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Yan W, Wang X, Wang W, Guo Q, Huang N, Chen H, Liang XJ, Han Y, Liu D, Zhang J. The p38/MAPK pathway as a therapeutic target to prevent therapeutic escape of breast cancer stem cells. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024:10.1007/s11427-023-2585-5. [PMID: 38951428 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2585-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play an important role in metastasis development, tumor recurrence, and treatment resistance, and are essential for the eradication of cancer. Currently, therapies fail to eradicate CSCs due to their therapeutic stress-induced cellular escape, which leads to enhanced aggressive behaviors compared with CSCs that have never been treated. However, the underlying mechanisms regulating the therapeutic escape remain unknown. To this end, we established a model to isolate the therapeutic escaped CSCs (TSCSCs) from breast CSCs and performed the transcription profile to reveal the mechanism. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that the behavior of therapeutic escape was regulated through the p38/MAPK signaling pathway, resulting in TSCSCs exhibiting enhanced motility and metastasis. Notably, blocking the p38/MAPK signaling pathway effectively reduced motility and metastasis ability both in vitro and in vivo, which were further supported by downregulated motility-related genes and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins vimentin and N-cadherin. The obtained findings reveal the p38/MAPK pathway as a potential therapeutic target for TSCSCs and would provide profound implications for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixiao Yan
- State Key Laboratory of New Pharmaceutical Preparations and Excipients; Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of the Ministry of Education; College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Chemical Biology Key Laboratory of Hebei Province, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China
| | - Xiaotong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of New Pharmaceutical Preparations and Excipients; Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of the Ministry of Education; College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Chemical Biology Key Laboratory of Hebei Province, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of New Pharmaceutical Preparations and Excipients; Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of the Ministry of Education; College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Chemical Biology Key Laboratory of Hebei Province, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China
| | - Qi Guo
- State Key Laboratory of New Pharmaceutical Preparations and Excipients; Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of the Ministry of Education; College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Chemical Biology Key Laboratory of Hebei Province, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China
| | - Na Huang
- State Key Laboratory of New Pharmaceutical Preparations and Excipients; Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of the Ministry of Education; College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Chemical Biology Key Laboratory of Hebei Province, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China
| | - Hao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of New Pharmaceutical Preparations and Excipients; Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of the Ministry of Education; College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Chemical Biology Key Laboratory of Hebei Province, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China
| | - Xing-Jie Liang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Yu Han
- State Key Laboratory of New Pharmaceutical Preparations and Excipients; Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of the Ministry of Education; College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Chemical Biology Key Laboratory of Hebei Province, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China
| | - Dandan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of New Pharmaceutical Preparations and Excipients; Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of the Ministry of Education; College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Chemical Biology Key Laboratory of Hebei Province, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China.
| | - Jinchao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of New Pharmaceutical Preparations and Excipients; Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of the Ministry of Education; College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Chemical Biology Key Laboratory of Hebei Province, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China.
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Ganesan K, Xu C, Wu J, Du B, Liu Q, Sui Y, Song C, Zhang J, Tang H, Chen J. Ononin inhibits triple-negative breast cancer lung metastasis by targeting the EGFR-mediated PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024:10.1007/s11427-023-2499-2. [PMID: 38900236 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2499-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The spreading of cancer cells from the primary tumor site to other parts of the body, known as metastasis, is the leading cause of cancer recurrence and mortality in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is observed in approximately 70% of TNBC patients. EGFR is crucial for promoting tumor metastasis and associated with poor prognosis. Therefore, it is vital to identify effective therapeutic strategies targeting EGFR inhibition. Ononin, an isoflavonoid found in various plants, such as clover and soybeans, has been shown to have anticancer properties in several cancers. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of ononin on TNBC lung metastasis and the associated molecular pathways. We used various assays, including cell viability, colony formation, Transwell, wound healing, ELISA, Western blotting, and staining techniques, to achieve this objective. The results demonstrated that ononin effectively suppressed cellular proliferation and induced apoptosis, as evidenced by the cell viability assay, colony formation assay, and expression of apoptosis markers, and reduced the metastatic capabilities of TNBC cells. These effects were achieved through the direct suppression of cell adhesion, invasiveness and motility. Furthermore, in TNBC xenograft lung metastatic models, ononin treatment significantly reduced tumor growth and lung metastasis. Additionally, ononin reversed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by downregulating the expression of EMT markers and matrix metalloproteinases, as confirmed by Western blot analysis. Furthermore, ononin treatment reduced EGFR phosphorylation and suppressed the PI3K, Akt, and mTOR signaling pathways, which was further confirmed using EGFR agonists or inhibitors. Importantly, ononin treatment did not exert any toxic effects on liver or kidney function. In conclusion, our findings suggest that ononin is a safe and potentially therapeutic treatment for TNBC metastasis that targets the EGFR-mediated PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Further studies are warranted to validate its efficacy and explore its potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumar Ganesan
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Cong Xu
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Jianming Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Bing Du
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Qingqing Liu
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Yue Sui
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Cailu Song
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jinhui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Hailin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Jianping Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China.
