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Di Dalmazi G, Giuliani C, Bucci I, Mascitti M, Napolitano G. Promising Role of Alkaloids in the Prevention and Treatment of Thyroid Cancer and Autoimmune Thyroid Disease: A Comprehensive Review of the Current Evidence. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5395. [PMID: 38791433 PMCID: PMC11121374 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105395] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer (TC) and thyroid autoimmune disorders (AITD) are among the most common diseases in the general population, with higher incidence in women. Chronic inflammation and autoimmunity play a pivotal role in carcinogenesis. Some studies, indeed, have pointed out the presence of AITD as a risk factor for TC, although this issue remains controversial. Prevention of autoimmune disease and cancer is the ultimate goal for clinicians and scientists, but it is not always feasible. Thus, new treatments, that overcome the current barriers to prevention and treatment of TC and AITD are needed. Alkaloids are secondary plant metabolites endowed with several biological activities including anticancer and immunomodulatory properties. In this perspective, alkaloids may represent a promising source of prophylactic and therapeutic agents for TC and AITD. This review encompasses the current published literature on alkaloids effects on TC and AITD, with a specific focus on the pathways involved in TC and AITD development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Di Dalmazi
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (C.G.); (I.B.); (G.N.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Cesidio Giuliani
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (C.G.); (I.B.); (G.N.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Ines Bucci
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (C.G.); (I.B.); (G.N.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Marco Mascitti
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (C.G.); (I.B.); (G.N.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Giorgio Napolitano
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (C.G.); (I.B.); (G.N.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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Vieira LS, Zhang Y, López Quiñones AJ, Hu T, Singh DK, Stevens J, Prasad B, Park JR, Wang J. The Plasma Membrane Monoamine Transporter is Highly Expressed in Neuroblastoma and Functions as an mIBG Transporter. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2023; 387:239-248. [PMID: 37541765 PMCID: PMC10658915 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.123.001672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a pediatric cancer with low survival rates in high-risk patients. 131I-mIBG has emerged as a promising therapy for high-risk NB and kills tumor cells by radiation. Consequently, 131I-mIBG tumor uptake and retention are major determinants for its therapeutic efficacy. mIBG enters NB cells through the norepinephrine transporter (NET), and accumulates in mitochondria through unknown mechanisms. Here we evaluated the expression of monoamine and organic cation transporters in high-risk NB tumors and explored their relationship with MYCN amplification and patient survival. We found that NB mainly expresses NET, the plasma membrane monoamine transporter (PMAT), and the vesicular membrane monoamine transporter 1/2 (VMAT1/2), and that the expression of these transporters is significantly reduced in MYCN-amplified tumor samples. PMAT expression is the highest and correlates with overall survival in high-risk NB patients without MYCN amplification. Immunostaining showed that PMAT resides intracellularly in NB cells and co-localizes with mitochondria. Using cells expressing PMAT, mIBG was identified as a PMAT substrate. In mitochondria isolated from NB cell lines, mIBG uptake was reduced by ∼50% by a PMAT inhibitor. Together, our data suggest that PMAT is a previously unrecognized transporter highly expressed in NB and could impact intracellular transport and therapeutic response to 131I-mIBG. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This study identified that plasma membrane monoamine transporter (PMAT) is a novel transporter highly expressed in neuroblastoma and its expression level is associated with overall survival rate in high-risk patients without MYCN amplification. PMAT is expressed intracellularly in neuroblastoma cells, transports meta-iodobenzylguanidine (mIBG) and thus could impact tumor retention and response to 131I-mIBG therapy. These findings have important clinical implications as PMAT could represent a novel molecular marker to help inform disease prognosis and predict response to 131I-mIBG therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letícia Salvador Vieira
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (L.S.V., Y.Z., A.J.L.Q., T.H., J.W.); Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington (D.K.S., B.P.); and Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington (J.S., J.R.P.)
| | - Yuchen Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (L.S.V., Y.Z., A.J.L.Q., T.H., J.W.); Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington (D.K.S., B.P.); and Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington (J.S., J.R.P.)
| | - Antonio J López Quiñones
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (L.S.V., Y.Z., A.J.L.Q., T.H., J.W.); Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington (D.K.S., B.P.); and Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington (J.S., J.R.P.)
| | - Tao Hu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (L.S.V., Y.Z., A.J.L.Q., T.H., J.W.); Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington (D.K.S., B.P.); and Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington (J.S., J.R.P.)
| | - Dilip Kumar Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (L.S.V., Y.Z., A.J.L.Q., T.H., J.W.); Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington (D.K.S., B.P.); and Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington (J.S., J.R.P.)
| | - Jeffrey Stevens
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (L.S.V., Y.Z., A.J.L.Q., T.H., J.W.); Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington (D.K.S., B.P.); and Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington (J.S., J.R.P.)
| | - Bhagwat Prasad
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (L.S.V., Y.Z., A.J.L.Q., T.H., J.W.); Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington (D.K.S., B.P.); and Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington (J.S., J.R.P.)
| | - Julie R Park
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (L.S.V., Y.Z., A.J.L.Q., T.H., J.W.); Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington (D.K.S., B.P.); and Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington (J.S., J.R.P.)
| | - Joanne Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (L.S.V., Y.Z., A.J.L.Q., T.H., J.W.); Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington (D.K.S., B.P.); and Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington (J.S., J.R.P.)
