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Singh MT, Thaggikuppe Krishnamurthy P, Magham SV. Harnessing the synergistic potential of NK1R antagonists and selective COX-2 inhibitors for simultaneous targeting of TNBC cells and cancer stem cells. J Drug Target 2024; 32:258-269. [PMID: 38252517 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2024.2309568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks the expression of oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), rendering it unresponsive to endocrine therapy and HER2 targeted treatments. Though certain chemotherapeutics targeting the cell cycle have shown efficacy to a certain extent, the presence of chemotherapy-resistant cancer stem cells (CSCs) presents a significant challenge in tackling TNBC. Multiple lines of evidence suggest the upregulation of neuropeptide Substance P (SP), its NK-1 receptor (NK1R) and the Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme in TNBC patients. Upregulation of the SP/NK1R system and COX-2 influences major signalling pathways involved in cell proliferation, growth, survival, angiogenesis, inflammation, metastasis and stem cell activity. The simultaneous activation and crosstalk between the pathways activated by SP/NK1R and COX-2 consequently increase the levels of key regulators of self-renewal pathways in CSCs, promoting stemness. The combination therapy with NK1R antagonists and COX-2 inhibitors can simultaneously target TNBC cells and CSCs, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy and reducing the risk of recurrence and relapse. This review discusses the rationale for combining NK1R antagonists and COX-2 inhibitors for the better management of TNBC and a novel strategy to deliver drug cargo precisely to the tumour site to address the challenges associated with off-target binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhu Tanya Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Ooty, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Praveen Thaggikuppe Krishnamurthy
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Ooty, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sai Varshini Magham
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Ooty, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, India
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2
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Shalabi S, Belayachi A, Larrivée B. Involvement of neuronal factors in tumor angiogenesis and the shaping of the cancer microenvironment. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1284629. [PMID: 38375479 PMCID: PMC10875004 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1284629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that nerves within the tumor microenvironment play a crucial role in regulating angiogenesis. Neurotransmitters and neuropeptides released by nerves can interact with nearby blood vessels and tumor cells, influencing their behavior and modulating the angiogenic response. Moreover, nerve-derived signals may activate signaling pathways that enhance the production of pro-angiogenic factors within the tumor microenvironment, further supporting blood vessel growth around tumors. The intricate network of communication between neural constituents and the vascular system accentuates the potential of therapeutically targeting neural-mediated pathways as an innovative strategy to modulate tumor angiogenesis and, consequently, neoplastic proliferation. Hereby, we review studies that evaluate the precise molecular interplay and the potential clinical ramifications of manipulating neural elements for the purpose of anti-angiogenic therapeutics within the scope of cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharif Shalabi
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Boulevard de l’Assomption, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Ali Belayachi
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Boulevard de l’Assomption, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Bruno Larrivée
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Boulevard de l’Assomption, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Ophthalmology, Université de Montréal, boul. Édouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Coveñas R, Rodríguez FD, Robinson P, Muñoz M. The Repurposing of Non-Peptide Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists as Antitumor Drugs: An Urgent Challenge for Aprepitant. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15936. [PMID: 37958914 PMCID: PMC10650658 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The substance P (SP)/neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) system is involved in cancer progression. NK-1R, activated by SP, promotes tumor cell proliferation and migration, angiogenesis, the Warburg effect, and the prevention of apoptosis. Tumor cells overexpress NK-1R, which influences their viability. A typical specific anticancer strategy using NK-1R antagonists, irrespective of the tumor type, is possible because these antagonists block all the effects mentioned above mediated by SP on cancer cells. This review will update the information regarding using NK-1R antagonists, particularly Aprepitant, as an anticancer drug. Aprepitant shows a broad-spectrum anticancer effect against many tumor types. Aprepitant alone or in combination therapy with radiotherapy or chemotherapy could reduce the sequelae and increase the cure rate and quality of life of patients with cancer. Current data open the door to new cancer research aimed at antitumor therapeutic strategies using Aprepitant. To achieve this goal, reprofiling the antiemetic Aprepitant as an anticancer drug is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Coveñas
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy of the Peptidergic Systems, Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León (INCYL), University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Group GIR-BMD (Bases Moleculares del Desarrollo), University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Francisco D. Rodríguez
