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Shi Q, Xue C, Zeng Y, Yuan X, Chu Q, Jiang S, Wang J, Zhang Y, Zhu D, Li L. Notch signaling pathway in cancer: from mechanistic insights to targeted therapies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:128. [PMID: 38797752 PMCID: PMC11128457 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01828-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Notch signaling, renowned for its role in regulating cell fate, organ development, and tissue homeostasis across metazoans, is highly conserved throughout evolution. The Notch receptor and its ligands are transmembrane proteins containing epidermal growth factor-like repeat sequences, typically necessitating receptor-ligand interaction to initiate classical Notch signaling transduction. Accumulating evidence indicates that the Notch signaling pathway serves as both an oncogenic factor and a tumor suppressor in various cancer types. Dysregulation of this pathway promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and angiogenesis in malignancies, closely linked to cancer proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Furthermore, the Notch signaling pathway contributes to maintaining stem-like properties in cancer cells, thereby enhancing cancer invasiveness. The regulatory role of the Notch signaling pathway in cancer metabolic reprogramming and the tumor microenvironment suggests its pivotal involvement in balancing oncogenic and tumor suppressive effects. Moreover, the Notch signaling pathway is implicated in conferring chemoresistance to tumor cells. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of these biological processes is crucial for developing innovative therapeutic strategies targeting Notch signaling. This review focuses on the research progress of the Notch signaling pathway in cancers, providing in-depth insights into the potential mechanisms of Notch signaling regulation in the occurrence and progression of cancer. Additionally, the review summarizes pharmaceutical clinical trials targeting Notch signaling for cancer therapy, aiming to offer new insights into therapeutic strategies for human malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingmiao Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Chen Xue
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Yifan Zeng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Xin Yuan
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Qingfei Chu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Shuwen Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Jinzhi Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Yaqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Danhua Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
| | - Lanjuan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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Wang S, Gu S, Chen J, Yuan Z, Liang P, Cui H. Mechanism of Notch Signaling Pathway in Malignant Progression of Glioblastoma and Targeted Therapy. Biomolecules 2024; 14:480. [PMID: 38672496 PMCID: PMC11048644 DOI: 10.3390/biom14040480] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive form of glioma and the most common primary tumor of the central nervous system. Despite significant advances in clinical management strategies and diagnostic techniques for GBM in recent years, it remains a fatal disease. The current standard of care includes surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, but the five-year survival rate for patients is less than 5%. The search for a more precise diagnosis and earlier intervention remains a critical and urgent challenge in clinical practice. The Notch signaling pathway is a critical signaling system that has been extensively studied in the malignant progression of glioblastoma. This highly conserved signaling cascade is central to a variety of biological processes, including growth, proliferation, self-renewal, migration, apoptosis, and metabolism. In GBM, accumulating data suggest that the Notch signaling pathway is hyperactive and contributes to GBM initiation, progression, and treatment resistance. This review summarizes the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of the Notch signaling pathway in GBM, as well as some clinical advances targeting the Notch signaling pathway in cancer and glioblastoma, highlighting its potential as a focus for novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenghao Wang
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China;
| | - Sikuan Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; (S.G.); (J.C.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Junfan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; (S.G.); (J.C.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Zhiqiang Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; (S.G.); (J.C.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Ping Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China;
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; (S.G.); (J.C.); (Z.Y.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
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Khan SU, Fatima K, Aisha S, Malik F. Unveiling the mechanisms and challenges of cancer drug resistance. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:109. [PMID: 38347575 PMCID: PMC10860306 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01302-1] [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: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer treatment faces many hurdles and resistance is one among them. Anti-cancer treatment strategies are evolving due to innate and acquired resistance capacity, governed by genetic, epigenetic, proteomic, metabolic, or microenvironmental cues that ultimately enable selected cancer cells to survive and progress under unfavorable conditions. Although the mechanism of drug resistance is being widely studied to generate new target-based drugs with better potency than existing ones. However, due to the broader flexibility in acquired drug resistance, advanced therapeutic options with better efficacy need to be explored. Combination therapy is an alternative with a better success rate though the risk of amplified side effects is commonplace. Moreover, recent groundbreaking precision immune therapy is one of the ways to overcome drug resistance and has revolutionized anticancer therapy to a greater extent with the only limitation of being individual-specific and needs further attention. This review will focus on the challenges and strategies opted by cancer cells to withstand the current therapies at the molecular level and also highlights the emerging therapeutic options -like immunological, and stem cell-based options that may prove to have better potential to challenge the existing problem of therapy resistance. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameer Ullah Khan
- Division of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Division of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Srinagar-190005, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad-201002, India.
| | - Kaneez Fatima
- Division of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Srinagar-190005, Jammu and Kashmir, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad-201002, India
| | - Shariqa Aisha
- Division of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Srinagar-190005, Jammu and Kashmir, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad-201002, India
| | - Fayaz Malik
- Division of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Srinagar-190005, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad-201002, India.
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Feng M, Santhanam RK, Xing H, Zhou M, Jia H. Inhibition of γ-secretase/Notch pathway as a potential therapy for reversing cancer drug resistance. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 220:115991. [PMID: 38135129 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115991] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The mechanism of tumor drug resistance is complex and may involve stem cell maintenance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, the activation of survival signaling pathways, transporter protein expression, and tumor microenvironment remodeling, all of which are linked to γ-secretase/Notch signaling. Increasing evidence has shown that the activation of the γ-secretase/Notch pathway is a key driver of cancer progression and drug resistance development and that γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) may be the most promising agents for reversing chemotherapy resistance of tumors by targeting the γ-secretase/Notch pathway. Here, we systematically summarize the roles in supporting γ-secretase/Notch activation-associated transformation of cancer cells into cancer stem cells, promotion of the EMT process, PI3K/Akt, MEK/ERK and NF-κB activation, enhancement of ABC transporter protein expression, and TME alteration in mediating tumor drug resistance. Subsequently, we analyze the mechanism of GSIs targeting the γ-secretase/Notch pathway to reverse tumor drug resistance and propose the outstanding advantages of GSIs in treating breast cancer drug resistance over other tumors. Finally, we emphasize that the development of GSIs for reversing tumor drug resistance is promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Feng
- Science and Experimental Research Center of Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang 110034, China; Shenyang Key Laboratory of Vascular Biology, Shenyang 110034, China
| | - Ramesh Kumar Santhanam
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, University Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Huan Xing
- Science and Experimental Research Center of Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang 110034, China
| | - Mingsheng Zhou
- Science and Experimental Research Center of Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang 110034, China; Shenyang Key Laboratory of Vascular Biology, Shenyang 110034, China.
| | - Hui Jia
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang 110034, China.
