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Kumar A, Asiedu E, Hefni E, Armstrong C, Menon D, Ma T, Sands L, Mbadugha E, Sodhi A, Schneider A, Montaner S. Angiopoietin-like 4 is upregulated by amphiregulin and activates cell proliferation and migration through p38 kinase in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. J Oral Pathol Med 2024; 53:366-375. [PMID: 38763759 DOI: 10.1111/jop.13545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiopoietin-like 4 is a molecular hallmark that correlates with the growth and metastasis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. However, the molecular mechanisms by which angiopoietin-like 4 promotes head and neck squamous cell carcinoma tumorigenesis are unclear. METHODS Using well-characterized cell lines of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma development, including human normal oral keratinocytes, dysplastic oral keratinocytes, oral leukoplakia-derived oral keratinocytes, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines, HN13, HN6, HN4, HN12, and CAL27, we investigated the signaling pathways upstream and downstream of angiopoietin-like 4-induced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma tumorigenesis. RESULTS We found that both epidermal growth factor receptor ligands, epithelial growth factor, and amphiregulin led to angiopoietin-like 4 upregulation in normal oral keratinocytes and dysplastic oral keratinocytes and cooperated with the activation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 in this effect. Interestingly, amphiregulin and angiopoietin-like 4 were increased in dysplastic oral keratinocytes and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines, and amphiregulin-induced activation of cell proliferation was dependent on angiopoietin-like 4. Although both p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38 MAPK) and protein kinase B (AKT) were activated by angiopoietin-like 4, only pharmacological inhibition of p38 MAPK was sufficient to prevent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell proliferation and migration. We further observed that angiopoietin-like 4 promoted the secretion of interleukin 11 (IL-11), interleukin 12 (IL-12), interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), cytokines and chemokines previously implicated in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma pathogenesis. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that angiopoietin-like 4 is a downstream effector of amphiregulin and promotes head and neck squamous cell carcinoma development both through direct activation of p38 kinase as well as paracrine mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Kumar
- Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Emmanuel Asiedu
- Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Eman Hefni
- Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Basic and Clinical Oral Sciences, College of Dental Medicine, Umm Al Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Cheryl Armstrong
- Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Deepak Menon
- Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Tao Ma
- Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lauren Sands
- Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Eberechi Mbadugha
- Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Akrit Sodhi
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Abraham Schneider
- Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Silvia Montaner
- Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Simbulan-Rosenthal CM, Islam N, Haribabu Y, Alobaidi R, Shalamzari A, Graham G, Kuo LW, Sykora P, Rosenthal DS. CD133 Stimulates Cell Proliferation via the Upregulation of Amphiregulin in Melanoma. Cells 2024; 13:777. [PMID: 38727313 PMCID: PMC11083289 DOI: 10.3390/cells13090777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
CD133, a cancer stem cell (CSC) marker in tumors, including melanoma, is associated with tumor recurrence, chemoresistance, and metastasis. Patient-derived melanoma cell lines were transduced with a Tet-on vector expressing CD133, generating doxycycline (Dox)-inducible cell lines. Cells were exposed to Dox for 24 h to induce CD133 expression, followed by RNA-seq and bioinformatic analyses, revealing genes and pathways that are significantly up- or downregulated by CD133. The most significantly upregulated gene after CD133 was amphiregulin (AREG), validated by qRT-PCR and immunoblot analyses. Induced CD133 expression significantly increased cell growth, percentage of cells in S-phase, BrdU incorporation into nascent DNA, and PCNA levels, indicating that CD133 stimulates cell proliferation. CD133 induction also activated EGFR and the MAPK pathway. Potential mechanisms highlighting the role(s) of CD133 and AREG in melanoma CSC were further delineated using AREG/EGFR inhibitors or siRNA knockdown of AREG mRNA. Treatment with the EGFR inhibitor gefitinib blocked CD133-induced cell growth increase and MAPK pathway activation. Importantly, siRNA knockdown of AREG reversed the stimulatory effects of CD133 on cell growth, indicating that AREG mediates the effects of CD133 on cell proliferation, thus serving as an attractive target for novel combinatorial therapeutics in melanoma and cancers with overexpression of both CD133 and AREG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia M Simbulan-Rosenthal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (C.M.S.-R.); (N.I.); (Y.H.); (R.A.); (A.S.); (G.G.); (L.-W.K.)
| | - Nusrat Islam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (C.M.S.-R.); (N.I.); (Y.H.); (R.A.); (A.S.); (G.G.); (L.-W.K.)
| | - Yogameenakshi Haribabu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (C.M.S.-R.); (N.I.); (Y.H.); (R.A.); (A.S.); (G.G.); (L.-W.K.)
| | - Ryyan Alobaidi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (C.M.S.-R.); (N.I.); (Y.H.); (R.A.); (A.S.); (G.G.); (L.-W.K.)
| | - Azadeh Shalamzari
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (C.M.S.-R.); (N.I.); (Y.H.); (R.A.); (A.S.); (G.G.); (L.-W.K.)
| | - Garrett Graham
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (C.M.S.-R.); (N.I.); (Y.H.); (R.A.); (A.S.); (G.G.); (L.-W.K.)
| | - Li-Wei Kuo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (C.M.S.-R.); (N.I.); (Y.H.); (R.A.); (A.S.); (G.G.); (L.-W.K.)
| | - Peter Sykora
- Amelia Technologies, LLC., Washington, DC 20001, USA;
| | - Dean S Rosenthal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (C.M.S.-R.); (N.I.); (Y.H.); (R.A.); (A.S.); (G.G.); (L.-W.K.)
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3
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Radak M, Ghamari N, Fallahi H. Identification of common factors among fibrosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and osteosarcoma by network analysis. Biosystems 2024; 235:105093. [PMID: 38052344 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2023.105093] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Sarcoma cancers are uncommon malignant tumors, and there are many subgroups, including fibrosarcoma (FS), which mainly affects middle-aged and older adults in deep soft tissues. Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), on the other hand, is the most common soft-tissue sarcoma in children and is located in the head and neck area. Osteosarcomas (OS) is the predominant form of primary bone cancer among young adults, primarily resulting from sporadically random mutations. This frequently results in the dissemination of cancer cells to the lungs, commonly known as metastasis. Mesodermal cells are the origin of sarcoma cancers. In this study, a rather radical approach has been applied. Instead of comparing homogenous cancer types, we focus on three main subtypes of sarcoma: fibrosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and osteosarcoma, and compare their gene expression with normal cell groups to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Next, by applying protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, we determine the hub genes and crucial factors, such as transcription factors (TFs), affected by these types of cancer. Our findings indicate a modification in a range of pathways associated with cell cycle, extracellular matrix, and DNA repair in these three malignancies. Results showed that fibrosarcoma (FS), rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), and osteosarcoma (OS) had 653, 1270, and 2823 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), respectively. Interestingly, there were 24 DEGs common to all three types. Network analysis showed that the fibrosarcoma network had two sub-networks identified in FS that contributed to the catabolic process of collagen via the G-protein coupled receptor signaling pathway. The rhabdomyosarcoma network included nine sub-networks associated with cell division, extracellular matrix organization, mRNA splicing via spliceosome, and others. The osteosarcoma network has 13 sub-networks, including mRNA splicing, sister chromatid cohesion, DNA repair, etc. In conclusion, the common DEGs identified in this study have been shown to play significant and multiple roles in various other cancers based on the literature review, indicating their significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehran Radak
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences, Razi University, Baq-e-Abrisham, Kermanshah, 6714967346, Iran.
| | - Nakisa Ghamari
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences, Razi University, Baq-e-Abrisham, Kermanshah, 6714967346, Iran.
| | - Hossein Fallahi
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences, Razi University, Baq-e-Abrisham, Kermanshah, 6714967346, Iran.
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Albuquerque RB, Borba MASM, Fernandes MSS, Filgueira TO, Martins DBG, Filho JLL, Castoldi A, Souto FO. Interleukin-33 Expression on Treatment Outcomes and Prognosis in Brazilian Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16326. [PMID: 38003516 PMCID: PMC10671081 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216326] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-33 (IL-33), a member of the interleukin-1(IL-1) family of cytokines, remains poorly understood in the context of human breast cancer and its impact on treatment outcomes. This study aimed to elucidate IL-33 expression patterns within tumor samples from a cohort of Brazilian female breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy while exploring its correlation with clinicopathological markers. In total, 68 samples were meticulously evaluated, with IL-33 expression quantified through a quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The findings revealed a substantial upregulation of IL-33 expression in breast cancer patient samples, specifically within the Triple-negative and Luminal A and B subtypes, when compared to controls (healthy breast tissues). Notably, the Luminal B subtype displayed a marked elevation in IL-33 expression relative to the Luminal A subtype (p < 0.05). Moreover, a progressive surge in IL-33 expression was discerned among Luminal subtype patients with TNM 4 staging criteria, further underscoring its significance (p < 0.005). Furthermore, chemotherapy-naïve patients of Luminal A and B subtypes exhibited heightened IL-33 expression (p < 0.05). Collectively, our findings propose that chemotherapy could potentially mitigate tumor aggressiveness by suppressing IL-33 expression in breast cancer, thus warranting consideration as a prognostic marker for gauging chemotherapy response and predicting disease progression in Luminal subtype patients. This study not only sheds light on the intricate roles of IL-33 in breast cancer but also offers valuable insights for future IL-33-related research endeavors within this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata B. Albuquerque
- Keizo Asami Institute (iLIKA), Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego s/n, Recife 50670-901, PE, Brazil; (M.A.S.M.B.); (T.O.F.); (D.B.G.M.); (J.L.L.F.); (A.C.)
- Postgraduate Program in Biology Applied to Health, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego s/n, Recife 50670-901, PE, Brazil
| | - Maria Amélia S. M. Borba
- Keizo Asami Institute (iLIKA), Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego s/n, Recife 50670-901, PE, Brazil; (M.A.S.M.B.); (T.O.F.); (D.B.G.M.); (J.L.L.F.); (A.C.)
| | - Matheus S. S. Fernandes
- Postgraduate Program in Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego s/n, Recife 50670-901, PE, Brazil;
| | - Tayrine O. Filgueira
- Keizo Asami Institute (iLIKA), Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego s/n, Recife 50670-901, PE, Brazil; (M.A.S.M.B.); (T.O.F.); (D.B.G.M.); (J.L.L.F.); (A.C.)
- Postgraduate Program in Biology Applied to Health, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego s/n, Recife 50670-901, PE, Brazil
| | - Danyelly Bruneska G. Martins
- Keizo Asami Institute (iLIKA), Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego s/n, Recife 50670-901, PE, Brazil; (M.A.S.M.B.); (T.O.F.); (D.B.G.M.); (J.L.L.F.); (A.C.)
- Postgraduate Program in Biology Applied to Health, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego s/n, Recife 50670-901, PE, Brazil
| | - José Luiz L. Filho
- Keizo Asami Institute (iLIKA), Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego s/n, Recife 50670-901, PE, Brazil; (M.A.S.M.B.); (T.O.F.); (D.B.G.M.); (J.L.L.F.); (A.C.)
- Postgraduate Program in Biology Applied to Health, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego s/n, Recife 50670-901, PE, Brazil
| | - Angela Castoldi
- Keizo Asami Institute (iLIKA), Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego s/n, Recife 50670-901, PE, Brazil; (M.A.S.M.B.); (T.O.F.); (D.B.G.M.); (J.L.L.F.); (A.C.)
- Postgraduate Program in Biology Applied to Health, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego s/n, Recife 50670-901, PE, Brazil
- Life Sciences Nucleus, Academic Center, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Rodovia BR-104, Km 59, s/n, Caruaru 55002-970, PE, Brazil
| | - Fabrício Oliveira Souto
- Keizo Asami Institute (iLIKA), Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego s/n, Recife 50670-901, PE, Brazil; (M.A.S.M.B.); (T.O.F.); (D.B.G.M.); (J.L.L.F.); (A.C.)
