1
|
Xu Z, Yuan Y, Liu J, Li C, Chen K, Wang F, Li G. STK214947, a novel indole alkaloids, inhibits HeLa and SK-HEP-1 cells survival and EMT process by blocking the Notch3 and Akt signals. Anticancer Drugs 2024; 35:325-332. [PMID: 38277337 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Apoptosis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are closely associated with tumor survival and metastasis. These are the basic events in tumor occurrence and progression. STK214947 is an indole alkaloid with a skeleton that is similar to that of indirubin. Indole alkaloids have attracted considerable attention because of their antitumor activity. However, the relationship between STK214947 and these basic events remains unknown. In this study, the effects of STK214947 on inducing apoptosis and reversing the EMT process in tumor cells were confirmed. Mild concentrations of STK214947 inhibited tumor cell migration by reversing EMT and significantly regulated the expression of EMT-related proteins, including Notch3, E-cadherin, N-cadherin and vimentin. In addition, STK214947 in high concentration could induce apoptosis by down-regulating Notch3, p-Akt/Akt, and NF-κB, and upregulating Caspase 3. These findings support the further development of STK214947 as a potential antitumor small molecule that targets Notch3 and Akt signal transduction in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Xu
- School of Ethnic Medicine, Yunnan Minzu University, Yunnan, Kunming, People's Republic of China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen W, Zhang Y, Li R, Huang W, Wei X, Zeng D, Liang Y, Zeng Y, Chen M, Zhang L, Gao W, Zhu Y, Li Y, Zhang G. Notch3 Transactivates Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3-Beta and Inhibits Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer Cells. Cells 2022; 11:cells11182872. [PMID: 36139447 PMCID: PMC9497076 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
As a critical transformational process in the attributes of epithelial cells, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is involved in tumor invasion, metastasis, and resistance to treatment, which contributes to the ultimate death of some patients with breast cancer. Glycogen synthase kinase-3-beta (GSK3β) is thought to be an EMT suppressor that down-regulates the protein, snail, a zinc finger transcription inhibitor, and regulates E-cadherin expression and the Wnt signaling pathway. Our previous studies have shown that Notch3 also inhibits EMT in breast cancer. In mammary gland cells, GSK3β physically bound and phosphorylated the intracellular domain of two Notch paralogs: N1ICD was positively regulated, but N2ICD was negatively regulated; however, the relationship between Notch3, GSK3β, and EMT in breast cancer is still unclear and crosstalk between Notch3 and GSK3β has not been widely investigated. In this study, we revealed that Notch3 was an essential antagonist of EMT in breast cancer cells by transcriptionally upregulating GSK3β. In breast cancer, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines, the silencing of Notch3 reduced GSK3β expression, which is sufficient to induce EMT. Conversely, ectopic Notch3 expression re-activated GSK3β and E-cadherin. Mechanistically, Notch3 can bind to the GSK3β promoter directly and activate GSK3β transcription. In human breast cancer samples, Notch3 expression is positively associated with GSK3β (r = 0.416, p = 0.001); moreover, high expressions of Notch3 and GSK3β mRNA are correlated to better relapse-free survival in all breast cancer patients via analysis in "the Kaplan-Meier plotter" database. In summary, our preliminary results suggested that Notch3 might inhibit EMT by trans-activating GSK3β in breast cancer cells. The suppression of Notch3 expression may contribute to EMT by transcriptionally downregulating GSK3β in breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiling Chen
- Department of Breast-Thyroid-Surgery and Cancer Center, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
- Key Laboratory for Endocrine-Related Cancer Precision Medicine of Xiamen, No. 2000 Xiang’an East Road, Xiamen 361101, China
- Xiamen Research Center of Clinical Medicine in Breast & Thyroid Cancers, No. 2000 Xiang’an East Road, Xiamen 361101, China
| | - Yongqu Zhang
- Department of Breast-Thyroid-Surgery and Cancer Center, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
- Key Laboratory for Endocrine-Related Cancer Precision Medicine of Xiamen, No. 2000 Xiang’an East Road, Xiamen 361101, China
- Xiamen Research Center of Clinical Medicine in Breast & Thyroid Cancers, No. 2000 Xiang’an East Road, Xiamen 361101, China
| | - Ronghui Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, No. 2000 Xiang’an East Road, Xiamen 361101, China
| | - Wenhe Huang
- Department of Breast-Thyroid-Surgery and Cancer Center, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
- Key Laboratory for Endocrine-Related Cancer Precision Medicine of Xiamen, No. 2000 Xiang’an East Road, Xiamen 361101, China