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Song C, Zhang J, Xu C, Gao M, Li N, Geng Q. The critical role of γ-secretase and its inhibitors in cancer and cancer therapeutics. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:5089-5103. [PMID: 37928268 PMCID: PMC10620818 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.87334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As a multi-substrate transmembrane protease, γ-secretase exists widely in various cells. It controls multiple important cellular activities through substrate cleavage. γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) play a role in cancer inhibition by blocking Notch cleavage, and are considered as potential therapeutic strategies for cancer. Currently, GSIs have encouraging performance in preclinical models, yet this success does not translate well in clinical trials. In recent years, a number of breakthrough discoveries have shown us the promise of targeting γ-secretase for the treatment of cancer. Here, we integrate a large amount of data from γ-secretase and its inhibitors and cancer in nearly 30 years, comb and discuss the close connection between γ-secretase and cancer, as well as the potential and problems of current GSIs in cancer treatment. We analyze the possible reasons for the failure performance of current GSIs in clinical trials, and make recommendations for future research areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congkuan Song
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinjin Zhang
- Department of Emergency, Taihe Hospital, Shiyan, China
| | - Chenzhen Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Minglang Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qing Geng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Kilmister EJ, Koh SP, Weth FR, Gray C, Tan ST. Cancer Metastasis and Treatment Resistance: Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Targeting of Cancer Stem Cells and the Tumor Microenvironment. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10112988. [PMID: 36428556 PMCID: PMC9687343 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112988] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer metastasis and treatment resistance are the main causes of treatment failure and cancer-related deaths. Their underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated and have been attributed to the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs)-a small population of highly tumorigenic cancer cells with pluripotency and self-renewal properties, at the apex of a cellular hierarchy. CSCs drive metastasis and treatment resistance and are sustained by a dynamic tumor microenvironment (TME). Numerous pathways mediate communication between CSCs and/or the surrounding TME. These include a paracrine renin-angiotensin system and its convergent signaling pathways, the immune system, and other signaling pathways including the Notch, Wnt/β-catenin, and Sonic Hedgehog pathways. Appreciation of the mechanisms underlying metastasis and treatment resistance, and the pathways that regulate CSCs and the TME, is essential for developing a durable treatment for cancer. Pre-clinical and clinical studies exploring single-point modulation of the pathways regulating CSCs and the surrounding TME, have yielded partial and sometimes negative results. This may be explained by the presence of uninhibited alternative signaling pathways. An effective treatment of cancer may require a multi-target strategy with multi-step inhibition of signaling pathways that regulate CSCs and the TME, in lieu of the long-standing pursuit of a 'silver-bullet' single-target approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sabrina P. Koh
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington 6242, New Zealand
| | - Freya R. Weth
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington 6242, New Zealand
| | - Clint Gray
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington 6242, New Zealand
| | - Swee T. Tan
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington 6242, New Zealand
- Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial & Burns Unit, Hutt Hospital, Lower Hutt 5010, New Zealand
- Department of Surgery, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Correspondence:
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D’Amico M, De Amicis F. Aberrant Notch signaling in gliomas: a potential landscape of actionable converging targets for combination approach in therapies resistance. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2022; 5:939-953. [PMID: 36627893 PMCID: PMC9771760 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2022.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The current therapeutic protocols and prognosis of gliomas still depend on clinicopathologic and radiographic characteristics. For high-grade gliomas, the standard of care is resection followed by radiotherapy plus temozolomide chemotherapy. However, treatment resistance develops due to different mechanisms, among which is the dynamic interplay between the tumor and its microenvironment. Different signaling pathways cause the proliferation of so-called glioma stem cells, a minor cancer cell population with stem cell-like characteristics and aggressive phenotype. In the last decades, numerous studies have indicated that Notch is a crucial pathway that maintains the characteristics of resistant glioma stem cells. Data obtained from preclinical models indicate that downregulation of the Notch pathway could induce multifaceted drug sensitivity, acting on the expression of drug-transporter proteins, inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and shaping the tumor microenvironment. This review provides a brief overview of the published data supporting the roles of Notch in drug resistance and demonstrates how potential novel strategies targeting Notch could become an efficacious action to improve the therapy of high-grade glioma to overcome drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria D’Amico
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Rende 87036, Italy
| | - Francesca De Amicis
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Rende 87036, Italy.,Health Center, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Rende 87036, Italy.,Correspondence to: Prof. Francesca De Amicis, Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Rende 87036, Italy. E-mail:
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Manni W, Min W. Signaling pathways in the regulation of cancer stem cells and associated targeted therapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e176. [PMID: 36226253 PMCID: PMC9534377 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are defined as a subpopulation of malignant tumor cells with selective capacities for tumor initiation, self-renewal, metastasis, and unlimited growth into bulks, which are believed as a major cause of progressive tumor phenotypes, including recurrence, metastasis, and treatment failure. A number of signaling pathways are involved in the maintenance of stem cell properties and survival of CSCs, including well-established intrinsic pathways, such as the Notch, Wnt, and Hedgehog signaling, and extrinsic pathways, such as the vascular microenvironment and tumor-associated immune cells. There is also intricate crosstalk between these signal cascades and other oncogenic pathways. Thus, targeting pathway molecules that regulate CSCs provides a new option for the treatment of therapy-resistant or -refractory tumors. These treatments include small molecule inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies that target key signaling in CSCs, as well as CSC-directed immunotherapies that harness the immune systems to target CSCs. This review aims to provide an overview of the regulating networks and their immune interactions involved in CSC development. We also address the update on the development of CSC-directed therapeutics, with a special focus on those with application approval or under clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Manni
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP. R. China
| | - Wu Min
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health SciencesUniversity of North DakotaGrand ForksNorth DakotaUSA
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Current Opportunities for Targeting Dysregulated Neurodevelopmental Signaling Pathways in Glioblastoma. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162530. [PMID: 36010607 PMCID: PMC9406959 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and highly lethal type of brain tumor, with poor survival despite advances in understanding its complexity. After current standard therapeutic treatment, including tumor resection, radiotherapy and concomitant chemotherapy with temozolomide, the median overall survival of patients with this type of tumor is less than 15 months. Thus, there is an urgent need for new insights into GBM molecular characteristics and progress in targeted therapy in order to improve clinical outcomes. The literature data revealed that a number of different signaling pathways are dysregulated in GBM. In this review, we intended to summarize and discuss current literature data and therapeutic modalities focused on targeting dysregulated signaling pathways in GBM. A better understanding of opportunities for targeting signaling pathways that influences malignant behavior of GBM cells might open the way for the development of novel GBM-targeted therapies.
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Targeting Glioblastoma Stem Cells to Overcome Chemoresistance: An Overview of Current Therapeutic Strategies. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061308. [PMID: 35740330 PMCID: PMC9220281 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant primary brain tumor. The current standard approach in GBM is surgery, followed by treatment with radiation and temozolomide (TMZ); however, GBM is highly resistant to current therapies, and the standard of care has not been revised over the last two decades, indicating an unmet need for new therapies. GBM stem cells (GSCs) are a major cause of chemoresistance due to their ability to confer heterogeneity and tumorigenic capacity. To improve patient outcomes and survival, it is necessary to understand the properties and mechanisms underlying GSC chemoresistance. In this review, we describe the current knowledge on various resistance mechanisms of GBM to therapeutic agents, with a special focus on TMZ, and summarize the recent findings on the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms of chemoresistance in GSCs. We also discuss novel therapeutic strategies, including molecular targeting, autophagy inhibition, oncolytic viral therapy, drug repositioning, and targeting of GSC niches, to eliminate GSCs, from basic research findings to ongoing clinical trials. Although the development of effective therapies for GBM is still challenging, this review provides a better understanding of GSCs and offers future directions for successful GBM therapy.
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Notch signaling in malignant gliomas: supporting tumor growth and the vascular environment. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2022; 41:737-747. [PMID: 35624227 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-022-10041-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most malignant form of glioma, which is the most commonly occurring tumor of the central nervous system. Notch signaling in glioblastoma is considered to be a marker of an undifferentiated tumor cell state, associated with tumor stem cells. Notch is also known for facilitating tumor dormancy escape, recurrence and progression after treatment. Studies in vitro suggest that reducing, removing or blocking the expression of this gene triggers tumor cell differentiation, which shifts the phenotype away from stemness status and consequently facilitates treatment. In contrast, in the vasculature, Notch appears to also function as an important receptor that defines mature non-leaking vessels, and increasing its expression promotes tumor normalization in models of cancer in vivo. Failures in clinical trials with Notch inhibitors are potentially related to their opposing effects on the tumor versus the tumor vasculature, which points to the need for a greater understanding of this signaling pathway.
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Oishi T, Koizumi S, Kurozumi K. Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Challenges of Glioma Invasion. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12020291. [PMID: 35204054 PMCID: PMC8870089 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12020291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma is the most common primary brain tumor, and its prognosis is poor. Glioma cells are highly invasive to the brain parenchyma. It is difficult to achieve complete resection due to the nature of the brain tissue, and tumors that invade the parenchyma often recur. The invasiveness of tumor cells has been studied from various aspects, and the related molecular mechanisms are gradually becoming clear. Cell adhesion factors and extracellular matrix factors have a strong influence on glioma invasion. The molecular mechanisms that enhance the invasiveness of glioma stem cells, which have been investigated in recent years, have also been clarified. In addition, it has been discussed from both basic and clinical perspectives that current therapies can alter the invasiveness of tumors, and there is a need to develop therapeutic approaches to glioma invasion in the future. In this review, we will summarize the factors that influence the invasiveness of glioma based on the environment of tumor cells and tissues, and describe the impact of the treatment of glioma on invasion in terms of molecular biology, and the novel therapies for invasion that are currently being developed.
