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Kaya B, Gholam Azad M, Suleymanoglu M, Harmer JR, Wijesinghe TP, Richardson V, Zhao X, Bernhardt PV, Dharmasivam M, Richardson DR. Isosteric Replacement of Sulfur to Selenium in a Thiosemicarbazone: Promotion of Zn(II) Complex Dissociation and Transmetalation to Augment Anticancer Efficacy. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 38967641 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
We implemented isosteric replacement of sulfur to selenium in a novel thiosemicarbazone (PPTP4c4mT) to create a selenosemicarbazone (PPTP4c4mSe) that demonstrates potentiated anticancer efficacy and selectivity. Their design specifically incorporated cyclohexyl and styryl moieties to sterically inhibit the approach of their Fe(III) complexes to the oxy-myoglobin heme plane. Importantly, in contrast to the Fe(III) complexes of the clinically trialed thiosemicarbazones Triapine, COTI-2, and DpC, the Fe(III) complexes of PPTP4c4mT and PPTP4c4mSe did not induce detrimental oxy-myoglobin oxidation. Furthermore, PPTP4c4mSe demonstrated more potent antiproliferative activity than the homologous thiosemicarbazone, PPTP4c4mT, with their selectivity being superior or similar, respectively, to the clinically trialed thiosemicarbazone, COTI-2. An advantageous property of the selenosemicarbazone Zn(II) complexes relative to their thiosemicarbazone analogues was their greater transmetalation to Cu(II) complexes in lysosomes. This latter effect probably promoted their antiproliferative activity. Both ligands down-regulated multiple key receptors that display inter-receptor cooperation that leads to aggressive and resistant breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Busra Kaya
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane 4111, Australia
| | - Mahan Gholam Azad
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane 4111, Australia
| | - Mediha Suleymanoglu
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane 4111, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Fatih, Istanbul 34093, Turkey
| | - Jeffrey R Harmer
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Tharushi P Wijesinghe
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane 4111, Australia
| | - Vera Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane 4111, Australia
| | - Xiao Zhao
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane 4111, Australia
| | - Paul V Bernhardt
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Mahendiran Dharmasivam
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane 4111, Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane 4111, Australia
- Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
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Yu M, Ni M, Xu F, Liu C, Chen L, Li J, Xia S, Diao Y, Chen J, Zhu J, Wu X, Tang M, Li J, Ke G. NSUN6-mediated 5-methylcytosine modification of NDRG1 mRNA promotes radioresistance in cervical cancer. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:139. [PMID: 38970106 PMCID: PMC11225205 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02055-2] [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: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radioresistance is the leading cause of death in advanced cervical cancer (CC). Dysregulation of RNA modification has recently emerged as a regulatory mechanism in radiation and drug resistance. We aimed to explore the biological function and clinical significance of 5-methylcytosine (m5C) in cervical cancer radiosensitivity. METHODS The abundance of RNA modification in radiotherapy-resistant and sensitive CC specimens was quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The essential RNA modification-related genes involved in CC radiosensitivity were screened via RNA sequencing. The effect of NSUN6 on radiosensitivity was verified in CC cell lines, cell-derived xenograft (CDX), and 3D bioprinted patient-derived organoid (PDO). The mechanisms of NSUN6 in regulating CC radiosensitivity were investigated by integrative m5C sequencing, mRNA sequencing, and RNA immunoprecipitation. RESULTS We found a higher abundance of m5C modification in resistant CC samples, and NSUN6 was the essential m5C-regulating gene concerning radiosensitivity. NSUN6 overexpression was clinically correlated with radioresistance and poor prognosis in cervical cancer. Functionally, higher NSUN6 expression was associated with radioresistance in the 3D PDO model of cervical cancer. Moreover, silencing NSUN6 increased CC radiosensitivity in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, NDRG1 was one of the downstream target genes of NSUN6 identified by integrated m5C-seq, mRNA-seq, and