- Postgraduate Program in Biology Applied to Health, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego s/n, Recife 50670-901, PE, Brazil
- Life Sciences Nucleus, Academic Center, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Rodovia BR-104, Km 59, s/n, Caruaru 55002-970, PE, Brazil
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Heo YJ, Lee N, Choi SE, Jeon JY, Han SJ, Kim DJ, Kang Y, Lee KW, Kim HJ. Amphiregulin Induces iNOS and COX-2 Expression through NF- κB and MAPK Signaling in Hepatic Inflammation. Mediators Inflamm 2023; 2023:2364121. [PMID: 37868614 PMCID: PMC10586434 DOI: 10.1155/2023/2364121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Inflammation is a major cause of hepatic tissue damage and accelerates the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Amphiregulin (AREG), an epidermal growth factor receptor ligand, is associated with human liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. We aimed to investigate the effects of AREG on hepatic inflammation during NAFLD progression, in vivo and in vitro. Methods AREG gene expression was measured in the liver of mice fed a methionine choline-deficient (MCD) diet for 2 weeks. We evaluated inflammatory mediators and signaling pathways in HepG2 cells after stimulation with AREG. Nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blotting. Nuclear transcription factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, were analyzed using western blotting. Results Proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and IL-8) and immune cell recruitment (as indicated by L3T4, F4/80, and ly6G mRNA expression) increased, and expression of AREG increased in the liver of mice fed the MCD diet. AREG significantly increased the expression of IL-6 and IL-1β and the production of NO, PGE2, and IL-8 in HepG2 cells. It also activated the protein expression of iNOS and COX-2. AREG-activated NF-κB and MAPKs signaling, and together with NF-κB and MAPKs inhibitors, AREG significantly reduced the protein expression of iNOS and COX-2. Conclusion AREG plays a role in hepatic inflammation by increasing iNOS and COX-2 expression via NF-κB and MAPKs signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jung Heo
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ajou University School of Medicine, 206, World cup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Medical Science, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Nami Lee
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ajou University School of Medicine, 206, World cup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-E. Choi
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ja Young Jeon
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ajou University School of Medicine, 206, World cup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Jin Han
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ajou University School of Medicine, 206, World cup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Jung Kim
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ajou University School of Medicine, 206, World cup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Yup Kang
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwan Woo Lee
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ajou University School of Medicine, 206, World cup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae Jin Kim
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ajou University School of Medicine, 206, World cup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
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Borgia F, Li Pomi F, Alessandrello C, Vaccaro M, Gangemi S. Potential Role of Innate Lymphoid Cells in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Skin Diseases. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12083043. [PMID: 37109379 PMCID: PMC10144013 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12083043] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are lymphoid cells that are resident in mucosal tissues, especially the skin, which, once stimulated by epithelial cell-derived cytokines, release IL-5, IL-13, and IL-4, as the effectors of type 2 immune responses. This research aims to evaluate the role of ILC2s in the pathogenesis of skin diseases, with a particular focus on inflammatory cutaneous disorders, in order to also elucidate potential therapeutic perspectives. The research has been conducted in articles, excluding reviews and meta-analyses, on both animals and humans. The results showed that ILC2s play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of systemic skin manifestations, prognosis, and severity, while a potential antimelanoma role is emerging from the new research. Future perspectives could include the development of new antibodies targeting or stimulating ILC2 release. This evidence could add a new therapeutic approach to inflammatory cutaneous conditions, including allergic ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Borgia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Federica Li Pomi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Clara Alessandrello
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, School and Operative Unit of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Mario Vaccaro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Gangemi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, School and Operative Unit of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
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Jiao Y, Yan Z, Yang A. The Roles of Innate Lymphoid Cells in the Gastric Mucosal Immunology and Oncogenesis of Gastric Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076652. [PMID: 37047625 PMCID: PMC10095467 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a group of innate immune cells that have garnered considerable attention due to their critical roles in regulating immunity and tissue homeostasis. They are particularly abundant in the gastrointestinal tract, where they have been shown to interact with commensal bacteria, pathogens, and other components of the local microenvironment to influence host immune responses to infection and oncogenesis. Their tissue-residency properties enable gastric ILCs a localized and rapid response to alert and stress, which indicates their key potential in regulating immunosurveillance. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of the role of ILCs in the gastric mucosa, with a focus on their interactions with the gastric microbiota and Helicobacter pylori and their contributions to tissue homeostasis and inflammation. We also highlight recent findings on the involvement of ILCs in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer and the implications of targeting ILCs as a therapeutic approach. Overall, this review provides an overview of the diverse functions of ILCs in gastric mucosa and highlights their potential as targets for future therapies for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Jiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Zhiyu Yan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
- 4 + 4 M.D. Program, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Aiming Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
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8
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Magnusson FC, Bahhar I. Helper innate lymphoid cells as cell therapy for cancer. Immunology 2023; 168:569-579. [PMID: 36288454 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the first cancer immunotherapy was given in the clinic more than a century ago, this line of treatment has remained more of a distant goal than a practical therapy due to limited understanding of the tumour microenvironment and the mechanisms at play within it, which led to failures of numerous clinical trials. However, in the last two decades, the immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and chimeric antigen receptor-T cell therapies have revolutionized the treatment of cancer and provided proof-of-concept that immunotherapies are a viable option. So far, immunotherapies have majoritarily focused on utilizing T cells; however, T cells are not autonomous but rather function as part of, and therefore are influenced by, a vast cast of other immune cells, including innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). Here, we summarize the role of ILCs, especially helper ILCs, in tumour development, progression and metastasis, as well as their potential to be used as immunotherapy for cancer. By reviewing the studies that used helper ILCs as adoptive cell therapy (ACT), we highlight the rationale behind considering these cells as novel ACT for cancer as well as identify open questions and areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fay C Magnusson
- Cancer Research Center, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Medical Microbiology, International School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ilham Bahhar
- Cancer Research Center, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
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9
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Tarczykowska A, Engström N, Dobermann D, Powell J, Scheers N. Differential Effects of Iron Chelates vs. Iron Salts on Induction of Pro-Oncogenic Amphiregulin and Pro-Inflammatory COX-2 in Human Intestinal Adenocarcinoma Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065507. [PMID: 36982582 PMCID: PMC10051564 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously showed that two iron compounds that are orally ingested by humans, namely ferric EDTA and ferric citrate, can induce an oncogenic growth factor (amphiregulin) in human intestinal epithelial adenocarcinoma cell lines. Here, we further screened these iron compounds, plus four other iron chelates and six iron salts (i.e., 12 oral iron compounds in total), for their effects on biomarkers of cancer and inflammation. Ferric pyrophosphate and ferric EDTA were the main inducers of amphiregulin and its receptor monomer, IGFr1. Moreover, at the maximum iron concentrations investigated (500 µM), the highest levels of amphiregulin were induced by the six iron chelates, while four of these also increased IGfr1. In addition, we observed that ferric pyrophosphate promoted signaling via the JAK/STAT pathway by up-regulating the cytokine receptor subunit IFN-γr1 and IL-6. For pro-inflammatory cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), ferric pyrophosphate but not ferric EDTA elevated intracellular levels. This, however, did not drive the other biomarkers based on COX-2 inhibition studies and was probably downstream of IL-6. We conclude that of all oral iron compounds, iron chelates may particularly elevate intracellular amphiregulin. Ferric pyrophosphate additionally induced COX-2, probably because of the high IL-6 induction that was observed with this compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Tarczykowska
- Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Niklas Engström
- Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Darja Dobermann
- Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jonathan Powell
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
| | - Nathalie Scheers
- Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Correspondence:
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10
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Zhao Y, Dávila EM, Li X, Tang B, Rabinowitsch AI, Perez-Aguilar JM, Blobel CP. Identification of Molecular Determinants in iRhoms1 and 2 That Contribute to the Substrate Selectivity of Stimulated ADAM17. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12796. [PMID: 36361585 PMCID: PMC9654401 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The metalloprotease ADAM17 is a key regulator of the TNFα, IL-6R and EGFR signaling pathways. The maturation and function of ADAM17 is controlled by the seven-membrane-spanning proteins iRhoms1 and 2. The functional properties of the ADAM17/iRhom1 and ADAM17/iRhom2 complexes differ, in that stimulated shedding of most ADAM17 substrates tested to date can be supported by iRhom2, whereas iRhom1 can only support stimulated shedding of very few ADAM17 substrates, such as TGFα. The first transmembrane domain (TMD1) of iRhom2 and the sole TMD of ADAM17 are important for the stimulated shedding of ADAM17 substrates by iRhom2. However, little is currently known about how the iRhoms interact with different substrates to control their stimulated shedding by ADAM17. To provide new insights into this topic, we tested how various chimeras between iRhom1 and iRhom2 affect the stimulated processing of the EGFR-ligands TGFα (iRhom1- or 2-dependent) and EREG (iRhom2-selective) by ADAM17. This uncovered an important role for the TMD7 of the iRhoms in determining their substrate selectivity. Computational methods utilized to characterize the iRhom1/2/substrate interactions suggest that the substrate selectivity is determined, at least in part, by a distinct accessibility of the substrate cleavage site to stimulated ADAM17. These studies not only provide new insights into why the substrate selectivity of stimulated iRhom2/ADAM17 differs from that of iRhom1/ADAM17, but also suggest new approaches for targeting the release of specific ADAM17 substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Eliud Morales Dávila
- School of Chemical Sciences, Meritorious Autonomous University of Puebla (BUAP), University City, Puebla 72570, Mexico
| | - Xue Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Beiyu Tang
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Ariana I. Rabinowitsch
- Department of Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
- Weill Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan-Kettering Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Jose Manuel Perez-Aguilar
- School of Chemical Sciences, Meritorious Autonomous University of Puebla (BUAP), University City, Puebla 72570, Mexico
| | - Carl P. Blobel
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
- Arthritis and Tissue Degeneration Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021, USA
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11
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Zhou Y, Bréchard S. Neutrophil Extracellular Vesicles: A Delicate Balance between Pro-Inflammatory Responses and Anti-Inflammatory Therapies. Cells 2022; 11:cells11203318. [PMID: 36291183 PMCID: PMC9600967 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released in the extracellular environment during cell activation or apoptosis. Working as signal transducers, EVs are important mediators of intercellular communication through the convoying of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and metabolites. Neutrophil extracellular vesicles (nEVs) contain molecules acting as key modulators of inflammation and immune responses. Due to their potential as therapeutic tools, studies about nEVs have been increasing in recent years. However, our knowledge about nEVs is still in its infancy. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the role of nEVs in the framework of neutrophil inflammation functions and disease development. The therapeutic potential of nEVs as clinical treatment strategies is deeply discussed. Moreover, the promising research landscape of nEVs in the near future is also examined.
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12
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Identification and Analysis of Senescence-Related Genes in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma by a Comprehensive Bioinformatics Approach. Mediators Inflamm 2022; 2022:4007469. [PMID: 36299414 PMCID: PMC9592240 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4007469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer is the sixth most frequent cancer all over the world, with the majority of subtypes of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Cellular senescence-associated genes have been confirmed to play a critical role in cancer and have the potential to be prognostic biomarkers for cancer. Clinical information of HNSCC samples and expression data were acquired from public databases. Expression profiles of genes related to cellular senescence were used to identify molecular subtypes by consensus clustering. To screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between different subtypes, differential analysis was performed. We used the univariate Cox regression to identify prognostic DEGs and performed least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) to optimize and construct a prognostic model. CIBERSORT, ESTIMATE, and TIDE tools were applied to estimate immune characteristics. Four molecular subtypes were established based on cellular senescence-associated genes. Differential prognosis was observed among different subtypes with C4 having the longest overall survival and C1 having the worst prognosis. C4 subtype also showed the highest immune infiltration. We screened a total of eight cellular senescence prognosis-related genes and established a cellular senescence-related signature score (CSRS.Score) that could stratify samples into high-CSRS.Score and low-CSRS.Score groups. The high-CSRS.Score group had worse prognosis, lower immune infiltration, and lower response to immunotherapy. We further improved the prognostic model and survival prediction by combining CSRS.Score with clinicopathological features using a decision tree model, which had high predictive accuracy and survival prediction. This study demonstrated an important role of cellular senescence in HNSCC. The identified eight cellular senescence-associated genes have the potential to provide ideas for adjuvant treatment and personalized treatment of HNSCC patients.
