YY, Liu DY, Hu LL, Pan YL, Zhang CZ, He QY. A five-protein prognostic signature with GBP2 functioning in immune cell infiltration of clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:2621-2630. [PMID: 38213893 PMCID: PMC10781714 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.04.015] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is of poor clinical outcomes, and currently lacks reliable prognostic biomarkers. By analyzing the datasets of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC), we established a five-protein prognostic signature containing GBP2, HLA-DRA, ISG15, ISG20 and ITGAX. Our data indicate that this signature was closely correlated with advanced stage, higher pathological grade, and unfavorable survivals in patients with ccRCC. We further functionally characterized GBP2. Overexpression of GBP2 enhanced the phosphorylation of STAT2 and STAT3 to trigger JAK-STAT signaling and promote cell migration and invasion in ccRCC. Treatment of Ruxolitinib, a specific inhibitor of JAK/STAT, attenuated the GBP2-mediated phenotypes. Patients with high GBP2 expression were accompanied with more infiltration of immune cells positively stained with CD3, CD8, CD68, and immune checkpoint markers PD-1 and CTLA4, which was validated by Opal multiplex immunohistochemistry in ccRCC tissues. More CD8 + T cells and CD68 + macrophages were observed in patients expressing high GBP2. Taken together, a five-protein prognostic signature was constructed in our study. GBP2 has an oncogenic role via modulating JAK-STAT signaling and tumor immune infiltration, and thus may serve as a potential therapeutic target in ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Meng
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yu-Ying Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Dan-Ya Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Li-Ling Hu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yun-Long Pan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Chris Zhiyi Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Qing-Yu He
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
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14
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Alsabbagh R, Ahmed M, Alqudah MAY, Hamoudi R, Harati R. Insights into the Molecular Mechanisms Mediating Extravasation in Brain Metastasis of Breast Cancer, Melanoma, and Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082258. [PMID: 37190188 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain metastasis is an incurable end-stage of systemic cancer associated with poor prognosis, and its incidence is increasing. Brain metastasis occurs through a multi-step cascade where cancer cells spread from the primary tumor site to the brain. The extravasation of tumor cells through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a critical step in brain metastasis. During extravasation, circulating cancer cells roll along the brain endothelium (BE), adhere to it, then induce alterations in the endothelial barrier to transmigrate through the BBB and enter the brain. Rolling and adhesion are generally mediated by selectins and adhesion molecules induced by inflammatory mediators, while alterations in the endothelial barrier are mediated by proteolytic enzymes, including matrix metalloproteinase, and the transmigration step mediated by factors, including chemokines. However, the molecular mechanisms mediating extravasation are not yet fully understood. A better understanding of these mechanisms is essential as it may serve as the basis for the development of therapeutic strategies for the prevention or treatment of brain metastases. In this review, we summarize the molecular events that occur during the extravasation of cancer cells through the blood-brain barrier in three types of cancer most likely to develop brain metastasis: breast cancer, melanoma, and lung cancer. Common molecular mechanisms driving extravasation in these different tumors are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rama Alsabbagh
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Munazza Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammad A Y Alqudah
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Rifat Hamoudi
- Clinical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London W1W 7EJ, UK
| | - Rania Harati
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
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15
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Chhichholiya Y, Ruthuparna M, Velagaleti H, Munshi A. Brain metastasis in breast cancer: focus on genes and signaling pathways involved, blood-brain barrier and treatment strategies. Clin Transl Oncol 2023; 25:1218-1241. [PMID: 36897508 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-03050-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most prevalent types of cancer in women. Despite advancement in early detection and efficient treatment, recurrence and metastasis continue to pose a significant risk to the life of BC patients. Brain metastasis (BM) reported in 17-20 percent of BC patients is considered as a major cause of mortality and morbidity in these patients. BM includes various steps from primary breast tumor to secondary tumor formation. Various steps involved are primary tumor formation, angiogenesis, invasion, extravasation, and brain colonization. Genes involved in different pathways have been reported to be associated with BC cells metastasizing to the brain. ADAM8 gene, EN1 transcription factor, WNT, and VEGF signaling pathway have been associated with primary breast tumor; MMP1, COX2, XCR4, PI3k/Akt, ERK and MAPK pathways in angiogenesis; Noth, CD44, Zo-1, CEMIP, S0X2 and OLIG2 are involved in invasion, extravasation and colonization, respectively. In addition, the blood-brain barrier is also a key factor in BM. Dysregulation of cell junctions, tumor microenvironment and loss of function of microglia leads to BBB disruption ultimately resulting in BM. Various therapeutic strategies are currently used to control the BM in BC. Oncolytic virus therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, mTOR-PI3k inhibitors and immunotherapy have been developed to target various genes involved in BM in BC. In addition, RNA interference (RNAi) and CRISPR/Cas9 are novel interventions in the field of BCBM where research to validate these and clinical trials are being carried out. Gaining a better knowledge of metastasis biology is critical for establishing better treatment methods and attaining long-term therapeutic efficacies against BC. The current review has been compiled with an aim to evaluate the role of various genes and signaling pathways involved in multiple steps of BM in BC. The therapeutic strategies being used currently and the novel ones being explored to control BM in BC have also been discussed at length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogita Chhichholiya
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Malayil Ruthuparna
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Harini Velagaleti
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Anjana Munshi
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India.
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16
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Tomasik B, Bieńkowski M, Górska Z, Gutowska K, Kumięga P, Jassem J, Duchnowska R. Molecular aspects of brain metastases in breast cancer. Cancer Treat Rev 2023; 114:102521. [PMID: 36736124 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2023.102521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Brain metastases (BM) are a common and devastating manifestation of breast cancer (BC). BM are particularly frequent in the HER2-positive and triple-negative breast cancer phenotypes and usually occur following the metastatic spread to extracranial sites. Several genes mediating BM and biomarkers predicting their risk in BC have been reported in the past decade. These findings have advanced the understanding of BM pathobiology and paved the way for developing new therapeutic strategies but they still warrant a thorough clinical validation. Hence, a better understanding of the mechanistic aspects of BM and delineating the interactions of tumor cells with the brain microenvironment are of utmost importance. This review discusses the molecular basis of the metastatic cascade: the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cancer, and tumor microenvironment interaction and intravasation, priming of the metastatic niche in the brain, and survival in the new site. We also outline the postulated mechanisms of BC cells' brain tropism. Finally, we discuss advances in the field of biomarkers (both tissue-based and liquid-based) that predict BM from BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartłomiej Tomasik
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 17 Smoluchowskiego St., 80-214 Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Michał Bieńkowski
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 17 Smoluchowskiego St., 80-214 Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Zuzanna Górska
- Department of Oncology, Military Institute of Medicine, 128 Szaserów St., 04-141 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Klaudia Gutowska
- Department of Internal Diseases and Endocrinology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; Doctoral School, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Paulina Kumięga
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Jacek Jassem
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 17 Smoluchowskiego St., 80-214 Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Renata Duchnowska
- Department of Oncology, Military Institute of Medicine, 128 Szaserów St., 04-141 Warsaw, Poland.