functional validation. NSUN6 promoted the m5C modification of NDRG1 mRNA, and the m5C reader ALYREF bound explicitly to the m5C-labeled NDRG1 mRNA and enhanced NDRG1 mRNA stability. NDRG1 overexpression promoted homologous recombination-mediated DNA repair, which in turn led to radioresistance in cervical cancer. CONCLUSIONS Aberrant m5C hypermethylation and NSUN6 overexpression drive resistance to radiotherapy in cervical cancer. Elevated NSUN6 expression promotes radioresistance in cervical cancer by activating the NSUN6/ALYREF-m5C-NDRG1 pathway. The low expression of NSUN6 in cervical cancer indicates sensitivity to radiotherapy and a better prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Mengdong Ni
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Fei Xu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chaohua Liu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lihua Chen
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiana Li
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Siyu Xia
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yixin Diao
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiaxin Chen
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jun Zhu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaohua Wu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Min Tang
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Jiajia Li
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Guihao Ke
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Zhang T, Bai L, You R, Yang M, Chen Q, Cheng Y, Qian Z, Wang Y, Liu Y. Homologous-targeting biomimetic nanoparticles co-loaded with melittin and a photosensitizer for the combination therapy of triple negative breast cancer. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:5465-5478. [PMID: 38742364 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb02919k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Melittin (Mel) is considered a promising candidate drug for the treatment of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) due to its various antitumor effects. However, its clinical application is hampered by notable limitations, including hemolytic activity, rapid clearance, and a lack of tumor selectivity. Here, we designed novel biomimetic nanoparticles based on homologous tumor cell membranes and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)/poly(beta-aminoester) (PBAE), denoted MDM@TPP, which efficiently coloaded the cytolytic peptide Mel and the photosensitizer mTHPC. Both in vitro and in vivo, the MDM@TPP nanoparticles effectively mitigated the acute toxicity of melittin and exhibited strong TNBC targeting ability due to the homologous targeting effect of the tumor cell membrane. Under laser irradiation, the MDM@TPP nanoparticles showed excellent photodynamic performance and thus accelerated the release of Mel by disrupting cell membrane integrity. Moreover, Mel combined with photodynamic therapy (PDT) can synergistically kill tumor cells and induce significant immunogenic cell death, thereby stimulating the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs). In 4T1 tumor-bearing mice, MDM@TPP nanoparticles effectively inhibited the growth and metastasis of primary tumors and finally prevented tumor recurrence by improving the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics (Theranostics), School of Pharmacy; Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China.
- Department of Pharmacy, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Liya Bai
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics (Theranostics), School of Pharmacy; Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China.
| | - Ran You
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics (Theranostics), School of Pharmacy; Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China.
| | - Meng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics (Theranostics), School of Pharmacy; Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China.
| | - Qian Chen
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics (Theranostics), School of Pharmacy; Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics (Theranostics), School of Pharmacy; Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China.
| | - Zhanyin Qian
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics (Theranostics), School of Pharmacy; Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China.
| | - Yinsong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics (Theranostics), School of Pharmacy; Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics (Theranostics), School of Pharmacy; Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China.