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Genco MT, Yaqub A, Jana S. Challenges in the evaluation and management of radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer. Nucl Med Commun 2022; 43:743-745. [PMID: 35438680 DOI: 10.1097/mnm.0000000000001568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew T Genco
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Allegri L, Domenis R, Navarra M, Celano M, Russo D, Capriglione F, Damante G, Baldan F. Dihydrotanshinone exerts antitumor effects and improves the effects of cisplatin in anaplastic thyroid cancer cells. Oncol Rep 2021; 46:204. [PMID: 34318905 DOI: 10.3892/or.2021.8155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is the most aggressive type of thyroid cancer and is responsible for 20‑50% of thyroid cancer‑associated deaths. The absence of response to conventional treatments makes the search for novel therapeutics a clinical challenge. In the present study, the effects of 15,16‑dihydrotanshinone I (DHT), a tanshinone extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen), which has previously been shown to possess anticancer activity, were examined in two human ATC cell lines. DHT significantly reduced cell viability, which was coupled with an increase in apoptosis. DHT administration also reduced the colony‑forming ability and proliferation of these cells in soft agar and downregulated the expression of epithelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition‑related genes. In addition, DHT significantly reduced MAD2 expression, a target of HuR with a relevant role in ATC. Finally, cotreatment with cisplatin and DHT has a greater effect on cell viability than each compound alone. In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to demonstrate that DHT exerts antitumor effects on ATC cells by reducing MAD2 expression levels. Moreover, a synergistic effect of DHT with cisplatin was shown. Further in vivo studies are required to assess this phytochemical compound as a potential adjuvant for the treatment of ATC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Allegri
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, I‑33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Rossana Domenis
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, I‑33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Michele Navarra
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, I‑98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Marilena Celano
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro 'Magna Graecia', I‑88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Diego Russo
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro 'Magna Graecia', I‑88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesca Capriglione
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro 'Magna Graecia', I‑88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Damante
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, I‑33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Federica Baldan
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, I‑33100 Udine, Italy
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Bulotta S, Capriglione F, Celano M, Pecce V, Russo D, Maggisano V. Phytochemicals in thyroid cancer: analysis of the preclinical studies. Endocrine 2021; 73:8-15. [PMID: 33587255 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-021-02651-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In the search for novel effective compounds to use in thyroid cancer (TC) unresponsive to current treatment, attention has recently focused on plant-derived compounds with anticancer activity. In this review, we discuss the preclinical studies demonstrating phytochemical activity against thyroid cancer cells. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS In particular, we describe their antiproliferative properties or ability to re-induce iodine retention, thus supporting their potential use as single agents or adjuvants in radioiodine-resistant thyroid cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Bulotta
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesca Capriglione
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Marilena Celano
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Valeria Pecce
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Diego Russo
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Valentina Maggisano
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
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Novel therapeutic options for radioiodine-refractory thyroid cancer: redifferentiation and beyond. Curr Opin Oncol 2020; 32:13-19. [PMID: 31599772 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000000593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Radioiodine-refractory thyroid cancers represent the main cause of thyroid cancer-related death. At present, targeted therapies with multikinase inhibitors represent a unique therapeutic tool, though they have limited benefit on patient survival and severe drug-associated adverse events. This review summarizes current treatment strategies for radioiodine-refractory thyroid cancer and focuses on novel approaches to redifferentiate thyroid cancer cells to restore responsiveness to radioiodine administration. RECENT FINDINGS We summarize and discuss recent clinical trial findings and early data from real-life experiences with multikinase-inhibiting drugs. Possible alternative strategies to traditional redifferentiation are also discussed. SUMMARY The current review focuses primarily on the major advancements in the knowledge of the pathophysiology of iodine transport and metabolism and the genetic and epigenetic alterations occurring in thyroid neoplasia as described using preclinical models. Results of clinical studies employing new compounds to induce thyroid cancer cell redifferentiation by acting against specific molecular targets are also discussed. Finally, we describe the current scenario emerging from such findings as well as future perspectives.
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Celano M, Maggisano V, Bulotta S, Allegri L, Pecce V, Abballe L, Damante G, Russo D. Quercetin improves the effects of sorafenib on growth and migration of thyroid cancer cells. Endocrine 2020; 67:496-498. [PMID: 31776977 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-019-02140-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marilena Celano
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Valentina Maggisano
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefania Bulotta
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Allegri
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Valeria Pecce
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Luana Abballe
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Damante
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Diego Russo
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy.