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17
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Shahverdi M, Masoumi J, Ghorbaninezhad F, Shajari N, Hajizadeh F, Hassanian H, Alizadeh N, Jafarlou M, Baradaran B. The modulatory role of dendritic cell-T cell cross-talk in breast cancer: Challenges and prospects. Adv Med Sci 2022; 67:353-363. [PMID: 36116207 DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Antigen recognition and presentation are highlighted as the first steps in developing specialized antigen responses. Dendritic cells (DCs) are outstanding professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs) responsible for priming cellular immunity in pathological states, including cancer. However, the diminished or repressed function of DCs is thought to be a substantial mechanism through which tumors escape from the immune system. In this regard, DCs obtained from breast cancer (BC) patients represent a notably weakened potency to encourage specific T-cell responses. Additionally, impaired DC-T-cell cross-talk in BC facilitates the immune evade of cancer cells and is connected with tumor advancement, immune tolerance, and adverse prognosis for patients. In this review we aim to highlight the available knowledge on DC-T-cell interactions in BC aggressiveness and show its therapeutic potential in BC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahshid Shahverdi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Javad Masoumi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Farid Ghorbaninezhad
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Neda Shajari
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Farnaz Hajizadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Hassanian
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nazila Alizadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahdi Jafarlou
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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18
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Shi Z, Gu J, Yao Y, Wu Z. Identification of a predictive gene signature related to pyroptosis for the prognosis of cutaneous melanoma. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e30564. [PMID: 36086707 PMCID: PMC10980462 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000030564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pyroptosis is a form of inflammatory programmed cell death. However, because of no specific molecular biomarker, pyroptosis has not been considered as a novel therapeutic method to treat cutaneous melanoma (CM). Here, we identified pyroptosis genes that associate with the prognosis of CM patients and constructed an effective model for the prognostic prediction of CM patients. To identify genes related to pyroptosis that are differentially expressed in CM, we obtained gene expression data of CM patients and normal skin tissues from the Cancer Genome Atlas and the Genotype-Tissue Expression databases, and used another cohort obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus database for validation. Three genes (BST2, GBP5, and AIM2) that were associated with prognosis were found and incorporated into our prognostic model. Furthermore, we divided the patients into 2 groups: a high-risk group and a low-risk group. Functional analyses indicated that our model was correlated with patient survival and cancer growth. Multivariate and univariate Cox regressions revealed that the constructed model could serve as an independent prognostic factor for CM patients. Meanwhile, compared with other clinical characteristics, our model significantly improved the diagnostic accuracy. Gene function analysis revealed that pyroptosis genes BST2, GBP5, and AIM2 were differentially expressed in CM patients and positively associated with patient prognosis. Finally, a risk score was used to generate nomograms that displayed favorable discriminatory abilities for CM. In summary, our model could significantly predict the prognosis of CM patients and be used for the development of CM therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyang Shi
- Department of Hand Plastic Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Linping District, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiaying Gu
- Department of Laboratory, Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital of Linping District, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Yao
- Department of Hand Plastic Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Linping District, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhengyuan Wu
- Department of Hand Plastic Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Linping District, Hangzhou, China
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19
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Godinho-Pereira J, Lopes MD, Garcia AR, Botelho HM, Malhó R, Figueira I, Brito MA. A Drug Screening Reveals Minocycline Hydrochloride as a Therapeutic Option to Prevent Breast Cancer Cells Extravasation across the Blood-Brain Barrier. Biomedicines 2022; 10:1988. [PMID: 36009536 PMCID: PMC9405959 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Among breast cancer (BC) patients, 15-25% develop BC brain metastases (BCBM), a severe condition due to the limited therapeutic options, which points to the need for preventive strategies. We aimed to find a drug able to boost blood-brain barrier (BBB) properties and prevent BC cells (BCCs) extravasation, among PI3K, HSP90, and EGFR inhibitors and approved drugs. We used BCCs (4T1) and BBB endothelial cells (b.End5) to identify molecules with toxicity to 4T1 cells and safe for b.End5 cells. Moreover, we used those cells in mixed cultures to perform a high-throughput microscopy screening of drugs' ability to ameliorate BBB properties and prevent BCCs adhesion and migration across the endothelium, as well as to analyse miRNAs expression and release profiles. KW-2478, buparlisib, and minocycline hydrochloride (MH) promoted maximal expression of the junctional protein β-catenin and induced 4T1 cells nucleus changes. Buparlisib and MH further decreased 4T1 adhesion. MH was the most promising in preventing 4T1 migration and BBB disruption, tumour and endothelial cytoskeleton-associated proteins modifications, and miRNA deregulation. Our data revealed MH's ability to improve BBB properties, while compromising BCCs viability and interaction with BBB endothelial cells, besides restoring miRNAs' homeostasis, paving the way for MH repurposing for BCBM prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Godinho-Pereira
- iMed—Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Margarida Dionísio Lopes
- iMed—Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Garcia
- iMed—Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Hugo M. Botelho
- BioISI—Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1746-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rui Malhó
- BioISI—Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1746-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Inês Figueira
- iMed—Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
- Farm-ID—Faculty of Pharmacy Association for Research and Development, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria Alexandra Brito
- iMed—Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
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20
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Marin J, Journe F, Ghanem GE, Awada A, Kindt N. Cytokine Landscape in Central Nervous System Metastases. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071537. [PMID: 35884845 PMCID: PMC9313120 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071537] [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: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system is the location of metastases in more than 40% of patients with lung cancer, breast cancer and melanoma. These metastases are associated with one of the poorest prognoses in advanced cancer patients, mainly due to the lack of effective treatments. In this review, we explore the involvement of cytokines, including interleukins and chemokines, during the development of brain and leptomeningeal metastases from the epithelial-to-mesenchymal cell transition and blood–brain barrier extravasation to the interaction between cancer cells and cells from the brain microenvironment, including astrocytes and microglia. Furthermore, the role of the gut–brain axis on cytokine release during this process will also be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Marin
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Oncology (LOCE), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium; (J.M.); (F.J.); (G.E.G.); (A.A.)
| | - Fabrice Journe
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Oncology (LOCE), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium; (J.M.); (F.J.); (G.E.G.); (A.A.)
- Laboratory of Human Anatomy and Experimental Oncology, Institut Santé, Université de Mons (UMons), 7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Ghanem E. Ghanem
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Oncology (LOCE), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium; (J.M.); (F.J.); (G.E.G.); (A.A.)
| | - Ahmad Awada
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Oncology (LOCE), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium; (J.M.); (F.J.); (G.E.G.); (A.A.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nadège Kindt
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Oncology (LOCE), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium; (J.M.); (F.J.); (G.E.G.); (A.A.)
- Correspondence:
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21
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Hunt EN, Kopacz JP, Vestal DJ. Unraveling the Role of Guanylate-Binding Proteins (GBPs) in Breast Cancer: A Comprehensive Literature Review and New Data on Prognosis in Breast Cancer Subtypes. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112794. [PMID: 35681772 PMCID: PMC9179834 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
At least one member of the Guanylate-Binding Protein (GBP) family of large interferon-induced GTPases has been classified as both a marker of good prognosis and as a potential drug target to treat breast cancers. However, the activity of individual GBPs appears to not just be tumor cell type–specific but dependent on the growth factor and/or cytokine environment in which the tumor cells reside. To clarify what we do and do not know about GBPs in breast cancer, the current literature on GBP-1, GBP-2, and GBP-5 in breast cancer has been assembled. In addition, we have analyzed the role of each of these GBPs in predicting recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), and distance metastasis-free survival (DMFS) as single gene products in different subtypes of breast cancers. When a large cohort of breast cancers of all types and stages were examined, GBP-1 correlated with poor RFS. However, it was the only GBP to do so. When smaller cohorts of breast cancer subtypes grouped into ER+, ER+/Her2-, and HER2+ tumors were analyzed, none of the GBPs influenced RFS, OS, or DMSF as single agents. The exception is GBP-5, which correlated with improved RFS in Her2+ breast cancers. All three GBPs individually predicted improved RFS, OS, and DMSF in ER- breast cancers, regardless of the PR or HER2 status, and TNBCs.
