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Moore LL, Qu D, Sureban S, Mitchell S, Pitts K, Cooper N, Fazili J, Harty R, Oseini A, Ding K, Bronze M, Houchen CW. From Inflammation to Oncogenesis: Tracing Serum DCLK1 and miRNA Signatures in Chronic Liver Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6481. [PMID: 38928187 PMCID: PMC11203803 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126481] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC are often a consequence of persistent inflammation. However, the transition mechanisms from a normal liver to fibrosis, then cirrhosis, and further to HCC are not well understood. This study focused on the role of the tumor stem cell protein doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) in the modulation of molecular factors in fibrosis, cirrhosis, or HCC. Serum samples from patients with hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC were analyzed via ELISA or NextGen sequencing and were compared with control samples. Differentially expressed (DE) microRNAs (miRNA) identified from these patient sera were correlated with DCLK1 expression. We observed elevated serum DCLK1 levels in fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC patients; however, TGF-β levels were only elevated in fibrosis and cirrhosis. While DE miRNAs were identified for all three disease states, miR-12136 was elevated in fibrosis but was significantly increased further in cirrhosis. Additionally, miR-1246 and miR-184 were upregulated when DCLK1 was high, while miR-206 was downregulated. This work distinguishes DCLK1 and miRNAs' potential role in different axes promoting inflammation to tumor progression and may serve to identify biomarkers for tracking the progression from pre-neoplastic states to HCC in chronic liver disease patients as well as provide targets for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Landon L. Moore
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (L.L.M.); (D.Q.); (S.S.); (S.M.); (K.P.); (J.F.); (R.H.); (A.O.); (M.B.)
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Dongfeng Qu
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (L.L.M.); (D.Q.); (S.S.); (S.M.); (K.P.); (J.F.); (R.H.); (A.O.); (M.B.)
| | - Sripathi Sureban
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (L.L.M.); (D.Q.); (S.S.); (S.M.); (K.P.); (J.F.); (R.H.); (A.O.); (M.B.)
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Stephanie Mitchell
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (L.L.M.); (D.Q.); (S.S.); (S.M.); (K.P.); (J.F.); (R.H.); (A.O.); (M.B.)
| | - Kamille Pitts
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (L.L.M.); (D.Q.); (S.S.); (S.M.); (K.P.); (J.F.); (R.H.); (A.O.); (M.B.)
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Nasya Cooper
- Department of Natural Sciences, Langston University, Langston, OK 73050, USA;
| | - Javid Fazili
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (L.L.M.); (D.Q.); (S.S.); (S.M.); (K.P.); (J.F.); (R.H.); (A.O.); (M.B.)
| | - Richard Harty
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (L.L.M.); (D.Q.); (S.S.); (S.M.); (K.P.); (J.F.); (R.H.); (A.O.); (M.B.)
| | - Abdul Oseini
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (L.L.M.); (D.Q.); (S.S.); (S.M.); (K.P.); (J.F.); (R.H.); (A.O.); (M.B.)
| | - Kai Ding
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA;
| | - Michael Bronze
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (L.L.M.); (D.Q.); (S.S.); (S.M.); (K.P.); (J.F.); (R.H.); (A.O.); (M.B.)
| | - Courtney W. Houchen
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (L.L.M.); (D.Q.); (S.S.); (S.M.); (K.P.); (J.F.); (R.H.); (A.O.); (M.B.)
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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Augmented CPT1A Expression Is Associated with Proliferation and Colony Formation during Barrett’s Tumorigenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911745. [PMID: 36233047 PMCID: PMC9570428 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911745] [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: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a known risk factor for the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett’s Esophagus (BE) and the progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma. The mechanisms by which obesity contributes to GERD, BE and its progression are currently not well understood. Recently, changes in lipid metabolism especially in the context of a high fat diet have been linked to GERD and BE leading us to explore whether fatty acid oxidation plays a role in the disease progression from GERD to esophageal adenocarcinoma. To that end, we analyzed the expression of the rate-limiting enzyme, carnitine palmytoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A), in human tissues and cell lines representing different stages in the sequence from normal squamous esophagus to cancer. We determined uptake of palmitic acid, the most abundant fatty acid in human serum, with fluorescent dye-labeled lipids as well as functional consequences of stimulation with palmitic acid relevant to Barrett’s tumorigenesis, e.g., proliferation, characteristics of stemness and IL8 mediated inflammatory signaling. We further employed different mouse models including a genetic model of Barrett’s esophagus based on IL1β overexpression in the presence and absence of a high fat diet and deoxycholic acid to physiologically mimic gastrointestinal reflux in the mice. Together, our data demonstrate that CPT1A is upregulated in Barrett’s tumorigenesis and that experimental palmitic acid is delivered to mitochondria and associated with increased cell proliferation and stem cell marker expression.
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Marles H, Biddle A. Cancer stem cell plasticity and its implications in the development of new clinical approaches for oral squamous cell carcinoma. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 204:115212. [PMID: 35985402 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) represents a major worldwide disease burden, with high rates of recurrence and metastatic spread following existing treatment methods. Populations of treatment resistant cancer stem cells (CSCs) are well characterised in oral SCC. These populations of CSCs engage the cellular programme known as epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) to enhance metastatic spread and therapeutic resistance. EMT is characterised by specific morphological changes and the expression of certain cell surface markers that represent a transition from an epithelial phenotype to a mesenchymal phenotype. This process is regulated by several cellular pathways that interact both horizontally and hierarchically. The cellular changes in EMT occur along a spectrum, with sub-populations of cells displaying both epithelial and mesenchymal features. The unique features of these CSCs in terms of their EMT state, cell surface markers and metabolism may offer new druggable targets. In addition, these features could be used to identify more aggressive disease states and the opportunity to personalise therapy depending on the presence of certain CSC sub-populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Marles
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK
| | - Adrian Biddle
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK.