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13
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The Pharmacological Mechanism of Curcumin against Drug Resistance in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Findings of Network Pharmacology and Bioinformatics Analysis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:5926609. [PMID: 36276869 PMCID: PMC9586741 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5926609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The pharmacological mechanism of curcumin against drug resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. This study aims to summarize the genes and pathways associated with curcumin action as an adjuvant therapy in NSCLC using network pharmacology, drug-likeness, pharmacokinetics, functional enrichment, protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, and molecular docking. Prognostic genes were identified from the curcumin-NSCLC intersection gene set for the following drug sensitivity analysis. Immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy sensitivity analyses were performed using external cohorts (GSE126044 and IMvigor210) and the CellMiner database. 94 curcumin-lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) hub targets and 41 curcumin-lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) hub targets were identified as prognostic genes. The anticancer effect of curcumin was observed in KEGG pathways involved with lung cancer, cancer therapy, and other cancers. Among the prognostic curcumin-NSCLC intersection genes, 20 LUAD and 8 LUSC genes were correlated with immunotherapy sensitivity in the GSE126044 NSCLC cohort; 30 LUAD and 13 LUSC genes were associated with immunotherapy sensitivity in the IMvigor210 cohort; and 12 LUAD and 13 LUSC genes were related to chemosensitivity in the CellMiner database. Moreover, 3 LUAD and 5 LUSC genes were involved in the response to targeted therapy in the CellMiner database. Curcumin regulates drug sensitivity in NSCLC by interacting with cell cycle, NF-kappa B, MAPK, Th17 cell differentiation signaling pathways, etc. Curcumin in combination with immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or targeted drugs has the potential to be effective for drug-resistant NSCLC. The findings of our study reveal the relevant key signaling pathways and targets of curcumin as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of NSCLC, thus providing pharmacological evidence for further experimental research.
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14
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Identification of Important Genes of Keratoconus and Construction of the Diagnostic Model. Genet Res (Camb) 2022; 2022:5878460. [PMID: 36160033 PMCID: PMC9484959 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5878460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective. The aim of the study is to investigate the potential role of keratoconus (KC) in the diagnosis of keratoconus (KC). Methods. GSE151631 and GSE77938 were downloaded from the comprehensive gene expression database (GEO). By using the random forest model (RF), support vector machine model (SVM), and generalized linear model (GLM), important immune-related genes were identified as biomarkers for KC diagnosis. Results. Through the LASSO, RFE, and RF algorithms and comparing the three sets of DEGs, a total of 8 overlapping DEGs were obtained. We took 8 DEGs as the final optimal combination of DEGs: AREG, BBC3, DUSP2, map3k8, Smad7, CDKN1A, JUN, and LIF. Conclusion. Abnormal cell proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy defects are related to KC, which may be the etiology and potential target of KC.
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15
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Hino Y, Nagaoka K, Oki S, Etoh K, Hino S, Nakao M. Mitochondrial stress induces AREG expression and epigenomic remodeling through c-JUN and YAP-mediated enhancer activation. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:9765-9779. [PMID: 36095121 PMCID: PMC9508833 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleus–mitochondria crosstalk is essential for cellular and organismal homeostasis. Although anterograde (nucleus-to-mitochondria) pathways have been well characterized, retrograde (mitochondria-to-nucleus) pathways remain to be clarified. Here, we found that mitochondrial dysfunction triggered a retrograde signaling via unique transcriptional and chromatin factors in hepatic cells. Our transcriptomic analysis revealed that the loss of mitochondrial transcription factor A led to mitochondrial dysfunction and dramatically induced expression of amphiregulin (AREG) and other secretory protein genes. AREG expression was also induced by various mitochondria stressors and was upregulated in murine liver injury models, suggesting that AREG expression is a hallmark of mitochondrial damage. Using epigenomic and informatic approaches, we identified that mitochondrial dysfunction-responsive enhancers of AREG gene were activated by c-JUN/YAP1/TEAD axis and were repressed by chromatin remodeler BRG1. Furthermore, while mitochondrial dysfunction-activated enhancers were enriched with JUN and TEAD binding motifs, the repressed enhancers possessed the binding motifs for hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α, suggesting that both stress responsible and cell type-specific enhancers were reprogrammed. Our study revealed that c-JUN and YAP1-mediated enhancer activation shapes the mitochondrial stress-responsive phenotype, which may shift from metabolism to stress adaptation including protein secretion under such stressed conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Hino
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Katsuya Nagaoka
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Shinya Oki
- Department of Drug Discovery Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Kan Etoh
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Shinjiro Hino
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Mitsuyoshi Nakao
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
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16
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Sieber B, Lu F, Stribbling SM, Grieve AG, Ryan AJ, Freeman M. iRhom2 regulates ERBB signalling to promote KRAS-driven tumour growth of lung cancer cells. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:jcs259949. [PMID: 35971826 PMCID: PMC9482348 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.259949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of the ERBB/EGFR signalling pathway causes multiple types of cancer. Accordingly, ADAM17, the primary shedding enzyme that releases and activates ERBB ligands, is tightly regulated. It has recently become clear that iRhom proteins, inactive members of the rhomboid-like superfamily, are regulatory cofactors for ADAM17. Here, we show that oncogenic KRAS mutants target the cytoplasmic domain of iRhom2 (also known as RHBDF2) to induce ADAM17-dependent shedding and the release of ERBB ligands. Activation of ERK1/2 by oncogenic KRAS induces the phosphorylation of iRhom2, recruitment of the phospho-binding 14-3-3 proteins, and consequent ADAM17-dependent shedding of ERBB ligands. In addition, cancer-associated mutations in iRhom2 act as sensitisers in this pathway by further increasing KRAS-induced shedding of ERBB ligands. This mechanism is conserved in lung cancer cells, where iRhom activity is required for tumour xenograft growth. In this context, the activity of oncogenic KRAS is modulated by the iRhom2-dependent release of ERBB ligands, thus placing the cytoplasmic domain of iRhom2 as a central component of a positive feedback loop in lung cancer cells. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first authors of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Sieber
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Fangfang Lu
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | | | - Adam G. Grieve
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Anderson J. Ryan
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Matthew Freeman
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
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17
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Zhai Y, Singh P, Dolnik A, Brazda P, Atlasy N, del Gaudio N, Döhner K, Döhner H, Minucci S, Martens J, Altucci L, Megchelenbrink W, Bullinger L, Stunnenberg HG. Longitudinal single-cell transcriptomics reveals distinct patterns of recurrence in acute myeloid leukemia. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:166. [PMID: 35986270 PMCID: PMC9389773 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01635-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous and aggressive blood cancer that results from diverse genetic aberrations in the hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells (HSPCs) leading to the expansion of blasts in the hematopoietic system. The heterogeneity and evolution of cancer blasts can render therapeutic interventions ineffective in a yet poorly understood patient-specific manner. In this study, we investigated the clonal heterogeneity of diagnosis (Dx) and relapse (Re) pairs at genetic and transcriptional levels, and unveiled the underlying pathways and genes contributing to recurrence. Methods Whole-exome sequencing was used to detect somatic mutations and large copy number variations (CNVs). Single cell RNA-seq was performed to investigate the clonal heterogeneity between Dx-Re pairs and amongst patients. Results scRNA-seq analysis revealed extensive expression differences between patients and Dx-Re pairs, even for those with the same -presumed- initiating events. Transcriptional differences between and within patients are associated with clonal composition and evolution, with the most striking differences in patients that gained large-scale copy number variations at relapse. These differences appear to have significant molecular implications, exemplified by a DNMT3A/FLT3-ITD patient where the leukemia switched from an AP-1 regulated clone at Dx to a mTOR signaling driven clone at Re. The two distinct AML1-ETO pairs share genes related to hematopoietic stem cell maintenance and cell migration suggesting that the Re leukemic stem cell-like (LSC-like) cells evolved from the Dx cells. Conclusions In summary, the single cell RNA data underpinned the tumor heterogeneity not only amongst patient blasts with similar initiating mutations but also between each Dx-Re pair. Our results suggest alternatively and currently unappreciated and unexplored mechanisms leading to therapeutic resistance and AML recurrence. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12943-022-01635-4.
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18
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Zhai Y, Singh P, Dolnik A, Brazda P, Atlasy N, Del Gaudio N, Döhner K, Döhner H, Minucci S, Martens J, Altucci L, Megchelenbrink W, Bullinger L, Stunnenberg HG. Longitudinal single-cell transcriptomics reveals distinct patterns of recurrence in acute myeloid leukemia. Mol Cancer 2022. [PMID: 35986270 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01635-4.pmid:35986270;pmcid:pmc9389773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous and aggressive blood cancer that results from diverse genetic aberrations in the hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells (HSPCs) leading to the expansion of blasts in the hematopoietic system. The heterogeneity and evolution of cancer blasts can render therapeutic interventions ineffective in a yet poorly understood patient-specific manner. In this study, we investigated the clonal heterogeneity of diagnosis (Dx) and relapse (Re) pairs at genetic and transcriptional levels, and unveiled the underlying pathways and genes contributing to recurrence. METHODS Whole-exome sequencing was used to detect somatic mutations and large copy number variations (CNVs). Single cell RNA-seq was performed to investigate the clonal heterogeneity between Dx-Re pairs and amongst patients. RESULTS scRNA-seq analysis revealed extensive expression differences between patients and Dx-Re pairs, even for those with the same -presumed- initiating events. Transcriptional differences between and within patients are associated with clonal composition and evolution, with the most striking differences in patients that gained large-scale copy number variations at relapse. These differences appear to have significant molecular implications, exemplified by a DNMT3A/FLT3-ITD patient where the leukemia switched from an AP-1 regulated clone at Dx to a mTOR signaling driven clone at Re. The two distinct AML1-ETO pairs share genes related to hematopoietic stem cell maintenance and cell migration suggesting that the Re leukemic stem cell-like (LSC-like) cells evolved from the Dx cells. CONCLUSIONS In summary, the single cell RNA data underpinned the tumor heterogeneity not only amongst patient blasts with similar initiating mutations but also between each Dx-Re pair. Our results suggest alternatively and currently unappreciated and unexplored mechanisms leading to therapeutic resistance and AML recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Zhai
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Vico L. De Crecchio 7, 80138, Naples, Italy.,Prinses Maxima Centrum, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Prashant Singh
- Prinses Maxima Centrum, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Dolnik
- Medical Department, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Cancer Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Brazda
- Prinses Maxima Centrum, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Nader Atlasy
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Nunzio Del Gaudio
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Vico L. De Crecchio 7, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Konstanze Döhner
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Hartmut Döhner
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Saverio Minucci
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, EO, Italy
| | - Joost Martens
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Lucia Altucci
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Vico L. De Crecchio 7, 80138, Naples, Italy.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, BIOGEM, Ariano Irpino, AV, Italy
| | - Wout Megchelenbrink
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Vico L. De Crecchio 7, 80138, Naples, Italy.,Prinses Maxima Centrum, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lars Bullinger
- Medical Department, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Cancer Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hendrik G Stunnenberg
- Prinses Maxima Centrum, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands. .,Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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19
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Network-based integrated analysis for toxic effects of high-concentration formaldehyde inhalation exposure through the toxicogenomic approach. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5645. [PMID: 35379891 PMCID: PMC8979994 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09673-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Formaldehyde is a colorless, pungent, highly reactive, and toxic environmental pollutant used in various industries and products. Inhaled formaldehyde is a human and animal carcinogen that causes genotoxicity, such as reactive oxygen species formation and DNA damage. This study aimed to identify the toxic effects of inhaled formaldehyde through an integrated toxicogenomic approach utilizing database information. Microarray datasets (GSE7002 and GSE23179) were collected from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, and differentially expressed genes were identified. The network analyses led to the construction of the respiratory system-related biological network associated with formaldehyde exposure, and six upregulated hub genes (AREG, CXCL2, HMOX1, PLAUR, PTGS2, and TIMP1) were identified. The expression levels of these genes were verified via qRT-PCR in 3D reconstructed human airway tissues exposed to aerosolized formaldehyde. Furthermore, NRARP was newly found as a potential gene associated with the respiratory and carcinogenic effects of formaldehyde by comparison with human in vivo and in vitro formaldehyde-exposure data. This study improves the understanding of the toxic mechanism of formaldehyde and suggests a more applicable analytic pipeline for predicting the toxic effects of inhaled toxicants.