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Jain S, Chalif EJ, Aghi MK. Interactions Between Anti-Angiogenic Therapy and Immunotherapy in Glioblastoma. Front Oncol 2022; 11:812916. [PMID: 35096619 PMCID: PMC8790087 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.812916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most aggressive brain tumor with a median survival ranging from 6.2 to 16.7 months. The complex interactions between the tumor and the cells of tumor microenvironment leads to tumor evolution which ultimately results in treatment failure. Immunotherapy has shown great potential in the treatment of solid tumors but has been less effective in treating glioblastoma. Failure of immunotherapy in glioblastoma has been attributed to low T-cell infiltration in glioblastoma and dysfunction of the T-cells that are present in the glioblastoma microenvironment. Recent advances in single-cell sequencing have increased our understanding of the transcriptional changes in the tumor microenvironment pre and post-treatment. Another treatment modality targeting the tumor microenvironment that has failed in glioblastoma has been anti-angiogenic therapy such as the VEGF neutralizing antibody bevacizumab, which did not improve survival in randomized clinical trials. Interestingly, the immunosuppressed microenvironment and abnormal vasculature of glioblastoma interact in ways that suggest the potential for synergy between these two therapeutic modalities that have failed individually. Abnormal tumor vasculature has been associated with immune evasion and the creation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment, suggesting that inhibiting pro-angiogenic factors like VEGF can increase infiltration of effector immune cells into the tumor microenvironment. Remodeling of the tumor vasculature by inhibiting VEGFR2 has also been shown to improve the efficacy of PDL1 cancer immunotherapy in mouse models of different cancers. In this review, we discuss the recent developments in our understanding of the glioblastoma tumor microenvironment specially the tumor vasculature and its interactions with the immune cells, and opportunities to target these interactions therapeutically. Combining anti-angiogenic and immunotherapy in glioblastoma has the potential to unlock these therapeutic modalities and impact the survival of patients with this devastating cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saket Jain
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Eric J Chalif
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Manish K Aghi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Nie P, Kalidindi T, Nagle VL, Wu X, Li T, Liao GP, Frost G, Henry KE, Punzalan B, Carter LM, Lewis JS, Pillarsetty NVK, Li YM. Imaging of Cancer γ-Secretase Activity Using an Inhibitor-Based PET Probe. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:6145-6155. [PMID: 34475100 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-0940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Abnormal Notch signaling promotes cancer cell growth and tumor progression in various cancers. Targeting γ-secretase, a pivotal regulator in the Notch pathway, has yielded numerous γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) for clinical investigation in the last 2 decades. However, GSIs have demonstrated minimal success in clinical trials in part due to the lack of specific and precise tools to assess γ-secretase activity and its inhibition in vivo. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We designed an imaging probe based on GSI Semagacestat structure and synthesized the radioiodine-labeled analogues [131I]- or [124I]-PN67 from corresponding trimethyl-tin precursors. Both membrane- and cell-based ligand-binding assays were performed using [131I]-PN67 to determine the binding affinity and specificity for γ-secretase in vitro. Moreover, we evaluated [124I]-PN67 by PET imaging in mammary tumor and glioblastoma mouse models. RESULTS The probe was synthesized through iodo-destannylation using chloramine-T as an oxidant with a high labeling yield and efficiency. In vitro binding results demonstrate the high specificity of this probe and its ability for target replacement study by clinical GSIs. PET imaging studies demonstrated a significant (P < 0.05) increased in the uptake of [124I]-PN67 in tumors versus blocking or sham control groups across multiple mouse models, including 4T1 allograft, MMTV-PyMT breast cancer, and U87 glioblastoma allograft. Ex vivo biodistribution and autoradiography corroborate these results, indicating γ-secretase specific tumor accumulation of [124I]-PN67. CONCLUSIONS [124I]-PN67 is a novel PET imaging agent that enables assessment of γ-secretase activity and target engagement of clinical GSIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengju Nie
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Program of Pharmacology, Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, New York, New York
| | - Teja Kalidindi
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Veronica L Nagle
- Program of Pharmacology, Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, New York, New York.,Program in Molecular Pharmacology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Xianzhong Wu
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Thomas Li
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Program of Neurosciences, Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, New York, New York
| | - George P Liao
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Program of Pharmacology, Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, New York, New York
| | - Georgia Frost
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Kelly E Henry
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Blesida Punzalan
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Lukas M Carter
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Jason S Lewis
- Program of Pharmacology, Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, New York, New York.,Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Program in Molecular Pharmacology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | | | - Yue-Ming Li
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York. .,Program of Pharmacology, Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, New York, New York.,Program of Neurosciences, Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, New York, New York
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15
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Rahman A, Lozada-Martinez ID, Rahman S, Ataullah AHM, Muñoz-Baez K, Moscote-Salazar LR, Agrawal A, Rahman MM. Letter: A Phase II and Pharmacodynamic Trial of RO4929097 for Patients With Recurrent/Progressive Glioblastoma. Neurosurgery 2021; 89:E78-E79. [PMID: 33822209 DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyab097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Abdur Rahman
- Dhaka Medical College and Hospital Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Sabrina Rahman
- Department of Public Health Independent University-Bangladesh Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - A H M Ataullah
- Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital Barishal, Bangladesh
| | - Karen Muñoz-Baez
- Colombian Clinical Research Group in Neurocritical Care University of Cartagena Cartagena, Colombia
| | - Luis Rafael Moscote-Salazar
- Colombian Clinical Research Group in Neurocritical Care Faculty of Medicine University of Cartagena Cartagena, Colombia
| | - Amit Agrawal
- Department of Neurosurgery All India Institute of Medical Sciences Bhopal, India
| | - Md Moshiur Rahman
- Neurosurgery Department Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College Dhaka, Bangladesh
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16
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Catara G, Spano D. Combinatorial Strategies to Target Molecular and Signaling Pathways to Disarm Cancer Stem Cells. Front Oncol 2021; 11:689131. [PMID: 34381714 PMCID: PMC8352560 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.689131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is an urgent public health issue with a very huge number of cases all over the world expected to increase by 2040. Despite improved diagnosis and therapeutic protocols, it remains the main leading cause of death in the world. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) constitute a tumor subpopulation defined by ability to self-renewal and to generate the heterogeneous and differentiated cell lineages that form the tumor bulk. These cells represent a major concern in cancer treatment due to resistance to conventional protocols of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and molecular targeted therapy. In fact, although partial or complete tumor regression can be achieved in patients, these responses are often followed by cancer relapse due to the expansion of CSCs population. The aberrant activation of developmental and oncogenic signaling pathways plays a relevant role in promoting CSCs therapy resistance. Although several targeted approaches relying on monotherapy have been developed to affect these pathways, they have shown limited efficacy. Therefore, an urgent need to design alternative combinatorial strategies to replace conventional regimens exists. This review summarizes the preclinical studies which provide a proof of concept of therapeutic efficacy of combinatorial approaches targeting the CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliana Catara
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Spano
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
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17
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Aggarwal V, Tuli HS, Varol M, Tuorkey M, Sak K, Parashar NC, Barwal TS, Sharma U, Iqubal A, Parashar G, Jain A. NOTCH signaling: Journey of an evolutionarily conserved pathway in driving tumor progression and its modulation as a therapeutic target. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2021; 164:103403. [PMID: 34214610 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Notch signaling, an evolutionarily conserved signaling cascade, is critical for normal biological processes of cell differentiation, development, and homeostasis. Deregulation of the Notch signaling pathway has been associated with tumor progression. Thus, Notch presents as an interesting target for a variety of cancer subtypes and its signaling mechanisms have been actively explored from the therapeutic viewpoint. However, besides acting as an oncogene, Notch pathway can possess also tumor suppressive functions, being implicated in inhibition of cancer development. Given such interesting dual and dynamic role of Notch, in this review, we discuss how the evolutionarily conserved Notch signaling pathway drives hallmarks of tumor progression and how it could be targeted for a promising treatment and management of cancer. In addition, the up-to-date information on the inhibitors currently under clinical trials for Notch targets is presented along with how NOTCH inhibitors can be used in conjunction with established chemotherapy/radiotherapy regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaishali Aggarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA.
| | - Hardeep Singh Tuli
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala, 133 207, Haryana, India.
| | - Mehmet Varol
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, Mugla, TR48000, Turkey.
| | - Muobarak Tuorkey
- Division of Physiology, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt.
| | | | - Nidarshana Chaturvedi Parashar
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala, 133 207, Haryana, India.
| | - Tushar Singh Barwal
- Department of Zoology, Central University of Punjab, Village-Ghudda, 151 401, Punjab, India.
| | - Uttam Sharma
- Department of Zoology, Central University of Punjab, Village-Ghudda, 151 401, Punjab, India.
| | - Ashif Iqubal
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (Formerly Faculty of Pharmacy), Jamia Hamdard (Deemed to be University), Delhi, India.
| | - Gaurav Parashar
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala, 133 207, Haryana, India.
| | - Aklank Jain
- Department of Zoology, Central University of Punjab, Village-Ghudda, 151 401, Punjab, India.
