1
|
Chakravarti B, Akhtar Siddiqui J, Anthony Sinha R, Raza S. Targeting autophagy and lipid metabolism in cancer stem cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 212:115550. [PMID: 37060962 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subset of cancer cells with self-renewal ability and tumor initiating properties. Unlike the other non-stem cancer cells, CSCs resist traditional therapy and remain a major cause of disease relapse. With the recent advances in metabolomics, various studies have demonstrated that CSCs have distinct metabolic properties. Metabolic reprogramming in CSCs contributes to self-renewal and maintenance of stemness. Accumulating evidence suggests that rewiring of energy metabolism is a key player that enables to meet energy demands, maintains stemness, and sustains cancer growth and invasion. CSCs use various mechanisms such as increased glycolysis, redox signaling and autophagy modulation to overcome nutritional deficiency and sustain cell survival. The alterations in lipid metabolism acquired by the CSCs support biomass production through increased dependence on fatty acid synthesis and β-oxidation and contribute to oncogenic signaling pathways. This review summarizes our current understanding of lipid metabolism in CSCs and how pharmacological regulation of autophagy and lipid metabolism influences CSC phenotype. Increased dependence on lipid metabolism appears as an attractive strategy to eliminate CSCs using therapeutic agents that specifically target CSCs based on their modulation of lipid metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bandana Chakravarti
- Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow - 226014, India
| | - Jawed Akhtar Siddiqui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Rohit Anthony Sinha
- Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow - 226014, India.
| | - Sana Raza
- Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow - 226014, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kohoutova K, Dočekal V, Ausserlechner MJ, Kaiser N, Tekel A, Mandal R, Horvath M, Obsilova V, Vesely J, Hagenbuchner J, Obsil T. Lengthening the Guanidine-Aryl Linker of Phenylpyrimidinylguanidines Increases Their Potency as Inhibitors of FOXO3-Induced Gene Transcription. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:34632-34646. [PMID: 36188303 PMCID: PMC9521028 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c04613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Increased FOXO3 nuclear localization is involved in neuroblastoma chemoresistance and tumor angiogenesis. Accordingly, FOXO3 inhibition is a promising strategy for boosting antitumor immune responses and suppressing FOXO3-mediated therapy resistance in cancer cells. However, no FOXO3 inhibitors are currently available for clinical use. Nevertheless, we have recently identified (4-propoxy)phenylpyrimidinylguanidine as a FOXO3 inhibitor in cancer cells in the low micromolar range. Here, we report the synthesis and structure-activity relationship study of a small library of its derivatives, some of which inhibit FOXO3-induced gene transcription in cancer cells in a submicromolar range and are thus 1 order of magnitude more potent than their parent compound. By NMR and molecular docking, we showed that these compounds differ in their interactions with the DNA-binding domain of FOXO3. These results may provide a foundation for further optimizing (4-propoxy)phenylpyrimidinylguanidine and developing therapeutics for inhibiting the activity of forkhead box (FOX) transcription factors and their interactions with other binding partners.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Klara Kohoutova
- Department
of Physical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, Prague 12843, Czech Republic
- Institute
of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Laboratory of Structural
Biology of Signaling Proteins, Division
BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, Vestec 25250, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtěch Dočekal
- Department
of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, Prague 12843, Czech Republic
| | | | - Nora Kaiser
- Department
of Pediatrics I, Medical University Innsbruck, Innrain 66, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Andrej Tekel
- Department
of Physical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, Prague 12843, Czech Republic
| | - Raju Mandal
- Department
of Physical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, Prague 12843, Czech Republic
| | - Matej Horvath
- Department
of Physical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, Prague 12843, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Obsilova
- Institute
of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Laboratory of Structural
Biology of Signaling Proteins, Division
BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, Vestec 25250, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Vesely
- Department
of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, Prague 12843, Czech Republic
| | - Judith Hagenbuchner
- Department
of Pediatrics II, Medical University Innsbruck, Innrain 66, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Tomas Obsil
- Department
of Physical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, Prague 12843, Czech Republic
- Institute
of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Laboratory of Structural
Biology of Signaling Proteins, Division
BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, Vestec 25250, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jimenez L, Amenabar C, Mayoral-Varo V, Mackenzie TA, Ramos MC, Silva A, Calissi G, Grenho I, Blanco-Aparicio C, Pastor J, Megías D, Ferreira BI, Link W. mTORC2 Is the Major Second Layer Kinase Negatively Regulating FOXO3 Activity. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27175414. [PMID: 36080182 PMCID: PMC9457944 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box O (FOXO) proteins are transcription factors involved in cancer and aging and their pharmacological manipulation could be beneficial for the treatment of cancer and healthy aging. FOXO proteins are mainly regulated by post-translational modifications including phosphorylation, acetylation and ubiquitination. As these modifications are reversible, activation and inactivation of FOXO factors is attainable through pharmacological treatment. One major regulatory input of FOXO signaling is mediated by protein kinases. Here, we use specific inhibitors against different kinases including PI3K, mTOR, MEK and ALK, and other receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) to determine their effect on FOXO3 activity. While we show that inhibition of PI3K efficiently drives FOXO3 into the cell nucleus, the dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitors dactolisib and PI-103 induce nuclear FOXO translocation more potently than the PI3Kδ inhibitor idelalisib. Furthermore, specific inhibition of mTOR kinase activity affecting both mTORC1 and mTORC2 potently induced nuclear translocation of FOXO3, while rapamycin, which specifically inhibits the mTORC1, failed to affect FOXO3. Interestingly, inhibition of the MAPK pathway had no effect on the localization of FOXO3 and upstream RTK inhibition only weakly induced nuclear FOXO3. We also measured the effect of the test compounds on the phosphorylation status of AKT, FOXO3 and ERK, on FOXO-dependent transcriptional activity and on the subcellular localization of other FOXO isoforms. We conclude that mTORC2 is the most important second layer kinase negatively regulating FOXO activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Jimenez
- Institute of Biomedical Research Alberto Sols (CSIC-UAM), Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Amenabar
- Institute of Biomedical Research Alberto Sols (CSIC-UAM), Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Victor Mayoral-Varo
- Institute of Biomedical Research Alberto Sols (CSIC-UAM), Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Thomas A. Mackenzie
- Fundación MEDINA, Health Sciences Technology Park, Avda. del Conocimiento 34, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Maria C. Ramos
- Fundación MEDINA, Health Sciences Technology Park, Avda. del Conocimiento 34, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Andreia Silva
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, Algarve Biomedical Center, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Giampaolo Calissi
- Institute of Biomedical Research Alberto Sols (CSIC-UAM), Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Inês Grenho
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, Algarve Biomedical Center, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Carmen Blanco-Aparicio
- Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Joaquin Pastor
- Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego Megías
- Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Bibiana I. Ferreira
- ABC-RI, Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, Algarve Biomedical Center, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Correspondence: (B.I.F.); (W.L.)
| | - Wolfgang Link
- Institute of Biomedical Research Alberto Sols (CSIC-UAM), Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (B.I.F.); (W.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cancer Stem Cells: From an Insight into the Basics to Recent Advances and Therapeutic Targeting. Stem Cells Int 2022; 2022:9653244. [PMID: 35800881 PMCID: PMC9256444 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9653244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is characterized by an abnormal growth of the cells in an uncontrolled manner. These cells have the potential to invade and can eventually turn into malignancy, leading to highly fatal forms of tumor. Small subpopulations of cancer cells that are long-lived with the potential of excessive self-renewal and tumor formation are called cancer stem cells (CSCs) or cancer-initiating cells or tumor stem cells. CSCs can be found in tissues, such as breast, brain, lung, liver, ovary, and testis; however, their origin is still a matter of debate. These cells can differentiate and possess self-renewal capacity maintained by numerous intracellular signal transduction pathways, such as the Wnt/β-catenin signaling, Notch signaling, transforming growth factor-β signaling, and Hedgehog signaling. They can also contribute to numerous malignancies and are an important reason for tumor recurrence and metastasis because they are resistant to the known therapeutic strategies that mainly target the bulk of the tumor cells. This review contains collected and compiled information after analyzing published works of the last three decades. The goal was to gather information of recent breakthroughs related to CSCs, strategies to target CSCs' niche (e.g., nanotechnology with tumor biology), and their signaling pathways for cancer therapy. Moreover, the role of metformin, an antidiabetic drug, acting as a chemotherapeutic agent on CSCs by inhibiting cellular transformation and its selective killing is also addressed.