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Gholam Azad M, Hussaini M, Russell TM, Richardson V, Kaya B, Dharmasivam M, Richardson DR. Multi-modal mechanisms of the metastasis suppressor, NDRG1: Inhibition of WNT/β-catenin signaling by stabilization of protein kinase Cα. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107417. [PMID: 38815861 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107417] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The metastasis suppressor, N-myc downstream regulated gene-1 (NDRG1), inhibits pro-oncogenic signaling in pancreatic cancer (PC). This investigation dissected a novel mechanism induced by NDRG1 on WNT/β-catenin signaling in multiple PC cell types. NDRG1 overexpression decreased β-catenin and downregulated glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) protein levels and its activation. However, β-catenin phosphorylation at Ser33, Ser37, and Thr41 are classically induced by GSK-3β was significantly increased after NDRG1 overexpression, suggesting a GSK-3β-independent mechanism. Intriguingly, NDRG1 overexpression upregulated protein kinase Cα (PKCα), with PKCα silencing preventing β-catenin phosphorylation at Ser33, Ser37, and Thr41, and decreasing β-catenin expression. Further, NDRG1 and PKCα were demonstrated to associate, with PKCα stabilization occurring after NDRG1 overexpression. PKCα half-life increased from 1.5 ± 0.8 h (3) in control cells to 11.0 ± 2.5 h (3) after NDRG1 overexpression. Thus, NDRG1 overexpression leads to the association of NDRG1 with PKCα and PKCα stabilization, resulting in β-catenin phosphorylation at Ser33, Ser37, and Thr41. The association between PKCα, NDRG1, and β-catenin was identified, with the formation of a potential metabolon that promotes the latter β-catenin phosphorylation. This anti-oncogenic activity of NDRG1 was multi-modal, with the above mechanism accompanied by the downregulation of the nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling protein, p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4), which is involved in β-catenin nuclear translocation, inhibition of AKT phosphorylation (Ser473), and decreased β-catenin phosphorylation at Ser552 that suppresses its transcriptional activity. These mechanisms of NDRG1 activity are important to dissect to understand the marked anti-cancer efficacy of NDRG1-inducing thiosemicarbazones that upregulate PKCα and inhibit WNT signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahan Gholam Azad
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mohammed Hussaini
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tiffany M Russell
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Vera Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Busra Kaya
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mahendiran Dharmasivam
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.
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Yu R, Hang Y, Tsai HI, Wang D, Zhu H. Iron metabolism: backfire of cancer cell stemness and therapeutic modalities. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:157. [PMID: 38704599 PMCID: PMC11070091 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03329-x] [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: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), with their ability of self-renewal, unlimited proliferation, and multi-directional differentiation, contribute to tumorigenesis, metastasis, recurrence, and resistance to conventional therapy and immunotherapy. Eliminating CSCs has long been thought to prevent tumorigenesis. Although known to negatively impact tumor prognosis, research revealed the unexpected role of iron metabolism as a key regulator of CSCs. This review explores recent advances in iron metabolism in CSCs, conventional cancer therapies targeting iron biochemistry, therapeutic resistance in these cells, and potential treatment options that could overcome them. These findings provide important insights into therapeutic modalities against intractable cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Yu
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Yinhui Hang
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Hsiang-I Tsai
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
| | - Dongqing Wang
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
| | - Haitao Zhu
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
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Song H, Zhao Z, Ma L, Zhao W, Hu Y, Song Y. Novel exosomal circEGFR facilitates triple negative breast cancer autophagy via promoting TFEB nuclear trafficking and modulating miR-224-5p/ATG13/ULK1 feedback loop. Oncogene 2024; 43:821-836. [PMID: 38280941 PMCID: PMC10920198 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-02950-4] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells are in a more hypoxic and starved state than non-TNBC cells, which makes TNBC cells always maintain high autophagy levels. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in the progress of tumorigenesis. However, the regulation and functions of autophagy-induced circRNAs in TNBC remain unclear. In our study, autophagy-responsive circRNA candidates in TNBC cells under amino acid starved were identified by RNA sequencing. The results showed that circEGFR expression was significantly upregulated in autophagic cells. Knockdown of circEGFR inhibited autophagy in TNBC cells, and circEGFR derived from exosomes induced autophagy in recipient cells in the tumor microenvironment. In vitro and in vivo functional assays identified circEGFR as an oncogenic circRNA in TNBC. Clinically, circEGFR was significantly upregulated in TNBC and was positively associated with lymph node metastasis. CircEGFR in plasma-derived exosomes was upregulated in breast cancer patients compared with healthy people. Mechanistically, circEGFR facilitated the translocation of Annexin A2 (ANXA2) toward the plasma membrane in TNBC cells, which led to the release of Transcription Factor EB (a transcription factor of autophagy-related proteins, TFEB) from ANXA2-TFEB complex, causing nuclear translocation of TFEB, thereby promoting autophagy in TNBC cells. Meanwhile, circEGFR acted as ceRNA by directly binding to miR-224-5p and inhibited the expression of miR-224-5p, which weakened the suppressive role of miR-224-5p/ATG13/ULK1 axis on autophagy. Overall, our study demonstrates the key role of circEGFR in autophagy, malignant progression, and metastasis of TNBC. These indicate circEGFR is a potential diagnosis biomarker and therapeutic target for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huachen Song
- Senior Department of Oncology, the Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Zitong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Liying Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Weihong Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.