- Xiamen Research Center of Clinical Medicine in Breast & Thyroid Cancers, No. 2000 Xiang’an East Road, Xiamen 361101, China
| | - Xiaolong Wei
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, No. 7 Raoping Road, Shantou 515041, China
| | - De Zeng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, No. 7 Raoping Road, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Yuanke Liang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, No. 57 Changping Road, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Yunzhu Zeng
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, No. 7 Raoping Road, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Min Chen
- Key Laboratory for Endocrine-Related Cancer Precision Medicine of Xiamen, No. 2000 Xiang’an East Road, Xiamen 361101, China
| | - Lixin Zhang
- Department of Breast-Thyroid-Surgery and Cancer Center, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
- Key Laboratory for Endocrine-Related Cancer Precision Medicine of Xiamen, No. 2000 Xiang’an East Road, Xiamen 361101, China
- Xiamen Research Center of Clinical Medicine in Breast & Thyroid Cancers, No. 2000 Xiang’an East Road, Xiamen 361101, China
| | - Wenliang Gao
- Department of Breast-Thyroid-Surgery and Cancer Center, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
- Key Laboratory for Endocrine-Related Cancer Precision Medicine of Xiamen, No. 2000 Xiang’an East Road, Xiamen 361101, China
- Xiamen Research Center of Clinical Medicine in Breast & Thyroid Cancers, No. 2000 Xiang’an East Road, Xiamen 361101, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhu
- Department of Breast-Thyroid-Surgery and Cancer Center, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
- Key Laboratory for Endocrine-Related Cancer Precision Medicine of Xiamen, No. 2000 Xiang’an East Road, Xiamen 361101, China
- Xiamen Research Center of Clinical Medicine in Breast & Thyroid Cancers, No. 2000 Xiang’an East Road, Xiamen 361101, China
| | - Yaochen Li
- Department of Central Lab, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, No. 7 Raoping Road, Shantou 515041, China
- Correspondence: (Y.L.); (G.Z.)
| | - Guojun Zhang
- Department of Breast-Thyroid-Surgery and Cancer Center, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
- Key Laboratory for Endocrine-Related Cancer Precision Medicine of Xiamen, No. 2000 Xiang’an East Road, Xiamen 361101, China
- Xiamen Research Center of Clinical Medicine in Breast & Thyroid Cancers, No. 2000 Xiang’an East Road, Xiamen 361101, China
- Correspondence: (Y.L.); (G.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Giuli MV, Mancusi A, Giuliani E, Screpanti I, Checquolo S. Notch signaling in female cancers: a multifaceted node to overcome drug resistance. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2022; 4:805-836. [PMID: 35582386 PMCID: PMC8992449 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2021.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Drug resistance is one of the main challenges in cancer therapy, including in the treatment of female-specific malignancies, which account for more than 60% of cancer cases among women. Therefore, elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms is an urgent need in gynecological cancers to foster novel therapeutic approaches. Notably, Notch signaling, including either receptors or ligands, has emerged as a promising candidate given its multifaceted role in almost all of the hallmarks of cancer. Concerning the connection between Notch pathway and drug resistance in the afore-mentioned tumor contexts, several studies focused on the Notch-dependent regulation of the cancer stem cell (CSC) subpopulation or the induction of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), both features implicated in either intrinsic or acquired resistance. Indeed, the present review provides an up-to-date overview of the published results on Notch signaling and EMT- or CSC-driven drug resistance. Moreover, other drug resistance-related mechanisms are examined such as the involvement of the Notch pathway in drug efflux and tumor microenvironment. Collectively, there is a long way to go before every facet will be fully understood; nevertheless, some small pieces are falling neatly into place. Overall, the main aim of this review is to provide strong evidence in support of Notch signaling inhibition as an effective strategy to evade or reverse resistance in female-specific cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria V Giuli
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Angelica Mancusi
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Eugenia Giuliani
- Scientific Direction, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute IRCCS, Rome 00144, Italy
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Saula Checquolo