- Group GIR-BMD (Bases Moleculares del Desarrollo), University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemical Sciences, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Prema Robinson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control, and Employee Health, MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Miguel Muñoz
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Research Laboratory on Neuropeptides (IBIS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, 41013 Seville, Spain;
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Chen J, Ye P, Gu R, Zhu H, He W, Mu X, Wu X, Pang H, Han F, Nie X. Neuropeptide substance P: A promising regulator of wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 215:115736. [PMID: 37549795 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115736] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
In the past, neuropeptide substance P (SP) was predominantly recognized as a neuroinflammatory factor, while its potent healing activity was overlooked. This paper aims to review the regulatory characteristics of neuropeptide SP in both normal and diabetic wound healing. SP actively in the regulation of wound healing-related cells directly and indirectly, exhibiting robust inflammatory properties, promoting cell proliferation and migration and restoring the activity and paracrine ability of skin cells under diabetic conditions. Furthermore, SP not only regulates healing-related cells but also orchestrates the immune environment, thereby presenting unique and promising application prospects in wound intervention. As new SP-based preparations are being explored, SP-related drugs are poised to become an effective therapeutic intervention for diabetic foot ulcers (DFU).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitao Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China; Key Lab of the Basic Pharmacology of the Ministry of Education & Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Chinese Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Penghui Ye
- College of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China; Key Lab of the Basic Pharmacology of the Ministry of Education & Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Chinese Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Rifang Gu
- University Medical Office, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Huan Zhu
- College of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China; Key Lab of the Basic Pharmacology of the Ministry of Education & Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Chinese Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Wenjie He
- College of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China; Key Lab of the Basic Pharmacology of the Ministry of Education & Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Chinese Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Xingrui Mu
- College of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China; Key Lab of the Basic Pharmacology of the Ministry of Education & Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Chinese Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Xingqian Wu
- College of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China; Key Lab of the Basic Pharmacology of the Ministry of Education & Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Chinese Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Huiwen Pang
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Felicity Han
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Xuqiang Nie
- College of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China; Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; Key Lab of the Basic Pharmacology of the Ministry of Education & Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Chinese Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China.
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Wu Z, Jia Q, Liu B, Fang L, Leung PCK, Cheng JC. NPFF stimulates human ovarian cancer cell invasion by upregulating MMP-9 via ERK1/2 signaling. Exp Cell Res 2023; 430:113693. [PMID: 37392963 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) belongs to the RFamide peptide family. NPFF regulates a variety of physiological functions by binding to a G protein-coupled receptor, NPFFR2. Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a leading cause of death among gynecological malignancies. The pathogenesis of EOC can be regulated by many local factors, including neuropeptides, through an autocrine/paracrine manner. However, to date, the expression and/or function of NPFF/NPFFR2 in EOC is undetermined. In this study, we show that the upregulation of NPFFR2 mRNA was associated with poor overall survival in EOC. The TaqMan probe-based RT-qPCR showed that NPFF and NPFFR2 were expressed in three human EOC cells, CaOV3, OVCAR3, and SKOV3. In comparison, NPFF and NPFFR2 expression levels were higher in SKOV3 cells than in CaOV3 or OVCAR3 cells. Treatment of SKOV3 cells with NPFF did not affect cell viability and proliferation but stimulated cell invasion. NPFF treatment upregulates matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression. Using the siRNA-mediated knockdown approach, we showed that the stimulatory effect of NPFF on MMP-9 expression was mediated by the NPFFR2. Our results also showed that ERK1/2 signaling was activated in SKOV3 cells in response to the NPFF treatment. In addition, blocking the activation of ERK1/2 signaling abolished the NPFF-induced MMP-9 expression and cell invasion. This study provides evidence that NPFF stimulates EOC cell invasion by upregulating MMP-9 expression through the NPFFR2-mediated ERK1/2 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qiongqiong Jia
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Boqun Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lanlan Fang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Peter C K Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Jung-Chien Cheng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