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18
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Paul MR, Zage PE. Overview and recent advances in the targeting of medulloblastoma cancer stem cells. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2021; 21:957-974. [PMID: 34047251 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2021.1932472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Medulloblastoma, an embryonal small round blue cell tumor primarily arising in the posterior fossa, is the most common malignancy of the central nervous system in children and requires intensive multi-modality therapy for cure. Overall 5-year survival is approximately 75% in children with primary disease, but outcomes for relapsed disease are very poor. Recent advances have identified molecular subgroups with excellent prognosis, with 5-year overall survival rates >90%, and subgroups with very poor prognosis with overall survival rates <50%. Molecular subtyping has allowed for more sophisticated risk stratification of patients, but new treatments for the highest risk patients have not yet improved outcomes. Targeting cancer stem cells may improve outcomes, and several candidate targets and novel drugs are under investigation.Areas covered: We discuss medulloblastoma epidemiology, biology, treatment modalities, risk stratification, and molecular subgroup analysis, links between subgroup and developmental biology, cancer stem cell biology in medulloblastoma including previously described cancer stem cell markers and proposed targeted treatments in the current literature.Expert opinion: The understanding of cancer stem cells in medulloblastoma will advance therapies targeting the most treatment-resistant cells within the tumor and therefore reduce the incidence of treatment refractory and relapsed disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Rose Paul
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA (M.R.P., P.E.Z.); Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Peter E Zage
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA (M.R.P., P.E.Z.); Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
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19
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Cruz Da Silva E, Mercier MC, Etienne-Selloum N, Dontenwill M, Choulier L. A Systematic Review of Glioblastoma-Targeted Therapies in Phases II, III, IV Clinical Trials. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1795. [PMID: 33918704 PMCID: PMC8069979 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM), the most frequent and aggressive glial tumor, is currently treated as first line by the Stupp protocol, which combines, after surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. For recurrent GBM, in absence of standard treatment or available clinical trials, various protocols including cytotoxic drugs and/or bevacizumab are currently applied. Despite these heavy treatments, the mean overall survival of patients is under 18 months. Many clinical studies are underway. Based on clinicaltrials.org and conducted up to 1 April 2020, this review lists, not only main, but all targeted therapies in phases II-IV of 257 clinical trials on adults with newly diagnosed or recurrent GBMs for the last twenty years. It does not involve targeted immunotherapies and therapies targeting tumor cell metabolism, that are well documented in other reviews. Without surprise, the most frequently reported drugs are those targeting (i) EGFR (40 clinical trials), and more generally tyrosine kinase receptors (85 clinical trials) and (ii) VEGF/VEGFR (75 clinical trials of which 53 involving bevacizumab). But many other targets and drugs are of interest. They are all listed and thoroughly described, on an one-on-one basis, in four sections related to targeting (i) GBM stem cells and stem cell pathways, (ii) the growth autonomy and migration, (iii) the cell cycle and the escape to cell death, (iv) and angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabete Cruz Da Silva
- CNRS, UMR 7021, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 67401 Illkirch, France; (E.C.D.S.); (M.-C.M.); (N.E.-S.); (M.D.)
| | - Marie-Cécile Mercier
- CNRS, UMR 7021, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 67401 Illkirch, France; (E.C.D.S.); (M.-C.M.); (N.E.-S.); (M.D.)
| | - Nelly Etienne-Selloum
- CNRS, UMR 7021, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 67401 Illkirch, France; (E.C.D.S.); (M.-C.M.); (N.E.-S.); (M.D.)
- Service de Pharmacie, Institut de Cancérologie Strasbourg Europe, 67200 Strasbourg, France
| | - Monique Dontenwill
- CNRS, UMR 7021, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 67401 Illkirch, France; (E.C.D.S.); (M.-C.M.); (N.E.-S.); (M.D.)
| | - Laurence Choulier
- CNRS, UMR 7021, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 67401 Illkirch, France; (E.C.D.S.); (M.-C.M.); (N.E.-S.); (M.D.)
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20
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Raghav PK, Mann Z. Cancer stem cells targets and combined therapies to prevent cancer recurrence. Life Sci 2021; 277:119465. [PMID: 33831426 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) control the dynamics of tumorigenesis by self-renewal ability and differentiation potential. These properties contribute towards tumor malignancy, metastasis, cellular heterogeneity, and immune escape, which are regulated by multiple signaling pathways. The CSCs are chemoresistant and cause cancer recurrence, generally recognized as a small side-population that eventually leads to tumor relapse. Despite many treatment options available, none can be considered entirely efficient due to a lack of specificity and dose limitation. This review primarily highlights the processes involved in CSCs development and maintenance. Secondly, the current effective therapies based on stem cells, cell-free therapies that involve exosomes and miRNAs, and photodynamic therapy have been discussed. Also, the inhibitors that specifically target various signaling pathways, which can be used in combination to control CSCs kinetics have been highlighted. Conclusively, this comprehensive review is a detailed study of recently developed novel treatment strategies that will facilitate in coming up with better-targeted approaches against CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zoya Mann
- Independent Researcher, New Delhi, India
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21
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McCaw TR, Inga E, Chen H, Jaskula‐Sztul R, Dudeja V, Bibb JA, Ren B, Rose JB. Gamma Secretase Inhibitors in Cancer: A Current Perspective on Clinical Performance. Oncologist 2021; 26:e608-e621. [PMID: 33284507 PMCID: PMC8018325 DOI: 10.1002/onco.13627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Gamma secretase inhibitors (GSIs), initially developed as Alzheimer's therapies, have been repurposed as anticancer agents given their inhibition of Notch receptor cleavage. The success of GSIs in preclinical models has been ascribed to induction of cancer stem-like cell differentiation and apoptosis, while also impairing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and sensitizing cells to traditional chemoradiotherapies. The promise of these agents has yet to be realized in the clinic, however, as GSIs have failed to demonstrate clinical benefit in most solid tumors with the notable exceptions of CNS malignancies and desmoid tumors. Disappointing clinical performance to date reflects important questions that remain to be answered. For example, what is the net impact of these agents on antitumor immune responses, and will they require concurrent targeting of tumor-intrinsic compensatory pathways? Addressing these limitations in our current understanding of GSI mechanisms will undoubtedly facilitate their rational incorporation into combinatorial strategies and provide a valuable tool with which to combat Notch-dependent cancers. In the present review, we provide a current understanding of GSI mechanisms, discuss clinical performance to date, and suggest areas for future investigation that might maximize the utility of these agents. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The performance of gamma secretase inhibitors (GSIs) in clinical trials generally has not reflected their encouraging performance in preclinical studies. This review provides a current perspective on the clinical performance of GSIs across various solid tumor types alongside putative mechanisms of antitumor activity. Through exploration of outstanding gaps in knowledge as well as reasons for success in certain cancer types, the authors identify areas for future investigation that will likely enable incorporation of GSIs into rational combinatorial strategies for superior tumor control and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler R. McCaw
- Divisions of Surgical Oncology, The University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Evelyn Inga
- Divisions of Surgical Oncology, The University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Herbert Chen
- Breast & Endocrine Surgery, The University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Renata Jaskula‐Sztul
- Breast & Endocrine Surgery, The University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Vikas Dudeja
- Divisions of Surgical Oncology, The University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - James A. Bibb
- Gastrointestinal Surgery, The University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Bin Ren
- Vascular Surgery & Endovascular Therapy, Department of Surgery, The University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - J. Bart Rose
- Divisions of Surgical Oncology, The University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
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22
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Zhou HM, Zhang JG, Zhang X, Li Q. Targeting cancer stem cells for reversing therapy resistance: mechanism, signaling, and prospective agents. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:62. [PMID: 33589595 PMCID: PMC7884707 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00430-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) show a self-renewal capacity and differentiation potential that contribute to tumor progression and therapy resistance. However, the underlying processes are still unclear. Elucidation of the key hallmarks and resistance mechanisms of CSCs may help improve patient outcomes and reduce relapse by altering therapeutic regimens. Here, we reviewed the identification of CSCs, the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms of therapy resistance in CSCs, the signaling pathways of CSCs that mediate treatment failure, and potential CSC-targeting agents in various tumors from the clinical perspective. Targeting the mechanisms and pathways described here might contribute to further drug discovery and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- He-Ming Zhou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of medicine, No.100 Haining Road, 200080, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ji-Gang Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of medicine, No.100 Haining Road, 200080, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of medicine, No.100 Haining Road, 200080, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Qin Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of medicine, No.100 Haining Road, 200080, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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23
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Dzobo K, Senthebane DA, Ganz C, Thomford NE, Wonkam A, Dandara C. Advances in Therapeutic Targeting of Cancer Stem Cells within the Tumor Microenvironment: An Updated Review. Cells 2020; 9:E1896. [PMID: 32823711 PMCID: PMC7464860 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite great strides being achieved in improving cancer patients' outcomes through better therapies and combinatorial treatment, several hurdles still remain due to therapy resistance, cancer recurrence and metastasis. Drug resistance culminating in relapse continues to be associated with fatal disease. The cancer stem cell theory posits that tumors are driven by specialized cancer cells called cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are a subpopulation of cancer cells known to be resistant to therapy and cause metastasis. Whilst the debate on whether CSCs are the origins of the primary tumor rages on, CSCs have been further characterized in many cancers with data illustrating that CSCs display great abilities to self-renew, resist therapies due to enhanced epithelial to mesenchymal (EMT) properties, enhanced expression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) membrane transporters, activation of several survival signaling pathways and increased immune evasion as well as DNA repair mechanisms. CSCs also display great heterogeneity with the consequential lack of specific CSC markers presenting a great challenge to their targeting. In this updated review we revisit CSCs within the tumor microenvironment (TME) and present novel treatment strategies targeting CSCs. These promising strategies include targeting CSCs-specific properties using small molecule inhibitors, immunotherapy, microRNA mediated inhibitors, epigenetic methods as well as targeting CSC niche-microenvironmental factors and differentiation. Lastly, we present recent clinical trials undertaken to try to turn the tide against cancer by targeting CSC-associated drug resistance and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Dzobo
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town Component, Wernher and Beit Building (South), UCT Medical Campus, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (D.A.S.); (C.G.)