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22
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Wang Y, Chen R, Wa Y, Ding S, Yang Y, Liao J, Tong L, Xiao G. Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Immunotherapy in Brain Metastasis From Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:829451. [PMID: 35251014 PMCID: PMC8891382 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.829451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain metastasis (BM), a devastating complication of advanced malignancy, has a high incidence in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). As novel systemic treatment drugs and improved, more sensitive imaging investigations are performed, more patients will be diagnosed with BM. However, the main treatment methods face a high risk of complications at present. Therefore, based on immunotherapy of tumor immune microenvironment has been proposed. The development of NSCLC and its BM is closely related to the tumor microenvironment, the surrounding microenvironment where tumor cells live. In the event of BM, the metastatic tumor microenvironment in BM is composed of extracellular matrix, tissue-resident cells that change with tumor colonization and blood-derived immune cells. Immune-related cells and chemicals in the NSCLC brain metastasis microenvironment are targeted by BM immunotherapy, with immune checkpoint inhibition therapy being the most important. Blocking cancer immunosuppression by targeting immune checkpoints provides a suitable strategy for immunotherapy in patients with advanced cancers. In the past few years, several therapeutic advances in immunotherapy have changed the outlook for the treatment of BM from NSCLC. According to emerging evidence, immunotherapy plays an essential role in treating BM, with a more significant safety profile than others. This article discusses recent advances in the biology of BM from NSCLC, reviews novel mechanisms in diverse tumor metastatic stages, and emphasizes the role of the tumor immune microenvironment in metastasis. In addition, clinical advances in immunotherapy for this disease are mentioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Hydrocephalus, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Brain Tumor Research, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Yue Wa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Hydrocephalus, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Brain Tumor Research, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shikuan Ding
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Hydrocephalus, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Brain Tumor Research, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yijian Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Hydrocephalus, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Brain Tumor Research, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Junbo Liao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Hydrocephalus, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Brain Tumor Research, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lei Tong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Hydrocephalus, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Brain Tumor Research, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Gelei Xiao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Hydrocephalus, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Brain Tumor Research, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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23
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Wu Z, Wan J, Wang J, Meng X, Qian H. Identification of prognostic biomarkers for breast cancer brain metastases based on the bioinformatics analysis. Biochem Biophys Rep 2022; 29:101203. [PMID: 35059509 PMCID: PMC8760394 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2022.101203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The prognosis of breast cancer (BC) patients who develop into brain metastases (BMs) is very poor. Thus, it is of great significance to explore the etiology of BMs in BC and identify the key genes involved in this process to improve the survival of BC patients with BMs. Patients and methods The gene expression data and the clinical information of BC patients were downloaded from TCGA and GEO database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in TCGA-BRCA and GSE12276 were overlapped to find differentially expressed metastatic genes (DEMGs). The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of DEMGs was constructed via STRING database. ClusterProfiler R package was applied to perform the gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of DEMGs. The univariate Cox regression analysis and the Kaplan-Meier (K-M) curves were plotted to screen DEMGs associated with the overall survival and the metastatic recurrence survival, which were identified as the key genes associated with the BMs in BC. The immune infiltration and the expressions of immune checkpoints for BC patients with brain relapses and BC patients with other relapses were analyzed respectively. The correlations among the expressions of key genes and the differently infiltrated immune cells or the differentially expressed immune checkpoints were calculated. The gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of each key gene was conducted to investigate the potential mechanisms of key genes involved in BC patients with BMs. Moreover, CTD database was used to predict the drug-gene interaction network of key genes. Results A total of 154 DEGs were identified in BC patients at M0 and M1 in TCGA database. A total of 667 DEGs were identified in BC patients with brain relapses and with other relapses. By overlapping these DEGs, 17 DEMGs were identified, which were enriched in the cell proliferation related biological processes and the immune related molecular functions. The univariate Cox regression analysis and the Kaplan-Meier curves revealed that CXCL9 and GPR171 were closely associated with the overall survival and the metastatic recurrence survival and were identified as key genes associated with BMs in BC. The analyses of immune infiltration and immune checkpoint expressions showed that there was a significant difference of the immune microenvironment between brain relapses and other relapses in BC. GSEA indicated that CXCL9 and GPR171 may regulate BMs in BC via the immune-related pathways. Conclusion Our study identified the key genes associated with BMs in BC patients and explore the underlying mechanisms involved in the etiology of BMs in BC. These findings may provide a promising approach for the treatments of BC patients with BMs. CXCL9 and GPR171, as the key genes, were closely associated with the prognosis of brain metastases in breast cancer. There was a significant difference of the immune microenvironment between brain and other metastases in breast cancer. We revealed candidate drugs which associated with the key genes of breast cancer patients with brain metastases. A series of bioinformatic analysis methods were used in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jinghai Wan
- Corresponding author. National Cancer Center/ National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/ Cancer Hospital, Neurosurgery, Panjiayuan 17#, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China.
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24
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Zhao Y, Wu J, Li L, Zhang H, Zhang H, Li J, Zhong H, Lei T, Jin Y, Xu B, Song Q. Guanylate-Binding Protein 1 as a Potential Predictor of Immunotherapy: A Pan-Cancer Analysis. Front Genet 2022; 13:820135. [PMID: 35222540 PMCID: PMC8867058 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.820135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Mainstream application of cancer immunotherapy is hampered by the low response rate of most cancer patients. A novel immunotherapeutic target or a biomarker predicting response to immunotherapy needs to be developed. Guanylate-binding protein 1 (GBP1) is an interferon (IFN)-inducible guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) involving inflammation and infection. However, the immunological effects of GBP1 in pan-cancer patients are still obscure. Methods: Using large-scale public data, we delineated the landscape of GBP1 across 33 cancer types. The correlation between GBP1 expression or mutation and immune cell infiltration was estimated by ESTIMATE, TIMER, xCell, and quanTIseq algorithms. GBP1-related genes and proteins were subjected to function enrichment analysis. Clustering analysis explored the relationship between GBP1 expression and anti-tumor immune phenotypes. We assessed the patient’s response to immunotherapy using the tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) score and immunophenoscore (IPS). Furthermore, we validated the predictive power of GBP1 expression in four independent immunotherapy cohorts. Results: GBP1 was differentially expressed in tumors and normal tissues in multiple cancer types. Distinct correlations existed between GBP1 expression and prognosis in cancer patients. GBP1 expression and mutation were positively associated with immune cell infiltration. Function enrichment analysis showed that GBP1-related genes were enriched in immune-related pathways. Positive correlations were also observed between GBP1 expression and the expression of immune checkpoints, as well as tumor mutation burden (TMB). Pan-cancer patients with higher GBP1 expression were more inclined to display “hot” anti-tumor immune phenotypes and had lower TIDE scores and higher immunophenoscore, suggesting that these patients had better responses to immunotherapy. Patients with higher GBP1 expression exhibited improved overall survival and clinical benefits in immunotherapy cohorts, including the Gide et al. cohort [area under the curve (AUC): 0.813], the IMvigor210 cohort (AUC: 0.607), the Lauss et al. cohort (AUC: 0.740), and the Kim et al. cohort (AUC: 0.793). Conclusion: This study provides comprehensive insights into the role of GBP1 in a pan-cancer manner. We identify GBP1 expression as a predictive biomarker for immunotherapy, potentially enabling more precise and personalized immunotherapeutic strategies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqi Zhao
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Wu
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lan Li
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Huibo Zhang
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, Wissenschaftszentrum Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Haohan Zhang
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Li
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hao Zhong
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tianyu Lei
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Jin
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Bin Xu, ; Qibin Song,
| | - Qibin Song
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Bin Xu, ; Qibin Song,
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25
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Shi Y, Chen S, Xing H, Jiang G, Wu N, Liu Q, Sakamoto N, Kuno T, Sugiura R, Xiao Q, Jin F, Fang Y, Yao F. Comprehensive Analysis of Prognostic Microenvironment-Related Genes in Invasive Breast Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 11:576911. [PMID: 35047378 PMCID: PMC8761742 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.576911] [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: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies reveal that tumor microenvironment contributes to breast cancer (BRCA) development, progression, and therapeutic response. However, the contribution of the tumor microenvironment-related genes in routine diagnostic testing or therapeutic decision making for BRCA remains elusive. Immune/stromal/ESTIMATE scores calculated by the ESTIMATE algorithm quantify immune and stromal components in a tumor, and thus can reflect tumor microenvironment. To investigate the association of the tumor microenvironment-related genes with invasive BRCA prognosis, here we analyzed the immune/stromal/ESTIMATE scores in combination with The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database in invasive BRCA. We found that immune/stromal/ESTIMATE scores were significantly correlated with the invasive BRCA clinicopathological factors. Based on the immune/stromal/ESTIMATE scores, we extracted a series of differential expression genes (DEGs) related to the tumor microenvironment. Survival analysis was further performed to identify a list of high-frequency DEGs (HF-DEGs), which exhibited prognostic value in invasive BRCA. Importantly, consistent with the results of bioinformatics analysis, immunohistochemistry results showed that high SASH3 expression was associated with a good prognosis in invasive BRCA patients. Our findings suggest that the tumor microenvironment-related HF-DEGs identified in this study have prognostic values and may serve as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for invasive BRCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingrong Shi
- Department of Microbial and Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Si Chen
- Department of Microbial and Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Huijuan Xing
- Department of Microbial and Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Guanglie Jiang
- Department of Microbial and Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Nan Wu
- Department of Microbial and Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qiannan Liu
- Department of Microbial and Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Norihiro Sakamoto
- Division of Food and Drug Evaluation Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Takayoshi Kuno
- Department of Microbial and Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Division of Food and Drug Evaluation Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Reiko Sugiura