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Chang K, Jackson CS, Vega KJ. Barrett's Esophagus: Diagnosis, Management, and Key Updates. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 2021; 50:751-768. [PMID: 34717869 DOI: 10.1016/j.gtc.2021.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Barrett's esophagus (BE) is the precursor lesion for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) development. Unfortunately, BE screening/surveillance has not provided the anticipated EAC reduction benefit. Noninvasive techniques are increasingly available or undergoing testing to screen for BE among those with/without known risk factors, and the use of artificial intelligence platforms to aid endoscopic screening and surveillance will likely become routine, minimizing missed cases or lesions. Management of high-grade dysplasia and intramucosal EAC is clear with endoscopic eradication therapy preferred to surgery. BE with low-grade dysplasia can be managed with removal of visible lesions combined with endoscopic eradication therapy or endoscopic surveillance at present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Riverside School of Medicine, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Christian S Jackson
- Section of Gastroenterology, Loma Linda VA Healthcare System, 11201 Benton Street, 2A-38, Loma Linda, CA 92357, USA
| | - Kenneth J Vega
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Augusta University-Medical College of Georgia, 1120 15th Street, AD-2226, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
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Vijai M, Baba M, Ramalingam S, Thiyagaraj A. DCLK1 and its interaction partners: An effective therapeutic target for colorectal cancer. Oncol Lett 2021; 22:850. [PMID: 34733368 PMCID: PMC8561619 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.13111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Doublecortin-like kinase protein 1 (DCLK1) is a microtubule-associated protein with a C-terminal serine/threonine kinase domain. Its expression was first reported in radial glial cells, where it serves an essential role in early neurogenesis, and since then, other functions of the DCLK1 protein have also been identified. Initially considered to be a marker of quiescent gastrointestinal and pancreatic stem cells, DCLK1 has recently been identified in the gastrointestinal tract as a marker of tuft cells. It has also been implicated in different types of cancer, where it regulates several vital pathways, such as Kras signaling. However, its underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. The present review discusses the different roles of DCLK1 and its interactions with other proteins that are homologically similar to DCLK1 to develop a novel therapeutic strategy to target cancer cells more accurately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muthu Vijai
- Department of Genetic Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Sri Ramaswamy Memorial (SRM) Nagar, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | - Mursaleen Baba
- Department of Genetic Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Sri Ramaswamy Memorial (SRM) Nagar, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | - Satish Ramalingam
- Department of Genetic Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Sri Ramaswamy Memorial (SRM) Nagar, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | - Anand Thiyagaraj
- Department of Genetic Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Sri Ramaswamy Memorial (SRM) Nagar, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
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Cheng L, Huang S, Chen L, Dong X, Zhang L, Wu C, Ye K, Shao F, Zhu Z, Thorne RF. Research Progress of DCLK1 Inhibitors as Cancer Therapeutics. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:2261-2273. [PMID: 34254905 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210709110721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) has emerged over the last decade as a unique stem cell marker within gastrointestinal tissues. Evidence from mouse models shows that high Dclk1 expression denotes a population of cells that promote tissue regeneration and serve as potential cancer stem cells. Moreover, since specific DCLK1 isoforms are overexpressed in many cancers and not normal cells, targeting the expression or kinase activity of DCLK1 can inhibit cancer cell growth. Here we review the evidence for DCLK1 as a prospective cancer target, including its isoform-specific expression and mutational status in human cancers. We further discuss the challenges and current progress in the development of small-molecule inhibitors of DCLK1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linna Cheng
- Institute of Hematology, Henan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Differentiation and Modification, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450003, China
| | - Shenzhen Huang
- Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital and Henan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450003, China
| | - Lijuan Chen
- Department of Medical Imaging, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450003, China
| | - Xiaoyan Dong
- Institute of Hematology, Henan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Differentiation and Modification, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450003, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Institute of Hematology, Henan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Differentiation and Modification, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450003, China
| | - Chengye Wu
- Institute of Hematology, Henan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Differentiation and Modification, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450003, China
| | - Kaihong Ye
- Translational Research Institute, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, No.7, WeiWu Road, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Fengmin Shao
- Translational Research Institute, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, No.7, WeiWu Road, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Zunmin Zhu
- Institute of Hematology, Henan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Differentiation and Modification, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450003, China
| | - Rick F Thorne
- Translational Research Institute, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, No.7, WeiWu Road, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
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Wang F, Zhang L, Xu Y, Xie Y, Li S. Comprehensive Analysis and Identification of Key Driver Genes for Distinguishing Between Esophageal Adenocarcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:676156. [PMID: 34124063 PMCID: PMC8194272 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.676156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the deadliest cancers in the world. However, the mechanism that drives the evolution of EC is still unclear. On this basis, we identified the key genes and molecular pathways that may be related to the progression of esophageal adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma to find potential markers or therapeutic targets. Methods: GSE26886 were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among normal samples, EA, and squamous cell carcinoma were determined using R software. Then, potential functions of DEGs were determined using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). The STRING software was used to identify the most important modules in the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. The expression levels of hub genes were confirmed using UALCAN database. Kaplan-Meier plotters were used to confirm the correlation between hub genes and outcomes in EC. Results: In this study, we identified 1,098 genes induced in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and 669 genes were reduced in EA and ESCC, suggesting that these genes may play an important role in the occurrence and development of EC tumors. Bioinformatics analysis showed that these genes were involved in cell cycle regulation and p53 and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway. In addition, we identified 147 induced genes and 130 reduced genes differentially expressed in EA and ESCC. The expression of ESCC in the EA group was different from that in the control group. By PPI network analysis, we identified 10 hub genes, including GNAQ, RGS5, MAPK1, ATP1B1, HADHA, HSDL2, SLC25A20, ACOX1, SCP2, and NLN. TCGA validation showed that these genes were present in the dysfunctional samples between EC and normal samples and between EA and ESCC. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that MAPK1, ACOX1, SCP2, and NLN were associated with overall survival in patients with ESCC and EA. Conclusions: In this study, we identified a series of DEGs between EC and normal samples and between EA and ESCC samples. We also identified 10 key genes involved in the EC process. We believe that this study may provide a new biomarker for the prognosis of EA and ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yue Xu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yilin Xie
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shenglei Li
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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8
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Lorenzo N, Sabina DM, Guido C, Ilaria Grazia Z, Samira S, Valeria A, Daniele C, Diletta O, Antonella G, Marco M, Daniela B, Valerio DP, Andrea O, Agostino Maria DR, Fabio M, Maria Consiglia B, Jessica F, Sara M, Gian Luca G, Pierluigi Benedetti P, Paquale Bartomeo B, Felice G, Vincenzo C, Pietro I, Giuseppina C, Eugenio G, Domenico A. DCLK1, a Putative Stem Cell Marker in Human Cholangiocarcinoma. Hepatology 2021; 73:144-159. [PMID: 32978808 PMCID: PMC8243252 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a very aggressive cancer showing the presence of high cancer stem cells (CSCs). Doublecortin-like kinase1 (DCLK1) has been demonstrated as a CSC marker in different gastroenterological solid tumors. Our aim was to evaluate in vitro the expression and the biological function of DCLK1 in intrahepatic CCA (iCCA) and perihilar CCA (pCCA). APPROACH AND RESULTS Specimens surgically resected of human CCA were enzymatically digested, submitted to immunosorting for specific CSC markers (LGR5 [leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor], CD [clusters of differentiation] 90, EpCAM [epithelial cell adhesion molecule], CD133, and CD13), and primary cell cultures were prepared. DCLK1 expression was analyzed in CCA cell cultures by real-time quantitative PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence. Functional studies have been performed by evaluating the effects of selective DCLK1 inhibitor (LRRK2-IN-1) on cell proliferation (MTS [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium] assay, cell population doubling time), apoptosis, and colony formation capacity. DCLK1 was investigated in situ by immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative PCR. DCLK1 serum concentration was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We describe DCLK1 in CCA with an increased gene and protein DCLK1 expression in pCCALGR5+ and in iCCACD133+ cells compared with unsorted cells. LRRK2-IN-1 showed an anti-proliferative effect in a dose-dependent manner. LRRK2-IN-1 markedly impaired cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and decreased colony formation capacity and colony size in both iCCA and pCCA compared with the untreated cells. In situ analysis confirmed that DCLK1 is present only in tumors, and not in healthy tissue. Interestingly, DCLK1 was detected in the human serum samples of patients with iCCA (high), pCCA (high), HCC (low), and cirrhosis (low), but it was almost undetectable in healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS DCLK1 characterizes a specific CSC subpopulation of iCCACD133+ and pCCALGR5+ , and its inhibition exerts anti-neoplastic effects in primary CCA cell cultures. Human DCLK1 serum might represent a serum biomarker for the early CCA diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nevi Lorenzo