- Division of Medical Biochemistry and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Dimakatso Alice Senthebane
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town Component, Wernher and Beit Building (South), UCT Medical Campus, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (D.A.S.); (C.G.)
- Division of Medical Biochemistry and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Chelene Ganz
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town Component, Wernher and Beit Building (South), UCT Medical Campus, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (D.A.S.); (C.G.)
- Division of Medical Biochemistry and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Nicholas Ekow Thomford
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology and Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (N.E.T.); (A.W.); (C.D.)
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, PMB, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Ambroise Wonkam
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology and Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (N.E.T.); (A.W.); (C.D.)
| | - Collet Dandara
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology and Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (N.E.T.); (A.W.); (C.D.)
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Vieira de Castro J, Gonçalves CS, Hormigo A, Costa BM. Exploiting the Complexities of Glioblastoma Stem Cells: Insights for Cancer Initiation and Therapeutic Targeting. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155278. [PMID: 32722427 PMCID: PMC7432229 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) in the 2000s revolutionized the cancer research field, raising new questions regarding the putative cell(s) of origin of this tumor type, and partly explaining the highly heterogeneous nature of glioblastoma (GBM). Increasing evidence has suggested that GSCs play critical roles in tumor initiation, progression, and resistance to conventional therapies. The remarkable oncogenic features of GSCs have generated significant interest in better defining and characterizing these cells and determining novel pathways driving GBM that could constitute attractive key therapeutic targets. While exciting breakthroughs have been achieved in the field, the characterization of GSCs is a challenge and the cell of origin of GBM remains controversial. For example, the use of several cell-surface molecular markers to identify and isolate GSCs has been a challenge. It is now widely accepted that none of these markers is, per se, sufficiently robust to distinguish GSCs from normal stem cells. Finding new strategies that are able to more efficiently and specifically target these niches could also prove invaluable against this devastating and therapy-insensitive tumor. In this review paper, we summarize the most relevant findings and discuss emerging concepts and open questions in the field of GSCs, some of which are, to some extent, pertinent to other cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Vieira de Castro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (J.V.d.C.); (C.S.G.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Céline S. Gonçalves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (J.V.d.C.); (C.S.G.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Adília Hormigo
- Department of Neurology, Neurosurgery, Medicine, The Tisch Cancer Institute and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY 10029-6574, USA;
| | - Bruno M. Costa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (J.V.d.C.); (C.S.G.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +35-1-253-604-872
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Moore G, Annett S, McClements L, Robson T. Top Notch Targeting Strategies in Cancer: A Detailed Overview of Recent Insights and Current Perspectives. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061503. [PMID: 32575680 PMCID: PMC7349363 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Evolutionarily conserved Notch plays a critical role in embryonic development and cellular self-renewal. It has both tumour suppressor and oncogenic activity, the latter of which is widely described. Notch-activating mutations are associated with haematological malignancies and several solid tumours including breast, lung and adenoid cystic carcinoma. Moreover, upregulation of Notch receptors and ligands and aberrant Notch signalling is frequently observed in cancer. It is involved in cancer hallmarks including proliferation, survival, migration, angiogenesis, cancer stem cell renewal, metastasis and drug resistance. It is a key component of cell-to-cell interactions between cancer cells and cells of the tumour microenvironment, such as endothelial cells, immune cells and fibroblasts. Notch displays diverse crosstalk with many other oncogenic signalling pathways, and may drive acquired resistance to targeted therapies as well as resistance to standard chemo/radiation therapy. The past 10 years have seen the emergence of different classes of drugs therapeutically targeting Notch including receptor/ligand antibodies, gamma secretase inhibitors (GSI) and most recently, the development of Notch transcription complex inhibitors. It is an exciting time for Notch research with over 70 cancer clinical trials registered and the first-ever Phase III trial of a Notch GSI, nirogacestat, currently at the recruitment stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian Moore
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, Royal College of Surgeons, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland; (G.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Stephanie Annett
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, Royal College of Surgeons, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland; (G.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Lana McClements
- The School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia;
| | - Tracy Robson
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, Royal College of Surgeons, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland; (G.M.); (S.A.)
- Correspondence:
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Panza S, Russo U, Giordano F, Leggio A, Barone I, Bonofiglio D, Gelsomino L, Malivindi R, Conforti FL, Naimo GD, Giordano C, Catalano S, Andò S. Leptin and Notch Signaling Cooperate in Sustaining Glioblastoma Multiforme Progression. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10060886. [PMID: 32526957 PMCID: PMC7356667 DOI: 10.3390/biom10060886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant form of glioma, which represents one of the commonly occurring tumors of the central nervous system. Despite the continuous development of new clinical therapies against this malignancy, it still remains a deadly disease with very poor prognosis. Here, we demonstrated the existence of a biologically active interaction between leptin and Notch signaling pathways that sustains GBM development and progression. We found that the expression of leptin and its receptors was significantly higher in human glioblastoma cells, U-87 MG and T98G, than in a normal human glial cell line, SVG p12, and that activation of leptin signaling induced growth and motility in GBM cells. Interestingly, flow cytometry and real-time RT-PCR assays revealed that GBM cells, grown as neurospheres, displayed stem cell-like properties (CD133+) along with an enhanced expression of leptin receptors. Leptin treatment significantly increased the neurosphere forming efficiency, self-renewal capacity, and mRNA expression levels of the stemness markers CD133, Nestin, SOX2, and GFAP. Mechanistically, we evidenced a leptin-mediated upregulation of Notch 1 receptor and the activation of its downstream effectors and target molecules. Leptin-induced effects on U-87 MG and T98G cells were abrogated by the selective leptin antagonist, the peptide LDFI (Leu-Asp-Phe-Ile), as well as by the specific Notch signaling inhibitor, GSI (Gamma Secretase Inhibitor) and in the presence of a dominant-negative of mastermind-like-1. Overall, these findings demonstrate, for the first time, a functional interaction between leptin and Notch signaling in GBM, highlighting leptin/Notch crosstalk as a potential novel therapeutic target for GBM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Panza
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy; (S.P.); (U.R.); (F.G.); (A.L.); (I.B.); (D.B.); (L.G.); (R.M.); (F.L.C.); (G.D.N.); (C.G.)
| | - Umberto Russo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy; (S.P.); (U.R.); (F.G.); (A.L.); (I.B.); (D.B.); (L.G.); (R.M.); (F.L.C.); (G.D.N.); (C.G.)
| | - Francesca Giordano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy; (S.P.); (U.R.); (F.G.); (A.L.); (I.B.); (D.B.); (L.G.); (R.M.); (F.L.C.); (G.D.N.); (C.G.)
| | - Antonella Leggio
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy; (S.P.); (U.R.); (F.G.); (A.L.); (I.B.); (D.B.); (L.G.); (R.M.); (F.L.C.); (G.D.N.); (C.G.)
| | - Ines Barone
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy; (S.P.); (U.R.); (F.G.); (A.L.); (I.B.); (D.B.); (L.G.); (R.M.); (F.L.C.); (G.D.N.); (C.G.)
| | - Daniela Bonofiglio
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy; (S.P.); (U.R.); (F.G.); (A.L.); (I.B.); (D.B.); (L.G.); (R.M.); (F.L.C.); (G.D.N.); (C.G.)
- Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Luca Gelsomino
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy; (S.P.); (U.R.); (F.G.); (A.L.); (I.B.); (D.B.); (L.G.); (R.M.); (F.L.C.); (G.D.N.); (C.G.)
| | - Rocco Malivindi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy; (S.P.); (U.R.); (F.G.); (A.L.); (I.B.); (D.B.); (L.G.); (R.M.); (F.L.C.); (G.D.N.); (C.G.)
| | - Francesca Luisa Conforti
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy; (S.P.); (U.R.); (F.G.); (A.L.); (I.B.); (D.B.); (L.G.); (R.M.); (F.L.C.); (G.D.N.); (C.G.)
- Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Giuseppina Daniela Naimo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy; (S.P.); (U.R.); (F.G.); (A.L.); (I.B.); (D.B.); (L.G.); (R.M.); (F.L.C.); (G.D.N.); (C.G.)
| | - Cinzia Giordano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy; (S.P.); (U.R.); (F.G.); (A.L.); (I.B.); (D.B.); (L.G.); (R.M.); (F.L.C.); (G.D.N.); (C.G.)
- Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Stefania Catalano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy; (S.P.); (U.R.); (F.G.); (A.L.); (I.B.); (D.B.); (L.G.); (R.M.); (F.L.C.); (G.D.N.); (C.G.)
- Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
- Correspondence: (S.C.); (S.A.); Tel.: +39-0984-496207 (S.C.); +39-0984-496201 (S.A.)
| | - Sebastiano Andò
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy; (S.P.); (U.R.); (F.G.); (A.L.); (I.B.); (D.B.); (L.G.); (R.M.); (F.L.C.); (G.D.N.); (C.G.)
- Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
- Correspondence: (S.C.); (S.A.); Tel.: +39-0984-496207 (S.C.); +39-0984-496201 (S.A.)
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Otani Y, Yoo JY, Chao S, Liu J, Jaime-Ramirez AC, Lee TJ, Hurwitz B, Yan Y, Dai H, Glorioso JC, Caligiuri MA, Yu J, Kaur B. Oncolytic HSV-Infected Glioma Cells Activate NOTCH in Adjacent Tumor Cells Sensitizing Tumors to Gamma Secretase Inhibition. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:2381-2392. [PMID: 32139403 PMCID: PMC7325527 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-3420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the effect of oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) on NOTCH signaling in central nervous system tumors. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Bioluminescence imaging, reverse phase protein array proteomics, fluorescence microscopy, reporter assays, and molecular biology approaches were used to evaluate NOTCH signaling. Orthotopic glioma-mouse models were utilized to evaluate effects in vivo. RESULTS We have identified that herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1; oncolytic and wild-type)-infected glioma cells induce NOTCH signaling, from inside of infected cells into adjacent tumor cells (inside out signaling). This was canonical NOTCH signaling, which resulted in activation of RBPJ-dependent transcriptional activity that could be rescued with dnMAML. High-throughput screening of HSV-1-encoded cDNA and miRNA libraries further uncovered that HSV-1 miR-H16 induced NOTCH signaling. We further identified that factor inhibiting HIF-1 (FIH-1) is a direct target of miR-H16, and that FIH-1 downregulation by virus encoded miR-H16 induces NOTCH activity. FIH-1 binding to Mib1 has been reported, but this is the first report that shows FIH-1 sequester Mib1 to suppress NOTCH activation. We observed that FIH-1 degradation induced NOTCH ligand ubiquitination and NOTCH activity. REMBRANDT and The Cancer Genome Atlas data analysis also uncovered a significant negative regulation between FIH-1 and NOTCH. Furthermore, combination of oHSV with NOTCH-blocking gamma secretase inhibitor (GSI) had a therapeutic advantage in two different intracranial glioma models treated with oncolytic HSV, without affecting safety profile of the virus in vivo. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge this is the first report to identify impact of HSV-1 on NOTCH signaling and highlights the significance of combining oHSV and GSI for glioblastoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiro Otani
- The Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Ji Young Yoo
- The Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Samantha Chao
- The Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
- Rice University, Houston, Texas
| | - Joseph Liu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Alena Cristina Jaime-Ramirez
- Department of Neurological Surgery, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Tae Jin Lee
- The Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Brian Hurwitz
- Department of Neurological Surgery, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
- Weill Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan Kettering Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program, New York, New York
| | - Yuanqing Yan
- The Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Hongsheng Dai
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California
| | - Joseph C Glorioso
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Jianhua Yu
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California
| | - Balveen Kaur
- The Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas.
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Sun Z, Wang L, Zhou Y, Dong L, Ma W, Lv L, Zhang J, Wang X. Glioblastoma Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Enhance Stemness and Tumorigenicity of Glioma Cells by Transferring Notch1 Protein. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2019; 40:767-784. [PMID: 31853695 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-019-00771-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Exosomes contain plenty of bioactive information, playing an important role in intercellular communication by transfer their bioactive molecular contents to recipient cells. Glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) and non-GSC glioma cells coexist in GBM microenvironment; GSC-released exosomes contain intracellular signaling molecules, which may affect the biological phenotypes of recipient cells. However, whether GSC exosomes could affect the biological phenotype of non-GSC glioma cells has not yet been defined. To explore whether GSC exosomes could reprogramme non-GSC glioma cells into GSCs and its possible mechanism involved, non-GSC glioma cells were treated with GSCs released exosomes; the potential mechanisms of action were studied with RNA interference, Notch inhibitors and Western blot analysis. The proliferation, neurosphere formation, invasive capacities, and tumorigenicity of non-GSC glioma cells were increased significantly after GSC exosome treatment; Notch1 signaling pathway was activated in GSCs; Notch1 protein was highly enriched in GSC exosomes; Notch1 signaling pathway and stemness-related protein expressions were increased in GSC exosome treated non-GSC glioma cells and these cell generated tumor tissues; Notch1 protein expression in GSCs and their exosomes, and the neurosphere formation of GSCs were decreased by Notch1 RNA interference; Notch1 signaling pathway protein and stemness protein expressions were decreased in GSC exosome treated non-GSC glioma cells by Notch1 RNA interference and Notch inhibitors. The findings in this study indicated that GSC exosomes act as information carriers, mediated non-GSC glioma cell dedifferentiation into GSCs by delivering Notch1 protein through Notch1 signaling activation, and enhanced stemness and tumorigenicity of non-GSC glioma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Sun
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Clinical Medical School, Sichuan University, No. 1 Keyuan Road 4, Gaopeng Avenu, Hi-tech Zone, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Li Wang
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Clinical Medical School, Sichuan University, No. 1 Keyuan Road 4, Gaopeng Avenu, Hi-tech Zone, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yueling Zhou
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Clinical Medical School, Sichuan University, No. 1 Keyuan Road 4, Gaopeng Avenu, Hi-tech Zone, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Lihua Dong
- Human Anatomy Department, School of Preclinical and Forensic Medcine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Weichao Ma
- Neurosurgery Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Liang Lv
- Neurosurgery Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Clinical Medical School, Sichuan University, No. 1 Keyuan Road 4, Gaopeng Avenu, Hi-tech Zone, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiujie Wang
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Clinical Medical School, Sichuan University, No. 1 Keyuan Road 4, Gaopeng Avenu, Hi-tech Zone, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Dzobo K, Thomford NE, Senthebane DA. Targeting the Versatile Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway in Cancer Biology and Therapeutics: From Concept to Actionable Strategy. OMICS-A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2019; 23:517-538. [PMID: 31613700 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2019.0147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This expert review offers a critical synthesis of the latest insights and approaches at targeting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in various cancers such as colorectal cancer, melanoma, leukemia, and breast and lung cancers. Notably, from organogenesis to cancer, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling displays varied and highly versatile biological functions in animals, with virtually all tissues requiring the Wnt/β-catenin signaling in one way or the other. Aberrant expression of the members of the Wnt/β-catenin has been implicated in many pathological conditions, particularly in human cancers. Mutations in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway genes have been noted in diverse cancers. Biochemical and genetic data support the idea that inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling is beneficial in cancer therapeutics. The interaction of this important pathway with other signaling systems is also noteworthy, but remains as an area for further research and discovery. In addition, formation of different complexes by components of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and the precise roles of these complexes in the cytoplasmic milieu are yet to be fully elucidated. This article highlights the latest medical technologies in imaging, single-cell omics, use of artificial intelligence (e.g., machine learning techniques), genome sequencing, quantum computing, molecular docking, and computational softwares in modeling interactions between molecules and predicting protein-protein and compound-protein interactions pertinent to the biology and therapeutic value of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. We discuss these emerging technologies in relationship to what is currently needed to move from concept to actionable strategies in translating the Wnt/β-catenin laboratory discoveries to Wnt-targeted cancer therapies and diagnostics in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Dzobo
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town, South Africa.,Division of Medical Biochemistry and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nicholas Ekow Thomford
- Pharmacogenetics Research Group, Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology and Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dimakatso A Senthebane
