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Seyhan AA. Circulating Liquid Biopsy Biomarkers in Glioblastoma: Advances and Challenges. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7974. [PMID: 39063215 PMCID: PMC11277426 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147974] [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: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Gliomas, particularly glioblastoma (GBM), represent the most prevalent and aggressive tumors of the central nervous system (CNS). Despite recent treatment advancements, patient survival rates remain low. The diagnosis of GBM traditionally relies on neuroimaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans and postoperative confirmation via histopathological and molecular analysis. Imaging techniques struggle to differentiate between tumor progression and treatment-related changes, leading to potential misinterpretation and treatment delays. Similarly, tissue biopsies, while informative, are invasive and not suitable for monitoring ongoing treatments. These challenges have led to the emergence of liquid biopsy, particularly through blood samples, as a promising alternative for GBM diagnosis and monitoring. Presently, blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling offers a minimally invasive means of obtaining tumor-related information to guide therapy. The idea that blood or any biofluid tests can be used to screen many cancer types has huge potential. Tumors release various components into the bloodstream or other biofluids, including cell-free nucleic acids such as microRNAs (miRNAs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), proteins, extracellular vesicles (EVs) or exosomes, metabolites, and other factors. These factors have been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), presenting an opportunity for the minimally invasive monitoring of GBM as well as for the real-time assessment of distinct genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic changes associated with brain tumors. Despite their potential, the clinical utility of liquid biopsy-based circulating biomarkers is somewhat constrained by limitations such as the absence of standardized methodologies for blood or CSF collection, analyte extraction, analysis methods, and small cohort sizes. Additionally, tissue biopsies offer more precise insights into tumor morphology and the microenvironment. Therefore, the objective of a liquid biopsy should be to complement and enhance the diagnostic accuracy and monitoring of GBM patients by providing additional information alongside traditional tissue biopsies. Moreover, utilizing a combination of diverse biomarker types may enhance clinical effectiveness compared to solely relying on one biomarker category, potentially improving diagnostic sensitivity and specificity and addressing some of the existing limitations associated with liquid biomarkers for GBM. This review presents an overview of the latest research on circulating biomarkers found in GBM blood or CSF samples, discusses their potential as diagnostic, predictive, and prognostic indicators, and discusses associated challenges and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila A. Seyhan
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA;
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Joint Program in Cancer Biology, Lifespan Health System and Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Legorreta Cancer Center, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
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Ordóñez-Rubiano EG, Rincón-Arias N, Espinosa S, Shelton WJ, Salazar AF, Cómbita A, Baldoncini M, Luzzi S, Payán-Gómez C, Gómez- Amarillo DF, Hakim F, Patiño-Gómez JG, Parra- Medina R. The potential of miRNA-based approaches in glioblastoma: An update in current advances and future perspectives. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PHARMACOLOGY AND DRUG DISCOVERY 2024; 7:100193. [PMID: 39055532 PMCID: PMC11268206 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphar.2024.100193] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant central nervous system tumor. The emerging field of epigenetics stands out as particularly promising. Notably, the discovery of micro RNAs (miRNAs) has paved the way for advancements in diagnosing, treating, and prognosticating patients with brain tumors. We aim to provide an overview of the emergence of miRNAs in GBM and their potential role in the multifaceted management of this disease. We discuss the current state of the art regarding miRNAs and GBM. We performed a narrative review using the MEDLINE/PUBMED database to retrieve peer-reviewed articles related to the use of miRNA approaches for the treatment of GBMs. MiRNAs are intrinsic non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression mainly through post-transcriptional mechanisms. The deregulation of some of these molecules is related to the pathogenesis of GBM. The inclusion of molecular characterization for the diagnosis of brain tumors and the advent of less-invasive diagnostic methods such as liquid biopsies, highlights the potential of these molecules as biomarkers for guiding the management of brain tumors such as GBM. Importantly, there is a need for more studies to better examine the application of these novel molecules. The constantly changing characterization and approach to the diagnosis and management of brain tumors broaden the possibilities for the molecular inclusion of novel epigenetic molecules, such as miRNAs, for a better understanding of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar G. Ordóñez-Rubiano
- School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de La Salud, Hospital de San José – Sociedad de Cirugía de Bogotá, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Nicolás Rincón-Arias
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de La Salud, Hospital de San José – Sociedad de Cirugía de Bogotá, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Sebastian Espinosa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de La Salud, Hospital de San José – Sociedad de Cirugía de Bogotá, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | | | | | - Alba Cómbita
- School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
- Department of Microbiology, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Matías Baldoncini
- School of Medicine, Laboratory of Microsurgical Neuroanatomy, Second Chair of Gross Anatomy, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Hospital San Fernando, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sabino Luzzi
- Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - César Payán-Gómez
- Dirección Académica, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede de La Paz, La Paz, Colombia
| | | | - Fernando Hakim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Javier G. Patiño-Gómez
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de La Salud, Hospital de San José – Sociedad de Cirugía de Bogotá, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Rafael Parra- Medina
- Department of Pathology, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Bogotá, Colombia
- Research Institute, Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de La Salud (FUCS), Hospital de San José – Sociedad de Cirugía de Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia
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Epistolio S, Dazio G, Zaed I, Sahnane N, Cipriani D, Polinelli F, Barizzi J, Spina P, Stefanini FM, Cerati M, Balbi S, Mazzucchelli L, Sessa F, Pesce GA, Reinert M, Cardia A, Marchi F, Frattini M. Clinical Relevance and Interplay between miRNAs in Influencing Glioblastoma Multiforme Prognosis. Cells 2024; 13:276. [PMID: 38334668 PMCID: PMC10855153 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030276] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is usually treated with surgery followed by adjuvant partial radiotherapy combined with temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy. Recent studies demonstrated a better survival and good response to TMZ in methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT)-methylated GBM cases. However, approximately 20% of patients with MGMT-unmethylated GBM display an unexpectedly favorable outcome. Therefore, additional mechanisms related to the TMZ response need to be investigated. As such, we decided to investigate the clinical relevance of six miRNAs involved in brain tumorigenesis (miR-181c, miR-181d, miR-21, miR-195, miR-196b, miR-648) as additional markers of response and survival in patients receiving TMZ for GBM. We evaluated miRNA expression and the interplay between miRNAs in 112 IDH wt GBMs by applying commercial assays. Then, we correlated the miRNA expression with patients' clinical outcomes. Upon bivariate analyses, we found a significant association between the expression levels of the miRNAs analyzed, but, more interestingly, the OS curves show that the combination of low miR-648 and miR-181c or miR-181d expressions is associated with a worse prognosis than cases with other low-expression miRNA pairs. To conclude, we found how specific miRNA pairs can influence survival in GBM cases treated with TMZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Epistolio
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), 6900 Locarno, Switzerland; (S.E.); (G.D.); (J.B.); (P.S.); (L.M.)
| | - Giulia Dazio
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), 6900 Locarno, Switzerland; (S.E.); (G.D.); (J.B.); (P.S.); (L.M.)
| | - Ismail Zaed
- Service of Neurosurgery, Neurocenter of the Southern Switzerland, Regional Hospital of Lugano, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), 6900 Lugano, Switzerland; (I.Z.); (D.C.); (F.P.); (M.R.); (A.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Nora Sahnane
- Unit of Pathology, Department of Medicine and Technological Innovation, University of Insubria, ASST Sette Laghi, 21100 Varese, Italy; (N.S.); (M.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Debora Cipriani
- Service of Neurosurgery, Neurocenter of the Southern Switzerland, Regional Hospital of Lugano, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), 6900 Lugano, Switzerland; (I.Z.); (D.C.); (F.P.); (M.R.); (A.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Francesco Polinelli
- Service of Neurosurgery, Neurocenter of the Southern Switzerland, Regional Hospital of Lugano, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), 6900 Lugano, Switzerland; (I.Z.); (D.C.); (F.P.); (M.R.); (A.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Jessica Barizzi
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), 6900 Locarno, Switzerland; (S.E.); (G.D.); (J.B.); (P.S.); (L.M.)
| | - Paolo Spina
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), 6900 Locarno, Switzerland; (S.E.); (G.D.); (J.B.); (P.S.); (L.M.)
| | - Federico Mattia Stefanini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Faculty of Science and Technology-ESP, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Michele Cerati
- Unit of Pathology, Department of Medicine and Technological Innovation, University of Insubria, ASST Sette Laghi, 21100 Varese, Italy; (N.S.); (M.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Sergio Balbi
- Division of Neurological Surgery, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, ASST Sette Laghi, 21100 Varese, Italy;
| | - Luca Mazzucchelli
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), 6900 Locarno, Switzerland; (S.E.); (G.D.); (J.B.); (P.S.); (L.M.)
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera italiana, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Fausto Sessa
- Unit of Pathology, Department of Medicine and Technological Innovation, University of Insubria, ASST Sette Laghi, 21100 Varese, Italy; (N.S.); (M.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Gianfranco Angelo Pesce
- Radiation Oncology, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), 6501 Bellinzona, Switzerland;
| | - Michael Reinert
- Service of Neurosurgery, Neurocenter of the Southern Switzerland, Regional Hospital of Lugano, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), 6900 Lugano, Switzerland; (I.Z.); (D.C.); (F.P.); (M.R.); (A.C.); (F.M.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of the Southern Switzerland, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Cardia
- Service of Neurosurgery, Neurocenter of the Southern Switzerland, Regional Hospital of Lugano, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), 6900 Lugano, Switzerland; (I.Z.); (D.C.); (F.P.); (M.R.); (A.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Francesco Marchi
- Service of Neurosurgery, Neurocenter of the Southern Switzerland, Regional Hospital of Lugano, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), 6900 Lugano, Switzerland; (I.Z.); (D.C.); (F.P.); (M.R.); (A.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Milo Frattini
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), 6900 Locarno, Switzerland; (S.E.); (G.D.); (J.B.); (P.S.); (L.M.)