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Li P, Dong M, Wang Z. Downregulation of TSPAN13 by miR-369-3p inhibits cell proliferation in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Bosn J Basic Med Sci 2019; 19:146-154. [PMID: 30114378 DOI: 10.17305/bjbms.2018.2865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies demonstrated dysregulation of different microRNAs in thyroid cancer. Tetraspanins (TSPANs) are cell surface proteins with critical roles in many cellular processes, and implications in tumor development. Here we investigated the role of miR-369-3p in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and its association with TSPAN13. miR-369-3p and the TSPAN13 gene expression profiles of 513 thyroid cancer and 59 normal thyroid tissues were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas database. Thyroid cancer tissues were classified according to the histological type, grouped based on low and high median miR-369-3p and TSPAN13 expression, and analyzed in relation to overall survival (OS) of patients. Human PTC cell lines (TPC-1 and GLAG-66) and human embryonic kidney 293T (HEK293T) cells were used for in vitro analysis. Transfection experiments were performed with synthetic miRNA mimics for miR-369-3p and small interfering RNAs for TSPAN13. Relative expression of miR-369-3p and TSPAN13 mRNA was determined by RT-qPCR. Protein levels of TSPAN13 were determined by western blotting. Cell proliferation (CCK-8 assay), colony formation, and apoptosis (flow cytometry) were analyzed in transfected cells. Binding sites of miR-369-3p in TSPAN13 mRNA were determined by bioinformatics analysis and dual luciferase reporter assay. miR-369-3p was downregulated and TSPAN13 upregulated in PTC, follicular thyroid cancer, and tall cell variant tissues. Both low expression of miR-369-3p and high expression of TSPAN13 were associated with shorter OS in thyroid cancer patients. Overexpression of miR-369-3p significantly suppressed proliferation and promoted apoptosis in PTC cells. TSPAN13 was a direct target of miR-369-3p, and silencing of TSPAN13 phenocopied the effect of miR-369-3p mimics in PTC cells. Overall, the downregulation of miR-369-3p and consequent upregulation of its target TSPAN13 appear to be involved in pathophysiology of PTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Li
- Department of Emergency, Jingmen NO.1 People's Hospital, Jingmen, Hubei, China.
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Lepore SM, Maggisano V, Lombardo GE, Maiuolo J, Mollace V, Bulotta S, Russo D, Celano M. Antiproliferative Effects of Cynaropicrin on Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Cells. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2019; 19:59-66. [PMID: 30264682 DOI: 10.2174/1871530318666180928153241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The sesquiterpene lactone cynaropicrin, a major constituent of the artichoke leaves extracts, has shown several biologic activities in many preclinical experimental models, including anti-proliferative effects. OBJECTIVE Herein we evaluated the effects of cynaropicrin on the growth of three human anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cell lines, investigating the molecular mechanism underlying its action. METHOD MTT assay was used to evaluate the viability of CAL-62, 8505C and SW1736 cells, and flow cytometry to analyse cell cycle distribution. Western blot was performed to detect the levels of STAT3 phosphorylation and NFkB activation. Antioxidant effects were analyzed by measuring the reactive oxygen species and malonyldialdehyde dosage was used to check the presence of lipid peroxidation. RESULTS Viability of CAL-62, 8505C and SW1736 cells was significantly reduced by cynaropicrin in a dose- and time-dependent way, with an EC50 of about 5 µM observed after 48 h of treatment with the compound. Cellular growth inhibition was accompanied both by an arrest of the cell cycle, mainly in the G2/M phase, and the presence of a significant percentage of necrotic cells. After 48 h of treatment with 10 µM of cynaropicrin, a reduced nuclear expression of NFkB and STAT3 phosphorylation were also revealed. Moreover, we observed an increase in lipid peroxidation, without any significant effect on the reactive oxygen species production. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate that cynaropicrin reduces the viability and promotes cytotoxic effects in anaplastic thyroid cancer cells associated with reduced NFkB expression, STAT3 phosphorylation and increased lipid peroxidation. Further characterization of the properties of this natural compound may open the way for using cynaropicrin as an adjuvant in the treatment of thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saverio M Lepore
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Valentina Maggisano
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovanni E Lombardo
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Jessica Maiuolo
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Mollace
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefania Bulotta
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Diego Russo
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Marilena Celano
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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Allegri L, Baldan F, Roy S, Aubé J, Russo D, Filetti S, Damante G. The HuR CMLD-2 inhibitor exhibits antitumor effects via MAD2 downregulation in thyroid cancer cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7374. [PMID: 31089242 PMCID: PMC6517587 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-43894-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hu antigen R (HuR) is indeed one of the most studied RNA-binding protein (RBP) since its fundamental role both in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. For this reason, downregulation in HuR protein levels or inhibition of HuR biological function are, nowadays, attractive goals in cancer research. Here, we examined the antitumor effects of CMLD-2 in four thyroid cancer cell lines (SW1736, 8505 C, BCPAP and K1). Indeed, CMLD-2 competitively binds HuR protein disrupting its interaction with RNA-targets. 35 μM CLMD-2 produced a significant downregulation in thyroid cancer cell viability, coupled to an increase in apoptosis. Moreover, CMLD-2 treatment hindered both migration and colony formation ability. MAD2 is a microtubules-associated protein known to be greatly overexpressed in cancer and correlating with tumor aggressiveness. Furthermore, MAD2 is known to be a HuR target. CMLD-2 treatment induced a strong MAD2 downregulation and rescue experiments depicted it as a key effector in HuR-mediated in cancer. Altogether, these data contributed to foster HuR inhibition as valid antineoplastic treatment in thyroid cancer, highlighting MAD2 as a novel therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Allegri
- Department of Medical Area, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Federica Baldan
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, University of Roma 'Sapienza', 06100, Roma, Italy.