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnology, Sapienza University, Latina 04100, Italy.,Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome 00161, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nandi A, Chakrabarti R. The many facets of Notch signaling in breast cancer: toward overcoming therapeutic resistance. Genes Dev 2021; 34:1422-1438. [PMID: 33872192 PMCID: PMC7608750 DOI: 10.1101/gad.342287.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In this review, Nandi et al. revisit the mechanisms by which Notch receptors and ligands contribute to normal mammary gland development and breast tumor progression. The authors also discuss combinatorial approaches aimed at disrupting Notch- and TME-mediated resistance that may improve prognosis in breast cancer patients. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women and is a complex disease with high intratumoral and intertumoral heterogeneity. Such heterogeneity is a major driving force behind failure of current therapies and development of resistance. Due to the limitations of conventional therapies and inevitable emergence of acquired drug resistance (chemo and endocrine) as well as radio resistance, it is essential to design novel therapeutic strategies to improve the prognosis for breast cancer patients. Deregulated Notch signaling within the breast tumor and its tumor microenvironment (TME) is linked to poor clinical outcomes in treatment of resistant breast cancer. Notch receptors and ligands are also important for normal mammary development, suggesting the potential for conserved signaling pathways between normal mammary gland development and breast cancer. In this review, we focus on mechanisms by which Notch receptors and ligands contribute to normal mammary gland development and breast tumor progression. We also discuss how complex interactions between cancer cells and the TME may reduce treatment efficacy and ultimately lead to acquired drug or radio resistance. Potential combinatorial approaches aimed at disrupting Notch- and TME-mediated resistance that may aid in achieving in an improved patient prognosis are also highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ajeya Nandi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Rumela Chakrabarti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Orzechowska M, Anusewicz D, Bednarek AK. Functional Gene Expression Differentiation of the Notch Signaling Pathway in Female Reproductive Tract Tissues-A Comprehensive Review With Analysis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:592616. [PMID: 33384996 PMCID: PMC7770115 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.592616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Notch pathway involves evolutionarily conserved signaling regulating the development of the female tract organs such as breast, ovary, cervix, and uterine endometrium. A great number of studies revealed Notch aberrancies in association with their carcinogenesis and disease progression, the management of which is still challenging. The present study is a comprehensive review of the available literature on Notch signaling during the normal development and carcinogenesis of the female tract organs. The review has been enriched with our analyses of the TCGA data including breast, cervical, ovarian, and endometrial carcinomas concerning the effects of Notch signaling at two levels: the core components and downstream effectors, hence filling the lack of global overview of Notch-driven carcinogenesis and disease progression. Phenotype heterogeneity regarding Notch signaling was projected in two uniform manifold approximation and projection algorithm dimensions, preceded by the principal component analysis step reducing the data burden. Additionally, overall and disease-free survival analyses were performed with the optimal cutpoint determination by Evaluate Cutpoints software to establish the character of particular Notch components in tumorigenesis. In addition to the review, we demonstrated separate models of the examined cancers of the Notch pathway and its targets, although expression profiles of all normal tissues were much more similar to each other than to its cancerous compartments. Such Notch-driven cancerous differentiation resulted in a case of opposite association with DFS and OS. As a consequence, target genes also show very distinct profiles including genes associated with cell proliferation and differentiation, energy metabolism, or the EMT. In conclusion, the observed Notch associations with the female tract malignancies resulted from differential expression of target genes. This may influence a future analysis to search for new therapeutic targets based on specific Notch pathway profiles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Dorota Anusewicz
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Andrzej K Bednarek