| | - Yi Hu
- Senior Department of Oncology, the Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.
| | - Yongmei Song
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
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7
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Xu L, Wang S, Zhang D, Wu Y, Shan J, Zhu H, Wang C, Wang Q. Machine learning- and WGCNA-mediated double analysis based on genes associated with disulfidptosis, cuproptosis and ferroptosis for the construction and validation of the prognostic model for breast cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:16511-16523. [PMID: 37712959 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05378-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disulfidptosis, a recently discovered cellular death mechanism, has not been extensively studied in relation to breast cancer (BC). Specifically, no previous research has integrated disulfidptosis-related genes (DRGs), cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs), and ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) to construct a prognostic signature for BC. METHODS DRGs, CRGs and FRGs with prognostic potential were identified through Cox regression analysis. A predictive model was constructed by intersecting the core genes obtained from unsupervised cluster analysis and weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA). Differences in chemotherapy drug sensitivity, immune checkpoint levels were analyzed according to different risk score groups. The expression of the core disulfidptosis gene, SLC7A11, was analyzed using immunofluorescence. RESULTS Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis revealed differential expression of DRGs in the BC tumor microenvironment. We developed a prognostic model, consisting of six genes, based on machine learning which included unsupervised cluster analysis and Lasso-Cox analysis. An internal training set and a validation set, both derived from the Cancer Genome Atlas-Breast Cancer (TCGA-BRCA) database, GSE20685 and GSE42568 as external validation sets all verified the model's validity. The low-risk group exhibited increased sensitivity to paclitaxel. Additionally, the high-risk group demonstrated significantly higher expression of tumor mutation burden and microsatellite instability compared to the low-risk group. A nomogram confirmed that the risk score can be an independent risk factor for BC. Notably, our findings highlighted the impact of SLC7A11 on the BC tumor microenvironment. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed significantly higher expression of SLC7A11 in BC tissues compared to paracancerous tissues. CONCLUSION Multiplex analysis based on DRGs, CRGs and FRGs correlated strongly with BC, providing new insights for developing clinical prognostic tools and designing immunotherapy regimens for BC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Yunxi Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Jiali Shan
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Huixia Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Chongyu Wang
- Department of Medicine, Xinglin College, Nantong University, Nantong, 226007, China
| | - Qingqing Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
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Kotepui K, Kotepui M, Majima HJ, Tangpong J. Association between NDRG1 protein expression and aggressive features of breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:1003. [PMID: 37858101 PMCID: PMC10585795 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11517-7] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND N-myc downstream-regulated gene-1 (NDRG1) is well-described as a potent metastasis suppressor, but its role in human breast cancer remains controversial and unclear. Therefore, the present study utilized a systematic review and meta-analysis approach to synthesize the association between NDRG1 protein expression and the aggressive characteristics of breast cancer. METHODS The protocol for the systematic review and meta-analysis was registered on the PROSPERO website (CRD42023414814). Relevant articles were searched for in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, MEDLINE, and Ovid between March 30, 2023, and May 5, 2023. The included studies were critically evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. The results from individual studies were qualitatively synthesized using textual narrative synthesis. Using a random-effects model, the pooled log odds ratio of effect estimate was used to look at the link between NDRG1 protein expression and aggressive features of breast cancer, such as tumor grade, tumor stage, metastasis to the axillary lymph nodes, and hormonal receptor status. RESULTS A total of 1423 articles were retrieved from the electronic database search, and six studies that met the eligibility criteria were included for synthesis. There was an association between the expression of NDRG1 protein and the status of the axillary lymph nodes (P = 0.01, log Odds Ratio (OR): 0.59, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.13-1.05, I2: 24.24%, 292 breast cancer cases with positive axillary lymph nodes and 229 breast cancer cases with negative axillary lymph nodes, 4 studies). NDRG1 protein expression and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2) status were found to have a negative relationship (P = 0.01, log OR: -0.76, 95% CI: -1.32-(-0.20), I2: 32.42%, 197 breast cancer cases with Her2 positive and 272 breast cancer cases with Her2 negative, 3 studies). No correlation was found between NDRG1 protein expression and tumor grade (P = 0.10), estrogen receptor (ER) status (P = 0.57), or progesterone receptor (PR) status (P = 0.41). CONCLUSION The study concluded that increased NDRG1 protein expression was associated with increased metastasis of the tumor to the axillary lymph node. Additionally, increased NDRG1 protein expression was observed in Her2-negative breast cancer, suggesting its role in both less aggressive and more aggressive behavior depending on breast cancer subtypes. Based on the findings of the meta-analysis, an increase in NDRG1 protein expression was associated with aggressive characteristics of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwuntida Kotepui
- Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Manas Kotepui
- Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.