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Du M, Wang T, Peng W, Feng R, Goh M, Chen Z. Bacteria-driven nanosonosensitizer delivery system for enhanced breast cancer treatment through sonodynamic therapy-induced immunogenic cell death. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:167. [PMID: 38610042 PMCID: PMC11010413 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02437-0] [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: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has shown promise as a non-invasive cancer treatment due to its local effects and excellent tissue penetration. However, the limited accumulation of sonosensitizers at the tumor site hinders its therapeutic efficacy. Although nanosonosensitizers have improved local tumor accumulation through passive targeting via the enhanced permeability and retention effect (EPR), achieving sufficient accumulation and penetration into tumors remains challenging due to tumor heterogeneity and inaccurate targeting. Bacteria have become a promising biological carrier due to their unique characteristic of active targeting and deeper penetration into the tumor. METHODS In this study, we developed nanosonosensitizers consisting of sonosensitizer, hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME), and perfluoro-n-pentane (PFP) loaded poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanodroplets (HPNDs). These HPNDs were covalently conjugated onto the surface of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) using carbodiimine chemistry. EcN acted as an active targeting micromotor for efficient transportation of the nanosonosensitizers to the tumor site in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) treatment. Under ultrasound cavitation, the HPNDs were disrupted, releasing HMME and facilitating its uptakes by cancer cells. This process induced reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated cell apoptosis and immunogenic cell death (ICD) in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS Our bacteria-driven nanosonosensitizer delivery system (HPNDs@EcN) achieved superior tumor localization of HMME in vivo compared to the group treated with only nanosonosensitizers. This enhanced local accumulation further improved the therapeutic effect of SDT induced-ICD therapeutic effect and inhibited tumor metastasis under ultrasound stimulation. CONCLUSIONS Our research demonstrates the potential of this ultrasound-responsive bacteria-driven nanosonosensitizer delivery system for SDT in TNBC. The combination of targeted delivery using bacteria and nanosonosensitizer-based therapy holds promise for achieving improved treatment outcomes by enhancing local tumor accumulation and stimulating ICD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Du
- Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging Precision Theranostics and Radiation Protection, College of Hunan Province, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, Hunan, 410004, China
- Institute of Medical Imaging, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- Medical Imaging Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging Precision Theranostics and Radiation Protection, College of Hunan Province, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, Hunan, 410004, China
- Institute of Medical Imaging, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- Medical Imaging Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Wangrui Peng
- Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging Precision Theranostics and Radiation Protection, College of Hunan Province, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, Hunan, 410004, China
- Institute of Medical Imaging, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China (Hunan Provincial Veterans Administration Hospital), Changsha, Hunan, 410118, China
| | - Renjie Feng
- Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging Precision Theranostics and Radiation Protection, College of Hunan Province, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, Hunan, 410004, China
- Institute of Medical Imaging, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China (Hunan Provincial Veterans Administration Hospital), Changsha, Hunan, 410118, China
| | - MeeiChyn Goh
- Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging Precision Theranostics and Radiation Protection, College of Hunan Province, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, Hunan, 410004, China
- Institute of Medical Imaging, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Zhiyi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging Precision Theranostics and Radiation Protection, College of Hunan Province, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, Hunan, 410004, China.