- Department of BiosciencesUniversity of MilanMilanItaly,Department of Translational and Precision MedicineSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Di Matteo Sabina
- Department of Translational and Precision MedicineSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly,Department of ImmunologyBambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Carpino Guido
- Department of MovementHuman and Health SciencesUniversity of Rome “Foro Italico”RomeItaly
| | | | - Safarikia Samira
- Department of Translational and Precision MedicineSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Ambrosino Valeria
- Department of Translational and Precision MedicineSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Costantini Daniele
- Department of Translational and Precision MedicineSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Overi Diletta
- Department of AnatomicalHistological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics SciencesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Giancotti Antonella
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urologic SciencesUmberto I HospitalSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Monti Marco
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urologic SciencesUmberto I HospitalSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Bosco Daniela
- Department of Pathological Anatomy and CytodiagnosticSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - De Peppo Valerio
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery IRCCSRegina Elena National Cancer InstituteRomeItaly
| | - Oddi Andrea
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery IRCCSRegina Elena National Cancer InstituteRomeItaly
| | - De Rose Agostino Maria
- Surgery, Hepatobiliary UnitCatholic University of the Sacred Heart School of Medicine and SurgeryRomeItaly
| | - Melandro Fabio
- Department of General Surgery and Organ TransplantationSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | | | - Faccioli Jessica
- Department of Medico‐Surgical Sciences and BiotechnologiesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Massironi Sara
- Division of Gastroenterology and Center for Autoimmune Liver DiseasesDepartment of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of Milan‐BicoccaMonzaItaly,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE‐LIVER)San Gerardo HospitalMonzaItaly
| | - Grazi Gian Luca
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery IRCCSRegina Elena National Cancer InstituteRomeItaly
| | - Panici Pierluigi Benedetti
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urologic SciencesUmberto I HospitalSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | | | - Giuliante Felice
- Surgery, Hepatobiliary UnitCatholic University of the Sacred Heart School of Medicine and SurgeryRomeItaly
| | - Cardinale Vincenzo
- Department of Medico‐Surgical Sciences and BiotechnologiesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Invernizzi Pietro
- Division of Gastroenterology and Center for Autoimmune Liver DiseasesDepartment of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of Milan‐BicoccaMonzaItaly,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE‐LIVER)San Gerardo HospitalMonzaItaly
| | | | - Gaudio Eugenio
- Department of AnatomicalHistological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics SciencesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Alvaro Domenico
- Department of Translational and Precision MedicineSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
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Liu Y, Ferguson FM, Li L, Kuljanin M, Mills CE, Subramanian K, Harshbarger W, Gondi S, Wang J, Sorger PK, Mancias JD, Gray NS, Westover KD. Chemical Biology Toolkit for DCLK1 Reveals Connection to RNA Processing. Cell Chem Biol 2020; 27:1229-1240.e4. [PMID: 32755567 PMCID: PMC8053042 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2020.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) is critical for neurogenesis, but overexpression is also observed in multiple cancers and is associated with poor prognosis. Nevertheless, the function of DCLK1 in cancer, especially the context-dependent functions, are poorly understood. We present a "toolkit" that includes the DCLK1 inhibitor DCLK1-IN-1, a complementary DCLK1-IN-1-resistant mutation G532A, and kinase dead mutants D511N and D533N, which can be used to investigate signaling pathways regulated by DCLK1. Using a cancer cell line engineered to be DCLK1 dependent for growth and cell migration, we show that this toolkit can be used to discover associations between DCLK1 kinase activity and biological processes. In particular, we show an association between DCLK1 and RNA processing, including the identification of CDK11 as a potential substrate of DCLK1 using phosphoproteomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Fleur M Ferguson
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Lianbo Li
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Miljan Kuljanin
- Division of Radiation and Genome Stability, Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Caitlin E Mills
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kartik Subramanian
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Wayne Harshbarger
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Sudershan Gondi
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jinhua Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Peter K Sorger
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Joseph D Mancias
- Division of Radiation and Genome Stability, Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kenneth D Westover
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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10
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Gzil A, Zarębska I, Jaworski D, Antosik P, Durślewicz J, Maciejewska J, Domanowska E, Skoczylas-Makowska N, Ahmadi N, Grzanka D, Szylberg Ł. The prognostic value of leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein (Lgr5) and its impact on clinicopathological features of colorectal cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2020; 146:2547-2557. [PMID: 32671503 PMCID: PMC7467967 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-020-03314-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Colorectal cancer (CRC) constitutes one of the most prevalent malignancies in the world. Recent research suggests that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for tumor cell’s malignant behavior in CRC. This study has been designed to determinate clinical implications of CSC markers: CD44, DCLK1, Lgr5, and ANXA2 in CRC. Materials and methods The study was performed on tissue samples which were collected from 89 patients undergoing colectomy. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks with representative tumor areas were identified and corded. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using anti-CD44, anti-LGR5, anti-ANXA2, and anti-DCLK1 antibodies. The H-score system was utilized to determine the immunointensity of CRC cells. Results The lower expression of Lgr5 was significantly correlated with the presence of lymph-node metastases (p = 0.011), while high expression of Lgr5 was statistically significant in vascular invasion in examined cancer tissue samples (p = 0.027). Moreover, a high H-score value of Lgr5 expression was significantly related to a reduced overall survival rate (p = 0.043). Conclusion Our results suggest a strong relationship between CSC marker Lgr5 and vascular invasion, presence of lymph-node metastasis, and overall poor survival. The presence of Lgr5 might be an unfavorable prognostic factor, and its high level in cancer tissue is related to an aggressive course. This marker could also be used to access the effectiveness of the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arkadiusz Gzil
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland. .,Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland.
| | - Izabela Zarębska
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Damian Jaworski
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Paulina Antosik
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Justyna Durślewicz
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Joanna Maciejewska
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Ewa Domanowska
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Natalia Skoczylas-Makowska
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Navid Ahmadi
- Chair and Department of Oncologic Pathology and Prophylactics, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Dariusz Grzanka
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Łukasz Szylberg
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland.,Department of Pathomorphology, Military Clinical Hospital, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Center, Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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11
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Pediatric Patient With Concurrent Eosinophilic Esophagitis, Erosive Reflux Esophagitis, and Barrett's Esophagus. ACG Case Rep J 2020; 7:e00399. [PMID: 33062776 PMCID: PMC7535652 DOI: 10.14309/crj.0000000000000399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Eosinophilic esophagitis and Barrett's esophagus are believed to be separate disease processes, with erosive esophagitis leading to Barrett's esophagus. We report a rare case of concurrent diagnoses in a pediatric patient and examine the relevant genetic profiles in the esophagus.