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Subaiea GM, Syed RU, Afsar S, Alhaidan TMS, Alzammay SA, Alrashidi AA, Alrowaili SF, Alshelaly DA, Alenezi AMSRA. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and multidrug resistance in glioblastoma: Therapeutic challenges and opportunities. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 253:155022. [PMID: 38086292 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.155022] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been recognized as pivotal regulators of transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene modulation, exerting a profound influence on a diverse array of biological and pathological cascades, including the intricate mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis and the acquisition of drug resistance in neoplastic cells. Glioblastoma (GBM), recognized as the foremost and most aggressive neoplasm originating in the brain, is distinguished by its formidable resistance to the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapeutic agents and ionizing radiation. Recent years have witnessed an escalating interest in comprehending the involvement of ncRNAs, particularly lncRNAs, in GBM chemoresistance. LncRNAs, a subclass of ncRNAs, have been demonstrated as dynamic modulators of gene expression at the epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional levels. Disruption in the regulation of lncRNAs has been observed across various human malignancies, including GBM, and has been linked with developing multidrug resistance (MDR) against standard chemotherapeutic agents. The potential of targeting specific ncRNAs or their downstream effectors to surmount chemoresistance is also critically evaluated, specifically focusing on ongoing preclinical and clinical investigations exploring ncRNA-based therapeutic strategies for glioblastoma. Nonetheless, targeting lncRNAs for therapeutic objectives presents hurdles, including overcoming the blood-brain barrier and the brief lifespan of oligonucleotide RNA molecules. Understanding the complex relationship between ncRNAs and the chemoresistance characteristic in glioblastoma provides valuable insights into the fundamental molecular mechanisms. It opens the path for the progression of innovative and effective therapeutic approaches to counter the therapeutic challenges posed by this aggressive brain tumor. This comprehensive review highlights the complex functions of diverse ncRNAs, including miRNAs, circRNAs, and lncRNAs, in mediating glioblastoma's chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gehad Mohammed Subaiea
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Hail, Hail 81442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rahamat Unissa Syed
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Hail, Hail 81442, Saudi Arabia.
| | - S Afsar
- Department of Virology, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh 517502, India.
| | | | - Seham Ahmed Alzammay
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Hasan H, Afzal M, Castresana JS, Shahi MH. A Comprehensive Review of miRNAs and Their Epigenetic Effects in Glioblastoma. Cells 2023; 12:1578. [PMID: 37371047 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121578] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most aggressive form of brain tumor originating from glial cells with a maximum life expectancy of 14.6 months. Despite the establishment of multiple promising therapies, the clinical outcome of glioblastoma patients is abysmal. Drug resistance has been identified as a major factor contributing to the failure of current multimodal therapy. Epigenetic modification, especially DNA methylation has been identified as a major regulatory mechanism behind glioblastoma progression. In addition, miRNAs, a class of non-coding RNA, have been found to play a role in the regulation as well as in the diagnosis of glioblastoma. The relationship between epigenetics, drug resistance, and glioblastoma progression has been clearly demonstrated. MGMT hypermethylation, leading to a lack of MGMT expression, is associated with a cytotoxic effect of TMZ in GBM, while resistance to TMZ frequently appears in MGMT non-methylated GBM. In this review, we will elaborate on known miRNAs linked to glioblastoma; their distinctive oncogenic or tumor suppressor roles; and how epigenetic modification of miRNAs, particularly via methylation, leads to their upregulation or downregulation in glioblastoma. Moreover, we will try to identify those miRNAs that might be potential regulators of MGMT expression and their role as predictors of tumor response to temozolomide treatment. Although we do not impact clinical data and survival, we open possible experimental approaches to treat GBM, although they should be further validated with clinically oriented studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hera Hasan
- Interdisciplinary Brain Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India
| | - Mohammad Afzal
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India
| | - Javier S Castresana
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, University of Navarra School of Sciences, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Mehdi H Shahi
- Interdisciplinary Brain Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India
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6