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20
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Maille E, Levallet J, Dubois F, Antoine M, Danel C, Creveuil C, Mazieres J, Margery J, Greillier L, Gounant V, Moro‐Sibilot D, Molinier O, Léna H, Monnet I, Bergot E, Langlais A, Morin F, Scherpereel A, Zalcman G, Levallet G. A Defect of Amphiregulin Release Predicted Longer Survival Independently of YAP Expression in Patients with Pleural Mesothelioma in the IFCT-0701 MAPS Phase 3 Trial. Int J Cancer 2022; 150:1889-1904. [PMID: 35262190 PMCID: PMC9545369 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The Hippo pathway effector YAP is dysregulated in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). YAP's target genes include the secreted growth factor amphiregulin (AREG), which is overexpressed in a wide range of epithelial cancers and plays an elusive role in MPM. We assayed the expression of YAP and AREG in MPM pathology samples and that of AREG additionally in plasma samples of patients from the randomized phase 3 IFCT‐0701 Mesothelioma Avastin Cisplatin Pemetrexed Study (MAPS) using immunohistochemistry and ELISA assays, respectively. MPM patients frequently presented high levels of tumor AREG (64.3%), a high cytosolic AREG expression being predictive of a better prognosis with longer median overall and progression‐free survival. Surprisingly, tumor AREG cytosolic expression was not correlated with secreted plasma AREG. By investigating the AREG metabolism and function in MPM cell lines H2452, H2052, MSTO‐211H and H28, in comparison with the T47D ER+ breast cancer cell line used as a positive control, we confirm that AREG is important for cell invasion, growth without anchorage, proliferation and apoptosis in mesothelioma cells. Yet, most of these MPM cell lines failed to correctly execute AREG posttranslational processing by metalloprotease ADAM17/tumor necrosis factor‐alpha‐converting enzyme (TACE) and extracell secretion. The favorable prognostic value of high cytosolic AREG expression in MPM patients could therefore be sustained by default AREG posttranslational processing and release. Thus, the determination of mesothelioma cell AREG content could be further investigated as a prognostic marker for MPM patients and used as a stratification factor in future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Maille
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, CNRS, ISTCT‐UMR6030CaenGIP CYCERONFrance
| | - Jérôme Levallet
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, CNRS, ISTCT‐UMR6030CaenGIP CYCERONFrance
| | - Fatéméh Dubois
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, CNRS, ISTCT‐UMR6030CaenGIP CYCERONFrance
- Department of PathologyCHU de CaenCaenFrance
| | | | - Claire Danel
- Department of PathologyHôpital Bichat‐Claude Bernard, AP‐HP, Université Paris‐DiderotParisFrance
| | - Christian Creveuil
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, CNRS, ISTCT‐UMR6030CaenGIP CYCERONFrance
- Biomedical Research UnitCHU de CaenCaenFrance
| | - Julien Mazieres
- Department of PulmonologyHôpital Larrey, CHU de ToulouseToulouseFrance
| | - Jacques Margery
- Department of Medical OncologyInstitut Gustave RoussyVillejuifFrance
| | - Laurent Greillier
- Department of Multidisciplinary Oncology and Therapeutic InnovationsAssistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, Université Aix‐Marseille UM015MarseilleFrance
| | - Valérie Gounant
- Department of PulmonologyHôpital Tenon, AP‐HPParisFrance
- Department of Thoracic Oncology & CIC 1425University Hospital Bichat‐Claude Bernard, AP‐HP, Université de ParisParisFrance
| | - Denis Moro‐Sibilot
- Pôle Thorax et Vaisseaux, University Hospital of Grenoble‐AlpesLa TroncheFrance
| | - Olivier Molinier
- Department of PulmonologyCentre Hospitalier Le MansLe MansFrance
| | - Hervé Léna
- Department of PulmonologyUniversity Hospital PontchaillouRennesFrance
| | - Isabelle Monnet
- Department of PulmonologyCentre Hospitalier Intercommunal de CréteilCréteilFrance
| | - Emmanuel Bergot
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, CNRS, ISTCT‐UMR6030CaenGIP CYCERONFrance
- Department of Pulmonology and Thoracic OncologyUniversity Hospital of CaenCaenFrance
| | | | - Franck Morin
- Intergroupe Francophone de Cancérologie Thoracique (IFCT)ParisFrance
| | - Arnaud Scherpereel
- Department of Pulmonary and Thoracic OncologyCentre Hospitalier Universitaire Lille, University of Lille, U1019 INSERM, Center of Infection and Immunity of LilleLilleFrance
| | - Gérard Zalcman
- Department of Thoracic Oncology & CIC 1425University Hospital Bichat‐Claude Bernard, AP‐HP, Université de ParisParisFrance
- U830 INSERM, “Cancer, Hétérogénéité, Instabilité et Plasticité” Centre de Recherche, Institut CurieParisFrance
| | - Guénaëlle Levallet
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, CNRS, ISTCT‐UMR6030CaenGIP CYCERONFrance
- Department of PathologyCHU de CaenCaenFrance
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21
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Bouchet A, Le Clec'h C, Rogalev L, Le Duc G, Pelletier L. Meloxicam can Potentiate the Therapeutic Effects of Synchrotron Microbeam Radiation Therapy on High-Grade Glioma Bearing Rats. Radiat Res 2022; 197:655-661. [PMID: 35245385 DOI: 10.1667/rade-21-00107.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The microbeam radiation therapy (MRT), a spatially micro-fractionated synchrotron radiotherapy, leads to better control of incurable high-grade glioma than that obtained upon homogeneous radiotherapy. We evaluated the effect of meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), to increase the MRT response. Survival of rats bearing intracranial 9L gliosarcoma treated with meloxicam and/or MRT (400 Gy, 50 μm-wide microbeams, 200 μm spacing) was monitored. Tumor growth was assessed on histological tissue sections and COX-2 transcriptomic expression was studied 1 to 25 days after radiotherapy. Meloxicam significantly extended the median survival of microbeam-irradiated rats (from +10.5 to +20 days). Dual treatment led to last survivors until D90 (D39 for the MRT group) and to tumor 9.5 times smaller than MRT alone. No significant modification of COX-2 expression was induced by MRT in normal and tumor tissues. The meloxicam reinforced the anti-tumor effect of MRT for glioma treatment. Although the mechanisms of interaction between meloxicam and MRT remain to be elucidated, the addition of this NSAID, easily implemented as a supplement to water for example, is a very favorable therapeutic regimen since it doubled the survival benefit compared to MRT alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Bouchet
- INSERM U1296 "Radiation: Defense, Health Environment", Centre Léon-Bérard, 28 Rue Laennec, 69008 Lyon, France.,Biomedical Beamline, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, BP220, F38043 Grenoble cedex
| | - Céline Le Clec'h
- Biomedical Beamline, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, BP220, F38043 Grenoble cedex
| | - Léonid Rogalev
- Biomedical Beamline, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, BP220, F38043 Grenoble cedex
| | - Géraldine Le Duc
- Biomedical Beamline, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, BP220, F38043 Grenoble cedex
| | - Laurent Pelletier
- Grenoble University Hospital, BP217, F-38043 Grenoble cedex.,INSERM U836, Team Nanomedicine and brain, 6 Rue Fortuné Ferrini, F38706 La Tronche
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22
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Multi-omic characterization of genome-wide abnormal DNA methylation reveals diagnostic and prognostic markers for esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:53. [PMID: 35210398 PMCID: PMC8873499 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00873-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigates aberrant DNA methylations as potential diagnosis and prognosis markers for esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma (ESCC), which if diagnosed at advanced stages has <30% five-year survival rate. Comparing genome-wide methylation sites of 91 ESCC and matched adjacent normal tissues, we identified 35,577 differentially methylated CpG sites (DMCs) and characterized their distribution patterns. Integrating whole-genome DNA and RNA-sequencing data of the same samples, we found multiple dysregulated transcription factors and ESCC-specific genomic correlates of identified DMCs. Using featured DMCs, we developed a 12-marker diagnostic panel with high accuracy in our dataset and the TCGA ESCC dataset, and a 4-marker prognostic panel distinguishing high-risk patients. In-vitro experiments validated the functions of 4 marker host genes. Together these results provide additional evidence for the important roles of aberrant DNA methylations in ESCC development and progression. Our DMC-based diagnostic and prognostic panels have potential values for clinical care of ESCC, laying foundations for developing targeted methylation assays for future non-invasive cancer detection methods.
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23
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Son B, Kim TR, Park JH, Yun SI, Choi H, Choi JW, Jeon C, Park HO. SAMiRNA Targeting Amphiregulin Alleviate Total-Body-Irradiation-Induced Renal Fibrosis. Radiat Res 2022; 197:471-479. [PMID: 35148406 DOI: 10.1667/rade-21-00220.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a serious unintended side effect of radiation therapy. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether amphiregulin (AREG) plays a critical role in fibrosis development after total-body irradiation (TBI). We found that the expression of AREG and fibrotic markers, such as α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1α1), was elevated in the kidneys of 6 Gy TBI mice. Expression of AREG and α-SMA was mainly elevated in the proximal and distal tubules of the kidney in response to TBI, which was confirmed by immunofluorescence staining. Knockdown of Areg mRNA using self-assembled-micelle inhibitory RNA (SAMiRNA) significantly reduced the expression of fibrotic markers, including α-SMA and COL1α1, and inflammatory regulators. Finally, intravenous injections of SAMiRNA targeting mouse Areg mRNA (SAMiRNA-mAREG) diminished radiation-induced collagen accumulation in the renal cortex and medulla. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that blocking of AREG signaling via SAMiRNA-mAREG treatment could be a promising therapeutic approach to alleviate radiation-induced kidney fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beomseok Son
- siRNAgen Therapeutics, Daejeon 34302, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Rim Kim
- siRNAgen Therapeutics, Daejeon 34302, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Hong Park
- siRNAgen Therapeutics, Daejeon 34302, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Il Yun
- siRNAgen Therapeutics, Daejeon 34302, Republic of Korea
| | - Hanjoo Choi
- siRNAgen Therapeutics, Daejeon 34302, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Woo Choi
- siRNAgen Therapeutics, Daejeon 34302, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Han-Oh Park
- siRNAgen Therapeutics, Daejeon 34302, Republic of Korea
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24
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Wiechec E, Matic N, Ali A, Roberg K. Hypoxia induces radioresistance, epithelial‑mesenchymal transition, cancer stem cell‑like phenotype and changes in genes possessing multiple biological functions in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Oncol Rep 2022; 47:58. [PMID: 35059742 PMCID: PMC8808704 DOI: 10.3892/or.2022.8269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia has been linked with increased resistance to treatment in various solid tumors, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The aim of the present study was to identify genes involved in hypoxia‑mediated responses to radiotherapy in HNSCC. A total of three HNSCC cell lines with an epithelial phenotype were selected for this study and cultured under normoxic (21% O2) or hypoxic (1% O2) conditions. The sensitivity of the HNSCC cells to radiotherapy was assessed by a crystal violet assay. Western blotting (for protein expression), cDNA microarrays and reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR (for gene expression) were also applied. Small interfering RNA silencing was used to knock down target genes. The results revealed that hypoxia negatively affected the response of HNSCC cells to radiotherapy. Of note, increased levels of N‑cadherin, vimentin and fibronectin, as well as stem cell‑associated transcription factors, were observed under hypoxia. The microarray analysis revealed a number of hypoxia‑regulated genes that were involved in multiple biological functions. However, downregulation of hypoxia‑regulated genes did not affect sensitivity to radiotherapy of the investigated cell lines. Taken together, the present findings indicated several important pathways and genes that were involved in hypoxia and radiotherapy resistance. It is hypothesized that panels of reported hypoxia‑regulated genes may be useful for the prediction of radiotherapy responses in patients with HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Wiechec
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Cell Biology, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Natasa Matic
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology in Linköping, Anaesthetics, Operations and Specialty Surgery Center, Region Östergötland, 58185 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Ashfaq Ali
- National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden, Science for Life Laboratory; Department of Immune Technology, Lund University, 22100 Lund, Sweden
| | - Karin Roberg
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Cell Biology, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden
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25
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Amweg A, Tusup M, Cheng P, Picardi E, Dummer R, Levesque MP, French LE, Guenova E, Läuchli S, Kundig T, Mellett M, Pascolo S. The A to I editing landscape in melanoma and its relation to clinical outcome. RNA Biol 2022; 19:996-1006. [PMID: 35993275 PMCID: PMC9415457 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2022.2110390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA editing refers to non-transient RNA modifications that occur after transcription and prior to translation by the ribosomes. RNA editing is more widespread in cancer cells than in non-transformed cells and is associated with tumorigenesis of various cancer tissues. However, RNA editing can also generate neo-antigens that expose tumour cells to host immunosurveillance. Global RNA editing in melanoma and its relevance to clinical outcome currently remain poorly characterized. The present study compared RNA editing as well as gene expression in tumour cell lines from melanoma patients of short or long metastasis-free survival, patients relapsing or not after immuno- and targeted therapy and tumours harbouring BRAF or NRAS mutations. Overall, our results showed that NTRK gene expression can be a marker of resistance to BRAF and MEK inhibition and gives some insights of candidate genes as potential biomarkers. In addition, this study revealed an increase in Adenosine-to-Inosine editing in Alu regions and in non-repetitive regions, including the hyperediting of the MOK and DZIP3 genes in relapsed tumour samples during targeted therapy and of the ZBTB11 gene in NRAS mutated melanoma cells. Therefore, RNA editing could be a promising tool for identifying predictive markers, tumour neoantigens and targetable pathways that could help in preventing relapses during immuno- or targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austeja Amweg
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zürich (USZ), Zürich, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Zürich (UZH), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marina Tusup
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zürich (USZ), Zürich, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Zürich (UZH), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Phil Cheng
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zürich (USZ), Zürich, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Zürich (UZH), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ernesto Picardi
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari "A. Moro", Bari, Italy.,Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), National Research Council, Bari, Italy
| | - Reinhard Dummer
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zürich (USZ), Zürich, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Zürich (UZH), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Mitchell P Levesque
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zürich (USZ), Zürich, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Zürich (UZH), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Lars E French
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Dr. Philip Frost, Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Emmanuella Guenova
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zürich (USZ), Zürich, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Zürich (UZH), Zürich, Switzerland.,Department of Dermatology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Severin Läuchli
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zürich (USZ), Zürich, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Zürich (UZH), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Kundig
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zürich (USZ), Zürich, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Zürich (UZH), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Mark Mellett
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zürich (USZ), Zürich, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Zürich (UZH), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Steve Pascolo
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zürich (USZ), Zürich, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Zürich (UZH), Zürich, Switzerland
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26
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Mitochondrial glutamine metabolism regulates sensitivity of cancer cells after chemotherapy via amphiregulin. Cell Death Discov 2021; 7:395. [PMID: 34924566 PMCID: PMC8685276 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00792-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The DNA damage response is essential for sustaining genomic stability and preventing tumorigenesis. However, the fundamental question about the cellular metabolic response to DNA damage remains largely unknown, impeding the development of metabolic interventions that might prevent or treat cancer. Recently, it has been reported that there is a link between cell metabolism and DNA damage response, by repression of glutamine (Gln) entry into mitochondria to support cell cycle arrest and DNA repair. Here, we show that mitochondrial Gln metabolism is a crucial regulator of DNA damage-induced cell death. Mechanistically, inhibition of glutaminase (GLS), the first enzyme for Gln anaplerosis, sensitizes cancer cells to DNA damage by inducing amphiregulin (AREG) that promotes apoptotic cell death. GLS inhibition increases reactive oxygen species production, leading to transcriptional activation of AREG through Max-like protein X (MLX) transcription factor. Moreover, suppression of mitochondrial Gln metabolism results in markedly increased cell death after chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo. The essentiality of this molecular pathway in DNA damage-induced cell death may provide novel metabolic interventions for cancer therapy.