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town, South Africa.,Division of Medical Biochemistry and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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30
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Du FY, Zhou QF, Sun WJ, Chen GL. Targeting cancer stem cells in drug discovery: Current state and future perspectives. World J Stem Cells 2019; 11:398-420. [PMID: 31396368 PMCID: PMC6682504 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v11.i7.398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been increasingly identified in many malignancies. CSC-related signaling pathways and their functions provide new strategies for treating cancer. The aberrant activation of related signaling pathways (e.g., Wnt, Notch, and Hedgehog pathways) has been linked to multiple types of malignant tumors, which makes these pathways attractive targets for cancer therapy. CSCs display many characteristic features, such as self-renewal, differentiation, high tumorigenicity, and drug resistance. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new therapeutic strategies to target these pathways to control stem cell replication, survival, and differentiation. Notable crosstalk occurs among different signaling pathways and potentially leads to compensatory escape. Therefore, multitarget inhibitors will be one of the main methods to overcome the drug resistance of CSCs. Many small molecule inhibitors of components of signaling pathways in CSCs have entered clinical trials, and some inhibitors, such as vismodegib, sonidegib, and glasdegib, have been approved. Tumor cells are susceptible to sonidegib and vismodegib resistance due to mutations in the Smo protein. The signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) inhibitor BBI608 is being evaluated in a phase III trial for a variety of cancers. Structural derivatives of BBI608 are the main focus of STAT3 inhibitor development, which is another strategy for CSC therapy. In addition to the potential pharmacological inhibitors targeting CSC-related signaling pathways, other methods of targeting CSCs are available, such as nano-drug delivery systems, mitochondrion targeting, autophagy, hyperthermia, immunotherapy, and CSC microenvironment targeting. In addition, we summarize the latest advances in the clinical development of agents targeting CSC-related signaling pathways and other methods of targeting CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Yu Du
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Qi-Fan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Wen-Jiao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Guo-Liang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, Liaoning Province, China
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31
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Feng YL, Chen DQ, Vaziri ND, Guo Y, Zhao YY. Small molecule inhibitors of epithelial-mesenchymal transition for the treatment of cancer and fibrosis. Med Res Rev 2019; 40:54-78. [PMID: 31131921 DOI: 10.1002/med.21596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Tissue fibrosis and cancer both lead to high morbidity and mortality worldwide; thus, effective therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Because drug resistance has been widely reported in fibrotic tissue and cancer, developing a strategy to discover novel targets for targeted drug intervention is necessary for the effective treatment of fibrosis and cancer. Although many factors lead to fibrosis and cancer, pathophysiological analysis has demonstrated that tissue fibrosis and cancer share a common process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is associated with many mediators, including transcription factors (Snail, zinc-finger E-box-binding protein and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3), signaling pathways (transforming growth factor-β1, RAC-α serine/threonine-protein kinase, Wnt, nuclear factor-kappa B, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, Notch, and RAS), RNA-binding proteins (ESRP1 and ESRP2) and microRNAs. Therefore, drugs targeting EMT may be a promising therapy against both fibrosis and tumors. A large number of compounds that are synthesized or derived from natural products and their derivatives suppress the EMT by targeting these mediators in fibrosis and cancer. By targeting EMT, these compounds exhibited anticancer effects in multiple cancer types, and some of them also showed antifibrotic effects. Therefore, drugs targeting EMT not only have both antifibrotic and anticancer effects but also exert effective therapeutic effects on multiorgan fibrosis and cancer, which provides effective therapy against fibrosis and cancer. Taken together, the results highlighted in this review provide new concepts for discovering new antifibrotic and antitumor drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Long Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dan-Qian Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Nosratola D Vaziri
- Department of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Yan Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Ying-Yong Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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32
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Bazzoni R, Bentivegna A. Role of Notch Signaling Pathway in Glioblastoma Pathogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11030292. [PMID: 30832246 PMCID: PMC6468848 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11030292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Revised: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Notch signaling is an evolutionarily conserved pathway that regulates important biological processes, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, self-renewal, and differentiation. In mammals, Notch signaling is composed of four receptors (Notch1–4) and five ligands (Dll1-3–4, Jagged1–2) that mainly contribute to the development and maintenance of the central nervous system (CNS). Neural stem cells (NSCs) are the starting point for neurogenesis and other neurological functions, representing an essential aspect for the homeostasis of the CNS. Therefore, genetic and functional alterations to NSCs can lead to the development of brain tumors, including glioblastoma. Glioblastoma remains an incurable disease, and the reason for the failure of current therapies and tumor relapse is the presence of a small subpopulation of tumor cells known as glioma stem cells (GSCs), characterized by their stem cell-like properties and aggressive phenotype. Growing evidence reveals that Notch signaling is highly active in GSCs, where it suppresses differentiation and maintains stem-like properties, contributing to Glioblastoma tumorigenesis and conventional-treatment resistance. In this review, we try to give a comprehensive view of the contribution of Notch signaling to Glioblastoma and its possible implication as a target for new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Bazzoni
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Section of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Pz.le Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy.
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy.
- NeuroMi, Milan Center for Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy.
| | - Angela Bentivegna
- NeuroMi, Milan Center for Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy.
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy.
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33
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Turdo A, Veschi V, Gaggianesi M, Chinnici A, Bianca P, Todaro M, Stassi G. Meeting the Challenge of Targeting Cancer Stem Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:16. [PMID: 30834247 PMCID: PMC6387961 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Notwithstanding cancer patients benefit from a plethora of therapeutic alternatives, drug resistance remains a critical hurdle. Indeed, the high mortality rate is associated with metastatic disease, which is mostly incurable due to the refractoriness of metastatic cells to current treatments. Increasing data demonstrate that tumors contain a small subpopulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) able to establish primary tumor and metastasis. CSCs are endowed with multiple treatment resistance capabilities comprising a highly efficient DNA damage repair machinery, the activation of survival pathways, enhanced cellular plasticity, immune evasion and the adaptation to a hostile microenvironment. Due to the presence of distinct cell populations within a tumor, cancer research has to face the major challenge of targeting the intra-tumoral as well as inter-tumoral heterogeneity. Thus, targeting molecular drivers operating in CSCs, in combination with standard treatments, may improve cancer patients’ outcomes, yielding long-lasting responses. Here, we report a comprehensive overview on the most significant therapeutic advances that have changed the known paradigms of cancer treatment with a particular emphasis on newly developed compounds that selectively affect the CSC population. Specifically, we are focusing on innovative therapeutic approaches including differentiation therapy, anti-angiogenic compounds, immunotherapy and inhibition of epigenetic enzymes and microenvironmental cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Turdo
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Veronica Veschi
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Miriam Gaggianesi
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Aurora Chinnici
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Paola Bianca
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Matilde Todaro
- Department of PROMISE, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giorgio Stassi
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Saygin C, Matei D, Majeti R, Reizes O, Lathia JD. Targeting Cancer Stemness in the Clinic: From Hype to Hope. Cell Stem Cell 2018; 24:25-40. [PMID: 30595497 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2018.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 333] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tumors are composed of non-homogeneous cell populations exhibiting varying degrees of genetic and functional heterogeneity. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are capable of sustaining tumors by manipulating genetic and non-genetic factors to metastasize, resist treatment, and maintain the tumor microenvironment. Understanding the key traits and mechanisms of CSC survival provides opportunities to improve patient outcomes via improved prognostic models and therapeutics. Here, we review the clinical significance of CSCs and results of potential CSC-targeting therapies in various cancers. We discuss barriers to translating cues from pre-clinical models into clinical applications and propose new strategies for rational design of future anti-CSC trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caner Saygin
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Daniela Matei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ravindra Majeti
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Cancer Institute and Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ofer Reizes
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44192, USA
| | - Justin D Lathia
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44192, USA.