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Chen Z, Fang Y, Jiang W. Important Cells and Factors from Tumor Microenvironment Participated in Perineural Invasion. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1360. [PMID: 36900158 PMCID: PMC10000249 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Perineural invasion (PNI) as the fourth way for solid tumors metastasis and invasion has attracted a lot of attention, recent research reported a new point that PNI starts to include axon growth and possible nerve "invasion" to tumors as the component. More and more tumor-nerve crosstalk has been explored to explain the internal mechanism for tumor microenvironment (TME) of some types of tumors tends to observe nerve infiltration. As is well known, the interaction of tumor cells, peripheral blood vessels, extracellular matrix, other non-malignant cells, and signal molecules in TME plays a key role in the occurrence, development, and metastasis of cancer, as to the occurrence and development of PNI. We aim to summarize the current theories on the molecular mediators and pathogenesis of PNI, add the latest scientific research progress, and explore the use of single-cell spatial transcriptomics in this invasion way. A better understanding of PNI may help to understand tumor metastasis and recurrence and will be beneficial for improving staging strategies, new treatment methods, and even paradigm shifts in our treatment of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zirong Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Otolaryngology Major Disease Research Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, Changsha 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Anatomy Laboratory of Division of Nose and Cranial Base, Clinical Anatomy Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Yan Fang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Otolaryngology Major Disease Research Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, Changsha 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Anatomy Laboratory of Division of Nose and Cranial Base, Clinical Anatomy Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Weihong Jiang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Otolaryngology Major Disease Research Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, Changsha 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Anatomy Laboratory of Division of Nose and Cranial Base, Clinical Anatomy Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
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Li M, Ma H, Zhang S, Peng Y, Ding L, Zhang Y, Min P. Potential therapeutic effect of NK1R antagonist in diabetic non-healing wound and depression. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 13:1077514. [PMID: 36686487 PMCID: PMC9845920 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1077514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes is a global disease with huge impacts on patients due to its complications, among which non-healing wounds and depression are common and challenging. The neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) inhibitor, aprepitant has been broadly applied for an antidepressant effect in depressive patients. Recent literature has indicated a therapeutic effect of downregulation in NK1R to diabetes-related fracture, cardiomyopathy, gastroparesis, and ocular surface disorders. In this study, differential expression genes in diabetes and depression were analyzed based on several RNA sequencing datasets from the GEO database to confirm NK1R in the overlapping set. Interaction network and gene set enrichment analysis were subsequently conducted. As a result, NK1R-related genes took part in angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), collagen deposition, and inflammation in diabetes and depression. In vivo, the downregulation of NK1R was proved to promote vascular proliferation and enhance diabetic wound healing, which provides a potential therapeutic target for the management of diabetic non-healing wounds and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyu Li
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Ma
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shunuo Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Peng
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Ding
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medical Resources, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
| | - Yixin Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Peiru Min
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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The Anticancer Role of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles by Inducing Antioxidant Activity in Esophageal Cancer and Cancer Stem-Like ESCC Spheres. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:3268197. [PMID: 36506910 PMCID: PMC9731761 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3268197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Esophagus squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has a poor prognosis, a high rate of metastasis, and rapid clinical progression. One hypothesis is that therapeutic failure is due to the presence of cancer stem cells (CSC). Previous studies showed the anticancer effect of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNP) in different cancer cells. In this study, we aim to evaluate the effect of cerium oxide nanoparticles on cell antioxidants, toxicity, as well as cell oxidant level in esophageal cancer (YM1) and cancer stem cell-like (CSC-LC) cell lines. Method YM1 and CSC-LC spheres were treated with CNP at different concentrations. The cell viability was assessed by using the MTT test. Antioxidant levels (SOD (superoxide dismutase, CAT (catalase), thiol, and TAC (total antioxidant capacity)), antioxidant genes expression (SOD and CAT), ROS (reactive oxygen species), and MDA (malondialdehyde) levels were assessed in both cell lines. Results CSC-LC had significantly elevated SOX4 and OCT4 pluripotent genes. The ROS and MDA levels were significantly reduced in both YM1 and CSC-LC spheres after treatment with CNP. Also, the antioxidant levels and expressions were elevated significantly in both cell lines after CNP treatment. Conclusion These results suggest the potential anticancer effect of CNP by elevating antioxidant levels and expressions, and reducing oxidant levels.
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