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27
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Lofgren KA, Sreekumar S, Jenkins EC, Ernzen KJ, Kenny PA. Anti-tumor efficacy of an MMAE-conjugated antibody targeting cell surface TACE/ADAM17-cleaved Amphiregulin in breast cancer. Antib Ther 2021; 4:252-261. [PMID: 34877472 PMCID: PMC8643873 DOI: 10.1093/abt/tbab026] [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: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) ligand, Amphiregulin (AREG), is a key proliferative effector of estrogen receptor signaling in breast cancer and also plays a role in other malignancies. AREG is a single-pass transmembrane protein proteolytically processed by TACE/ADAM17 to release the soluble EGFR ligand, leaving a residual transmembrane stalk that is subsequently internalized. Methods Using phage display, we identified antibodies that selectively recognize the residual transmembrane stalk of cleaved AREG. Conjugation with fluorescence labels and monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) was used to study their intracellular trafficking and anti-cancer effects, respectively. Results We report the development of an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), GMF-1A3-MMAE, targeting an AREG neo-epitope revealed following ADAM17-mediated cleavage. The antibody does not interact with uncleaved AREG, providing a novel means of targeting cells with high rates of AREG shedding. Using fluorescent dye conjugation, we demonstrated that the antibody is internalized by cancer cells in a manner dependent on the presence of cell surface cleaved AREG. Antibodies conjugated with MMAE were cytotoxic in vitro and induced rapid regression of established breast tumor xenografts in immunocompromised mice. We further demonstrate that these antibodies recognize the AREG neo-epitope in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor tissue, suggesting their utility as a companion diagnostic for patient selection. Conclusions This ADC targeting AREG has potential utility in the treatment of breast and other tumors in which proteolytic AREG shedding is a frequent event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristopher A Lofgren
- Kabara Cancer Research Institute, Gundersen Medical Foundation, La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Sreeja Sreekumar
- Kabara Cancer Research Institute, Gundersen Medical Foundation, La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA
| | - E Charles Jenkins
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Kyle J Ernzen
- Kabara Cancer Research Institute, Gundersen Medical Foundation, La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Paraic A Kenny
- Kabara Cancer Research Institute, Gundersen Medical Foundation, La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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28
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Yang KS, Che PC, Hsieh MJ, Lee IN, Wu YP, Chen MS, Chen JC. Propofol induces apoptosis and ameliorates 5‑fluorouracil resistance in OSCC cells by reducing the expression and secretion of amphiregulin. Mol Med Rep 2021; 25:36. [PMID: 34859260 PMCID: PMC8669682 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the different types of oral cancer, >90% of cases are oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a commonly used treatment for OSCC, but cells typically display resistance to the drug. Propofol, an intravenous anesthetic agent, exhibits certain anticancer effects, including the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Secreted proteins, such as growth factors and cytokines are involved in cancer development and progression, but the effect of propofol on secreted proteins in OSCC is not completely understood. An MTT assay, flow cytometry and western blotting were performed to determine the anticancer effects of propofol. The secretion profile of OSCC was determined using an antibody array, and clinical importance was assessed using the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis database. The results were verified by performing reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blotting. 5-FU-resistant cells were established to determine the role of the gene of interest in drug resistance. The results demonstrated that propofol decreased cell viability and promoted cell apoptosis. The antibody array results showed that propofol attenuated the secretion of multiple growth factors. The bioinformatics results indicated that amphiregulin (AREG) was expressed at significantly higher levels in cancer tissues, which was also related to poor prognosis. The results of RT-qPCR and western blotting revealed that propofol decreased AREG expression. Pretreatment with exogenous recombinant AREG increased EGFR activation and conferred propofol resistance. Moreover, the results indicated that the expression and activation of AREG was also related to 5-FU resistance, but propofol ameliorated 5-FU drug resistance. Therefore, the present study suggested that propofol combination therapy may serve as an effective treatment strategy for OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kung-Ssu Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia‑Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi 60002, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Pi-Cheng Che
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia‑Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi 60002, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Ming-Ju Hsieh
- Cancer Research Center, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500209, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - I-Neng Lee
- Department of Medical Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yu-Ping Wu
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Chiayi University, Chiayi 60004, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Ming-Shan Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia‑Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi 60002, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jui-Chieh Chen
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Chiayi University, Chiayi 60004, Taiwan, R.O.C
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29
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Coniglio SJ, Segall JE. Microglial-stimulation of glioma invasion involves the EGFR ligand amphiregulin. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260252. [PMID: 34843542 PMCID: PMC8629255 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
High grade glioma is one of the deadliest human cancers with a median survival rate of only one year following diagnosis. The highly motile and invasive nature of high grade glioma makes it difficult to completely remove surgically. Therefore, increasing our knowledge of the mechanisms glioma cells use to invade normal brain is of critical importance in designing novel therapies. It was previously shown by our laboratory that tumor-associated microglia (TAMs) stimulate glioma cell invasion and this process is dependent on CSF-1R signaling. In this study, we seek to identify pro-invasive factors that are upregulated in microglia in a CSF-1R-dependent manner. We assayed cDNA and protein from microglia treated with conditioned media from the murine glioma cell line GL261, and discovered that several EGFR ligands including amphiregulin (AREG) are strongly upregulated. This upregulation is blocked by addition of a pharmacological CSF-1R inhibitor. Using RNA interference, we show that AREG-depleted microglia are less effective at promoting invasion of GL261 cells into Matrigel-coated invasion chambers. In addition, an AREG blocking antibody strongly attenuates the ability of THP-1 macrophages to activate human glioma cell line U87 invasion. Furthermore, we have identified a signaling pathway which involves CSF-1 signaling through ERK to upregulate AREG expression in microglia. Interfering with ERK using pharmacological inhibitors prevents AREG upregulation in microglia and microglia-stimulated GL261 invasion. These data highlight AREG as a key factor in produced by tumor associated microglia in promoting glioma invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore J. Coniglio
- New Jersey Center for Science Technology and Mathematics, Kean University, Union, NJ, United States of America
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey E. Segall
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States of America
- Gruss Lipper Biophotonics Center, Bronx, NY, United States of America
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30
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AXL cooperates with EGFR to mediate neutrophil elastase-induced migration of prostate cancer cells. iScience 2021; 24:103270. [PMID: 34761189 PMCID: PMC8567381 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Neutrophil elastase (NE) promotes multiple stages of tumorigenesis. However, little is known regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying its stimulatory role. This study shows that NE triggers dose-dependent ERK signaling and cell migration in a panel of prostate cell lines representing the spectrum of prostate cell malignancy. All cell lines tested internalize NE; however, NE endocytosis is not required for ERK activation. Instead, NE acts extracellularly by stimulating the release of amphiregulin to initiate EGFR-dependent signaling. Inhibiting amphiregulin's biological activity with neutralizing antibodies, as well as gene silencing of amphiregulin or EGFR, attenuates NE-induced migration in normal and benign prostatic cells. Alternatively, in prostate cancer cells, knockdown of receptor tyrosine kinase AXL, but not EGFR, impairs both basal and NE-stimulated migration. When prostate cells progress to malignancy, the switch from EGFR-to AXL-dependence in NE-mediated migration implies the potential combined application of EGFR and AXL targeted therapy in prostate cancer treatment.