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Barguilla I, Bach J, Peremartí J, Marcos R, Hernández A. FRA1 is essential for the maintenance of the oncogenic phenotype induced by in vitro long-term arsenic exposure. Metallomics 2020; 12:2161-2173. [PMID: 33313624 DOI: 10.1039/d0mt00209g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Arsenic induces oncogenic effects activating stress-related signalling pathways. This can result in the over-activation of the AP-1 protein, specifically its FRA1 component. FRA1 is a transcription factor frequently overexpressed in epithelial tumors, where it can regulate the expression of different target genes. Accordingly, FRA1 could play an essential role in the in vitro cell transformation induced by arsenic. FRA1 levels were monitored in MEF cells throughout their transformation stages during 40 weeks of long-term 2 μM arsenic exposure. Interestingly, the results show a progressive FRA1 overexpression with time (60-fold and 11-fold for mRNA and pFRA/non-pFRA1, respectively, at week 40), which may be responsible for the observed altered expression in the FRA1 downstream target genes Pten, Pdcd4, Tpm1, Tgfb1, Tgfb2, Zeb1, Zeb2, and Twist. The levels of MAPKs (ERK, p38, and JNK) and other known players upstream from FRA1 were assessed at equivalent time-points, and ERK, p38 and RAS were pinpointed as potential candidates involved in arsenic-induced FRA1 activation. Furthermore, FRA1 stable knockdown under chronic arsenic exposure settings elicits a remarkable impact on the features relative to the cells' oncogenic phenotype. Notably, FRA1 knockdown cells present a 30% diminished proliferation rate, a 50% lowered migration and invasion potential, a 50% reduction in senescence, and a 30-60% reduced tumorsphere-forming ability. This work is the first to demonstrate the important role of FRA1 in the development and aggressiveness of the in vitro transformed phenotype induced by long-term arsenic exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irene Barguilla
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Edifici Cn, Campus de Bellaterra, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona), Spain.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Walcher L, Kistenmacher AK, Suo H, Kitte R, Dluczek S, Strauß A, Blaudszun AR, Yevsa T, Fricke S, Kossatz-Boehlert U. Cancer Stem Cells-Origins and Biomarkers: Perspectives for Targeted Personalized Therapies. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1280. [PMID: 32849491 PMCID: PMC7426526 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 454] [Impact Index Per Article: 113.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of biomarkers in diagnosis, therapy and prognosis has gained increasing interest over the last decades. In particular, the analysis of biomarkers in cancer patients within the pre- and post-therapeutic period is required to identify several types of cells, which carry a risk for a disease progression and subsequent post-therapeutic relapse. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of tumor cells that can drive tumor initiation and can cause relapses. At the time point of tumor initiation, CSCs originate from either differentiated cells or adult tissue resident stem cells. Due to their importance, several biomarkers that characterize CSCs have been identified and correlated to diagnosis, therapy and prognosis. However, CSCs have been shown to display a high plasticity, which changes their phenotypic and functional appearance. Such changes are induced by chemo- and radiotherapeutics as well as senescent tumor cells, which cause alterations in the tumor microenvironment. Induction of senescence causes tumor shrinkage by modulating an anti-tumorigenic environment in which tumor cells undergo growth arrest and immune cells are attracted. Besides these positive effects after therapy, senescence can also have negative effects displayed post-therapeutically. These unfavorable effects can directly promote cancer stemness by increasing CSC plasticity phenotypes, by activating stemness pathways in non-CSCs, as well as by promoting senescence escape and subsequent activation of stemness pathways. At the end, all these effects can lead to tumor relapse and metastasis. This review provides an overview of the most frequently used CSC markers and their implementation as biomarkers by focussing on deadliest solid (lung, stomach, liver, breast and colorectal cancers) and hematological (acute myeloid leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia) cancers. Furthermore, it gives examples on how the CSC markers might be influenced by therapeutics, such as chemo- and radiotherapy, and the tumor microenvironment. It points out, that it is crucial to identify and monitor residual CSCs, senescent tumor cells, and the pro-tumorigenic senescence-associated secretory phenotype in a therapy follow-up using specific biomarkers. As a future perspective, a targeted immune-mediated strategy using chimeric antigen receptor based approaches for the removal of remaining chemotherapy-resistant cells as well as CSCs in a personalized therapeutic approach are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lia Walcher
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Kistenmacher
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Huizhen Suo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Reni Kitte