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12
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Zhang L, Zhou S, Guo E, Chen X, Yang J, Li X. DCLK1 inhibition attenuates tumorigenesis and improves chemosensitivity in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by inhibiting β-catenin/c-Myc signaling. Pflugers Arch 2020; 472:1041-1049. [PMID: 32533239 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-020-02415-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) is involved in tumorigenesis, tumor growth and metastasis, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in many digestive tract tumors. It is reportedly highly expressed in Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma, but its effects on the occurrence and progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain unclear. In this study, real-time PCR and western blot analysis confirmed significant upregulation of DCLK1 expression in human ESCC tissues and cell lines. CCK-8 assay showed that transfection with siRNA against DCLK1 (si-DCLK1) markedly inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation in the ESCC cell lines Eca109 and TE1. Transwell assay revealed that si-DCLK1 transfection inhibited the migratory and invasive capacities of Eca109 and TE1 cells. Moreover, si-DCLK1 increased the chemosensitivity of these cells to cisplatin, as indicated by inhibited cell viability and colony formation, and increased ROS and apoptosis in cisplatin-treated cells. Western blot assay revealed that expression of nuclear β-catenin and c-Myc was significantly increased in ESCC tissues and that si-DCLK1 markedly downregulated nuclear β-catenin and c-Myc in Eca109 cells. Treatment with lithium chloride, an activator of β-catenin signaling, partially abolished the si-DCLK1-induced inhibition of proliferation, migration, invasion, and chemoresistance of ESCC cells. These findings suggest that knockdown of DCLK1 may inhibit the progression of ESCC by regulating proliferation, migration, invasion, and chemosensitivity via suppressing the β-catenin/c-Myc pathway, supporting a promising therapeutic target against ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianqun Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, School of Clinical Medicine, Henan University, No. 7 Weiwu Road, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Shengli Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, School of Clinical Medicine, Henan University, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Ertao Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, 475000, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoqi Chen
- Department of Digestive Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of TCM, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Anyang Tumor Hospital, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology, Anyang, 455000, Henan, China
| | - Xiuling Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, School of Clinical Medicine, Henan University, No. 7 Weiwu Road, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China.
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13
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Wu X, Qu D, Weygant N, Peng J, Houchen CW. Cancer Stem Cell Marker DCLK1 Correlates with Tumorigenic Immune Infiltrates in the Colon and Gastric Adenocarcinoma Microenvironments. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020274. [PMID: 31979136 PMCID: PMC7073156 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy that has proven efficacy in several solid cancers plays a partial role in improving clinical outcomes of advanced gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. There is an unmet need to find new immune-related therapeutic targets. Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) marks tuft cells which are recognized as cancer-initiating cells and regulators of the type II immune response, and has been studied for its role in many cancers including colon and gastric cancers, but its role in tumor immunity remains unexplored. In the current study, we analyzed colon and gastric cancer RNA sequencing data from 283 and 415 patients, respectively, from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). High DCLK1 expression predicted the worse clinical outcomes in colon and gastric cancer patients and correlated with increased immune and stromal components. Further analysis indicated that DCLK1 was strongly linked to infiltration of multiple immune cell types, especially TAMs and Treg, and strongly correlated with increased CD8+ T cell inhibitors TGFB1 and CXCL12 and their receptors, suggesting it may contribute to TAM-mediated inhibition of CD8+ T cells. Interestingly, we found that DCLK1 was a prognostic biomarker in left-sided colon cancer, which has worse outcomes and demonstrates a reduced response to existing immunotherapies. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that DCLK1 is linked with functional regulation of the tumor microenvironment and may have potential as a prognostic biomarker and adjuvant target to promote immunotherapy sensitivity in colon and gastric cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyan Wu
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (X.W.); (D.Q.)
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China;
| | - Dongfeng Qu
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (X.W.); (D.Q.)
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Nathaniel Weygant
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China;
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine in Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Jun Peng
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China;
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine in Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
- Correspondence: (J.P.); (C.W.H.); Tel.: +1-0591-2286-1303 (J.P.); +86-405-271-2175 (C.W.H.); Fax: +1-0591-2286-1157 (J.P.); +86-405-271-5450 (C.W.H.)
| | - Courtney W. Houchen
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (X.W.); (D.Q.)
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Correspondence: (J.P.); (C.W.H.); Tel.: +1-0591-2286-1303 (J.P.); +86-405-271-2175 (C.W.H.); Fax: +1-0591-2286-1157 (J.P.); +86-405-271-5450 (C.W.H.)
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14
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Kadletz L, Kenner L, Wiebringhaus R, Jank B, Mayer C, Gurnhofer E, Konrad S, Heiduschka G. Evaluation of the cancer stem cell marker DCLK1 in patients with lymph node metastases of head and neck cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2019; 215:152698. [PMID: 31706685 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2019.152698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lymph node metastases are frequently detected in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. Little is known about biomarkers expressed in lymph node metastases or their influence on clinical outcome. Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) is one marker that might be associated with outcome, owing to its correlation with stem cell-like characteristics. METHODS We assessed the expression of DCLK1 in 74 postoperatively irradiated patients in histologically confirmed HNSCC lymph node metastases. Statistical analysis of the association with DCLK1 on clinical outcomes was performed. RESULTS DCLK1 was expressed in 63.5% of our patient cohort. DCLK1(+) HNSCC patients, compared with those without DCLK1 expression, showed a significantly poorer time to recurrence. Moreover, we observed a significantly poorer time to recurrence in HPV(-) HNSCC patients, and significantly shorter overall and disease-free survival rates in HPV(-) oropharyngeal cancer patients, compared with HPV(+) patients with these cancers. HPV(+) patients showed no significant differences in survival time according to DCLK1 expression. However, recurrent disease occurred in only DCLK1(+) patients. Mulitivariate analysis showed that DCLK1 expression in lymph node metastases is an independent marker for recurrence. CONCLUSION DCLK1 expression might be associated with poorer clinical outcomes in HNSCC patients, specifically in HPV(-) move patients. However, larger studies are required to verify our results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz Kadletz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Lukas Kenner
- Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Vienna, Austria; Department of Experimental Pathology and Laboratory Animal Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
| | | | - Bernhard Jank
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christina Mayer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Stefan Konrad
- Department of Radiotherapy and -Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gregor Heiduschka
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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15
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Li L, Mei H, Commey ANA. Application of RNA-sequencing to identify transcriptome modification by DCLK1 in colorectal cancer cells. Cancer Gene Ther 2019; 27:691-701. [PMID: 31636360 PMCID: PMC7170768 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-019-0144-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Doublecortin like kinase 1 (DCLK1) is a cancer stem cell marker for the colorectal cancer (CRC). It plays critical roles in the oncogenesis, progression and metastasis of CRC. DCLK1 can be an intriguing therapeutic target for CRC treatment. However, the molecular mechanism of how DCLK1 functions is unclear currently. In our research, we aim to apply RNA-Sequencing (RNA Seq) technology, a high throughput massively Next Generation Sequencing approach, to monitor transcriptome changes due to DCLK1 over-expression in the CRC cells. In order to achieve our goal, RNA from quadruplicate samples from two clones of isogenic DCLK1 stable over-expression cells and the parental wild type HCT116 cells was sent for RNA Seq on the Illumina NextSeq500 platform. Differentially expressed (DE) genes were evaluated by t-test (P <0.05 and fold-change ±1.5 or greater) using two methods: (1) FWER; and (2) Benjamani and Hochberg FDR (false discovery rate) which corrects for multiple comparisons. Gene networks and functional analysis were evaluated using Ingenuity Pathways Analysis (IPA). We identified 1463 DE genes common for both DCLK1 overexpression clone A and clone B cells. IPA results indicated that 72 canonical pathways were significantly modified by DCLK1 over-expression (P<0.05), among which 9 out of the top 10 pathways are involved in the cell cycle regulation, indicating that DCLK1 might play its tumorigenesis role via activation of pathways facilitating cell proliferation, repression of pathways inhibiting cells proliferation and function against pathways facilitating cell apoptosis. Cell cycle analysis results confirmed the IPA findings, which demonstrated that DCLK1 over-expression cells had much less G0/G1 cells but much more S and G2/M cells (P<0.05). In conclusion, DCLK1 over-expression significantly modified transcriptome profile of CRC cancer cells. Control of the cell cycle regulation might be one of the critical mechanism for DCLK1 function. Our findings provide more direct evidence for the development of DCLK1 as a therapeutic target for CRC treatment, and will be of great benefit for the discovery of novel therapeutic target within the DCLK1 molecular network for the treatment of colorectal cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianna Li
- Biology Department, Tougaloo College, 500 West County Line Road, Tougaloo, MS, 39174, USA.