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacogenomics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kinki University, Higashi-Osaka, Japan
| | - Qinghuan Xiao
- Department of Ion Channel Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Feng Jin
- Department of Breast Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Research Unit of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yue Fang
- Department of Microbial and Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Fan Yao
- Department of Breast Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Research Unit of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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26
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Sauerer T, Lischer C, Weich A, Berking C, Vera J, Dörrie J. Single-Molecule RNA Sequencing Reveals IFNγ-Induced Differential Expression of Immune Escape Genes in Merkel Cell Polyomavirus-Positive MCC Cell Lines. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:785662. [PMID: 35003017 PMCID: PMC8727593 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.785662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and highly aggressive cancer, which is mainly caused by genomic integration of the Merkel cell polyomavirus and subsequent expression of a truncated form of its large T antigen. The resulting primary tumor is known to be immunogenic and under constant pressure to escape immune surveillance. Because interferon gamma (IFNγ), a key player of immune response, is secreted by many immune effector cells and has been shown to exert both anti-tumoral and pro-tumoral effects, we studied the transcriptomic response of MCC cells to IFNγ. In particular, immune modulatory effects that may help the tumor evade immune surveillance were of high interest to our investigation. The effect of IFNγ treatment on the transcriptomic program of three MCC cell lines (WaGa, MKL-1, and MKL-2) was analyzed using single-molecule sequencing via the Oxford Nanopore platform. A significant differential expression of several genes was detected across all three cell lines. Subsequent pathway analysis and manual annotation showed a clear upregulation of genes involved in the immune escape of tumor due to IFNγ treatment. The analysis of selected genes on protein level underlined our sequencing results. These findings contribute to a better understanding of immune escape of MCC and may help in clinical treatment of MCC patients. Furthermore, we demonstrate that single-molecule sequencing can be used to assess characteristics of large eukaryotic transcriptomes and thus contribute to a broader access to sequencing data in the community due to its low cost of entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Sauerer
- RNA-based Immunotherapy, Hautklinik, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg, Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christopher Lischer
- Systems Tumor Immunology, Hautklinik, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg, Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Adrian Weich
- Systems Tumor Immunology, Hautklinik, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg, Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carola Berking
- Hautklinik, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg, Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Julio Vera
- Systems Tumor Immunology, Hautklinik, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg, Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jan Dörrie
- RNA-based Immunotherapy, Hautklinik, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg, Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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27
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Costa AC, Santos JMO, Gil da Costa RM, Medeiros R. Impact of immune cells on the hallmarks of cancer: A literature review. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2021; 168:103541. [PMID: 34801696 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) are critical players in the tumor microenvironment, modulating cancer cell functions. TIICs are highly heterogenic and plastic and may either suppress cancers or provide support for tumor growth. A wide range of studies have shed light on how tumor-associated macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, mast cells, natural killer cells and lymphocytes contribute for the establishment of several hallmarks of cancer and became the basis for successful immunotherapies. Many of those TIICs play pivotal roles in several hallmarks of cancer. This review contributes to elucidate the multifaceted roles of immune cells in cancer development, highlighting molecular components that constitute promising therapeutic targets. Additional studies are needed to clarify the relation between TIICs and hallmarks such as enabling replicative immortality, evading growth suppressors, sustaining proliferative signaling, resisting cell death and genome instability and mutation, to further explore their therapeutic potential and improve the outcomes of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra C Costa
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP) / RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) / Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP), 4200-319, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Joana M O Santos
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP) / RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) / Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP), 4200-319, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Rui M Gil da Costa
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP) / RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) / Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Inov4Agro, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal; Postgraduate Programme in Adult Health (PPGSAD), Department of Morphology, Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA), and UFMA University Hospital (HUUFMA), 65080-805, São Luís, Brazil.
| | - Rui Medeiros
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP) / RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) / Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP), 4200-319, Porto, Portugal; Virology Service, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), 4200-072, Porto, Portugal; CEBIMED, Faculty of Health Sciences of the Fernando Pessoa University, 4249-004, Porto, Portugal; Research Department of the Portuguese League Against Cancer-Regional Nucleus of the North (Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro-Núcleo Regional do Norte), 4200-177, Porto, Portugal.
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28
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Liu Z, Sun J, Gong T, Tang H, Shen Y, Liu C. The Prognostic and Immunological Value of Guanylate-Binding Proteins in Lower-Grade Glioma: Potential Markers or Not? Front Genet 2021; 12:651348. [PMID: 34759950 PMCID: PMC8573089 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.651348] [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: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Seven guanylate-binding proteins (GBPs, GBP1–7), identified as a subfamily of interferon-γ-induced guanosine triphosphate hydrolases (GTPases), has been reported to be closely associated with tumor progression, metastasis, and prognosis of cancer patients in recent years. However, the expression patterns, prognostic value, immune infiltration relevance, and biological functions of GBPs in lower-grade glioma (LGG) remain elusive. In this study, by analysis and verification through multiple public data platforms, we found that GBP1, 2, 3, 4 were significantly upregulated in LGG tissues vs normal brain tissue. Analysis based on the Cox proportional hazard ratio and Kaplan–Meier plots demonstrated that the high expressions of GBP 1, 2, 3, 4 were significantly correlated with the poor prognosis of LGG patients. Correlation analysis of clinical parameters of LGG patients indicated that the expressions of GBP 1, 2, 3, 4 were significantly associated with the histological subtype and tumor histological grade of LGG. Furthermore, the correlation analysis of immune infiltration showed that the expressions of GBP1, 2, 3, 4 were significantly and positively correlated with the level of tumor immune-infiltrating cells. In particular, GBP1, 2, 3, 4 expressions were strongly correlated with the infiltration levels of monocyte, TAM, and M1/M2 macrophage, revealing their potential to regulate the polarity of macrophages. Finally, we used the GSEA method to explore the signaling pathways potentially regulated by GBP1, 2, 3, 4 and found that they were all closely associated with immune-related signaling pathways. Collectively, these findings suggested that GBP1, 2, 3, 4 were potent biomarkers to determine the prognosis and immune cell infiltration of LGG patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuang Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Jifeng Sun
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tianjin Cancer Hospital Airport Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Ting Gong
- Department of Oncology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Huixin Tang
- School of Medical Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanna Shen
- School of Medical Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chang Liu
- School of Medical Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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29
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Identification of Vital Hub Genes and Potential Molecular Pathways of Dermatomyositis by Bioinformatics Analysis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:9991726. [PMID: 34580642 PMCID: PMC8464434 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9991726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Dermatomyositis is an autoimmune disease characterized by severe symmetrical muscle dysfunction and pain. This study was aimed at discovering vital hub genes and potential molecular pathways of DM through bioinformatics analysis, which contributes to identifying potential diagnostic or therapeutic biomarkers and targets. In this study, a total of 915 DEGs in DM samples including 167 upregulated genes and 748 downregulated genes were screened out by the limma package based on the GSE142807 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Furthermore, the results of Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis indicated that these downregulated genes were highly associated with the immune-related biological processes and pathways. Therefore, 41 genes closely related to DM were extracted for further study based on the subcluster analysis through the Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) software plugin in Cytoscape. Ultimately, 10 hub genes (including ISG15, DDX58, IFIT3, CXCL10, and STAT1) were identified as the potential candidate biomarkers and targets. Besides, we found that the identified hub genes directly or indirectly communicated with each other via molecular signaling pathways on the protein and transcription level. In general, under the guidance of bioinformatics analysis, 10 vital hub genes and molecular mechanisms in DM were identified and the expression of proinflammatory factors and interferon family proteins and genes showed high association with DM, which might help provide a theoretical foundation for the development of point-to-point targeted therapy in the future treatment of DM.
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Liu PF, Shu CW, Lee CH, Sie HC, Liou HH, Cheng JT, Ger LP, Chen CL, Chen CC, Chen CF. Clinical Significance and the Role of Guanylate-Binding Protein 5 in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13164043. [PMID: 34439200 PMCID: PMC8394330 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Guanylate binding protein 5 (GBP5) is the interferon (IFN)-inducible subfamily of guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) and is involved in pathogen defense. However, the role played by GBP5 in cancer development, especially in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), is still unknown. Herein, next-generation sequencing analysis showed that the gene expression levels of GBP5 were significantly higher in OSCC tissues compared with those found in corresponding tumor adjacent normal tissues (CTAN) from two pairs of OSCC patients. Higher gene expression levels of GBP5 were also found in tumor tissues of 23 buccal mucosal squamous cell carcinoma (BMSCC)/14 tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) patients and 30 oral cancer patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database compared with those in CTAN tissues. Immunohistochemical results showed that protein expression levels of GBP5 were also higher in the tumor tissues of 353 OSCC patients including 117 BMSCC, 187 TSCC, and 49 lip squamous cell carcinoma patients. Moreover, TCGA database analysis indicated that high gene expression levels of GBP5 were associated with poor overall survival in oral cancer patients with moderate/poor cell differentiation, and associated with poor disease-free survival in oral cancer patients with moderate/poor cell differentiation and lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, GBP5-knockdowned cells exhibited decreased cell growth, arrest at G1 phase, and decreased invasion/migration. The gene expression of markers for epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cancer stemness was also reduced in GBP5-silenced oral cancer cells. Taken together, GBP5 might be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for OSCC patients, especially for those with poor cell differentiation and lymph node metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Feng Liu
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (P.-F.L.); or (C.-H.L.)