| | - Sudeshna Roy
- Department of BioMelecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, 413 Faser Hall, Mississippi, 38677-1848, USA
| | - Jeffrey Aubé
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medical Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599-7363, USA
| | - Diego Russo
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Filetti
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, University of Roma 'Sapienza', 06100, Roma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Damante
- Department of Medical Area, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy
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Falcone R, Conte F, Fiscon G, Pecce V, Sponziello M, Durante C, Farina L, Filetti S, Paci P, Verrienti A. BRAF V600E-mutant cancers display a variety of networks by SWIM analysis: prediction of vemurafenib clinical response. Endocrine 2019; 64:406-413. [PMID: 30850937 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-019-01890-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Several studies have shown that different tumour types sharing a driver gene mutation do not respond uniformly to the same targeted agent. Our aim was to use an unbiased network-based approach to investigate this fundamental issue using BRAFV600E mutant tumours and the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib. METHODS We applied SWIM, a software able to identify putative regulatory (switch) genes involved in drastic changes to the cell phenotype, to gene expression profiles of different BRAFV600E mutant cancers and their normal counterparts in order to identify the switch genes that could potentially explain the heterogeneity of these tumours' responses to vemurafenib. RESULTS We identified lung adenocarcinoma as the tumour with the highest number of switch genes (298) compared to its normal counterpart. By looking for switch genes encoding for kinases with homology sequences similar to known vemurafenib targets, we found that thyroid cancer and lung adenocarcinoma have a similar number of putative targetable switch gene kinases (5 and 6, respectively) whereas colorectal cancer has just one. CONCLUSIONS We are persuaded that our network analysis may aid in the comprehension of molecular mechanisms underlying the different responses to vemurafenib in BRAFV600E mutant tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Falcone
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Conte
- Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science "Antonio Ruberti", National Research Council, Rome, Italy
- ACT Operations Research, Research & Development, Roma, Italy
| | - Giulia Fiscon
- Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science "Antonio Ruberti", National Research Council, Rome, Italy
- ACT Operations Research, Research & Development, Roma, Italy
| | - Valeria Pecce
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Sponziello
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Cosimo Durante
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Farina
- Department of Computer, Control and Management Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Filetti
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Paci
- Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science "Antonio Ruberti", National Research Council, Rome, Italy.
| | - Antonella Verrienti
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Maggisano V, Celano M, Lepore SM, Sponziello M, Rosignolo F, Pecce V, Verrienti A, Baldan F, Mio C, Allegri L, Maranghi M, Falcone R, Damante G, Russo D, Bulotta S. Human telomerase reverse transcriptase in papillary thyroid cancer: gene expression, effects of silencing and regulation by BET inhibitors in thyroid cancer cells. Endocrine 2019; 63:545-553. [PMID: 30661164 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-018-01836-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Mutations in TERT promoter have been detected in the more aggressive papillary thyroid cancers (PTCs). To elucidate the role of TERT as an eligible molecular target in these tumors, the expression of hTERT was analyzed in a series of PTCs and the effects of both pharmacological and RNA-interference-induced hTERT silencing were investigated in two human PTC cell lines (K1 and BCPAP). METHODS The expression levels of hTERT mRNA and protein were evaluated by real-time PCR and western blot assays, respectively. Effects of hTERT silencing on PTC cell lines were analyzed by MTT, migration and western blot assays. Pharmacological inhibition of hTERT was performed using two bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) inhibitors, JQ1 and I-BET762. RESULTS hTERT expression results increased in 20 out of 48 PTCs, including tumors either positive or negative for the presence of hTERT promoter and/or BRAF mutations. In K1 and BCPAP cells, hTERT silencing determined a reduction in cell viability (~50% for K1 and ~70%, for BCPAP, vs control) and migration properties that were associated with a decrease of AKT phosphorylation and β-Catenin expression. Moreover, hTERT mRNA levels were down-regulated by two BET inhibitors, JQ1 and I-BET762, which at the same dosage (0.5 and 5 µM) reduced the growth of these thyroid cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that hTERT may represent an excellent therapeutic target in subgroups of aggressive PTCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Maggisano
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Marilena Celano
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Saverio Massimo Lepore
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Sponziello
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Rosignolo
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Pecce
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Verrienti
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Baldan
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Catia Mio
- Department of Medical Area, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Allegri
- Department of Medical Area, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Marianna Maranghi
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Falcone
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Damante
- Department of Medical Area, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Diego Russo
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Stefania Bulotta
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
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13