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhong Q, Liu Y, Correa MR, Marconett CN, Minoo P, Li C, Ann DK, Zhou B, Borok Z. FOXO1 Couples KGF and PI-3K/AKT Signaling to NKX2.1-Regulated Differentiation of Alveolar Epithelial Cells. Cells 2022; 11:1122. [PMID: 35406686 PMCID: PMC8997990 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
NKX2.1 is a master regulator of lung morphogenesis and cell specification; however, interactions of NKX2.1 with various transcription factors to regulate cell-specific gene expression and cell fate in the distal lung remain incompletely understood. FOXO1 is a key regulator of stem/progenitor cell maintenance/differentiation in several tissues but its role in the regulation of lung alveolar epithelial progenitor homeostasis has not been evaluated. We identified a novel role for FOXO1 in alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) differentiation that results in the removal of NKX2.1 from surfactant gene promoters and the subsequent loss of surfactant expression in alveolar epithelial type I-like (AT1-like) cells. We found that the FOXO1 forkhead domain potentiates a loss of surfactant gene expression through an interaction with the NKX2.1 homeodomain, disrupting NKX2.1 binding to the SFTPC promoter. In addition, blocking PI-3K/AKT signaling reduces phosphorylated FOXO-1 (p-FOXO1), allowing accumulated nuclear FOXO1 to interact with NKX2.1 in differentiating AEC. Inhibiting AEC differentiation in vitro with keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) maintained an AT2 cell phenotype through increased PI3K/AKT-mediated FOXO1 phosphorylation, resulting in higher levels of surfactant expression. Together these results indicate that FOXO1 plays a central role in AEC differentiation by directly binding NKX2.1 and suggests an essential role for FOXO1 in mediating AEC homeostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhong
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (Q.Z.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yixin Liu
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (Q.Z.); (Y.L.)
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (M.R.C.); (C.N.M.); (P.M.); (C.L.)
| | - Michele Ramos Correa
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (M.R.C.); (C.N.M.); (P.M.); (C.L.)
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Crystal Nicole Marconett
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (M.R.C.); (C.N.M.); (P.M.); (C.L.)
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Parviz Minoo
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (M.R.C.); (C.N.M.); (P.M.); (C.L.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Changgong Li
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (M.R.C.); (C.N.M.); (P.M.); (C.L.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - David K. Ann
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
| | - Beiyun Zhou
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (Q.Z.); (Y.L.)
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (M.R.C.); (C.N.M.); (P.M.); (C.L.)
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Zea Borok
- Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (M.R.C.); (C.N.M.); (P.M.); (C.L.)
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA 92037, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shi YY, Meng XT, Xu YN, Tian XJ. Role of FOXO protein's abnormal activation through PI3K/AKT pathway in platinum resistance of ovarian cancer. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2021; 47:1946-1957. [PMID: 33827148 DOI: 10.1111/jog.14753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
AIM Platinum-based chemotherapy is the standard treatment for ovarian cancer. However, tumor cells' resistance to platinum drugs often occurs. This paper provides a review of Forkhead box O (FOXO) protein's role in platinum resistance of ovarian cancer which hopefully may provide some further guidance for the treatment of platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. METHODS We reviewed a 128 published papers from authoritative and professional journals on FOXO and platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, and adopts qualitative analyses and interpretation based on the literature. RESULTS Ovarian cancer often has abnormal activation of cellular pathways, the most important of which is the PI3K/AKT pathway. FOXOs act as crucial downstream factor of the PI3K/Akt pathway and are negatively regulated by it. DNA damage response and apoptosis including the relationship between FOXOs and ATM-Chk2-p53 are essential for platinum resistance of ovarian cancer. Through gene expression analysis in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer cell model, it was found that FoxO-1 is decreased in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, so studying the role of FOXO in the pathway on platinum-induced apoptosis may further guide the treatment of platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. CONCLUSIONS There are many drug resistance mechanisms in ovarian cancer, wherein the decrease in cancer cells apoptosis is one of the important causes. Constituted by a series of transcription factors evolving conservatively and mainly working in inhibiting cancer, FOXO proteins play various roles in cells' antitumor response. More and more evidence suggests that we need to re-understand the role that FOXOs have played in cancer development and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Yue Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and gynecology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xiang-Tian Meng
- Department of Ophthalmology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Ya-Nan Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and gynecology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xiu-Juan Tian