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31
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Singh SS, Chauhan SB, Kumar A, Kumar S, Engwerda CR, Sundar S, Kumar R. Amphiregulin in cellular physiology, health, and disease: Potential use as a biomarker and therapeutic target. J Cell Physiol 2021; 237:1143-1156. [PMID: 34698381 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Amphiregulin (AREG), which acts as one of the ligands for epidermal receptor growth factor receptor (EGFR), plays a crucial role in tissue repair, inflammation, and immunity. AREG is synthesized as membrane-anchored pre-protein, and is excreted after proteolytic cleavage, and serves as an autocrine or paracrine factor. After engagement with the EGFR, AREG triggers a cascade of signaling events required for many cellular physiological processes including metabolism, cell cycle, and proliferation. Under different inflammatory and pathogenic conditions, AREG is expressed by various activated immune cells that orchestrate both tolerance and host resistance mechanisms. Several factors including xenobiotics, cytokines, and inflammatory lipids have been shown to trigger AREG gene expression and release. In this review, we discuss the structure, function, and regulation of AREG, its role in tissue repair, inflammation, and homeostasis as well as the potential of AREG as a biomarker and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth S Singh
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Shashi B Chauhan
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Awnish Kumar
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Shashi Kumar
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Christian R Engwerda
- Department of Immunology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Shyam Sundar
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Rajiv Kumar
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
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32
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Zhao M, Quan Y, Zeng J, Lyu X, Wang H, Lei JH, Feng Y, Xu J, Chen Q, Sun H, Xu X, Lu L, Deng CX. Cullin3 deficiency shapes tumor microenvironment and promotes cholangiocarcinoma in liver-specific Smad4/Pten mutant mice. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:4176-4191. [PMID: 34803491 PMCID: PMC8579464 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.67379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CC), the most lethal type of liver cancer, remains very difficult to treat due to an incomplete understanding of the cancer initiation and progression mechanisms and no effective therapeutic drugs. Thus, identification of genomic drivers and delineation of the underlying mechanisms are urgently needed. Here, we conducted a genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screening in liver-specific Smad4/Pten knockout mice (Smad4co/co;Ptenco/co;Alb-Cre, abbreviated as SPC), and identified 15 putative tumor suppressor genes, including Cullin3 (Cul3), whose deficiency increases protein levels of Nrf2 and Cyclin D1 that accelerate cholangiocytes expansion leading to the initiation of CC. Meanwhile, Cul3 deficiency also increases the secretion of Cxcl9 in stromal cells to attract T cells infiltration, and increases the production of Amphiregulin (Areg) mediated by Nrf2, which paracrinely induces inflammation in the liver, and promotes accumulation of exhausted PD1high CD8 T cells at the expenses of their cytotoxic activity, allowing CC progression. We demonstrate that the anti-PD1/PD-L1 blockade inhibits CC growth, and the effect is enhanced by combining with sorafenib selected from organoid mediated drug sensitive test. This model makes it possible to further identify more liver cancer suppressors, study molecular mechanisms, and develop effective therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhao
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yingyao Quan
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Zhuhai Interventional Medical Center, Zhuhai Precision Medical Center, Zhuhai People's Hospital, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University
| | - Jianming Zeng
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Xueying Lyu
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Haitao Wang
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Josh Haipeng Lei
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Yangyang Feng
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Jun Xu
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Qiang Chen
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- MOE Frontieers Science Center for Precision Oncogene, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Heng Sun
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- MOE Frontieers Science Center for Precision Oncogene, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Xiaoling Xu
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- MOE Frontieers Science Center for Precision Oncogene, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Ligong Lu
- Zhuhai Interventional Medical Center, Zhuhai Precision Medical Center, Zhuhai People's Hospital, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University
| | - Chu-Xia Deng
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
- MOE Frontieers Science Center for Precision Oncogene, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
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Roma S, Carpen L, Raveane A, Bertolini F. The Dual Role of Innate Lymphoid and Natural Killer Cells in Cancer. from Phenotype to Single-Cell Transcriptomics, Functions and Clinical Uses. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205042. [PMID: 34680190 PMCID: PMC8533946 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), a family of innate immune cells including natural killers (NKs), play a multitude of roles in first-line cancer control, in escape from immunity and in cancer progression. In this review, we summarize preclinical and clinical data on ILCs and NK cells concerning their phenotype, function and clinical applications in cellular therapy trials. We also describe how single-cell transcriptome sequencing has been used and forecast how it will be used to better understand ILC and NK involvement in cancer control and progression as well as their therapeutic potential. Abstract The role of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), including natural killer (NK) cells, is pivotal in inflammatory modulation and cancer. Natural killer cell activity and count have been demonstrated to be regulated by the expression of activating and inhibitory receptors together with and as a consequence of different stimuli. The great majority of NK cell populations have an anti-tumor activity due to their cytotoxicity, and for this reason have been used for cellular therapies in cancer patients. On the other hand, the recently classified helper ILCs are fundamentally involved in inflammation and they can be either helpful or harmful in cancer development and progression. Tissue niche seems to play an important role in modulating ILC function and conversion, as observed at the transcriptional level. In the past, these cell populations have been classified by the presence of specific cellular receptor markers; more recently, due to the advent of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), it has been possible to also explore them at the transcriptomic level. In this article we review studies on ILC (and NK cell) classification, function and their involvement in cancer. We also summarize the potential application of NK cells in cancer therapy and give an overview of the most recent studies involving ILCs and NKs at scRNA-seq, focusing on cancer. Finally, we provide a resource for those who wish to start single-cell transcriptomic analysis on the context of these innate lymphoid cell populations.
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Chen HH, Yu HI, Rudy R, Lim SL, Chen YF, Wu SH, Lin SC, Yang MH, Tarn WY. DDX3 modulates the tumor microenvironment via its role in endoplasmic reticulum-associated translation. iScience 2021; 24:103086. [PMID: 34568799 PMCID: PMC8449240 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Using antibody arrays, we found that the RNA helicase DDX3 modulates the expression of secreted signaling factors in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells. Ribo-seq analysis confirmed amphiregulin (AREG) as a translational target of DDX3. AREG exerts important biological functions in cancer, including promoting cell migration and paracrine effects of OSCC cells and reprogramming the tumor microenvironment (TME) of OSCC in mice. DDX3-mediated translational control of AREG involves its 3′-untranslated region. Proteomics identified the signal recognition particle (SRP) as an unprecedented interacting partner of DDX3. DDX3 and SRP54 were located near the endoplasmic reticulum, regulated the expression of a common set of secreted factors, and were essential for targeting AREG mRNA to membrane-bound polyribosomes. Finally, OSCC-associated mutant DDX3 increased the expression of AREG, emphasizing the role of DDX3 in tumor progression via SRP-dependent, endoplasmic reticulum-associated translation. Therefore, pharmacological targeting of DDX3 may inhibit the tumor-promoting functions of the TME. DDX3-AREG axis promotes cancer progression through microenvironment remodeling DDX3 activates AREG translation via binding to its 3′ UTR DDX3 interacts with the signal recognition particle (SRP) DDX3-SRP-mediated mRNA recruitment assists ER-associated translation
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Hsi Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, 128 Academy Road Section 2, Nankang, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-I Yu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, 128 Academy Road Section 2, Nankang, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Rudy Rudy
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, 128 Academy Road Section 2, Nankang, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Sim-Lin Lim
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Fen Chen
- Institute of Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Hsing Wu
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Chun Lin
- Institute of Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Muh-Hwa Yang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Woan-Yuh Tarn
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, 128 Academy Road Section 2, Nankang, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
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Strepkos D, Markouli M, Papavassiliou KA, Papavassiliou AG, Piperi C. Emerging roles for the YAP/TAZ transcriptional regulators in brain tumour pathology and targeting options. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2021; 48:e12762. [PMID: 34409639 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The transcriptional co-activators Yes-associated protein 1/transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (YAP/TAZ) have emerged as significant regulators of a wide variety of cellular and organ functions with impact in early embryonic development, especially during the expansion of the neural progenitor cell pool. YAP/TAZ signalling regulates organ size development, tissue homeostasis, wound healing and angiogenesis by participating in a complex network of various pathways. However, recent evidence suggests an association of these physiologic regulatory effects of YAP/TAZ with pro-oncogenic activities. Herein, we discuss the physiological functions of YAP/TAZ as well as the extensive network of signalling pathways that control their expression and activity, leading to brain tumour development and progression. Furthermore, we describe current targeting approaches and drug options including direct YAP/TAZ and YAP-TEA domain transcription factor (TEAD) interaction inhibitors, G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) signalling modulators and kinase inhibitors, which may be used to successfully attack YAP/TAZ-dependent tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Strepkos
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Mariam Markouli
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Kostas A Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios G Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Piperi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Lu Q, Gao Y, Fan Z, Xiao X, Chen Y, Si Y, Kong D, Wang S, Liao M, Chen X, Wang X, Chu W. Amphiregulin promotes hair regeneration of skin-derived precursors via the PI3K and MAPK pathways. Cell Prolif 2021; 54:e13106. [PMID: 34382262 PMCID: PMC8450126 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives There are significant clinical challenges associated with alopecia treatment, including poor efficiency of related drugs and insufficient hair follicles (HFs) for transplantation. Skin‐derived precursors (SKPs) exhibit great potential as stem cell‐based therapies for hair regeneration; however, the proliferation and hair‐inducing capacity of SKPs gradually decrease during culturing. Materials and Methods We describe a 3D co‐culture system accompanied by kyoto encyclopaedia of genes and genomes and gene ontology enrichment analyses to determine the key factors and pathways that enhance SKP stemness and verified using alkaline phosphatase assays, Ki‐67 staining, HF reconstitution, Western blot and immunofluorescence staining. The upregulated genes were confirmed utilizing corresponding recombinant protein or small‐interfering RNA silencing in vitro, as well as the evaluation of telogen‐to‐anagen transition and HF reconstitution in vivo. Results The 3D co‐culture system revealed that epidermal stem cells and adipose‐derived stem cells enhanced SKP proliferation and HF regeneration capacity by amphiregulin (AREG), with the promoted stemness allowing SKPs to gain an earlier telogen‐to‐anagen transition and high‐efficiency HF reconstitution. By contrast, inhibitors of the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways downstream of AREG signalling resulted in diametrically opposite activities. Conclusions By exploiting a 3D co‐culture model, we determined that AREG promoted SKP stemness by enhancing both proliferation and hair‐inducing capacity through the PI3K and MAPK pathways. These findings suggest AREG therapy as a potentially promising approach for treating alopecia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiumei Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Zhimeng Fan
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xing Xiao
- Center of Scientific Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Si
- Department of Dermatology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Deqiang Kong
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- The Yonghe Medical Beauty Clinic Limited Company, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meijian Liao
- School of basic medicine, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Chen
- Department of Burn Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Xusheng Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiwei Chu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Jacquelot N, Seillet C, Wang M, Pizzolla A, Liao Y, Hediyeh-Zadeh S, Grisaru-Tal S, Louis C, Huang Q, Schreuder J, Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes F, de Graaf CA, Thia K, Macdonald S, Camilleri M, Luong K, Zhang S, Chopin M, Molden-Hauer T, Nutt SL, Umansky V, Ciric B, Groom JR, Foster PS, Hansbro PM, McKenzie ANJ, Gray DHD, Behren A, Cebon J, Vivier E, Wicks IP, Trapani JA, Munitz A, Davis MJ, Shi W, Neeson PJ, Belz GT. Blockade of the co-inhibitory molecule PD-1 unleashes ILC2-dependent antitumor immunity in melanoma. Nat Immunol 2021; 22:851-864. [PMID: 34099918 PMCID: PMC7611091 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-021-00943-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are essential to maintain tissue homeostasis. In cancer, ILC2s can harbor both pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic functions, but we know little about their underlying mechanisms or whether they could be clinically relevant or targeted to improve patient outcomes. Here, we found that high ILC2 infiltration in human melanoma was associated with a good clinical prognosis. ILC2s are critical producers of the cytokine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, which coordinates the recruitment and activation of eosinophils to enhance antitumor responses. Tumor-infiltrating ILC2s expressed programmed cell death protein-1, which limited their intratumoral accumulation, proliferation and antitumor effector functions. This inhibition could be overcome in vivo by combining interleukin-33-driven ILC2 activation with programmed cell death protein-1 blockade to significantly increase antitumor responses. Together, our results identified ILC2s as a critical immune cell type involved in melanoma immunity and revealed a potential synergistic approach to harness ILC2 function for antitumor immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Jacquelot
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Cyril Seillet
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Minyu Wang
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Angela Pizzolla
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yang Liao
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Soroor Hediyeh-Zadeh
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sharon Grisaru-Tal
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Cynthia Louis
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Qiutong Huang
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jaring Schreuder
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Carolyn A de Graaf
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kevin Thia
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sean Macdonald
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mary Camilleri
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kylie Luong
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shengbo Zhang
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Chopin
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tristan Molden-Hauer
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen L Nutt
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Viktor Umansky
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Bogoljub Ciric
- Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joanna R Groom
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul S Foster
- Priority Research Centres for Healthy Lungs, Hunter Medical Research Institute and The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Philip M Hansbro
- Priority Research Centres for Healthy Lungs, Hunter Medical Research Institute and The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Daniel H D Gray
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andreas Behren
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jonathan Cebon
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Melbourne-Austin Branch, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eric Vivier
- Innate Pharma Research Labs, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Marseille, France
- Service d'Immunologie, Marseille Immunopole, Hôpital de la Timone, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Ian P Wicks
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Rheumatology Unit, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joseph A Trapani
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ariel Munitz
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Melissa J Davis
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Computing and Information Systems, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Wei Shi
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Computing and Information Systems, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul J Neeson
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gabrielle T Belz
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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Kane RA, Christodoulides N, Jensen IM, Becker DJ, Mansfield KL, Savage AE. Gene expression changes with tumor disease and leech parasitism in the juvenile green sea turtle skin transcriptome. Gene 2021; 800:145800. [PMID: 34175400 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.145800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases are a major threat to biodiversity in the 21st century. Fibropapillomatosis (FP) is an epithelial tumor disease that affects immature and adult marine turtles worldwide, particularly green turtles (Chelonia mydas). We know little about the host factors contributing to FP susceptibility, in part because transcriptomic studies that compare transcript expression in turtles with and without FP are lacking. Here, we performed RNA-Seq on healthy skin tissue from immature C. mydas in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida, USA, comparing turtles (1) with and without FP and (2) with and without leech parasites, a putative vector of FP. We assembled a de novo C. mydas skin transcriptome to identify transcripts with significant differential expression (DE) across FP and leech categories. Significant DE transcripts were found across FP and leech comparisons, including 10 of the same transcripts with DE across both comparisons. Leech-positive individuals significantly upregulated different immune and viral interaction transcripts than did leech-negative individuals, including viral interaction transcripts associated with herpesvirus interactions. This finding strengthens the role of marine leeches as mechanical vectors of Chelonid herpesvirus 5 (ChHV5) which has been implicated as a causative agent of FP. FP-positive turtles upregulated several tumor progression and suppression transcripts relative to FP-negative turtles, which had no significant DE tumor progression transcripts. FP-positive turtles also upregulated significantly more protein interaction transcripts than FP-negative turtles. DE transcripts across leech comparisons showed no functional enrichment, whereas DE transcripts across FP comparisons showed some GO terms were enriched in FP-positive and FP negative turtles. Notably, only FP-negative turtles were enriched for GO terms involved in acquired and inflammatory immune gene regulation. Overall, our DE transcripts included several candidate genes that may play important roles in C. mydas resistance to or recovery from FP, highlighting that transcriptomics provides a promising venue to understand this impactful disease. Continued investigation of C. mydas responses to FP and leech affliction is imperative for species persistence and the conservation of marine ecosystems worldwide due to the essential role of sea turtles in ecosystem function and stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael A Kane
- Department of Biology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States; School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States.
| | | | - Irelyn M Jensen
- Department of Biology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States.
| | - Donald J Becker
- Department of Biology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States.
| | | | - Anna E Savage
- Department of Biology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States.