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Celano M, Maggisano V, Lepore SM, Sponziello M, Pecce V, Verrienti A, Durante C, Maranghi M, Lucia P, Bulotta S, Damante G, Russo D. Expression of Leptin Receptor and Effects of Leptin on Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Cells. Int J Endocrinol 2019; 2019:5031696. [PMID: 30906321 PMCID: PMC6393892 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5031696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity has been hypothesized to contribute to the aggressiveness of thyroid cancer through the production of abnormal levels of serum adipokines. Leptin receptor (OB-R) expression has also been documented in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). AIM In this translational study, we analyzed in vitro the effects of leptin on the growth and migration of thyroid cancer cells (TPC-1 and K1), the molecular mechanisms underlying leptin's action, and the influence of prolonged leptin exposure on cell response to a protein kinase inhibitor lenvatinib. The expression levels of OB-R mRNA and protein were also investigated in vivo in a series of aggressive PTCs divided into two groups based on the presence of the BRAF mutation. RESULTS In TPC-1 and K1 cells, prolonged treatment with leptin (500 ng/ml for 96 h) resulted in a mild increase in the proliferation (about 20% over control only in K1 cells, p < 0.05) and in the migration of both cancer cell lines. Immunoblot analysis revealed a slight increase in the phosphorylation of AKT, but no effect on β-catenin and phospho-ERK expressions. The inhibitory effects of lenvatinib on the viability of both cell lines were not influenced by the leptin treatment. OB-R transcript (in fresh tissues) and proteins (in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens) were expressed in all PTC tissues examined, with no significant differences between BRAF-mutated and BRAF-wild-type tumors. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate leptin's role in mildly increasing the aggressive phenotype of PTC cells but without influencing the action of lenvatinib. Further studies will clarify whether it is possible to target OB-R, expressed in all aggressive PTCs, as an adjuvant treatment approach for these malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilena Celano
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Valentina Maggisano
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Saverio Massimo Lepore
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Sponziello
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Pecce
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Verrienti
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Cosimo Durante
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marianna Maranghi
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Piernatale Lucia
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Bulotta
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Damante
- Department of Medical Area, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Diego Russo
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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14
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Grani G, Lamartina L, Montesano T, Ronga G, Maggisano V, Falcone R, Ramundo V, Giacomelli L, Durante C, Russo D, Maranghi M. Lack of association between obesity and aggressiveness of differentiated thyroid cancer. J Endocrinol Invest 2019; 42:85-90. [PMID: 29667113 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-018-0889-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Aim of this study was to evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI) and aggressive features of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) in a prospective cohort. METHODS Patients with DTC were prospectively enrolled at a tertiary referral center and grouped according to their BMI. Aggressive clinic-pathological features were analyzed following the American Thyroid Association Initial Risk Stratification System score. RESULTS The cohort was composed of 432 patients: 5 (1.2%) were underweight, 187 (43.3%) normal weight, 154 (35.6%) overweight, 68 (15.7%) grade 1 obese, 11 (2.5%) grade 2 obese and 7 (1.6%) grade 3 obese. No single feature of advanced thyroid cancer was more frequent in obese patients than in others. No significant correlation was found between BMI, primary tumor size (Spearman's ρ - 0.02; p = 0.71) and ATA Initial Risk Stratification System score (ρ 0.03; p = 0.49), after adjustment for age. According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, male gender and pre-surgical diagnosis of cancer were significant predictors of cancer with high or intermediate-high recurrence risk according to the ATA system (OR 2.06 and 2.51, respectively), while older age at diagnosis was a protective factor (OR 0.98), and BMI was not a predictor. BMI was a predictor of microscopic extrathyroidal extension only (OR 1.06). CONCLUSIONS Obesity was not associated with aggressive features in this prospective, European cohort of patients with DTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Grani
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale del Policlinico, 155, 00161, Rome, RM, Italy
| | - L Lamartina
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale del Policlinico, 155, 00161, Rome, RM, Italy
| | - T Montesano
- Unità di Medicina Nucleare, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - G Ronga
- Unità di Medicina Nucleare, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - V Maggisano
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università di Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - R Falcone
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale del Policlinico, 155, 00161, Rome, RM, Italy
| | - V Ramundo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale del Policlinico, 155, 00161, Rome, RM, Italy
| | - L Giacomelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - C Durante
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale del Policlinico, 155, 00161, Rome, RM, Italy.
| | - D Russo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università di Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - M Maranghi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale del Policlinico, 155, 00161, Rome, RM, Italy
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15
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Celano M, Mio C, Sponziello M, Verrienti A, Bulotta S, Durante C, Damante G, Russo D. Targeting post-translational histone modifications for the treatment of non-medullary thyroid cancer. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 469:38-47. [PMID: 28579118 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Revised: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Genomic and epigenetic alterations are now being exploited as molecular targets in cancer treatment. Abnormalities involving the post-translational modification of histones have been demonstrated in thyroid cancer, and they are regarded as promising molecular targets for novel drug treatment of tumors that are resistant to conventional therapies. After a brief overview of the histone modifications most commonly associated with human malignancies, we will review recently published preclinical and clinical findings regarding the use of histone-activity modulators in thyroid cancers. Particular attention will be focused on their use as re-differentiating or anti-proliferating agents, the differential effects observed when they are used alone and in combination with other targeted drugs, and current prospects for their use in the treatment of thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilena Celano
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Catia Mio
- Department of Medical Area, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Sponziello
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Verrienti
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Bulotta
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Cosimo Durante
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Damante
- Department of Medical Area, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Diego Russo
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
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16