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wen Shu
- Institute of BioPharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan;
| | - Cheng-Hsin Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (P.-F.L.); or (C.-H.L.)
| | - Huei-Cin Sie
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81362, Taiwan;
| | - Huei-Han Liou
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81362, Taiwan or (H.-H.L.); (L.-P.G.)
| | - Jiin-Tsuey Cheng
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan; (J.-T.C.); (C.-L.C.)
| | - Luo-Ping Ger
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81362, Taiwan or (H.-H.L.); (L.-P.G.)
| | - Chun-Lin Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan; (J.-T.C.); (C.-L.C.)
| | - Chien-Chou Chen
- Family Medicine Division, Zuoying Branch of Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81342, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.-C.C.); or (C.-F.C.); Tel.: +886-07-581-7121 (C.-C.C.); +886-07-346-8080 (C.-F.C.)
| | - Chun-Feng Chen
- Department of Stomatology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81362, Taiwan
- Department of Dental Technology, Shu-Zen Junior College of Medicine and Management, Kaohsiung 82144, Taiwan
- School of Dentistry, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.-C.C.); or (C.-F.C.); Tel.: +886-07-581-7121 (C.-C.C.); +886-07-346-8080 (C.-F.C.)
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The genomic architecture of metastasis in breast cancer: focus on mechanistic aspects, signalling pathways and therapeutic strategies. Med Oncol 2021; 38:95. [PMID: 34268641 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-021-01547-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a multifactorial, heterogeneous disease and the second most frequent cancer amongst women worldwide. Metastasis is one of the most leading causes of death in these patients. Early-stage or locally advanced breast cancer is limited to the breast or nearby lymph nodes. When breast cancer spreads to farther tissues/organs from its original site, it is referred to as metastatic or stage IV breast cancer. Normal breast development is regulated by specific genes and signalling pathways controlling cell proliferation, cell death, cell differentiation and cell motility. Dysregulation of genes involved in various signalling pathways not only leads to the formation of primary tumour but also to the metastasis as well. The metastatic cascade is represented by a multi-step process including invasion of the local tumour cell followed by its entry into the vasculature, exit of malignant cells from the circulation and ultimately their colonization at the distant sites. These stages are referred to as formation of primary tumour, angiogenesis, invasion, intravasation and extravasation, respectively. The major sites of metastasis of breast cancer are the lymph nodes, bone, brain and lung. Only about 28% five-year survival rate has been reported for stage IV breast cancer. Metastasis is a serious concern for breast cancer and therefore, various therapeutic strategies such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been developed to target specific dysregulated genes and various signalling pathways involved in different steps of metastasis. In addition, other therapies like hyperbaric oxygen therapy, RNA interference and CRISPR/Cas9 are also being explored as novel strategies to cure the stage IV/metastatic breast cancer. Therefore, the current review has been compiled with an aim to evaluate the genetic basis of stage IV breast cancer with a focus on the molecular mechanisms. In addition, the therapeutic strategies targeting these dysregulated genes involved in various signalling pathways have also been discussed. Genome editing technologies that can target specific genes in the affected areas by making knock-in and knock-out alternations and thereby bring significant treatment outcomes in breast cancer have also been summarized.
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Breast cancer brain metastasis: insight into molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. Br J Cancer 2021; 125:1056-1067. [PMID: 34226684 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01424-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies in women worldwide. Early-stage breast cancer is considered a curable disease; however, once distant metastasis occurs, the 5-year overall survival rate of patients becomes significantly reduced. There are four distinct metastatic patterns in breast cancer: bone, lung, liver and brain. Among these, breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM) is the leading cause of death; it is highly associated with impaired quality of life and poor prognosis due to the limited permeability of the blood-brain barrier and consequent lack of effective treatments. Although the sequence of events in BCBM is universally accepted, the underlying mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. In this review, we outline progress surrounding the molecular mechanisms involved in BCBM as well as experimental methods and research models to better understand the process. We further discuss the challenges in the management of brain metastases, as well as providing an overview of current therapies and highlighting innovative research towards developing novel efficacious targeted therapies.
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Differential Expression of BOC, SPOCK2, and GJD3 Is Associated with Brain Metastasis of ER-Negative Breast Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13122982. [PMID: 34203581 PMCID: PMC8232218 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13122982] [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: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Brain metastasis is diagnosed in 30–50% of metastatic breast cancer patients with currently limited treatment strategies and usually short survival rates. In the present study, we aim to identify genes specifically associated with the development of brain metastasis in breast cancer. Therefore, we compared RNA expression profiles from two groups of patients with metastatic breast cancer, with and without brain involvement. Three genes BOC, SPOCK2, and GJD3 were overexpressed in the group of primary breast cancers which developed brain metastasis. Expression profiles were confirmed in an independent breast cancer cohort for both BOC and SPOCK2. In addition, differential overexpression of SPOCK2 and GJD3 mRNA levels were found to be associated with the development of brain metastasis in an external online database of 204 primary breast cancers. Verification of these genes as biomarkers for brain metastasis development in primary breast cancer is warranted. Abstract Background: Brain metastasis is considered one of the major causes of mortality in breast cancer patients. To invade the brain, tumor cells need to pass the blood-brain barrier by mechanisms that are partially understood. In primary ER-negative breast cancers that developed brain metastases, we found that some of the differentially expressed genes play roles in the T cell response. The present study aimed to identify genes involved in the formation of brain metastasis independently from the T cell response. Method: Previously profiled primary breast cancer samples were reanalyzed. Genes that were found to be differentially expressed were confirmed by RT-PCR and by immunohistochemistry using an independent cohort of samples. Results: BOC, SPOCK2, and GJD3 were overexpressed in the primary breast tumors that developed brain metastasis. BOC expression was successfully validated at the protein level. SPOCK2 was validated at both mRNA and protein levels. SPOCK2 and GJD3 mRNA overexpression were also found to be associated with cerebral metastasis in an external online database consisting of 204 primary breast cancers. Conclusion: The overexpression of BOC, SPOCK2, and GJD3 is associated with the invasion of breast cancer into the brain. Further studies to determine their specific function and potential value as brain metastasis biomarkers are required.
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Boix-Montesinos P, Soriano-Teruel PM, Armiñán A, Orzáez M, Vicent MJ. The past, present, and future of breast cancer models for nanomedicine development. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 173:306-330. [PMID: 33798642 PMCID: PMC8191594 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Even given recent advances in nanomedicine development of breast cancer treatment in recent years and promising results in pre-clinical models, cancer nanomedicines often fail at the clinical trial stage. Limitations of conventional in vitro models include the lack of representation of the stromal population, the absence of a three-dimensional (3D) structure, and a poor representation of inter-tumor and intra-tumor heterogeneity. Herein, we review those cell culture strategies that aim to overcome these limitations, including cell co-cultures, advanced 3D cell cultures, patient-derived cells, bioprinting, and microfluidics systems. The in vivo evaluation of nanomedicines must consider critical parameters that include the enhanced permeability and retention effect, the host's immune status, and the site of tumor implantation. Here, we critically discuss the advantages and limitations of current in vivo models and report how the improved selection and application of breast cancer models can improve the clinical translation of nanomedicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paz Boix-Montesinos
- Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Polymer Therapeutics Laboratory, Av. Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, E-46012 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Paula M Soriano-Teruel
- Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Polymer Therapeutics Laboratory, Av. Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, E-46012 Valencia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Targeted Therapies on Cancer and Inflammation Laboratory, Av. Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, E-46012 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Ana Armiñán
- Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Polymer Therapeutics Laboratory, Av. Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, E-46012 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Mar Orzáez
- Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Targeted Therapies on Cancer and Inflammation Laboratory, Av. Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, E-46012 Valencia, Spain.
| | - María J Vicent
- Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Polymer Therapeutics Laboratory, Av. Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, E-46012 Valencia, Spain.