- Institute of Medical Imaging, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
- The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, Hunan, 410004, China.
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Deng X, Liao T, Xie J, Kang D, He Y, Sun Y, Wang Z, Jiang Y, Miao X, Yan Y, Tang H, Zhu L, Zou Y, Liu P. The burgeoning importance of PIWI-interacting RNAs in cancer progression. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:653-662. [PMID: 38198029 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2491-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNA molecules that specifically bind to piwi protein family members to exert regulatory functions in germ cells. Recent studies have found that piRNAs, as tissue-specific molecules, both play oncogenic and tumor suppressive roles in cancer progression, including cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, chemoresistance and stemness. Additionally, the atypical manifestation of piRNAs and PIWI proteins in various malignancies presents a promising strategy for the identification of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets in the diagnosis and management of tumors. Nonetheless, the precise functions of piRNAs in cancer progression and their underlying mechanisms have yet to be fully comprehended. This review aims to examine current research on the biogenesis and functions of piRNA and its burgeoning importance in cancer progression, thereby offering novel perspectives on the potential utilization of piRNAs and piwi proteins in the management and treatment of advanced cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinpei Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Tianle Liao
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Jindong Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Da Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yiwei He
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yuying Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Zhangling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yongluo Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Xuan Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yixuan Yan
- Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510062, China
| | - Hailin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Lewei Zhu
- The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, 528000, China.
| | - Yutian Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| | - Peng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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Zhao R, Li J, Chen B, Zhao J, Hu L, Huang K, Chen Q, Yao J, Lin G, Bao L, Lu M, Wang Y, Chen G, Wu F. The enrichment of the gut microbiota Lachnoclostridium is associated with the presence of intratumoral tertiary lymphoid structures in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1289753. [PMID: 38116013 PMCID: PMC10728494 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1289753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Backgrounds and aims Immunotherapies have formed an entirely new treatment paradigm for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) has been associated with good response to immunotherapy in most solid tumors. Nonetheless, the role of TLS in human HCC remains controversial, and recent studies suggest that their functional heterogeneity may relate to different locations within the tumor. Exploring factors that influence the formation of TLS in HCC may provide more useful insights. However, factors affecting the presence of TLSs are still unclear. The human gut microbiota can regulate the host immune system and is associated with the efficacy of immunotherapy but, in HCC, whether the gut microbiota is related to the presence of TLS still lacks sufficient evidence. Methods We performed pathological examinations of tumor and para-tumor tissue sections. Based on the location of TLS in tissues, all patients were divided into intratumoral TLS (It-TLS) group and desertic TLS (De-TLS) group. According to the grouping results, we statistically analyzed the clinical, biological, and pathological features; preoperative gut microbiota data; and postoperative pathological features of patients. Results In a retrospective study cohort of 60 cases from a single center, differential microbiota analysis showed that compared with the De-TLS group, the abundance of Lachnoclostridium, Hungatella, Blautia, Fusobacterium, and Clostridium was increased in the It-TLS group. Among them, the enrichment of Lachnoclostridium was the most significant and was unrelated to the clinical, biological, and pathological features of the patients. It can be seen that the difference in abundance levels of microbiota is related to the presence of TLS. Conclusion Our findings prove the enrichment of Lachnoclostridium-dominated gut microbiota is associated with the presence of It-TLS in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jiacheng Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Bo Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jungang Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Leyin Hu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Kate Huang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Qiwen Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jiangqiao Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ganglian Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Lishimeng Bao
- The Second Clinical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Mengmeng Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Zhejiang-Germany Interdisciplinary Joint Laboratory of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Tumor and Bioengineering, Wenzhou, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Zhejiang-Germany Interdisciplinary Joint Laboratory of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Tumor and Bioengineering, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fang Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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