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Grani G, Lamartina L, Durante C, Filetti S, Cooper DS. Follicular thyroid cancer and Hürthle cell carcinoma: challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and clinical management. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2018; 6:500-514. [PMID: 29102432 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(17)30325-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Follicular thyroid cancer is the second most common differentiated thyroid cancer histological type and has been overshadowed by its more common counterpart-papillary thyroid cancer-despite its unique biological behaviour and less favourable outcomes. In this Review, we comprehensively review the literature on follicular thyroid cancer to provide an evidence-based guide to the management of these tumours, to highlight the lack of evidence behind guideline recommendations, and to identify changes and challenges over the past decades in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. We highlight that correct identification of cancer in indeterminate cytological samples is challenging and ultrasonographic features can be misleading. Despite certain unique aspects of follicular thyroid cancer presentation and prognosis, no specific recommendations exist for follicular thyroid cancer and Hürthle cell carcinoma in evidence-based guidelines. Efforts should be made to stimulate additional research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Grani
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, University of Rome, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Livia Lamartina
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, University of Rome, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Cosimo Durante
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, University of Rome, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Filetti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, University of Rome, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - David S Cooper
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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17
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Lombardo GE, Maggisano V, Celano M, Cosco D, Mignogna C, Baldan F, Lepore SM, Allegri L, Moretti S, Durante C, Damante G, Fresta M, Russo D, Bulotta S, Puxeddu E. Anti- hTERT siRNA-Loaded Nanoparticles Block the Growth of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Xenograft. Mol Cancer Ther 2018; 17:1187-1195. [PMID: 29563163 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-17-0559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 12/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The high frequency of hTERT-promoting mutations and the increased expression of hTERT mRNA in anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) make TERT a suitable molecular target for the treatment of this lethal neoplasm. In this study, we encapsulated an anti-hTERT oligonucleotide in biocompatible nanoparticles and analyzed the effects of this novel pharmaceutical preparation in preclinical models of ATC. Biocompatible nanoparticles were obtained in an acidified aqueous solution containing chitosan, anti-hTERT oligoRNAs, and poloxamer 188 as a stabilizer. The effects of these anti-hTERT nanoparticles (Na-siTERT) were tested in vitro on ATC cell lines (CAL-62 and 8505C) and in vivo on xenograft tumors obtained by flank injection of CAL-62 cells into SCID mice. The Na-siTERT reduced the viability and migration of CAL-62 and 8505C cells after 48-hour incubation. Intravenous administration (every 48 hours for 13 days) of this encapsulated drug in mice hosting a xenograft thyroid cancer determined a great reduction in the growth of the neoplasm (about 50% vs. untreated animals or mice receiving empty nanoparticles), and decreased levels of Ki67 associated with lower hTERT expression. Moreover, the treatment resulted in minimal invasion of nearby tissues and reduced the vascularity of the xenograft tumor. No signs of toxicity appeared following this treatment. Telomere length was not modified by the Na-siTERT, indicating that the inhibitory effects of neoplasm growth were independent from the enzymatic telomerase function. These findings demonstrate the potential suitability of this anti-TERT nanoparticle formulation as a novel tool for ATC treatment. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(6); 1187-95. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni E Lombardo
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Valentina Maggisano
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Marilena Celano
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Donato Cosco
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Chiara Mignogna
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.,Interdepartmental Service Center, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Federica Baldan
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Roma "Sapienza," Roma, Italy
| | - Saverio M Lepore
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Allegri
- Department of Medical Area, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Sonia Moretti
- Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Cosimo Durante
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Roma "Sapienza," Roma, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Fresta
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Diego Russo
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Stefania Bulotta
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Efisio Puxeddu
- Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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18
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Identification of tumorigenesis-related mRNAs associated with RNA-binding protein HuR in thyroid cancer cells. Oncotarget 2018; 7:63388-63407. [PMID: 27542231 PMCID: PMC5325372 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA binding proteins (RBPs) play a central role in cell physiology and pathology. Among them, HuR is a nuclear RBP, which shuttles to the cytoplasm to allow its RNA targets processing. HuR over-expression and delocalization are often associated to cell transformation. Numerous cancers display increased HuR protein levels and its high cytoplasmic levels has been associated with a worse prognosis. In our study, we first evaluated HuR expression in normal and cancer thyroid tissues and then evaluated its function in thyroid cell lines. HuR is over-expressed in all thyroid tumor tissues; high cytoplasmic levels are detected in all thyroid carcinomas. HuR silencing decreased cell viability and determined apoptotic cell death, in a non-tumorigenic (Nthy-ori-3.1) and a tumorigenic (BCPAP) thyroid cell line. Global transcriptome analysis indicated that HuR silencing, though having similar biological effects, induces distinct gene expression modifications in the two cell lines. By using the RIP-seq approach, the HuR-bound RNA profiles of different thyroid cell lines were evaluated. We show that in distinct cell lines HuR-bound RNA profiles are different. A set of 114 HuR-bound RNAs distinguishing tumorigenic cell lines from the non-tumorigenic one was identified. Altogether, our data indicate that HuR plays a role in thyroid tumorigenesis. Moreover, our findings are a proof of concept that RBP targets differ between cells with the same origin but with distinct biological behavior.