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GBP5 Repression Suppresses the Metastatic Potential and PD-L1 Expression in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9040371. [PMID: 33916322 PMCID: PMC8066311 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9040371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype because of its high metastatic potential. Immune evasion due to aberrant expression of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) has also been reported recently in metastatic TNBC. However, the mechanism underlying metastatic progression and PD-L1 upregulation in TNBC is still largely unknown. Here, we found that guanylate binding protein 5 (GBP5) is expressed in higher levels in TNBC tissues than in non-TNBC and normal mammary tissues and serves as a poorer prognostic marker in breast cancer patients. Transwell cultivation indicated that GBP5 expression is causally related to cellular migration ability in the detected TNBC cell lines. Moreover, the computational simulation of the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) program against the GBP5 signature generated from its coexpression with other somatic genes in TNBC revealed that GBP5 upregulation may be associated with the activation of interferon gamma (IFN-γ)-responsive and NF-κB-related signaling cascades. In addition, we found that the coexpression of GBP5 with PD-L1 was significantly positive correlation in TNBC tissues. Robustly, our data showed that GBP5 knockdown in TNBC cells harboring a higher GBP5 level dramatically suppresses the number of migrated cells, the activity of IFN-γ/STAT1 and TNF-α/NF-κB signaling axes, and the expression of PD-L1. Importantly, the signature combining a higher GBP5 and PD-L1 level predicted the shortest time interval of brain metastasis in breast cancer patients. These findings not only uncover the oncogenic function of GBP5 but also provide a new strategy to combat metastatic/immunosuppressive TNBC by targeting GBP5 activity.
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Cheng SW, Chen PC, Ger TR, Chiu HW, Lin YF. GBP5 Serves as a Potential Marker to Predict a Favorable Response in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Patients Receiving a Taxane-Based Chemotherapy. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11030197. [PMID: 33809079 PMCID: PMC8001168 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11030197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pre-operative (neoadjuvant) or post-operative (adjuvant) taxane-based chemotherapy is still commonly used to treat patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, there are still no effective biomarkers used to predict the responsiveness and efficacy of taxane-based chemotherapy in TNBC patients. Here we find that guanylate-binding protein 5 (GBP5), compared to other GBPs, exhibits the strongest prognostic significance in predicting TNBC recurrence and progression. Whereas GBP5 upregulation showed no prognostic significance in non-TNBC patients, a higher GBP5 level predicted a favorable recurrence and progression-free condition in the TNBC cohort. Moreover, we found that GBP5 expression negatively correlated with the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of paclitaxel in a panel of TNBC cell lines. The gene knockdown of GBP5 increased the IC50 of paclitaxel in the tested TNBC cells. In TNBC patients receiving neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy, a higher GBP5 level strongly predicted a good responsiveness. Computational simulation by the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis program and cell-based assays demonstrated that GBP5 probably enhances the cytotoxic effectiveness of paclitaxel via activating the Akt/mTOR signaling axis and suppressing autophagy formation in TNBC cells. These findings suggest that GBP5 could be a good biomarker to predict a favorable outcome in TNBC patients who decide to receive a taxane-based neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun-Wen Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan City 32023, Taiwan; (S.-W.C.); (T.-R.G.)
| | - Po-Chih Chen
- Neurology Department, Shuang-Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 235, Taiwan;
- Taipei Neuroscience Institute, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Tzong-Rong Ger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan City 32023, Taiwan; (S.-W.C.); (T.-R.G.)
| | - Hui-Wen Chiu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center of Urology and Kidney, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (H.-W.C.); (Y.-F.L.); Tel.: +886-2-22490088 (ext. 8884) (H.-W.C.); +886-2-2736-1661 (ext. 3106) (Y.-F.L.); Fax: +886-2-2739-0500 (H.-W.C. & Y.-F.L.)
| | - Yuan-Feng Lin
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Cell Physiology and Molecular Image Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (H.-W.C.); (Y.-F.L.); Tel.: +886-2-22490088 (ext. 8884) (H.-W.C.); +886-2-2736-1661 (ext. 3106) (Y.-F.L.); Fax: +886-2-2739-0500 (H.-W.C. & Y.-F.L.)
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López Vázquez M, Du W, Kanaya N, Kitamura Y, Shah K. Next-generation immunotherapies for brain metastatic cancers. Trends Cancer 2021; 7:809-822. [PMID: 33722479 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2021.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Patients with extracranial tumors, like lung, breast, and skin cancers, often develop brain metastases (BM) during the course of their diseases and BM commonly represent the terminal stage of cancer progression. Recent insights in the immune biology of BM and the increasing focus of immunotherapy as a therapeutic option for cancer has prompted testing of promising biological immunotherapies, including immune cell-targeting, virotherapy, vaccines, and different cell-based therapies. Here, we review the pathobiology of BM progression and evaluate the potential of next-generation immunotherapies for BM tumors. We also provide future perspectives on the development and implementation of such therapies for brain metastatic cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- María López Vázquez
- Center for Stem Cell Therapeutics and Imaging (CSTI), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Wanlu Du
- Center for Stem Cell Therapeutics and Imaging (CSTI), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1085, USA
| | - Nobuhiko Kanaya
- Center for Stem Cell Therapeutics and Imaging (CSTI), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yohei Kitamura
- Center for Stem Cell Therapeutics and Imaging (CSTI), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Khalid Shah
- Center for Stem Cell Therapeutics and Imaging (CSTI), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
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Gao Y, Liu J, Qian X, He X. Identification of markers associated with brain metastasis from breast cancer through bioinformatics analysis and verification in clinical samples. Gland Surg 2021; 10:924-942. [PMID: 33842237 DOI: 10.21037/gs-20-767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Background Brain metastasis from breast cancer (BC) is an important cause of BC-related death. The present study aimed to identify markers of brain metastasis from BC. Methods Datasets were downloaded from the public databases Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to identify metastasis-associated genes (MAGs). Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox proportional hazards regression models were constructed for screening key MAGs. Survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used for evaluating the prognostic value. The factors associated with tumor metastasis were integrated to create a nomogram of TCGA data using R software. Gene Set Enrichment Analyses (GSEA) was performed for detecting the potential mechanisms of identified MAGs. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to verify the expression of the key genes in clinical samples. Results The genes in 2 modules were identified to be significantly associated with metastasis through WGCNA. LASSO Cox proportional hazards regression models were constructed successfully. Subsequently, a clinical prediction model was constructed, and a nomogram was mapped, which had better sensitivity and specificity for BC metastasis. Two key genes, discs large homolog 3 (DLG3) and growth factor independence 1 (GFI1), were highly expressed in clinical samples, and the expression of these 2 genes was associated with patients' survival time. Conclusions We successfully constructed a clinical prediction model for brain metastasis from BC, and identified that the expression of DLG3 and GFI1 were strongly associated with brain metastasis from BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongchang Gao
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jianjing Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaolong Qian
- Department of Breast Cancer Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Xianghui He
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
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Zha Z, Li D, Zhang P, Wang P, Fang X, Liu X, Weng C, Li B, Wu Y, Mao H, Wang L, Xu L, Dong J, Guan M, Lu L, Liu G. Neuron specific enolase promotes tumor metastasis by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in small cell lung cancer. Transl Oncol 2021; 14:101039. [PMID: 33618068 PMCID: PMC7905480 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101039] [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: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) has been used as a specific biomarker for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients. Nevertheless, the biological function and mechanism of NSE in SCLC are still unclear. In this study, we clarified the role of NSE in the progression of SCLC and found that NSE expression was positively correlated with distant metastasis. Functional analysis showed that overexpression of NSE promoted migration and invasion of SCLC cells. Mechanism analysis showed that NSE overexpression induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of SCLC cells. Moreover, overexpression of NSE increased the protein expression of β-catenin and its downstream target genes, and silencing β-catenin eliminated NSE-mediated cell migration, invasion and EMT process. Furthermore, NSE interacted with β-catenin and inhibited the degradation of β-catenin. Besides, the animal experiments also indicated that NSE could promote the EMT process and distant metastasis of SCLC cells in vivo. In summary, our results revealed that NSE could promote the EMT process of SCLC cells by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, thereby promoting cell migration, invasion and distant metastasis, which might serve as a potential target for the therapy of SCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Zha
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, Guangdong, China
| | - Dailing Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, Guangdong, China
| | - Peiling Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, Guangdong, China
| | - Peipei Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510180, Guangdong, China
| | - Xisheng Fang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, Guangdong, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510180, Guangdong, China
| | - Xia Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, Guangdong, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510180, Guangdong, China
| | - Chengyin Weng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, Guangdong, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510180, Guangdong, China
| | - Baoxiu Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, Guangdong, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510180, Guangdong, China
| | - Yong Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, Guangdong, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510180, Guangdong, China
| | - Haibo Mao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, Guangdong, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510180, Guangdong, China
| | - Lina Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, Guangdong, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510180, Guangdong, China
| | - Lin Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, Guangdong, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510180, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiaming Dong
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510180, Guangdong, China
| | - Mingmei Guan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, Guangdong, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510180, Guangdong, China
| | - Lin Lu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, Guangdong, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510180, Guangdong, China.
| | - Guolong Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, Guangdong, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510180, Guangdong, China.