- Department of Obstetrics and gynecology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chmurska A, Matczak K, Marczak A. Two Faces of Autophagy in the Struggle against Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2981. [PMID: 33804163 PMCID: PMC8000091 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy can play a double role in cancerogenesis: it can either inhibit further development of the disease or protect cells, causing stimulation of tumour growth. This phenomenon is called "autophagy paradox", and is characterised by the features that the autophagy process provides the necessary substrates for biosynthesis to meet the cell's energy needs, and that the over-programmed activity of this process can lead to cell death through apoptosis. The fight against cancer is a difficult process due to high levels of resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. More and more research is indicating that autophagy may play a very important role in the development of resistance by protecting cancer cells, which is why autophagy in cancer therapy can act as a "double-edged sword". This paper attempts to analyse the influence of autophagy and cancer stem cells on tumour development, and to compare new therapeutic strategies based on the modulation of these processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Chmurska
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Lodz, Banacha Street 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
| | - Karolina Matczak
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Institute of Biophysics, University of Lodz, Pomorska Street 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland; (K.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Agnieszka Marczak
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Institute of Biophysics, University of Lodz, Pomorska Street 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland; (K.M.); (A.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jahangiri L, Ishola T, Pucci P, Trigg RM, Pereira J, Williams JA, Cavanagh ML, Gkoutos GV, Tsaprouni L, Turner SD. The Role of Autophagy and lncRNAs in the Maintenance of Cancer Stem Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061239. [PMID: 33799834 PMCID: PMC7998932 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a distinct cancer subpopulation that can influence the tumour microenvironment, in addition to cancer progression and relapse. A multitude of factors including CSC properties, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and autophagy play pivotal roles in maintaining CSCs. We discuss the methods of detection of CSCs and how our knowledge of regulatory and cellular processes, and their interaction with the microenvironment, may lead to more effective targeting of these cells. Autophagy and lncRNAs can regulate several cellular functions, thereby promoting stemness factors and CSC properties, hence understanding this triangle and its associated signalling networks can lead to enhanced therapy response, while paving the way for the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Abstract Cancer stem cells (CSCs) possess properties such as self-renewal, resistance to apoptotic cues, quiescence, and DNA-damage repair capacity. Moreover, CSCs strongly influence the tumour microenvironment (TME) and may account for cancer progression, recurrence, and relapse. CSCs represent a distinct subpopulation in tumours and the detection, characterisation, and understanding of the regulatory landscape and cellular processes that govern their maintenance may pave the way to improving prognosis, selective targeted therapy, and therapy outcomes. In this review, we have discussed the characteristics of CSCs identified in various cancer types and the role of autophagy and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in maintaining the homeostasis of CSCs. Further, we have discussed methods to detect CSCs and strategies for treatment and relapse, taking into account the requirement to inhibit CSC growth and survival within the complex backdrop of cellular processes, microenvironmental interactions, and regulatory networks associated with cancer. Finally, we critique the computationally reinforced triangle of factors inclusive of CSC properties, the process of autophagy, and lncRNA and their associated networks with respect to hypoxia, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and signalling pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leila Jahangiri
- Department of Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham B15 3TN, UK; (T.I.); (M.L.C.); (L.T.)
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK; (P.P.); (R.M.T.); (S.D.T.)
- Correspondence: (L.J.); (G.V.G.)
| | - Tala Ishola
- Department of Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham B15 3TN, UK; (T.I.); (M.L.C.); (L.T.)
| | - Perla Pucci
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK; (P.P.); (R.M.T.); (S.D.T.)
| | - Ricky M. Trigg
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK; (P.P.); (R.M.T.); (S.D.T.)
- Department of Functional Genomics, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Joao Pereira
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA;
| | - John A. Williams
- Institute of Translational Medicine, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK;
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2SY, UK
| | - Megan L. Cavanagh
- Department of Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham B15 3TN, UK; (T.I.); (M.L.C.); (L.T.)
| | - Georgios V. Gkoutos
- Institute of Translational Medicine, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK;
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2SY, UK
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire OX110RD, UK
- MRC Health Data Research Midlands, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- NIHR Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- Correspondence: (L.J.); (G.V.G.)
| | - Loukia Tsaprouni
- Department of Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham B15 3TN, UK; (T.I.); (M.L.C.); (L.T.)
| | - Suzanne D. Turner
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK; (P.P.); (R.M.T.); (S.D.T.)