| | - Hao Mei
- Department of Data Science, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.
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Roudebush C, Catala-Valentin A, Andl T, Le Bras GF, Andl CD. Activin A-mediated epithelial de-differentiation contributes to injury repair in an in vitro gastrointestinal reflux model. Cytokine 2019; 123:154782. [PMID: 31369967 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2019.154782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Reflux esophagitis is a result of esophageal exposure to acid and bile during episodes of gastroesophageal reflux. Aside from chemical injury to the esophageal epithelium, it has been shown that acid and bile induce cytokine-mediated injury by stimulating the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. During the repair and healing process following reflux injury, the squamous esophageal cells are replaced with a columnar epithelium causing Barrett's metaplasia, which predisposes patients to esophageal adenocarcinoma. We identified a novel player in gastroesophageal reflux injury, the TGFβ family member Activin A (ActA), which is a known regulator of inflammation and tissue repair. In this study, we show that in response to bile salt and acidified media (pH 4) exposure, emulating the milieu to which the distal esophagus is exposed during gastroesophageal reflux, long-term treated, tolerant esophageal keratinocytes exhibit increased ActA secretion and a pro-inflammatory cytokine signature. Furthermore, we noted increased motility and expression of the stem cell markers SOX9, LGR5 and DCLK1 supporting the notion that repair mechanisms were activated in the bile salt/acid-tolerant keratinocytes. Additionally, these experiments demonstrated that de-differentiation as characterized by the induction of YAP1, FOXO3 and KRT17 was altered by ActA/TGFβ signaling. Collectively, our results suggest a pivotal role for ActA in the inflammatory GERD environment by modulating esophageal tissue repair and de-differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Roudebush
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, 4110 Libra Dr., BMS, Building 20, rm 223, Orlando, FL 32816, United States
| | - Alma Catala-Valentin
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, 4110 Libra Dr., BMS, Building 20, rm 223, Orlando, FL 32816, United States
| | - Thomas Andl
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, 4110 Libra Dr., BMS, Building 20, rm 223, Orlando, FL 32816, United States
| | - Gregoire F Le Bras
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, 4110 Libra Dr., BMS, Building 20, rm 223, Orlando, FL 32816, United States
| | - Claudia D Andl
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, 4110 Libra Dr., BMS, Building 20, rm 223, Orlando, FL 32816, United States.
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Etiology, cancer stem cells and potential diagnostic biomarkers for esophageal cancer. Cancer Lett 2019; 458:21-28. [PMID: 31125642 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) has been a leading cause of cancer death worldwide in part due to late detection and lack of precision treatment. EC includes two major malignancies, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Recent studies reveal that ESCC and EAC have distinct cell of origin and contain cancer stem cells (also known as tumor initiating cells) expressing different cell surface markers. These biomarkers have potentially important values for both early detection and finding effective therapy. In this review we summarize the updated findings for cell of origin and provide an overview of cancer cell biomarkers that have been tested for ESCC and EAC. In addition, we also discuss recent progress in the study of molecular mechanisms leading to these malignancies.
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DCLK1 Plays a Metastatic-Promoting Role in Human Breast Cancer Cells. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:1061979. [PMID: 31223610 PMCID: PMC6541964 DOI: 10.1155/2019/1061979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Background Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) has been universally identified as a cancer stem cell (CSC) marker and is found to be overexpressed in many types of cancers including breast cancer. However, there is little data regarding the functional role of DCLK1 in breast cancer metastasis. In the present study, we sought to investigate whether and how DCLK1 plays a metastatic-promoting role in human breast cancer cells. Methods We used Crispr/Cas9 technology to knock out DCLK1 in breast cancer cell line BT474, which basically possesses DCLK1 at a higher level, and stably overexpressed DCLK1 in another breast cancer cell line, T47D, that basically expresses DCLK1 at a lower level. We further analyzed the alterations of metastatic characteristics and the underlying mechanisms in these cells. Results It was shown that, compared with the corresponding control cells, DCLK1 overexpression led to an increase in metastatic behaviors including enhanced migration and invasion of T47D cells. By contrast, forced depletion of DCLK1 drastically inhibited these metastatic characteristics in BT474 cells. Mechanistically, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) program, which is critical for cancer metastasis, was prominently activated in DCLK1-overexpressing cancer cells, evidenced by a decrease in an epithelial marker ZO-1 and an enhancement in several mesenchymal markers including ZEB1 and Vimentin. In addition, DCLK1 overexpression induced the ERK MAPK pathway, which resultantly enhanced the expression of MT1-MMP that is also involved in cancer metastasis. Knockout of DCLK1 could reverse these events, further supporting a metastatic-promoting role for DCLK1. Conclusions Collectively, our data suggested that DCLK1 overexpression may be responsible for the increased metastatic features in breast cancer cells. Targeting DCLK1 may become a therapeutic option for breast cancer metastasis.