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Lv Y, Ma X, Du Y, Feng J. Understanding Patterns of Brain Metastasis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and Exploring Potential Therapeutic Targets. Onco Targets Ther 2021; 14:589-607. [PMID: 33519208 PMCID: PMC7837592 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s293685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly malignant subtype of breast cancer. High invasiveness and heterogeneity, as well as a lack of drug targets, are the main factors leading to poor prognosis. Brain metastasis (BM) is a serious event threatening the life of breast cancer patients, especially those with TNBC. Compared with that for hormone receptor-positive and HER2-positive breast cancers, TNBC-derived BM (TNBCBM) occurs earlier and more frequently, and has a worse prognosis. There is no standard treatment for BM to date, and one is urgently required. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge regarding the developmental patterns of TNBCBM, focusing on the key events in BM formation. Specifically, we consider (i) the nature and function of TNBC cells; (ii) how TNBC cells cross the blood–brain barrier and form a fenestrated, more permeable blood–tumor barrier; (iii) the biological characteristics of TNBCBM; and (iv) the infiltration and colonization of the central nervous system (CNS) by TNBC cells, including the establishment of premetastatic niches, immunosurveillance escape, and metabolic adaptations. We also discuss putative therapeutic targets and precision therapy with the greatest potential to treat TNBCBM, and summarize the relevant completed and ongoing clinical trials. These findings may provide new insights into the prevention and treatment of BM in TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lv
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Ma
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxin Du
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jifeng Feng
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
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Kros JM, Mustafa DAM. Cerebral Metastasis of Common Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 13:cancers13010065. [PMID: 33383615 PMCID: PMC7796445 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13010065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Zheng H, Li C, Li Z, Zhu K, Bao H, Xiong J, Liang P. HOXB9 enhances the ability of lung cancer cells to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 13:4999-5019. [PMID: 33411683 PMCID: PMC7950248 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Even after multimodal therapy, the prognosis is dismal for patients with brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although the blood-brain barrier (BBB) limits tumor cell penetration into the brain parenchyma, some nevertheless colonize brain tissue through mechanisms that are not fully clear. Here we show that homeobox B9 (HOXB9), which is commonly overexpressed in NSCLC, promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor migration and invasion. Animal experiments showed that HOXB9 expression correlates positively with the brain metastatic potential of human NSCLC cells, while brain metastatic cells derived through in vivo selection showed greater HOXB9 expression than their cells of origin. Comparable results were obtained after immunohistochemical analysis of clinical primary NSCLC and matched brain metastasis samples obtained after surgery. Using an in vitro BBB model, knockdown and overexpression experiments showed that HOXB9-dependent expression of MMP9 in NSCLC cells leads to reduced expression of junctional proteins in cultured human vascular endothelial cells and enhanced transmigration of tumor cells. These data indicate that HOXB9 enables NSCLC cells to break away from the primary tumor by inducing EMT, and promotes brain metastasis by driving MMP9 production and degradation of intercellular adhesion proteins in endothelial cells comprising the BBB.
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Affiliation(s)
- HongShan Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang, P.R. China
| | - ChenLong Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang, P.R. China
| | - ZhenZhe Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang, P.R. China
| | - KaiBin Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang, P.R. China
| | - HongBo Bao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang, P.R. China
| | - JinSheng Xiong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang, P.R. China
| | - Peng Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang, P.R. China
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43
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Pellerino A, Internò V, Mo F, Franchino F, Soffietti R, Rudà R. Management of Brain and Leptomeningeal Metastases from Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8534. [PMID: 33198331 PMCID: PMC7698162 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The management of breast cancer (BC) has rapidly evolved in the last 20 years. The improvement of systemic therapy allows a remarkable control of extracranial disease. However, brain (BM) and leptomeningeal metastases (LM) are frequent complications of advanced BC and represent a challenging issue for clinicians. Some prognostic scales designed for metastatic BC have been employed to select fit patients for adequate therapy and enrollment in clinical trials. Different systemic drugs, such as targeted therapies with either monoclonal antibodies or small tyrosine kinase molecules, or modified chemotherapeutic agents are under investigation. Major aims are to improve the penetration of active drugs through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) or brain-tumor barrier (BTB), and establish the best sequence and timing of radiotherapy and systemic therapy to avoid neurocognitive impairment. Moreover, pharmacologic prevention is a new concept driven by the efficacy of targeted agents on macrometastases from specific molecular subgroups. This review aims to provide an overview of the clinical and molecular factors involved in the selection of patients for local and/or systemic therapy, as well as the results of clinical trials on advanced BC. Moreover, insight on promising therapeutic options and potential directions of future therapeutic targets against BBB and microenvironment are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Pellerino
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, University and City of Health and Science Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy; (F.M.); (F.F.); (R.S.); (R.R.)
| | - Valeria Internò
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy;
| | - Francesca Mo
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, University and City of Health and Science Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy; (F.M.); (F.F.); (R.S.); (R.R.)
| | - Federica Franchino
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, University and City of Health and Science Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy; (F.M.); (F.F.); (R.S.); (R.R.)
| | - Riccardo Soffietti
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, University and City of Health and Science Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy; (F.M.); (F.F.); (R.S.); (R.R.)
| | - Roberta Rudà
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, University and City of Health and Science Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy; (F.M.); (F.F.); (R.S.); (R.R.)
- Department of Neurology, Castelfranco Veneto and Treviso Hospital, 31100 Treviso, Italy
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44
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Ning S, Li H, Qiao K, Wang Q, Shen M, Kang Y, Yin Y, Liu J, Liu L, Hou S, Wang J, Xu S, Pang D. Identification of long-term survival-associated gene in breast cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:20332-20349. [PMID: 33080569 PMCID: PMC7655188 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 04/10/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer patients at the same stage may show different clinical prognoses or different therapeutic effects of systemic therapy. Differentially expressed genes of breast cancer were identified from GSE42568. Through survival, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, random forest, GSVA and a Cox regression model analyses, genes were identified that could be associated with survival time in breast cancer. The molecular mechanism was identified by enrichment, GSEA, methylation and SNV analyses. Then, the expression of a key gene was verified by the TCGA dataset and RT-qPCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. We identified 784 genes related to the 5-year overall survival time of breast cancer. Through ROC curve and random forest analysis, 10 prognostic genes were screened. These were integrated into a complex by GSVA, and high expression of the complex significantly promoted the recurrence-free survival of patients. In addition, key genes were related to immune and metabolic-related functions. Importantly, we identified methylation of MEX3A and TBC1D 9 and mutations events. Finally, the expression of UGCG was verified by the TCGA dataset and by experimental methods in our own samples. These results indicate that 10 genes may be potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for long-term survival in breast cancer, especially UGCG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shipeng Ning
- Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Hui Li
- Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Kun Qiao
- Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Meiying Shen
- Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Yujuan Kang
- Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Yanling Yin
- Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Jiena Liu
- Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Siyu Hou
- Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Jianyu Wang
- Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Shouping Xu
- Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, China
- Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Da Pang
- Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, China
- Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin 150086, China
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45