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Castelli V, Giordano A, Benedetti E, Giansanti F, Quintiliani M, Cimini A, d’Angelo M. The Great Escape: The Power of Cancer Stem Cells to Evade Programmed Cell Death. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:328. [PMID: 33477367 PMCID: PMC7830655 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the primary causes of death worldwide. Tumour malignancy is related to tumor heterogeneity, which has been suggested to be due to a small subpopulation of tumor cells named cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs exert a key role in metastasis development, tumor recurrence, and also epithelial-mesenchymal transition, apoptotic resistance, self-renewal, tumorigenesis, differentiation, and drug resistance. Several current therapies fail to eradicate tumors due to the ability of CSCs to escape different programmed cell deaths. Thus, developing CSC-selective and programmed death-inducing therapeutic approaches appears to be of primary importance. In this review, we discuss the main programmed cell death occurring in cancer and the promising CSC-targeting agents developed in recent years. Even if the reported studies are encouraging, further investigations are necessary to establish a combination of agents able to eradicate CSCs or inhibit their growth and proliferation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Castelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (F.G.); (M.Q.)
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine and Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Elisabetta Benedetti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (F.G.); (M.Q.)
| | - Francesco Giansanti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (F.G.); (M.Q.)
| | - Massimiliano Quintiliani
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (F.G.); (M.Q.)
| | - Annamaria Cimini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (F.G.); (M.Q.)
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine and Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Michele d’Angelo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (F.G.); (M.Q.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ludikhuize MC, Meerlo M, Gallego MP, Xanthakis D, Burgaya Julià M, Nguyen NTB, Brombacher EC, Liv N, Maurice MM, Paik JH, Burgering BMT, Rodriguez Colman MJ. Mitochondria Define Intestinal Stem Cell Differentiation Downstream of a FOXO/Notch Axis. Cell Metab 2020; 32:889-900.e7. [PMID: 33147486 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2020.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Differential WNT and Notch signaling regulates differentiation of Lgr5+ crypt-based columnar cells (CBCs) into intestinal cell lineages. Recently we showed that mitochondrial activity supports CBCs, while adjacent Paneth cells (PCs) show reduced mitochondrial activity. This implies that CBC differentiation into PCs involves a metabolic transition toward downregulation of mitochondrial dependency. Here we show that Forkhead box O (FoxO) transcription factors and Notch signaling interact in determining CBC fate. In agreement with the organoid data, Foxo1/3/4 deletion in mouse intestine induces secretory cell differentiation. Importantly, we show that FOXO and Notch signaling converge on regulation of mitochondrial fission, which in turn provokes stem cell differentiation into goblet cells and PCs. Finally, scRNA-seq-based reconstruction of CBC differentiation trajectories supports the role of FOXO, Notch, and mitochondria in secretory differentiation. Together, this points at a new signaling-metabolic axis in CBC differentiation and highlights the importance of mitochondria in determining stem cell fate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marlies C Ludikhuize
- Molecular Cancer Research, Center Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Maaike Meerlo
- Molecular Cancer Research, Center Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marc Pages Gallego
- Molecular Cancer Research, Center Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Despina Xanthakis
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mar Burgaya Julià
- Molecular Cancer Research, Center Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Nguyen T B Nguyen
- Molecular Cancer Research, Center Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Eline C Brombacher
- Molecular Cancer Research, Center Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands; Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum, Department of Parasitology, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Nalan Liv
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Madelon M Maurice
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute
| | - Ji-Hye Paik
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Boudewijn M T Burgering
- Molecular Cancer Research, Center Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute
| | - Maria J Rodriguez Colman
- Molecular Cancer Research, Center Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gupta A, Stocker H. FoxO suppresses endoplasmic reticulum stress to inhibit growth of Tsc1-deficient tissues under nutrient restriction. eLife 2020; 9:53159. [PMID: 32525804 PMCID: PMC7289595 DOI: 10.7554/elife.53159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor FoxO has been shown to block proliferation and progression in mTORC1-driven tumorigenesis but the picture of the relevant FoxO target genes remains incomplete. Here, we employed RNA-seq profiling on single clones isolated using laser capture microdissection from Drosophila larval eye imaginal discs to identify FoxO targets that restrict the proliferation of Tsc1-deficient cells under nutrient restriction (NR). Transcriptomics analysis revealed downregulation of endoplasmic reticulum-associated protein degradation pathway components upon foxo knockdown. Induction of ER stress pharmacologically or by suppression of other ER stress response pathway components led to an enhanced overgrowth of Tsc1 knockdown tissue. Increase of ER stress in Tsc1 loss-of-function cells upon foxo knockdown was also confirmed by elevated expression levels of known ER stress markers. These results highlight the role of FoxO in limiting ER stress to regulate Tsc1 mutant overgrowth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Avantika Gupta
- Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Hugo Stocker
- Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Rahman MA, Saha SK, Rahman MS, Uddin MJ, Uddin MS, Pang MG, Rhim H, Cho SG. Molecular Insights Into Therapeutic Potential of Autophagy Modulation by Natural Products for Cancer Stem Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:283. [PMID: 32391363 PMCID: PMC7193248 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy, a cellular self-digestion process that is activated in response to stress, has a functional role in tumor formation and progression. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) accounting for a minor proportion of total cancer cells-have distinct self-renewal and differentiation abilities and promote metastasis. Researchers have shown that a numeral number of natural products using traditional experimental methods have been revealed to target CSCs. However, the specific role of autophagy with respect to CSCs and tumorigenesis using natural products are still unknown. Currently, CSCs are considered to be one of the causative reasons underlying the failure of anticancer treatment as a result of tumor recurrence, metastasis, and chemo- or radio-resistance. Autophagy may play a dual role in CSC-related resistance to anticancer treatment; it is responsible for cell fate determination and the targeted degradation of transcription factors via growth arrest. It has been established that autophagy promotes drug resistance, dormancy, and stemness and maintenance of CSCs. Surprisingly, numerous studies have also suggested that autophagy can facilitate the loss of stemness in CSCs. Here, we review current progress in research related to the multifaceted connections between autophagy modulation and CSCs control using natural products. Overall, we emphasize the importance of understanding the role of autophagy in the maintenance of different CSCs and implications of this connection for the development of new strategies for cancer treatment targeting natural products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Ataur Rahman
- Center for Neuroscience, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Global Biotechnology & Biomedical Research Network, Islamic University, Kushtia, Bangladesh
| | - Subbroto Kumar Saha
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Md Saidur Rahman
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, South Korea
| | - Md Jamal Uddin
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea.,ABEx Bio-Research Center, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Sahab Uddin
- Department of Pharmacy, Southeast University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.,Pharmakon Neuroscience Research Network, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Myung-Geol Pang
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, South Korea
| | - Hyewhon Rhim
- Center for Neuroscience, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea.,Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ssang-Goo Cho
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Liu W, Li Y, Luo B. Current perspective on the regulation of FOXO4 and its role in disease progression. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:651-663. [PMID: 31529218 PMCID: PMC11104957 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03297-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Forkhead box O4 (FOXO4) is a member of the FOXO family that regulates a number of genes involved in metabolism, cell cycle, apoptosis, and cellular homeostasis via transcriptional activity. It also mediates cell responses to oxidative stress and treatment with antitumor agents. The expression of FOXO4 is repressed by microRNAs in multiple cancer cells, while FOXO4 function is regulated by post-translational modifications and interaction with other proteins. The deregulation of FOXO4 is closely linked to the progression of several types of cancer, senescence, and other diseases. In this review, we present recent findings on the regulation of FOXO4 in physiological and pathological conditions and provide an overview of the complex role of FOXO4 in disease development and response to therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen Liu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders and State Key Disciplines: Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Bing Luo
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Work in the past decade has revealed key functions of the evolutionary conserved transcription factors Forkhead box O (FOXO) in the maintenance of homeostatic hematopoiesis. Here the diverse array of FOXO functions in normal and diseased hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells is reviewed and the main findings in the past decade are highlighted. Future work should reveal FOXO-regulated networks whose alterations contribute to hematological disorders. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies have identified unanticipated FOXO functions in hematopoiesis including in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC), erythroid cells, and immune cells. These findings suggest FOXO3 is critical for the regulation of mitochondrial and metabolic processes in hematopoietic stem cells, the balanced lineage determination, the T and B homeostasis, and terminal erythroblast maturation and red blood cell production. In aggregate these findings highlight the context-dependent function of FOXO in hematopoietic cells. Recent findings also question the nature of FOXO's contribution to heme malignancies as well as the mechanisms underlying FOXO's regulation in HSPC. SUMMARY FOXO are safeguards of homeostatic hematopoiesis. FOXO networks and their regulators and coactivators in HSPC are greatly complex and less well described. Identifications and characterizations of these FOXO networks in disease are likely to uncover disease-promoting mechanisms.