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Li L, Jones K, Mei H. Doublecotin-Like Kinase 1 Increases Chemoresistance of Colorectal Cancer Cells through the Anti-Apoptosis Pathway. JOURNAL OF STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY 2019; 9. [PMID: 31372308 DOI: 10.4172/2157-7633.1000447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer diagnosed and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) are believed to be the primary reason for the recurrence of CRC. Specific stem cell marker, doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) plays critical roles in the tumorigenesis and progression of CRC. Up-regulation of DCLK1 is correlated with poor prognosis. Whether DCLK1 is correlated with enhanced chemoresistance of CRC cells is unclear. We aim to reveal the association of DCLK1 with chemoresistance of CRC cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods Stable DCLK1 over-expression cells (DCLK1+) were established using the HCT116 cells (WT). DCLK1+ and WT cells were treated with 5-Fluorouracil (5-Fu) at different doses for 24 or 48 hours. MTT assay was used to evaluate cell viability and IC50 of 5-Fu was determined. Quantitative real-time PCR was applied to determine the gene expression of caspase-3 (casp-3), casp-4, and casp-10. Cleaved casp-3 expression was investigated using Western blot and immunofluorescence. Results Our results demonstrated that IC50 of 5-Fu for the DCLK1+ cells was significantly higher than that of the WT cells for both 24 and 48-hour treatment (p=0.002 and 0.048 respectively), indicating increased chemoresistance of the DCLK1+ cells. Gene expression of casp-3, casp-4, and casp-10 were significantly inhibited in the DCLK1+ cells after 5-Fu treatment compared to the WT cells (p=7.616e-08, 1.575e-05 and 5.307e-08, respectively). Cleaved casp-3 amount and casp-3 positive cells were significantly decreased in the DCLK1+ cells after 5-Fu treatment compared to the WT cells (p=0.015). Conclusions In conclusion, our results demonstrated that DCLK1 overexpression enhanced the chemoresistance of CRC cells to 5-Fu treatment by suppressing gene expression of key caspases in the apoptosis pathway and activation of the apoptosis pathway. DCLK1 can be an intriguing therapeutic target for the effective treatment of CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianna Li
- Biology Department, Tougaloo College, Tougaloo, USA
| | - Kierra Jones
- Biology Department, Tougaloo College, Tougaloo, USA
| | - Hao Mei
- Department of Data Science, University of Mississippi Medical Center, USA
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Developing a blood-based gene mutation assay as a novel biomarker for oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5168. [PMID: 30914682 PMCID: PMC6435702 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41490-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Phosphatidylinositol glycan class A (PIG-A) gene mutation assay phenotypically measures erythrocyte mutations, assessed here for their correlation to neoplastic progression in the gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)-Barrett’s metaplasia (BM)-oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) model. Endoscopy patients underwent venipuncture and erythrocytes fluorescently stained for glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPI)–anchored proteins; CD55 and CD59. Using flow cytometry, GPI–anchor negative erythrocytes (mutants) were scored and compared amongst groups. The study enlisted 200 patients and 137 healthy volunteers. OAC patients had a three–fold increase in erythrocyte mutant frequency (EMF) compared to GORD patients (p < 0.001) and healthy volunteers (p < 0.001). In OAC patients, higher EMF was associated with worsening tumour staging (p = 0.014), nodal involvement (p = 0.019) and metastatic disease (p = 0.008). Chemotherapy patients demonstrated EMF’s over 19–times higher than GORD patients. Patients were further classified into groups containing those with non-neoplastic disease and those with high-grade dysplasia/cancer with 72.1% of cases correctly classified by high EMF. Within the non-neoplastic group, aspirin users had lower EMF (p = 0.001) and there was a positive correlation between body mass index (p = 0.03) and age (p < 0.001) and EMF. Smokers had EMF’s over double that of non-smokers (p = 0.011). Results suggest this test could help detect OAC and may be a useful predictor of disease progression.
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Nevo S, Kadouri N, Abramson J. Tuft cells: From the mucosa to the thymus. Immunol Lett 2019; 210:1-9. [PMID: 30904566 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Tuft cells are epithelial chemosensory cells with unique morphological and molecular characteristics, the most noticeable of which is a tuft of long and thick microvilli on their apical side, as well as expression of a very distinct set of genes, including genes encoding various members of the taste transduction machinery and pro-inflammatory cyclooxygenases. Initially discovered in rat trachea, tuft cells were gradually identified in various mucosal tissues, and later also in non-mucosal tissues, most recent of which is the thymus. Although tuft cells were discovered more than 60 years ago, their functions in the various tissues remained a mystery until recent years. Today, tuft cells are thought to function as sensors of various types of chemical signals, to which they respond by secretion of diverse biological mediators such as IL25 or acetylcholine. Intestinal tuft cells were also shown to mediate type 2 immunity against parasites. Here, we review the current knowledge on tuft cell characteristics, development and heterogeneity, discuss their potential functions and explore the possible implications and significance of their discovery in the thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shir Nevo
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Noam Kadouri
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Jakub Abramson
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
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22
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Elevated doublecortin-like kinase 1 serum levels revert to baseline after therapy in early stage esophageal adenocarcinoma. Biomark Res 2019; 7:5. [PMID: 30899515 PMCID: PMC6408757 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-019-0157-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Barrett’s esophagus (BE) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) incidence has been increasing in the United States for greater than 30 years. For the majority of EAC patients, treatment is limited and prognosis poor. Doublecortin like kinase-1 (DCLK1) is a cancer stem cell marker with elevated expression in BE patients with high grade dysplasia and/or EAC. This prospective cohort study was designed to compare serum DCLK1 levels before and after EAC treatment with endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and/or radio-frequency ablation (RFA). Methods Barrett’s esophagus patients with low or high-grade dysplasia (n = 9) and EAC patients (Stage I/II) eligible for treatment were enrolled (n = 14). Serum was obtained at enrollment and at end of treatment (EoT) where possible (n = 6). Normal control samples (n = 5) were obtained from patients with normal upper endoscopies. Serum was analyzed for DCLK1 protein content by ELISA. Kruskal-Wallis, Mann Whitney U, Pearson correlation, and Receiver Operating Characteristic tests were used to analyze the data. Results Serum DCLK1 levels were increased by > 50% in Barrett’s Esophagus (n = 9) and EAC patients (n = 14) vs controls (n = 5, p = 0.0007). These levels were reduced > 50% at EoT compared to EAC (p = 0.033). Although age was significantly lower in controls, this factor was not statistically related to DCLK1 serum levels (p = 0.66). Conclusions EAC treatment results in significantly decreased serum DCLK1 levels, suggesting that DCLK1 may be useful as a non-invasive disease regression biomarker following treatment. Impact Biomarkers for EAC therapeutic response have been poorly studied and no reliable marker has been discovered thus far. These results demonstrate that DCLK1 may have potential as a circulating biomarker of the response to therapy in EAC, which could be used to improve patient outcomes.