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sarah Dluczek
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alexander Strauß
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - André-René Blaudszun
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tetyana Yevsa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stephan Fricke
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Uta Kossatz-Boehlert
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhang Y, Xie ZY, Guo XT, Xiao XH, Xiong LX. Notch and breast cancer metastasis: Current knowledge, new sights and targeted therapy. Oncol Lett 2019; 18:2743-2755. [PMID: 31452752 PMCID: PMC6704289 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common type of invasive cancer in females and metastasis is one of the major causes of breast cancer-associated mortality. Following detachment from the primary site, disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) enter the bloodstream and establish secondary colonies during the metastatic process. An increasing amount of studies have elucidated the importance of Notch signaling in breast cancer metastasis; therefore, the present review focuses on the mechanisms by which Notch contributes to the occurrence of breast cancer DTCs, increases their motility, establishes interactions with the tumor microenvironment, protects DTCs from host surveillance and finally facilitates secondary colonization. Identification of the underlying mechanisms of Notch-associated breast cancer metastasis will provide additional insights that may contribute towards the development of novel Notch-targeted therapeutic strategies, which may aid in reducing metastasis, culminating in an improved patient prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Zi-Yan Xie
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Xuan-Tong Guo
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Xing-Hua Xiao
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathogenesis and Molecular Pathology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Li-Xia Xiong
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathogenesis and Molecular Pathology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mollen EWJ, Ient J, Tjan-Heijnen VCG, Boersma LJ, Miele L, Smidt ML, Vooijs MAGG. Moving Breast Cancer Therapy up a Notch. Front Oncol 2018; 8:518. [PMID: 30515368 PMCID: PMC6256059 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the second most common malignancy, worldwide. Treatment decisions are based on tumor stage, histological subtype, and receptor expression and include combinations of surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic treatment. These, together with earlier diagnosis, have resulted in increased survival. However, initial treatment efficacy cannot be guaranteed upfront, and these treatments may come with (long-term) serious adverse effects, negatively affecting a patient's quality of life. Gene expression-based tests can accurately estimate the risk of recurrence in early stage breast cancers. Disease recurrence correlates with treatment resistance, creating a major need to resensitize tumors to treatment. Notch signaling is frequently deregulated in cancer and is involved in treatment resistance. Preclinical research has already identified many combinatory therapeutic options where Notch involvement enhances the effectiveness of radiotherapy, chemotherapy or targeted therapies for breast cancer. However, the benefit of targeting Notch has remained clinically inconclusive. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on targeting the Notch pathway to enhance current treatments for breast cancer and to combat treatment resistance. Furthermore, we propose mechanisms to further exploit Notch-based therapeutics in the treatment of breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erik W J Mollen
- Department of Radiotherapy, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO), Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Jonathan Ient
- Department of Radiotherapy, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Vivianne C G Tjan-Heijnen
- Department of Radiotherapy, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Liesbeth J Boersma
- Department of Radiotherapy, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO), Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Lucio Miele
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States.,Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Marjolein L Smidt
- Department of Radiotherapy, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Marc A G G Vooijs