Collapse
|
15
|
van de Stolpe A. Quantitative Measurement of Functional Activity of the PI3K Signaling Pathway in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E293. [PMID: 30832253 PMCID: PMC6468721 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11030293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) growth factor signaling pathway plays an important role in embryonic development and in many physiological processes, for example the generation of an immune response. The pathway is frequently activated in cancer, driving cell division and influencing the activity of other signaling pathways, such as the MAPK, JAK-STAT and TGFβ pathways, to enhance tumor growth, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Drugs that inhibit the pathway at various locations, e.g., receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), PI3K, AKT and mTOR inhibitors, are clinically available. To predict drug response versus resistance, tests that measure PI3K pathway activity in a patient sample, preferably in combination with measuring the activity of other signaling pathways to identify potential resistance pathways, are needed. However, tests for signaling pathway activity are lacking, hampering optimal clinical application of these drugs. We recently reported the development and biological validation of a test that provides a quantitative PI3K pathway activity score for individual cell and tissue samples across cancer types, based on measuring Forkhead Box O (FOXO) transcription factor target gene mRNA levels in combination with a Bayesian computational interpretation model. A similar approach has been used to develop tests for other signaling pathways (e.g., estrogen and androgen receptor, Hedgehog, TGFβ, Wnt and NFκB pathways). The potential utility of the test is discussed, e.g., to predict response and resistance to targeted drugs, immunotherapy, radiation and chemotherapy, as well as (pre-) clinical research and drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anja van de Stolpe
- Precision Diagnostics, Philips Research, High Tech Campus, 5656AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Nazio F, Bordi M, Cianfanelli V, Locatelli F, Cecconi F. Autophagy and cancer stem cells: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic applications. Cell Death Differ 2019; 26:690-702. [PMID: 30728463 PMCID: PMC6460398 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-019-0292-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 248] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy and mitophagy act in cancer as bimodal processes, whose differential functions strictly depend on cancer ontogenesis, progression, and type. For instance, they can act to promote cancer progression by helping cancer cells survive stress or, instead, when mutated or abnormal, to induce carcinogenesis by influencing cell signaling or promoting intracellular toxicity. For this reason, the study of autophagy in cancer is the main focus of many researchers and several clinical trials are already ongoing to manipulate autophagy and by this way determine the outcome of disease therapy. Since the establishment of the cancer stem cell (CSC) theory and the discovery of CSCs in individual cancer types, autophagy and mitophagy have been proposed as key mechanisms in their homeostasis, dismissal or spread, even though we still miss a comprehensive view of how and by which regulatory molecules these two processes drive cell fate. In this review, we will dive into the deep water of autophagy, mitophagy, and CSCs and offer novel viewpoints on possible therapeutic strategies, based on the modulation of these degradative systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Nazio
- Department of Oncohaematology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, IRCSS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Bordi
- Department of Oncohaematology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, IRCSS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, 00165, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Cianfanelli
- Cell Stress and Survival Unit, Center for Autophagy, Recycling and Disease (CARD), Danish Cancer Society Research Center, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Oncohaematology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, IRCSS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, 00165, Rome, Italy
- Department of Gynecology/Obstetrics and Pediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Cecconi
- Department of Oncohaematology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, IRCSS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, 00165, Rome, Italy.
- Department of Biology, University of Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
- Cell Stress and Survival Unit, Center for Autophagy, Recycling and Disease (CARD), Danish Cancer Society Research Center, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|