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Karami Fath M, Babakhaniyan K, Anjomrooz M, Jalalifar M, Alizadeh SD, Pourghasem Z, Abbasi Oshagh P, Azargoonjahromi A, Almasi F, Manzoor HZ, Khalesi B, Pourzardosht N, Khalili S, Payandeh Z. Recent Advances in Glioma Cancer Treatment: Conventional and Epigenetic Realms. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10091448. [PMID: 36146527 PMCID: PMC9501259 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10091448] [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: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most typical and aggressive form of primary brain tumor in adults, with a poor prognosis. Successful glioma treatment is hampered by ineffective medication distribution across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the emergence of drug resistance. Although a few FDA-approved multimodal treatments are available for glioblastoma, most patients still have poor prognoses. Targeting epigenetic variables, immunotherapy, gene therapy, and different vaccine- and peptide-based treatments are some innovative approaches to improve anti-glioma treatment efficacy. Following the identification of lymphatics in the central nervous system, immunotherapy offers a potential method with the potency to permeate the blood-brain barrier. This review will discuss the rationale, tactics, benefits, and drawbacks of current glioma therapy options in clinical and preclinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Karami Fath
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran 1571914911, Iran
| | - Kimiya Babakhaniyan
- Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1996713883, Iran
| | - Mehran Anjomrooz
- Department of Radiology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1411713135, Iran
| | | | | | - Zeinab Pourghasem
- Department of Microbiology, Islamic Azad University of Lahijan, Gilan 4416939515, Iran
| | - Parisa Abbasi Oshagh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Malayer University, Malayer 6571995863, Iran
| | - Ali Azargoonjahromi
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7417773539, Iran
| | - Faezeh Almasi
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Lab, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, School of Biology and Center of Excellence in Phylogeny of Living Organisms, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran 1411734115, Iran
| | - Hafza Zahira Manzoor
- Experimental and Translational Medicine, University of Insubria, Via jean Henry Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Bahman Khalesi
- Department of Research and Production of Poultry Viral Vaccine, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj 3197619751, Iran
| | - Navid Pourzardosht
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht 4193713111, Iran
| | - Saeed Khalili
- Department of Biology Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran 1678815811, Iran
- Correspondence: (S.K.); (Z.P.)
| | - Zahra Payandeh
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division Medical Inflammation Research, Karolinska Institute, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence: (S.K.); (Z.P.)
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EGFR-Targeted Pentacyclic Triterpene Analogues for Glioma Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222010945. [PMID: 34681605 PMCID: PMC8537327 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222010945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma, particularly its most malignant form, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is the most common and aggressive malignant central nervous system tumor. The drawbacks of the current chemotherapy for GBM have aroused curiosity in the search for targeted therapies. Aberrantly overexpressed epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in GBM results in poor prognosis, low survival rates, poor responses to therapy and recurrence, and therefore EGFR-targeted therapy stands out as a promising approach for the treatment of gliomas. In this context, a series of pentacyclic triterpene analogues were subjected to in vitro and in silico assays, which were conducted to assess their potency as EGFR-targeted anti-glioma agents. In particular, compound 10 was the most potent anti-glioma agent with an IC50 value of 5.82 µM towards U251 human glioblastoma cells. Taking into account its low cytotoxicity to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), compound 10 exerts selective antitumor action towards Jurkat human leukemic T-cells. This compound also induced apoptosis and inhibited EGFR with an IC50 value of 9.43 µM compared to erlotinib (IC50 = 0.06 µM). Based on in vitro and in silico data, compound 10 stands out as a potential orally bioavailable EGFR-targeted anti-glioma agent endowed with the ability to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB).
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Divisato G, Piscitelli S, Elia M, Cascone E, Parisi S. MicroRNAs and Stem-like Properties: The Complex Regulation Underlying Stemness Maintenance and Cancer Development. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11081074. [PMID: 34439740 PMCID: PMC8393604 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have the extraordinary properties to indefinitely proliferate and self-renew in culture to produce different cell progeny through differentiation. This latter process recapitulates embryonic development and requires rounds of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is characterized by the loss of the epithelial features and the acquisition of the typical phenotype of the mesenchymal cells. In pathological conditions, EMT can confer stemness or stem-like phenotypes, playing a role in the tumorigenic process. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subpopulation, found in the tumor tissues, with stem-like properties such as uncontrolled proliferation, self-renewal, and ability to differentiate into different cell types. ESCs and CSCs share numerous features (pluripotency, self-renewal, expression of stemness genes, and acquisition of epithelial-mesenchymal features), and most of them are under the control of microRNAs (miRNAs). These small molecules have relevant roles during both embryogenesis and cancer development. The aim of this review was to recapitulate molecular mechanisms shared by ESCs and CSCs, with a special focus on the recently identified classes of microRNAs (noncanonical miRNAs, mirtrons, isomiRs, and competitive endogenous miRNAs) and their complex functions during embryogenesis and cancer development.
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