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Construction of a five-gene prognostic model based on immune-related genes for the prediction of survival in pancreatic cancer. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:229064. [PMID: 34143198 PMCID: PMC8252190 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20204301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To identify differentially expressed immune-related genes (DEIRGs) and construct a model with survival-related DEIRGs for evaluating the prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer (PC). Methods: Six microarray gene expression datasets of PC from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and Immunology Database and Analysis Portal (ImmPort) were used to identify DEIRGs. RNA sequencing and clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas Program-Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma (TCGA-PAAD) database were used to establish the prognostic model. Univariate, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariate Cox regression analyses were applied to determine the final variables of the prognostic model. The median risk score was used as the cut-off value to classify samples into low- and high-risk groups. The prognostic model was further validated using an internal validation set of TCGA and an external validation set of GSE62452. Results: In total, 142 DEIRGs were identified from six GEO datasets, 47 were survival-related DEIRGs. A prognostic model comprising five genes (i.e., ERAP2, CXCL9, AREG, DKK1, and IL20RB) was established. High-risk patients had poor survival compared with low-risk patients. The 1-, 2-, 3-year area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the model reached 0.85, 0.87, and 0.93, respectively. Additionally, the prognostic model reflected the infiltration of neutrophils and dendritic cells. The expression of most characteristic immune checkpoints was significantly higher in the high-risk group versus the low-risk group. Conclusions: The five-gene prognostic model showed reliably predictive accuracy. This model may provide useful information for immunotherapy and facilitate personalized monitoring for patients with PC.
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To KKW, Fong W, Cho WCS. Immunotherapy in Treating EGFR-Mutant Lung Cancer: Current Challenges and New Strategies. Front Oncol 2021; 11:635007. [PMID: 34113560 PMCID: PMC8185359 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.635007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, including monoclonal antibodies against programmed death-1 (PD-1) and programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1), have dramatically improved the survival and quality of life of a subset of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Multiple predictive biomarkers have been proposed to select the patients who may benefit from the immune checkpoint inhibitors. EGFR-mutant NSCLC is the most prevalent molecular subtype in Asian lung cancer patients. However, patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC show poor response to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment. While small-molecule EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the preferred initial treatment for EGFR-mutant NSCLC, acquired drug resistance is severely limiting the long-term efficacy. However, there is currently no further effective treatment option for TKIs-refractory EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients. The reasons mediating the poor response of EGFR-mutated NSCLC patients to immunotherapy are not clear. Initial investigations revealed that EGFR-mutated NSCLC has lower PD-L1 expression and a low tumor mutational burden, thus leading to weak immunogenicity. Moreover, the use of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade prior to or concurrent with osimertinib has been reported to increase the risk of pulmonary toxicity. Furthermore, emerging evidence shows that PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in NSCLC patients can lead to hyperprogressive disease associated with dismal prognosis. However, it is difficult to predict the treatment toxicity. New biomarkers are urgently needed to predict response and toxicity associated with the use of PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy in EGFR-mutated NSCLC. Recently, promising data have emerged to suggest the potentiation of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy by anti-angiogenic agents and a few other novel therapeutic agents. This article reviews the current investigations about the poor response of EGFR-mutated NSCLC to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy, and discusses the new strategies that may be adopted in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth K W To
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Winnie Fong
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - William C S Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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Klupp F, Sass M, Bergmann F, Khajeh E, Ghamarnejad O, Hassenpflug M, Mehrabi A, Kulu Y. Impact of EGFR and EGFR ligand expression on treatment response in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Oncol Lett 2021; 21:448. [PMID: 33868486 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12709] [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: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Up to 50% of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) have either synchronous or metachronous hepatic metastases in the course of their disease. Patients with metastatic CRC (mCRC) whose tumors express wild-type KRAS benefit from treatment with monoclonal antibodies (such as cetuximab or panitumumab) that target the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). However, the therapeutic response to these antibodies is variable, and further predictive models are required. The present study examined whether expression of different EGFRs or their ligands in tumors was associated with the response to cetuximab treatment. Tumor tissues, collected during liver resection in 28 patients with mCRC, were analyzed. The protein expression levels of EGFR/ErbB1, ErbB2, ErbB3 and the EGFR ligands heregulin and amphiregulin were determined using Luminex 200® and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging was performed 4 weeks before and 6-8 weeks after treatment with cetuximab. Response to treatment was assessed using the response evaluation criteria for solid tumors (RECIST). The association between the protein expression levels of different EGFRs and their ligands with RECIST criteria was then analyzed to determine whether these protein levels could predict the treatment response to cetuximab. A total of 12 patients exhibited a partial response, 9 exhibited stable disease and 7 exhibited progressive disease after cetuximab therapy according to RECIST. The expression levels of EGFRs (EGFR/ErbB1, ErbB2 and ErbB3) and their ligands (heregulin and amphiregulin) were not significantly associated with the response to cetuximab therapy. Therefore, the present study indicated that EGFR or EGFR ligand expression did not predict treatment response in patients with CRC with liver metastases following cetuximab therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fee Klupp
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Heidelberg, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Malte Sass
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Asklepios Hospital, D-21075 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Frank Bergmann
- Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elias Khajeh
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Heidelberg, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Omid Ghamarnejad
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Heidelberg, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Hassenpflug
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Heidelberg, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Arianeb Mehrabi
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Heidelberg, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yakup Kulu
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Heidelberg, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Drake I, Hindy G, Almgren P, Engström G, Nilsson J, Melander O, Orho-Melander M. Methodological considerations for identifying multiple plasma proteins associated with all-cause mortality in a population-based prospective cohort. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6734. [PMID: 33762603 PMCID: PMC7990913 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85991-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel methods to characterize the plasma proteome has made it possible to examine a wide range of proteins in large longitudinal cohort studies, but the complexity of the human proteome makes it difficult to identify robust protein-disease associations. Nevertheless, identification of individuals at high risk of early mortality is a central issue in clinical decision making and novel biomarkers may be useful to improve risk stratification. With adjustment for established risk factors, we examined the associations between 138 plasma proteins measured using two proximity extension assays and long-term risk of all-cause mortality in 3,918 participants of the population-based Malmö Diet and Cancer Study. To examine the reproducibility of protein-mortality associations we used a two-step random-split approach to simulate a discovery and replication cohort and conducted analyses using four different methods: Cox regression, stepwise Cox regression, Lasso-Cox regression, and random survival forest (RSF). In the total study population, we identified eight proteins that associated with all-cause mortality after adjustment for established risk factors and with Bonferroni correction for multiple testing. In the two-step analyses, the number of proteins selected for model inclusion in both random samples ranged from 6 to 21 depending on the method used. However, only three proteins were consistently included in both samples across all four methods (growth/differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, and epididymal secretory protein E4). Using the total study population, the C-statistic for a model including established risk factors was 0.7222 and increased to 0.7284 with inclusion of the most predictive protein (GDF-15; P < 0.0001). All multiple protein models showed additional improvement in the C-statistic compared to the single protein model (all P < 0.0001). We identified several plasma proteins associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality independently of established risk factors. Further investigation into the putatively causal role of these proteins for longevity is needed. In addition, the examined methods for identifying multiple proteins showed tendencies for overfitting by including several putatively false positive findings. Thus, the reproducibility of findings using such approaches may be limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Drake
- Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease-Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Lund University, Clinical Research Centre House 60 Floor 13, Jan Waldenströms gata 35, 205 02, Malmö, Sweden.
| | - George Hindy
- Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease-Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Lund University, Clinical Research Centre House 60 Floor 13, Jan Waldenströms gata 35, 205 02, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Population Medicine, College of Medicine Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Peter Almgren
- Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease-Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Lund University, Clinical Research Centre House 60 Floor 13, Jan Waldenströms gata 35, 205 02, Malmö, Sweden.,Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Gunnar Engström
- Cardiovascular Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Jan Nilsson
- Experimental Cardiovascular Research, Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Olle Melander
- Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Marju Orho-Melander
- Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease-Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Lund University, Clinical Research Centre House 60 Floor 13, Jan Waldenströms gata 35, 205 02, Malmö, Sweden
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Tian G, Fu Y, Zhang D, Li J, Zhang Z, Yang X. Identification of four key prognostic genes and three potential drugs in human papillomavirus negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:167. [PMID: 33712015 PMCID: PMC7953640 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01863-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a common tumor worldwide with poor prognosis. The pathogenesis of human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive and HPV-negative HNSCCs differs. However, few studies have considered the HPV status when identifying biomarkers for HNSCC. Thus, the identification of biomarkers for HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCCs is urgently needed. METHODS Three microarray datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were analyzed, and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained. Then, functional enrichment pathway analysis was performed and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed. The expression of hub genes at both the mRNA and protein level was determined in Oncomine, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Human Protein Atlas (HPA). In addition, survival analysis of the patient stratified by HPV status and the expression levels of key genes were performed based on TCGA data. The role of AREG, STAG3, CAV1 and C19orf57 in cancer were analyzed through Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The top ten small molecule drugs were identified and the therapeutic value of zonisamide, NVP-AUY922, PP-2 and fostamatinib was further evaluated in six HPV-negative HNSCC cell lines. Finally, the therapeutic value of NVP-AUY922 was tested in vivo based on three HPV-negative HNSCC models, and statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS In total, 47 DEGs were obtained, 11 of which were identified as hub genes. Biological process analysis indicated that the hub genes were associated with the G1/S transition of the mitotic cell cycle. Survival analysis uncovered that the prognostic value of AREG, STAG3, C19orf57 and CAV1 differed between HPV-positive and HPV-negative patients. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed the role of AREG, STAG3 and CAV1 in dysregulated pathways of tumor. Ten small molecules were identified as potential drugs specifically for HPV-positive or HPV-negative patients; three-NVP-AUY922, fostamatinib and PP-2-greatly inhibited the proliferation of six HPV-negative HNSCC cell lines in vitro, and NVP-AUY922 inhibited three HPV-negative HNSCC xenografts in vivo. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, AREG, STAG3, C19orf57 and CAV1 are key prognostic factors and potential therapeutic targets in HPV-negative HNSCC. NVP-AUY922, fostamatinib and PP-2 may be effective drugs for HPV-negative HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guocai Tian
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology and Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Research Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - You Fu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology and Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Research Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Dahe Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology and Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiang Li
- Department of Oral Pathology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyuan Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai, People's Republic of China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology and Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China. .,Research Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xi Yang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TL Downregulates the Ileal Expression of Genes Involved in Immune Responses in Broiler Chickens to Improve Growth Performance. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9020382. [PMID: 33668643 PMCID: PMC7918048 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9020382] [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: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TL promotes broiler chicken performance by improving nutrient absorption and utilization and reducing intestinal inflammation. In this study, RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq)-based transcriptomes of ileal tissues collected from probiotic-fed and control broiler chickens were analyzed to elucidate the effects of the probiotic B. amyloliquefaciens TL, as a feed additive, on the gut immune function. In total, 475 genes were significantly differentially expressed between the ileum of probiotic-fed and control birds. The expression of genes encoding pyruvate kinase, prothymosin-α, and heat stress proteins was high in the ileum of probiotic-fed birds (FPKM > 500), but not in the control group. The gene ontology functional enrichment and pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the uniquely expressed genes in the control group were mostly involved in immune responses, whereas those in the probiotic group were involved in fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling pathways and positive regulation of cell proliferation. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TL downregulated the expression of certain proinflammatory factors and affected the cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction pathway. Furthermore, B. amyloliquefaciens TL in broiler diets altered the expression of genes involved in immune functions in the ileum. Thus, it might contribute to improved broiler growth by regulating the immune system and reducing intestinal damage in broilers.