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Kim SH, Kang JG, Kim CS, Ihm SH, Choi MG, Yoo HJ, Lee SJ. Synergistic cytotoxicity of the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitor gemigliptin with metformin in thyroid carcinoma cells. Endocrine 2018; 59:383-394. [PMID: 29285650 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-017-1503-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The influence of the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitor, gemigliptin alone or in combination with metformin on survival, proliferation, and migration of thyroid carcinoma cells was investigated. METHODS SW1736 and TPC-1 human thyroid carcinoma cells were used. RESULTS Gemigliptin and metformin caused cell death in a dose-dependent manner. In cells treated with both gemigliptin and metformin, compared with metformin alone, all of the combination index values were lower than 1.0, suggesting synergistic cytotoxicity of two agents. Cell viability, the percentage of viable cells, ATP levels, and mitochondrial membrane potential decreased; however, cytotoxic activity, and the protein levels of cleaved PARP, phospho-Akt and phospho-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) increased. Administration of wortmannin, but not compound C, further decreased cell viability, and further increased cytotoxic activity. Moreover, compared with control, cell proliferation and migration as well as the protein levels of p53, p21, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 decreased. The decrement of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 protein levels was cell specific. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that gemigliptin induces cytotoxic activity, and has a synergistic activity with metformin in inducing cytotoxicity via regulation of Akt and AMPK in thyroid carcinoma cells. Furthermore, gemigliptin augments the inhibitory effect of metformin on proliferation and migration through involvement of matrix metalloproteinase-2, matrix metalloproteinase-9, p53, p21, VCAM-1, and ERK in thyroid carcinoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Hyoung Kim
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Goo Kang
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chul Sik Kim
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hee Ihm
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Moon Gi Choi
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Joon Yoo
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Jin Lee
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea.
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20
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Celano M, Mignogna C, Rosignolo F, Sponziello M, Iannone M, Lepore SM, Lombardo GE, Maggisano V, Verrienti A, Bulotta S, Durante C, Di Loreto C, Damante G, Russo D. Expression of YAP1 in aggressive thyroid cancer. Endocrine 2018; 59:209-212. [PMID: 28120182 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-017-1240-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marilena Celano
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Germaneto, Catanzaro, 88100, Italy
| | - Chiara Mignogna
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Germaneto, Catanzaro, 88100, Italy
| | - Francesca Rosignolo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, 00161, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Sponziello
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, 00161, Italy
| | - Michelangelo Iannone
- CNR, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Roccelletta di Borgia, Borgia, 88021, Italy
| | - Saverio Massimo Lepore
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Germaneto, Catanzaro, 88100, Italy
| | - Giovanni Enrico Lombardo
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Germaneto, Catanzaro, 88100, Italy
| | - Valentina Maggisano
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Germaneto, Catanzaro, 88100, Italy
| | - Antonella Verrienti
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, 00161, Italy
| | - Stefania Bulotta
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Germaneto, Catanzaro, 88100, Italy
| | - Cosimo Durante
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, 00161, Italy
| | - Carla Di Loreto
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, University of Udine, Udine, 33100, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Damante
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, University of Udine, Udine, 33100, Italy
| | - Diego Russo
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Germaneto, Catanzaro, 88100, Italy.
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21
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Effects of nutraceuticals on anaplastic thyroid cancer cells. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2017; 144:285-294. [PMID: 29197967 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-017-2555-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is the most aggressive thyroid cancer with a high mortality rate. Since nutraceuticals may exert beneficial effects on tumor biology, here, effects of four of these compounds [resveratrol, genistein, curcumin and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)] on ATC cell lines were investigated. METHODS Two ATC-derived cell lines were used: SW1736 and 8505C. Cell viability and in vitro aggressiveness was tested by MTT and soft agar assays. Apoptosis was investigated by Western Blot, using an anti-cleaved-PARP antibody. mRNA and miRNA levels were quantified by real-time PCR. RESULTS All tested nutraceuticals caused in both cell lines decrease of cell viability and increase of apoptosis. In contrast, only curcumin reduced in vitro aggressiveness in both SW1736 and 8505C cell lines, while genistein and EGCG determined a reduction of colony formation only in 8505C cells. Effects on genes related to the thyroid-differentiated phenotype were also tested: resveratrol and genistein administration determined the increment of almost all tested mRNAs in both cell lines. Instead curcumin and EGCG treatments had opposite effects in the two cell lines, causing the increment of almost all the mRNAs in 8505C cells and their reduction in SW1736. Finally, effects of nutraceuticals on levels of several miRNAs, known as important in thyroid cancer progression (hsa-miR-221, hsa-miR-222, hsa-miR-21, hsa-miR-146b, hsa-miR-204), were tested. Curcumin induced a strong and significant reduction of all miR analyzed, except for has-miR-204, in both cell lines. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, our results clearly indicate the anti-cancer proprieties of curcumin, suggesting the promising use of this nutraceutical in ATC treatment. Resveratrol, genistein and EGCG have heterogeneous effects on molecular features of ATC cells.