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23
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Middelhoff M, Westphalen CB, Hayakawa Y, Yan KS, Gershon MD, Wang TC, Quante M. Dclk1-expressing tuft cells: critical modulators of the intestinal niche? Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2017; 313:G285-G299. [PMID: 28684459 PMCID: PMC5668570 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00073.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Dclk1-expressing tuft cells constitute a unique intestinal epithelial lineage that is distinct from enterocytes, Paneth cells, goblet cells, and enteroendocrine cells. Tuft cells express taste-related receptors and distinct transcription factors and interact closely with the enteric nervous system, suggesting a chemosensory cell lineage. In addition, recent work has shown that tuft cells interact closely with cells of the immune system, with a critical role in the cellular regulatory network governing responses to luminal parasites. Importantly, ablation of tuft cells severely impairs epithelial proliferation and tissue regeneration after injury, implicating tuft cells in the modulation of epithelial stem/progenitor function. Finally, tuft cells expand during chronic inflammation and in preneoplastic tissues, suggesting a possible early role in inflammation-associated tumorigenesis. Hence, we outline and discuss emerging evidence that strongly supports tuft cells as key regulatory cells in the complex network of the intestinal microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Middelhoff
- 1Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York; ,2II. Medizinische Klinik, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany;
| | - C. Benedikt Westphalen
- 3Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany;
| | - Yoku Hayakawa
- 4Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan;
| | - Kelley S. Yan
- 1Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York; ,5Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York; and
| | - Michael D. Gershon
- 6Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Timothy C. Wang
- 1Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York;
| | - Michael Quante
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany;
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24
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Role of cancer stem-cell marker doublecortin-like kinase 1 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Oncol 2017; 67:109-118. [DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2017.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2016] [Revised: 01/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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25
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Doublecortin-like kinase 1 is a novel biomarker for prognosis and regulates growth and metastasis in basal-like breast cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.01.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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26
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Schellnegger R, Quante A, Rospleszcz S, Schernhammer M, Höhl B, Tobiasch M, Pastula A, Brandtner A, Abrams JA, Strauch K, Schmid RM, Vieth M, Wang TC, Quante M. Goblet Cell Ratio in Combination with Differentiation and Stem Cell Markers in Barrett Esophagus Allow Distinction of Patients with and without Esophageal Adenocarcinoma. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2016; 10:55-66. [PMID: 27807078 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-16-0117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2016] [Revised: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The increasing incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is mirrored by the increasing prevalence of Barrett esophagus, a precursor lesion resulting in a large number of individuals "at risk" for this lethal malignancy. Among patients with Barrett esophagus, only about 0.3% annually will develop EAC. Because large numbers of patients are followed in endoscopic surveillance, there is a need for risk prediction among a growing population of patients with Barrett esophagus. We identified four potential biomarkers from an inflammation (IL1β)-dependent mouse model of Barrett esophagus and tested them in 189 patients with Barrett esophagus with and without high-grade dysplasia (HGD)/early cancer (T1). The primary goal was to distinguish patients with Barrett esophagus with no evidence of dysplasia from those with dysplasia. Increasing stem cell marker LGR5 and niche cell marker DCLK1 and decreasing differentiation marker (secretory mucus cells, TFF2+ cells) correlated with elevated tumor score in the mouse. Having outlined the origin of those markers in the Barrett esophagus mouse model, we showed the applicability for human Barrett esophagus. We compared 94 patients with nondysplastic Barrett esophagus tissue with 95 patients with Barrett esophagus and HGD or early cancer. Low levels of TFF2 (AUC 87.2%) provided the best discrimination between nondysplastic Barrett esophagus and Barrett esophagus with cancer, followed by high levels of DCLK1 (AUC 83.4%), low goblet cell ratio (AUC 79.4%), and high LGR5 (AUC 71.4%). The goblet cell ratio, rather than the presence of goblet cells per se, was found to be an important discriminator. These findings may be useful in developing future risk prediction models for patients with Barrett esophagus and ultimately to improve EAC surveillance. Cancer Prev Res; 10(1); 55-66. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Schellnegger
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Klinilkum rechts der Isar, Technische Universitaet München, Munich, Germany
| | - Anne Quante
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Chair of Genetic Epidemiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Susanne Rospleszcz
- Institute of Epidemiology II, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Martina Schernhammer
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Klinilkum rechts der Isar, Technische Universitaet München, Munich, Germany
| | - Bettina Höhl
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Klinilkum rechts der Isar, Technische Universitaet München, Munich, Germany
| | - Moritz Tobiasch
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Klinilkum rechts der Isar, Technische Universitaet München, Munich, Germany
| | - Agnieszka Pastula
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Klinilkum rechts der Isar, Technische Universitaet München, Munich, Germany
| | - Anna Brandtner
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Klinilkum rechts der Isar, Technische Universitaet München, Munich, Germany
| | - Julian A Abrams
- Department of Medicine and Irving Cancer Research Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Konstantin Strauch
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Chair of Genetic Epidemiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Roland M Schmid
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Klinilkum rechts der Isar, Technische Universitaet München, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Vieth
- Klinikum Bayreuth, Institut für Pathologie, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Timothy C Wang
- Department of Medicine and Irving Cancer Research Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Michael Quante
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Klinilkum rechts der Isar, Technische Universitaet München, Munich, Germany.
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Leppänen J, Helminen O, Huhta H, Kauppila JH, Miinalainen I, Ronkainen VP, Saarnio J, Lehenkari PP, Karttunen TJ. Doublecortin-like kinase 1-positive enterocyte - a new cell type in human intestine. APMIS 2016; 124:958-965. [PMID: 27677532 DOI: 10.1111/apm.12599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) is a microtubule-associated kinase. In murine intestine, DCLK1 marks tuft cells with characteristic microvilli, features of neuroendocrine cells and also quiescent stem cell-like properties. The occurrence and pathological role of DCLK1-positive cells in human intestinal mucosa is unknown. We analysed DCLK1 expression in healthy duodenal, jejunal and colorectal mucosa samples (n = 35), and in duodenal specimens from patients with coeliac disease (n = 20). The samples were immunohistochemically double-stained with DCLK1, and synaptophysin, chromogranin A and Ki-67. Ultrastructure of DCLK1-expressing duodenal cells was assessed using correlative light and electron microscopy. DCLK1 expression was seen in about 1% of epithelial cells diffusely scattered through the intestinal epithelium. Electron microscopy showed that the duodenal DCLK1-positive cells had short apical microvilli similar to neighbouring enterocytes and cytoplasmic granules on the basal side. DCLK1-positive cells were stained with synaptophysin. The number of DCLK1-positive cells was decreased in villus atrophy in coeliac disease. Our findings indicate that in human intestinal epithelium, DLCK1-positive cells form a subpopulation of non-proliferating neuroendocrine cells with apical brush border similar to that in enterocytes, and their number is decreased in untreated coeliac disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joni Leppänen
- Department of Pathology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland. .,Department of Surgery, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland. .,Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu, Finland. .,Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.