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Liu W, Zhao WJ, Wu YH. Study on the differentially expressed genes and signaling pathways in dermatomyositis using integrated bioinformatics method. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e21863. [PMID: 32846838 PMCID: PMC7447406 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000021863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Dermatomyositis is a common connective tissue disease. The occurrence and development of dermatomyositis is a result of multiple factors, but its exact pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. Here, we used biological information method to explore and predict the major disease related genes of dermatomyositis and to find the underlying pathogenic molecular mechanism.The gene expression data of GDS1956, GDS2153, GDS2855, and GDS3417 including 94 specimens, 66 cases of dermatomyositis specimens and 28 cases of normal specimens, were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The 4 microarray gene data groups were combined to get differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichments of DEGs were operated by the database for annotation, visualization and integrated discovery and KEGG orthology based annotation system databases, separately. The protein-protein interaction networks of the DEGs were built from the STRING website. A total of 4097 DEGs were extracted from the 4 Gene Expression Omnibus datasets, of which 2213 genes were upregulated, and 1884 genes were downregulated. Gene ontology analysis indicated that the biological functions of DEGs focused primarily on response to virus, type I interferon signaling pathway and negative regulation of viral genome replication. The main cellular components include extracellular space, cytoplasm, and blood microparticle. The molecular functions include protein binding, double-stranded RNA binding and MHC class I protein binding. KEGG pathway analysis showed that these DEGs were mainly involved in the toll-like receptor signaling pathway, cytosolic DNA-sensing pathway, RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway, complement and coagulation cascades, arginine and proline metabolism, phagosome signaling pathway. The following 13 closely related genes, XAF1, NT5E, UGCG, GBP2, TLR3, DDX58, STAT1, GBP1, PLSCR1, OAS3, SP100, IGK, and RSAD2, were key nodes from the protein-protein interaction network.This research suggests that exploring for DEGs and pathways in dermatomyositis using integrated bioinformatics methods could help us realize the molecular mechanism underlying the development of dermatomyositis, be of actual implication for the early detection and prophylaxis of dermatomyositis and afford reliable goals for the curing of dermatomyositis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Translational Research of TCM Prescription and Syndrome, Tianjin, China
| | - Wen-Jia Zhao
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
| | - Yuan-Hao Wu
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Translational Research of TCM Prescription and Syndrome, Tianjin, China
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Wu Y, Xia L, Zhao P, Deng Y, Guo Q, Zhu J, Chen X, Ju X, Wu X. Immune profiling reveals prognostic genes in high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:11398-11415. [PMID: 32544083 PMCID: PMC7343445 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is a heterogeneous disease with diverse clinical outcomes, highlighting a need for prognostic biomarker identification. Here, we combined tumor microenvironment (TME) scores with HGSOC characteristics to identify immune-related prognostic genes through analysis of gene expression profiles and clinical patient data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the International Cancer Genome Consortium public cohorts. We found that high TME scores (TMEscores) based on the fractions of immune cell types correlated with better overall survival. Furthermore, differential expression analysis revealed 329 differentially expressed genes between patients with high vs. low TMEscores. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses showed that these genes participated mainly in immune-related functions and, among them, 48 TME-related genes predicted overall survival in HGSOC. Seven of those genes were associated with prognosis in an independent HGSOC database. Finally, the two genes with the lowest p-values in the prognostic analysis (GBP1, ETV7) were verified through in vitro experiments. These findings reveal specific TME-related genes that could serve as effective prognostic biomarkers for HGSOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Wu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingfang Xia
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Deng
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qinhao Guo
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Zhu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojun Chen
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingzhu Ju
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohua Wu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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A novel function of IMPA2, plays a tumor-promoting role in cervical cancer. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:371. [PMID: 32409648 PMCID: PMC7224180 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2507-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Discovery of genes and molecular mechanism involved in cervical cancer development would promote the prevention and treatment. By comparing gene expression profiles of cervical carcinoma in situ (CCIS) and adjacent normal tissues, we identified a potential cancer-promoting gene, IMPA2. This study aimed to elucidate the role of IMPA2 and underlying molecular mechanisms in cervical cancer progression. To do this expression of IMPA2 was compared between human cervical cancer and corresponding adjacent normal cervical tissues firstly. CCK-8 assay, clone formation assay, wound healing assay, transwell assay, and tumor formation in nude mice were performed to demonstrate the effect of IMPA2 in cervical cancer proliferation and metastasis. Further proteomic profiling and western blotting explored the molecular pathway involved in the IMPA2-regulating process. The results showed that IMPA2 gene expression was upregulated in cervical cancer. Consistently, silencing of IMPA2 suppressed tumor formation in BALB/c nude mice. Short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated IMPA2 silencing significantly inhibited proliferation and colony-forming abilities of cervical cancer cells, while IMPA2 overexpression had little impact. Also, IMPA2 silencing suppressed cellular migration, but overexpression promoted migration. Proteomics analysis revealed the involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in tumor-promoting action of IMPA2. Significantly, the inhibition of IMPA2 activated ERK phosphorylation, and its inhibitory effects can be restored by using selective ERK inhibitor, FR180204. In conclusion, IMPA2 acts as an oncogene in the proliferation and migration of cervical cancer. IMPA2 downregulated ERK phosphorylation to promote cervical cancer. These findings identify a new mechanism underlying cervical cancer and suggest a regulating effect of IMPA2 in MAPK signaling pathway.
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Fares J, Kanojia D, Rashidi A, Ulasov I, Lesniak MS. Genes that Mediate Metastasis across the Blood-Brain Barrier. Trends Cancer 2020; 6:660-676. [PMID: 32417182 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2020.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Brain metastasis is an important cause of mortality in patients with cancer and represents the majority of all intracranial tumors. A key step during the metastatic journey of the cancer cell to the brain is the invasion through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms that govern this process remain unknown. The BBB has been blamed for limiting the access of therapeutic drugs to the brain, which provides a safe haven for cancer cells in the brain and confers poor prognosis for the patient. Here, we explore the genes that control the transmigration of metastatic cancer cells across the BBB, offering new targets for the development of gene and cell therapies against brain metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jawad Fares
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Deepak Kanojia
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Aida Rashidi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ilya Ulasov
- Group of Experimental Biotherapy and Diagnostic, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Maciej S Lesniak
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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49
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Comprehensive Analysis of the Expression and Prognosis for GBPs in Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6085. [PMID: 32269280 PMCID: PMC7142114 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63246-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Guanylate binding proteins (GBPs) belongs to the interferons (IFNs) induced guanylate-binding protein family (Guanosine triphosphatases, GTPases) consisting of seven homologous members, termed GBP1 to GBP7. We used multidimensional survey ways to explore GBPs expression, regulation, mutations, immune infiltration and functional networks in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patient data based on various open databases. The study provides staggered evidence for the significance of GBPs in HNSCC and its potential role as a novel biomarker. Our results showed that over expressions of 7 GBPs members and multivariate analysis suggested that N-stage, high expressions of GBP1 and low expression of GBP6/7 were linked to shorter OS in HNSCC patients. In addition, B cells of immune infiltrates stimulant the prognosis and might have a medical prognostic significance linked to GBPs in HNSCC. We assume that GBPs play a synergistic role in the viral related HNSCC. Our results show that data mining efficiently reveals information about GBPs expression in HNSCC and more importance lays a foundation for further research on the role of GBPs in cancers.
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50
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Honkala AT, Tailor D, Malhotra SV. Guanylate-Binding Protein 1: An Emerging Target in Inflammation and Cancer. Front Immunol 2020; 10:3139. [PMID: 32117203 PMCID: PMC7025589 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.03139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Guanylate-binding protein 1 (GBP1) is a large GTPase of the dynamin superfamily involved in the regulation of membrane, cytoskeleton, and cell cycle progression dynamics. In many cell types, such as endothelial cells and monocytes, GBP1 expression is strongly provoked by interferon γ (IFNγ) and acts to restrain cellular proliferation in inflammatory contexts. In immunity, GBP1 activity is crucial for the maturation of autophagosomes infected by intracellular pathogens and the cellular response to pathogen-associated molecular patterns. In chronic inflammation, GBP1 activity inhibits endothelial cell proliferation even as it protects from IFNγ-induced apoptosis. A similar inhibition of proliferation has also been found in some tumor models, such as colorectal or prostate carcinoma mouse models. However, this activity appears to be context-dependent, as in other cancers, such as oral squamous cell carcinoma and ovarian cancer, GBP1 activity appears to anchor a complex, taxane chemotherapy resistance profile where its expression levels correlate with worsened prognosis in patients. This discrepancy in GBP1 function may be resolved by GBP1's involvement in the induction of a cellular senescence phenotype, wherein anti-proliferative signals coincide with potent resistance to apoptosis and set the stage for dysregulated proliferative mechanisms present in growing cancers to hijack GBP1 as a pro- chemotherapy treatment resistance (TXR) and pro-survival factor even in the face of continued cytotoxic treatment. While the structure of GBP1 has been extensively characterized, its roles in inflammation, TXR, senescence, and other biological functions remain under-investigated, although initial findings suggest that GBP1 is a compelling target for therapeutic intervention in a variety of conditions ranging from chronic inflammatory disorders to cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander T Honkala
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Dhanir Tailor
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Sanjay V Malhotra
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
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