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Venkatesh V, Nataraj R, Thangaraj GS, Karthikeyan M, Gnanasekaran A, Kaginelli SB, Kuppanna G, Kallappa CG, Basalingappa KM. Targeting Notch signalling pathway of cancer stem cells. Stem Cell Investig 2018; 5:5. [PMID: 29682512 DOI: 10.21037/sci.2018.02.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been defined as cells within tumor that possess the capacity to self-renew and to cause the heterogeneous lineages of cancer cells that comprise the tumor. CSCs have been increasingly identified in blood cancer, prostate, ovarian, lung, melanoma, pancreatic, colon, brain and many more malignancies. CSCs have slow growth rate and are resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy that lead to the failure of traditional current therapy. Eradicating the CSCs and recurrence, is promising aspect for the cure of cancer. The CSCs like any other stem cells activate the signal transduction pathways that involve the development and tissue homeostasis, which include Notch signaling pathway. The new treatment targets these pathway that control stem-cell replication, survival and differentiation that are under development. Notch inhibitors either single or in combination with chemotherapy drugs have been developed to treat cancer and its recurrence. This approach of targeting signaling pathway of CSCs represents a promising future direction for the therapeutic strategy to cure cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vandana Venkatesh
- Division of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, (Deemed to be University), Mysuru, India
| | - Raghu Nataraj
- Division of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, (Deemed to be University), Mysuru, India
| | - Gopenath S Thangaraj
- Division of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, (Deemed to be University), Mysuru, India
| | - Murugesan Karthikeyan
- Senior Lecturer, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Quest International University Perak, Malaysia
| | - Ashok Gnanasekaran
- Senior Lecturer, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Quest International University Perak, Malaysia
| | - Shanmukhappa B Kaginelli
- Division of Medical Physics, Faculty of Life Sciences, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, (Deemed to be University), Mysuru, India
| | - Gobianand Kuppanna
- Department of Microbiology, Vivekanandha College of Arts and Sciences for Women, Elayampalayam, Tiruchengode. Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Kanthesh M Basalingappa
- Division of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, (Deemed to be University), Mysuru, India
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Ma Y, Cheng Z, Liu J, Torre-Healy L, Lathia JD, Nakano I, Guo Y, Thompson RC, Freeman ML, Wang J. Inhibition of Farnesyltransferase Potentiates NOTCH-Targeted Therapy against Glioblastoma Stem Cells. Stem Cell Reports 2017; 9:1948-1960. [PMID: 29198824 PMCID: PMC5785731 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2017.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Revised: 10/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that cancer cells with stem cell-like phenotypes drive disease progression and therapeutic resistance in glioblastoma (GBM). NOTCH regulates self-renewal and resistance to chemoradiotherapy in GBM stem cells. However, NOTCH-targeted γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) exhibited limited efficacy in GBM patients. We found that farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs) significantly improved sensitivity to GSIs. This combination showed significant antineoplastic and radiosensitizing activities in GBM stem cells, whereas non-stem GBM cells were resistant. These combinatorial effects were mediated, at least partially, through inhibition of AKT and cell-cycle progression. Using subcutaneous and orthotopic GBM models, we showed that the combination of FTIs and GSIs, but not either agent alone, significantly reduced tumor growth. With concurrent radiation, this combination induced a durable response in a subset of orthotopic tumors. These findings collectively suggest that the combination of FTIs and GSIs is a promising therapeutic strategy for GBM through selectively targeting the cancer stem cell subpopulation. NOTCH signaling is preferentially activated in glioblastoma stem cells GSIs have limited activities against glioblastoma stem cells FTIs improve response to GSIs in vitro and in vivo The combination of FTIs and GSIs makes glioblastoma more sensitive to radiation
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufang Ma
- College of Pharmacy, Belmont University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Zhixiang Cheng
- Department of Pain Management, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210011, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Luke Torre-Healy
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Justin D Lathia
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Ichiro Nakano
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Yan Guo
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Reid C Thompson
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Michael L Freeman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Jialiang Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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Dobranowski P, Ban F, Contreras-Sanz A, Cherkasov A, Black PC. Perspectives on the discovery of NOTCH2-specific inhibitors. Chem Biol Drug Des 2017; 91:691-706. [PMID: 29078041 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The Notch pathway is a cell-cell communication system where membrane-bound ligands interact with the extracellular region of Notch receptors to induce intracellular, downstream effects on gene expression. Aberrant Notch signaling promotes tumorigenesis, and the Notch pathway has tremendous potential for novel targeting strategies in cancer treatment. While γ-secretase inhibitors as Notch-inhibiting agents are already promising in clinical trials, they are highly non-specific with adverse side-effects. One of the underlying challenges is that two of the four known human Notch paralogs, NOTCH1 and 2, share very high structural similarity but play opposing roles in some tumorigenesis pathways. This perspective explores the feasibility of developing Notch-specific small molecule inhibitors targeting the anti-NOTCH2 antibody-binding epitopes or the "S2-Leu-plug-binding site" using a computer-aided drug discovery approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Dobranowski
- Department of Pediatrics, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Fuqiang Ban
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Urologic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alberto Contreras-Sanz
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Urologic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Artem Cherkasov
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Urologic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Peter C Black
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Urologic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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38
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Morgan KM, Fischer BS, Lee FY, Shah JJ, Bertino JR, Rosenfeld J, Singh A, Khiabanian H, Pine SR. Gamma Secretase Inhibition by BMS-906024 Enhances Efficacy of Paclitaxel in Lung Adenocarcinoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2017; 16:2759-2769. [PMID: 28978720 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-17-0439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Notch signaling is aberrantly activated in approximately one third of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). We characterized the interaction between BMS-906024, a clinically relevant Notch gamma secretase inhibitor, and front-line chemotherapy in preclinical models of NSCLC. Chemosensitivity assays were performed on 14 human NSCLC cell lines. There was significantly greater synergy between BMS-906024 and paclitaxel than BMS-906024 and cisplatin [mean combination index (CI) value, 0.54 and 0.85, respectively, P = 0.01]. On an extended panel of 31 NSCLC cell lines, 25 of which were adenocarcinoma, the synergy between BMS-906024 and paclitaxel was significantly greater in KRAS- and BRAF-wildtype than KRAS- or BRAF-mutant cells (mean CI, 0.43 vs. 0.90, respectively; P = 0.003). Paclitaxel-induced Notch1 activation was associated with synergy between BMS-906024 and paclitaxel in the KRAS- or BRAF-mutant group. Knockdown of mutant KRAS increased the synergy between BMS-906024 and paclitaxel in heterozygous KRAS-mutant cell lines. Among KRAS- or BRAF-mutant NSCLC, there was a significant correlation between synergy and mutant or null TP53 status, as well as between synergy and a low H2O2 pathway signature. Exogenous overexpression of activated Notch1 or Notch3 had no effect on the enhanced sensitivity of NSCLC to paclitaxel by BMS-906024. In vivo studies with cell line- and patient-derived lung adenocarcinoma xenografts confirmed enhanced antitumor activity for BMS-906024 plus paclitaxel versus either drug alone via decreased cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. These results show that BMS-906024 sensitizes NSCLC to paclitaxel and that wild-type KRAS and BRAF status may predict better patient response to the combination therapy. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(12); 2759-69. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Morgan
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey.,Department of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Bruce S Fischer
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Research and Development, Princeton, New Jersey
| | - Francis Y Lee
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Research and Development, Princeton, New Jersey
| | - Jamie J Shah
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Joseph R Bertino
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey.,Department of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey.,Department of Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Jeffrey Rosenfeld
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Amartya Singh
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey.,Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Hossein Khiabanian
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Sharon R Pine
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey. .,Department of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey.,Department of Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
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39
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Brahmi M, Bally O, Eberst L, Cassier P. Ciblage thérapeutique de la voie Notch en oncologie. Bull Cancer 2017; 104:883-891. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2017.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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40
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Agliano A, Calvo A, Box C. The challenge of targeting cancer stem cells to halt metastasis. Semin Cancer Biol 2017; 44:25-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Revised: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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