- Department of Radiotherapy, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO), Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Aburjania Z, Jang S, Whitt J, Jaskula-Stzul R, Chen H, Rose JB. The Role of Notch3 in Cancer. Oncologist 2018; 23:900-911. [PMID: 29622701 PMCID: PMC6156186 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2017-0677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The Notch family is a highly conserved gene group that regulates cell-cell interaction, embryogenesis, and tissue commitment. This review article focuses on the third Notch family subtype, Notch3. Regulation via Notch3 signaling was first implicated in vasculogenesis. However, more recent findings suggest that Notch3 signaling may play an important role in oncogenesis, tumor maintenance, and resistance to chemotherapy. Its role is mainly oncogenic, although in some cancers it appears to be tumor suppressive. Despite the wealth of published literature, it remains relatively underexplored and requires further research to shed more light on its role in cancer development, determine its tissue-specific function, and elaborate novel treatment strategies. Herein we summarize the role of Notch3 in cancer, possible mechanisms of its action, and current cancer treatment strategies targeting Notch3 signaling. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE The Notch family is a highly conserved gene group that regulates cell-cell interaction, embryogenesis, and tissue commitment. This review summarizes the existing data on the third subtype of the Notch family, Notch3. The role of Notch3 in different types of cancers is discussed, as well as implications of its modification and new strategies to affect Notch3 signaling activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zviadi Aburjania
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Samuel Jang
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Jason Whitt
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Renata Jaskula-Stzul
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Herbert Chen
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - J Bart Rose
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yang M, Li H, Li Y, Ruan Y, Quan C. Identification of genes and pathways associated with MDR in MCF-7/MDR breast cancer cells by RNA-seq analysis. Mol Med Rep 2018; 17:6211-6226. [PMID: 29512753 PMCID: PMC5928598 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.8704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major problem in the treatment of breast cancer. In the present study, next-generation sequencing technology was employed to identify differentially expressed genes in MCF-7/MDR cells and MCF-7 cells, and aimed to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of MDR in breast cancer. Differentially expressed genes between MCF-7/MDR and MCF-7 cells were selected using software; a total of 2085 genes were screened as differentially expressed in MCF-7/MDR cells. Furthermore, gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the DAVID database. Finally, a protein-protein interaction network was constructed and the hub genes in the network were analyzed using the STRING database. GO annotation demonstrated that the differentially expressed genes were enriched in various biological processes, including ‘regulation of cell differentiation’, ‘cell development’, ‘neuron development’, ‘movement of cell or subcellular component’ and ‘cell morphogenesis involved in neuron differentiation’. Cellular component analysis by GO revealed that differentially expressed genes were enriched in ‘plasma membrane region’ and ‘extracellular matrix’ terms. Furthermore, KEGG analysis demonstrated that the target genes were enriched in various pathways, including ‘cell adhesion molecules (CAMs)’, ‘calcium signaling pathway’, ‘tight junction’, ‘Wnt signaling pathway’ and ‘pathways in cancer’ terms. A protein-protein interaction network demonstrated that certain hub genes, including cyclin D1, nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3), NOTCH3, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), paired box 6, neuropeptide Y, phospholipase C β (PLCB) 4, PLCB2 and actin α cardiac muscle 1, may be associated with MDR in breast cancer. Subsequently, RT-qPCR confirmed that the expression of these 9 hub genes was higher in MCF-7/MDR cells compared with MCF-7 cells, consistent with the RNA-sequencing analysis. Additionally, a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay demonstrated that specific inhibitors of NOS3 and BDNF/neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase, type 2 signaling reduced the IC50 of MCF-7/MDR cells in response to various anticancer drugs, including adriamycin, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil. The results of the present study provide novel insights into the mechanism underlying MDR in MCF-7 cells and may identify novel targets for the treatment of breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minlan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 310021, P.R. China
| | - Hairi Li
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093‑0651, USA
| | - Yanru Li
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 310021, P.R. China
| | - Yang Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 310021, P.R. China
| | - Chengshi Quan
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 310021, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|