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22
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Celano M, Rosignolo F, Maggisano V, Pecce V, Iannone M, Russo D, Bulotta S. MicroRNAs as Biomarkers in Thyroid Carcinoma. Int J Genomics 2017; 2017:6496570. [PMID: 29038786 PMCID: PMC5606057 DOI: 10.1155/2017/6496570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Optimal management of patients with thyroid cancer requires the use of sensitive and specific biomarkers. For early diagnosis and effective follow-up, the currently available cytological and serum biomarkers, thyroglobulin and calcitonin, present severe limitations. Research on microRNA expression in thyroid tumors is providing new insights for the development of novel biomarkers that can be used to diagnose thyroid cancer and optimize its management. In this review, we will examine some of the methods commonly used to detect and quantify microRNA in biospecimens from patients with thyroid tumor, as well as the potential applications of these techniques for developing microRNA-based biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of thyroid cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilena Celano
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesca Rosignolo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Maggisano
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Valeria Pecce
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Michelangelo Iannone
- CNR, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, Roccelletta di Borgia, 88021 Borgia, Italy
| | - Diego Russo
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefania Bulotta
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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23
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Marotta V, Sciammarella C, Capasso M, Testori A, Pivonello C, Chiofalo MG, Pivonello R, Pezzullo L, Botti G, Colao A, Faggiano A. Preliminary data of VEGF-A and VEGFR-2 polymorphisms as predictive factors of radiological response and clinical outcome in iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer treated with sorafenib. Endocrine 2017; 57:539-543. [PMID: 27981515 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-016-1200-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mario Capasso
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Pivonello
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Chiofalo
- Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery Unit, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori-IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Rosario Pivonello
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Luciano Pezzullo
- Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery Unit, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori-IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Gerardo Botti
- Department of Pathology, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori-IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Annamaria Colao
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Antongiulio Faggiano
- Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery Unit, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori-IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
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24
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Trovato M, Campennì A, Giovinazzo S, Siracusa M, Ruggeri RM. Hepatocyte Growth Factor/C-Met Axis in Thyroid Cancer: From Diagnostic Biomarker to Therapeutic Target. Biomark Insights 2017; 12:1177271917701126. [PMID: 28469401 PMCID: PMC5391983 DOI: 10.1177/1177271917701126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-met axis plays a crucial role in cancer development by promoting cellular proliferation, motility, and morphogenesis, as well as angiogenesis. Different cellular distributions of both the ligand and the receptor in benign vs malignant lesions indicate this biological system as a candidate for a diagnostic biomarker of malignancy occurring in endocrine glands, such as the thyroid and pituitary. Furthermore, the HGF/c-met expression may help to identify a subset of patients eligible for potential targeted therapies with HGF/c-met inhibitors or antagonists in thyroid tumour, as well as in other malignancies. This may be relevant for iodine-refractory cancers, the treatment of which is still a major challenge. With this in mind, HGF/c-met expression in thyroid cancer tissue may be useful for prognostic and therapeutic stratification of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Trovato
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Endocrinology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Alfredo Campennì
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Images, Unit of Nuclear Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Salvatore Giovinazzo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Endocrinology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Siracusa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Images, Unit of Nuclear Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Rosaria Maddalena Ruggeri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Endocrinology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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25
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HER2 Analysis in Sporadic Thyroid Cancer of Follicular Cell Origin. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17122040. [PMID: 27929428 PMCID: PMC5187840 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17122040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Revised: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Epidermal Growth Factor Receoptor (EGFR) family member human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is overexpressed in many human epithelial malignancies, representing a molecular target for specific anti-neoplastic drugs. Few data are available on HER2 status in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). The present study was aimed to investigate HER2 status in sporadic cancers of follicular cell origin to better clarify the role of this receptor in the stratification of thyroid cancer. By immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in-situ hybridization, HER2 expression was investigated in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded surgical specimens from 90 DTC patients, 45 follicular (FTC) and 45 papillary (PTC) histotypes. No HER2 immunostaining was recorded in background thyroid tissue. By contrast, overall HER2 overexpression was found in 20/45 (44%) FTC and 8/45 (18%) PTC, with a significant difference between the two histotypes (p = 0.046). Five of the six patients who developed metastatic disease during a median nine-year follow-up had a HER2-positive tumor. Therefore, we suggest that HER2 expression may represent an additional aid to identify a subset of patients who are characterized by a worse prognosis and are potentially eligible for targeted therapy.
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26
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Sponziello M, Rosignolo F, Celano M, Maggisano V, Pecce V, De Rose RF, Lombardo GE, Durante C, Filetti S, Damante G, Russo D, Bulotta S. Fibronectin-1 expression is increased in aggressive thyroid cancer and favors the migration and invasion of cancer cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 431:123-32. [PMID: 27173027 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In this study we analyzed the expression levels of markers of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in several papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) and the relation with tumor genotypes and clinicopathological characteristics. The role of fibronectin-1 (FN1) was investigated by analyzing the effects of FN1 silencing in two human thyroid cancer cell lines. Most of EMT markers were significantly over-expressed in a group of 36 PTCs. In particular, FN1 mRNA levels were higher in tumor vs non-tumor tissue (117.3, p < 0.001) and also in aggressive and BRAF(V600E) samples. Similar results were observed (and confirmed at the protein level) when FN1 expression was analyzed in a validation group of 50 PTCs and six lymph node (LN) metastases. Silencing of FN1 in TPC-1 and BCPAP thyroid cancer cells significantly reduced proliferation, adhesion, migration, and invasion in both cell lines. Collectively, our data indicate that FN1 overexpression is an important determinant of thyroid cancer aggressiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marialuisa Sponziello
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Rosignolo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Marilena Celano
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Valentina Maggisano
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Valeria Pecce
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Cosimo Durante
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Filetti
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Damante
- Institute of Medical Genetics, "S. Maria della Misericordia" University Hospital, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Diego Russo
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Stefania Bulotta
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
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