| | - Olli Helminen
- Department of Pathology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Department of Surgery, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Heikki Huhta
- Department of Pathology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Department of Surgery, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Joonas H Kauppila
- Department of Pathology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Department of Surgery, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | | | | | - Juha Saarnio
- Department of Surgery, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Petri P Lehenkari
- Department of Surgery, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.,Department of Anatomy and Cell biology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Tuomo J Karttunen
- Department of Pathology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
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28
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Kadletz L, Aumayr K, Heiduschka G, Schneider S, Enzenhofer E, Lill C. Overexpression of DCLK1 is predictive for recurrent disease in major salivary gland malignancies. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2016; 274:467-475. [PMID: 27470117 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-016-4227-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Salivary gland carcinomas are a rare malignancy. Therefore, little is known about biomarkers and cancer stem cells in salivary gland malignancies. Double cortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) is a promising therapeutic target and cancer stem cell marker, predominantly investigated in pancreatic and colorectal cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of DCLK1 in major and minor salivary gland carcinomas and its influence on survival. We examined a total of 80 patients with major or minor salivary gland cancer in this retrospective study. Immunohistochemistry with anti-DCLK1 antibody was applied to assess the expression of DCLK1. Moreover, we evaluated the impact of DCLK1 on overall and disease-free survival. DCLK1 expression could be detected in 66.3 % of all examined cases. Overexpression of DCLK1 was associated with reduced overall and disease-free survival in patients with major salivary gland cancer. Disease-free survival reached statistical significance (p = 0.0107). However, expression of DCLK1 had no influence on survival in patients with minor salivary gland cancer. Since treatment of recurrent disease in oncologic patients is utterly challenging, DCLK1 may be a promising prognostic biomarker that helps to identify patients with a high risk for recurrence of major salivary gland carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz Kadletz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Klaus Aumayr
- Department of Pathology, Medical University Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gregor Heiduschka
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sven Schneider
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Enzenhofer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Lill
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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29
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Westphalen CB, Quante M, Wang TC. Functional implication of Dclk1 and Dclk1-expressing cells in cancer. Small GTPases 2016; 8:164-171. [PMID: 27458755 DOI: 10.1080/21541248.2016.1208792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Doublecortin like kinase protein 1 (Dclk1) is a microtubule-associated protein with C-terminal serine/threonine kinase domain. Originally designated Doublecortin and CaM kinase-like 1 protein (Dcamkl1) or KIAA0369, Dclk1 was first described as a marker for radial glia cells in the context of microtubule polymerization and neuronal migration, possibly contributing to early neurogenesis. Additionally, Dclk1 was proposed as a marker of quiescent gastrointestinal and pancreatic stem cells, but in recent years has been recognized as a marker for tuft cells in the gastrointestinal tract. While Dclk1+ tuft cells are now considered as niche or sensory cells in the normal gut, growing evidence supports a role for Dclk1 function in a variety of malignancies, modulating the activity of multiple key pathways, including Kras signaling. Here, we review the recent advances in understanding of the importance of Dclk1 function in tumorigenesis and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Benedikt Westphalen
- a Department of Internal Medicine III , Ludwig Maximilians University Munich , Munich , Germany
| | - Michael Quante
- b Department of Internal Medicine II , Klinikum rechts der Isar II, Technische Universität München , Munich , Germany
| | - Timothy C Wang
- c Divison of Digestive and Liver Disease , Columbia University Medical Center , New York , NY , USA.,d Herberg Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center , Columbia University Medical Center , New York , NY , USA
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30
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Hui YY, Chen X, Wang BM. Yesterday and today of Barrett's esophagus: Historical evolution and research hotspots. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2016; 24:3077-3086. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v24.i20.3077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been more than 60 years since the concept of Barrett's esophagus (BE) was put forward, and over these a few decades, we have made great progress in the diagnosis and treatment of BE. BE does not cause clinical symptoms, but it attracts wide attention, because it is an important precursor lesion of esophageal adenocarcinoma. The purpose of this article is to review the process of the recognition of BE and the current research hotspots as well as to discuss the current status of esophageal adenocarcinoma screening in BE patients. We aim to provide clinicians with an overview of the ins and outs of the disease, which will help them improve the diagnosis and treatment of BE in clinical practice and provide patients with beneficial treatment.
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31
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Chandrakesan P, Panneerselvam J, Qu D, Weygant N, May R, Bronze MS, Houchen CW. Regulatory Roles of Dclk1 in Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition and Cancer Stem Cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 7. [PMID: 27335684 PMCID: PMC4913783 DOI: 10.4172/2157-2518.1000257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The identification of functionally relevant subpopulations of therapy-resistant cancer cells is a challenge. These cells, intrinsically resistant to conventional therapy, can cause recurrence. Evidence has suggested that therapy-resistant cancer cells are likely epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) cells and/or stem-like cells called cancer stem cells (CSCs). EMT, a normal embryological process that converts epithelial cells into mesenchymal cells, is frequently activated during cancer development and progression. CSCs are a small subpopulation of cancer cells within a tumor mass that have the ability to self-renew and maintain tumor-initiating capacity by giving rise to heterogeneous lineages of cancer cells that comprise the whole tumor. Although the origin of CSCs and EMT cells remains to be fully explored, a growing body of evidence has indicated that the biology of EMT and CSCs is strongly linked. Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1), a cancer stem cell marker, is functionally involved in maintaining cancer stemness and the process of EMT important for cancer initiation, cancer metastasis, and secondary tumor formation. Therefore, targeting these cells may provide new strategies to overcome tumor heterogeneity, therapeutic resistance, and cancer relapse. In this review, we will provide a potential mechanistic link between EMT induction and the emergence of CSCs for the origin and progression of cancer. We will highlight the functional activity of DCLK1 in supporting EMT and cancer cell self-renewal, which will lead us to a better understanding of DCLK1 expression in cancer development and progression, and help us to develop targeted therapies for effective cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Chandrakesan
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Stephenson Oklahoma Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - J Panneerselvam
- Stephenson Oklahoma Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - D Qu
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Stephenson Oklahoma Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - N Weygant
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - R May
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - M S Bronze
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - C W Houchen
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Stephenson Oklahoma Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; COARE Biotechnology, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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32
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Pusung M, Zeki S, Fitzgerald R. Genomics of Esophageal Cancer and Biomarkers for Early Detection. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 908:237-63. [PMID: 27573775 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-41388-4_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In-depth molecular characterization of esophageal oncogenesis has improved over the recent years. Advancement in molecular biology and bioinformatics has led to better understanding of its genomic landscape. More specifically, analysis of its pathogenesis at the genetic level has uncovered the involvement of a number of tumor suppressor genes, cell cycle regulators, and receptor tyrosine kinases. Due to its poor prognosis, the development of clinically applicable biomarkers for diagnosis, progression, and treatment has been the focus of many research studies concentrating on upper gastrointestinal malignancies. As in other cancers, early detection and subsequent intervention of the preneoplastic condition significantly improves patient outcomes. Currently, clinically approved surveillance practices heavily depend on expensive, invasive, and sampling-error-prone endoscopic procedures. There is, therefore, a great demand to establish clearly reliable biomarkers that could identify those patients at higher risk of neoplastic progression and hence would greatly benefit from further monitoring and/or intervention. This chapter will present the most recent advances in the analysis of the esophageal cancer genome serving as basis for biomarker development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Pusung
- MRC Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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