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45
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Son SS, Hwang S, Park JH, Ko Y, Yun SI, Lee JH, Son B, Kim TR, Park HO, Lee EY. In vivo silencing of amphiregulin by a novel effective Self-Assembled-Micelle inhibitory RNA ameliorates renal fibrosis via inhibition of EGFR signals. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2191. [PMID: 33500443 PMCID: PMC7838194 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81726-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Amphiregulin (AREG) is a transmembrane glycoprotein recently implicated in kidney fibrosis. Previously, we reported that the AREG-targeting Self-Assembled-Micelle inhibitory RNA (SAMiRNA-AREG) alleviated fibrosis by stably silencing the AREG gene, and reduced the side effects of conventional siRNA treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. However, the therapeutic effect of SAMiRNA-AREG in renal fibrosis has not been studied until now. We used two animal models of renal fibrosis generated by a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and an adenine diet (AD) to investigate whether SAMiRNA-AREG inhibited renal fibrosis. To investigate the delivery of SAMiRNA-AREG to the kidney, Cy5-labeled SAMiRNA-AREG was injected into UUO- and AD-induced renal fibrosis models. In both kidney disease models, SAMiRNA-AREG was delivered primarily to the damaged kidney. We also confirmed the protective effect of SAMiRNA-AREG in renal fibrosis models. SAMiRNA-AREG markedly decreased the UUO- and AD-induced AREG mRNA expression. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of fibrosis markers, including α-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, α1(I) collagen, and α1(III) collagen in the UUO and AD-induced kidneys, was diminished in the SAMiRNA-AREG-treated mice. The transcription of inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor-α and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) and adhesion markers (vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 and intercellular adhesion molecule 1) was attenuated. The hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, and immunohistochemical staining results showed that SAMiRNA-AREG decreased renal fibrosis, AREG expression, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) phosphorylation in the UUO- and AD-induced models. Moreover, we studied the effects of SAMiRNA-AREG in response to TGF-β1 in mouse and human proximal tubule cells, and mouse fibroblasts. TGF-β1-induced extracellular matrix production and myofibroblast differentiation were attenuated by SAMiRNA-AREG. Finally, we confirmed that upregulated AREG in the UUO or AD models was mainly localized in the distal tubules. In conclusion, SAMiRNA-AREG represents a novel siRNA therapeutic for renal fibrosis by suppressing EGFR signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Seob Son
- siRNAgen Therapeutics, Daejeon, 34302, Republic of Korea
| | - Soohyun Hwang
- siRNAgen Therapeutics, Daejeon, 34302, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Hong Park
- siRNAgen Therapeutics, Daejeon, 34302, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngho Ko
- siRNAgen Therapeutics, Daejeon, 34302, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Il Yun
- Bioneer Corporation, 8-11 Munpyeongseo-ro, Daedeok-gu, Daejeon, 34302, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hye Lee
- Department of Pathology, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Cheonan, 31151, Republic of Korea
| | - Beomseok Son
- siRNAgen Therapeutics, Daejeon, 34302, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Rim Kim
- siRNAgen Therapeutics, Daejeon, 34302, Republic of Korea
| | - Han-Oh Park
- siRNAgen Therapeutics, Daejeon, 34302, Republic of Korea.
- Bioneer Corporation, 8-11 Munpyeongseo-ro, Daedeok-gu, Daejeon, 34302, Republic of Korea.
| | - Eun Young Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, 31 Soonchunhyang 6-gil, Cheonan, 31151, Republic of Korea.
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, 31151, Republic of Korea.
- BK21 FOUR Project, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, 31151, Republic of Korea.
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Amido-Bridged Nucleic Acid-Modified Antisense Oligonucleotides Targeting SYT13 to Treat Peritoneal Metastasis of Gastric Cancer. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 22:791-802. [PMID: 33230476 PMCID: PMC7644579 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Patients with peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer have dismal prognosis, mainly because of inefficient systemic delivery of drugs to peritoneal tumors. We aimed to develop an intraperitoneal treatment strategy using amido-bridged nucleic acid (AmNA)-modified antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) targeting synaptotagmin XIII (SYT13) and to identify the function of SYT13 in gastric cancer cells. We screened 71 candidate oligonucleotide sequences according to SYT13-knockdown efficacy, in vitro activity, and off-target effects. We evaluated the effects of SYT13 knockdown on cellular functions and signaling pathways, as well as the effects of intraperitoneal administration to mice of AmNA-modified anti-SYT13 ASOs. We selected the ASOs (designated hSYT13-4378 and hSYT13-4733) with the highest knockdown efficiencies and lowest off-target effects and determined their abilities to inhibit cellular functions associated with the metastatic potential of gastric cancer cells. We found that SYT13 interfered with focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-mediated intracellular signals. Intraperitoneal administration of hSYT13-4378 and hSYT13-4733 in a mouse xenograft model of metastasis inhibited the formation of peritoneal nodules and significantly increased survival. Reversible, dose- and sequence-dependent liver damage was induced by ASO treatment without causing abnormal morphological and histological changes in the brain. Intra-abdominal administration of AmNA-modified anti-SYT13 ASOs represents a promising strategy for treating peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer.
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47
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Zanetti-Domingues LC, Bonner SE, Martin-Fernandez ML, Huber V. Mechanisms of Action of EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Receptor Incorporated in Extracellular Vesicles. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112505. [PMID: 33228060 PMCID: PMC7699420 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
EGFR and some of the cognate ligands extensively traffic in extracellular vesicles (EVs) from different biogenesis pathways. EGFR belongs to a family of four homologous tyrosine kinase receptors (TKRs). This family are one of the major drivers of cancer and is involved in several of the most frequent malignancies such as non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer and ovarian cancer. The carrier EVs exert crucial biological effects on recipient cells, impacting immunity, pre-metastatic niche preparation, angiogenesis, cancer cell stemness and horizontal oncogene transfer. While EV-mediated EGFR signalling is important to EGFR-driven cancers, little is known about the precise mechanisms by which TKRs incorporated in EVs play their biological role, their stoichiometry and associations to other proteins relevant to cancer pathology and EV biogenesis, and their means of incorporation in the target cell. In addition, it remains unclear whether different subtypes of EVs incorporate different complexes of TKRs with specific functions. A raft of high spatial and temporal resolution methods is emerging that could solve these and other questions regarding the activity of EGFR and its ligands in EVs. More importantly, methods are emerging to block or mitigate EV activity to suppress cancer progression and drug resistance. By highlighting key findings and areas that remain obscure at the intersection of EGFR signalling and EV action, we hope to cross-fertilise the two fields and speed up the application of novel techniques and paradigms to both.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C. Zanetti-Domingues
- Central Laser Facility, Research Complex at Harwell, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot OX11 0FA, UK;
- Correspondence: (L.C.Z.-D.); (V.H.)
| | - Scott E. Bonner
- The Wood Lab, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK;
| | - Marisa L. Martin-Fernandez
- Central Laser Facility, Research Complex at Harwell, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot OX11 0FA, UK;
| | - Veronica Huber
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: (L.C.Z.-D.); (V.H.)
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MYC as a Multifaceted Regulator of Tumor Microenvironment Leading to Metastasis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207710. [PMID: 33081056 PMCID: PMC7589112 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Myc family of oncogenes is deregulated in many types of cancer, and their over-expression is often correlated with poor prognosis. The Myc family members are transcription factors that can coordinate the expression of thousands of genes. Among them, c-Myc (MYC) is the gene most strongly associated with cancer, and it is the focus of this review. It regulates the expression of genes involved in cell proliferation, growth, differentiation, self-renewal, survival, metabolism, protein synthesis, and apoptosis. More recently, novel studies have shown that MYC plays a role not only in tumor initiation and growth but also has a broader spectrum of functions in tumor progression. MYC contributes to angiogenesis, immune evasion, invasion, and migration, which all lead to distant metastasis. Moreover, MYC is able to promote tumor growth and aggressiveness by recruiting stromal and tumor-infiltrating cells. In this review, we will dissect all of these novel functions and their involvement in the crosstalk between tumor and host, which have demonstrated that MYC is undoubtedly the master regulator of the tumor microenvironment. In sum, a better understanding of MYC’s role in the tumor microenvironment and metastasis development is crucial in proposing novel and effective cancer treatment strategies.
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Bischoff P, Kornhuber M, Dunst S, Zell J, Fauler B, Mielke T, Taubenberger AV, Guck J, Oelgeschläger M, Schönfelder G. Estrogens Determine Adherens Junction Organization and E-Cadherin Clustering in Breast Cancer Cells via Amphiregulin. iScience 2020; 23:101683. [PMID: 33163938 PMCID: PMC7607435 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogens play an important role in the development and progression of human cancers, particularly in breast cancer. Breast cancer progression depends on the malignant destabilization of adherens junctions (AJs) and disruption of tissue integrity. We found that estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) inhibition led to a striking spatial reorganization of AJs and microclustering of E-Cadherin (E-Cad) in the cell membrane of breast cancer cells. This resulted in increased stability of AJs and cell stiffness and a reduction of cell motility. These effects were actomyosin-dependent and reversible by estrogens. Detailed investigations showed that the ERα target gene and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligand Amphiregulin (AREG) essentially regulates AJ reorganization and E-Cad microclustering. Our results not only describe a biological mechanism for the organization of AJs and the modulation of mechanical properties of cells but also provide a new perspective on how estrogens and anti-estrogens might influence the formation of breast tumors. ERα inhibition causes adherens junction (AJ) reorganization through AREG and EGFR AJ reorganization coincides with microclustering of E-Cadherin at cell membranes AJ reorganization and microclustering of E-Cadherin are actomyosin dependent AJ reorganization correlates with increased cell stiffness and reduced motility
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Bischoff
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany.,Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Marja Kornhuber
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany.,Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Dunst
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jakob Zell
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany.,Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Beatrix Fauler
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Microscopy and Cryo-Electron Microscopy Service Group, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thorsten Mielke
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Microscopy and Cryo-Electron Microscopy Service Group, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna V Taubenberger
- Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Jochen Guck
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Oelgeschläger
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Gilbert Schönfelder
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany.,Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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50
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Correlation between Expression Profiles of Key Signaling Genes in Colorectal Cancer Samples from Type 2 Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:life10090216. [PMID: 32971867 PMCID: PMC7555724 DOI: 10.3390/life10090216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Several lines of epidemiological and biochemical evidence support the association of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and colorectal cancer (CRC). T2DM has been shown to impinge on the transcriptome of colon tumor cells, promoting their proliferation and invasion. In order to gain insight into diabetes-specific modulation of colon cancer signaling, we analyzed gene expression patterns of more than five hundred genes encoding signaling proteins on TaqMan OpenArray panels from colonoscopic colorectal tumor samples of type 2 diabetic and non-diabetic patients. In total, 48 transcripts were found to be differentially expressed in tumors of T2DM patients as compared to healthy colon samples. Enrichment analysis with the g:GOSt (Gene Ontology Statistics) functional profiling tool revealed that the underlying genes can be classified into five signaling pathways (in decreasing order of significance: Wnt (wingless-type)/β-catenin; Hippo; TNF (tumor necrosis factor); PI3K/Akt (phosphoinositide-3 kinase/protein kinase B), and platelet activation), implying that targeted downregulation of these signaling cascades might help combat CRC in diabetic patients. Transcript levels of some of the differentially expressed genes were also measured from surgically removed diabetic and non-diabetic CRC specimens by individual qPCR (quantitative real-time PCR) assays using the adjacent normal tissue mRNA levels as an internal control. The most significantly altered genes in diabetic tumor samples were largely different from those in non-diabetic ones, implying that T2DM profoundly alters the expression of signaling genes and presumably the biological characteristics of CRC.
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