| | - Hideyuki J Majima
- Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Jitbanjong Tangpong
- Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
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Deng Z, Richardson DR. The Myc Family and the Metastasis Suppressor NDRG1: Targeting Key Molecular Interactions with Innovative Therapeutics. Pharmacol Rev 2023; 75:1007-1035. [PMID: 37280098 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.122.000795] [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: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, resulting in ∼10 million deaths in 2020. Major oncogenic effectors are the Myc proto-oncogene family, which consists of three members including c-Myc, N-Myc, and L-Myc. As a pertinent example of the role of the Myc family in tumorigenesis, amplification of MYCN in childhood neuroblastoma strongly correlates with poor patient prognosis. Complexes between Myc oncoproteins and their partners such as hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and Myc-associated protein X (MAX) result in proliferation arrest and pro-proliferative effects, respectively. Interactions with other proteins are also important for N-Myc activity. For instance, the enhancer of zest homolog 2 (EZH2) binds directly to N-Myc to stabilize it by acting as a competitor against the ubiquitin ligase, SCFFBXW7, which prevents proteasomal degradation. Heat shock protein 90 may also be involved in N-Myc stabilization since it binds to EZH2 and prevents its degradation. N-Myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) is downregulated by N-Myc and participates in the regulation of cellular proliferation via associating with other proteins, such as glycogen synthase kinase-3β and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6. These molecular interactions provide a better understanding of the biologic roles of N-Myc and NDRG1, which can be potentially used as therapeutic targets. In addition to directly targeting these proteins, disrupting their key interactions may also be a promising strategy for anti-cancer drug development. This review examines the interactions between the Myc proteins and other molecules, with a special focus on the relationship between N-Myc and NDRG1 and possible therapeutic interventions. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Neuroblastoma is one of the most common childhood solid tumors, with a dismal five-year survival rate. This problem makes it imperative to discover new and more effective therapeutics. The molecular interactions between major oncogenic drivers of the Myc family and other key proteins; for example, the metastasis suppressor, NDRG1, may potentially be used as targets for anti-neuroblastoma drug development. In addition to directly targeting these proteins, disrupting their key molecular interactions may also be promising for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Deng
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Australia (Z.D., D.R.R.), and Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan (D.R.R.)
| | - Des R Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Australia (Z.D., D.R.R.), and Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan (D.R.R.)
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Montazeri Aliabadi H, Manda A, Sidgal R, Chung C. Targeting Breast Cancer: The Familiar, the Emerging, and the Uncharted Territories. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1306. [PMID: 37759706 PMCID: PMC10526846 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091306] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer became the most diagnosed cancer in the world in 2020. Chemotherapy is still the leading clinical strategy in breast cancer treatment, followed by hormone therapy (mostly used in hormone receptor-positive types). However, with our ever-expanding knowledge of signaling pathways in cancer biology, new molecular targets are identified for potential novel molecularly targeted drugs in breast cancer treatment. While this has resulted in the approval of a few molecularly targeted drugs by the FDA (including drugs targeting immune checkpoints), a wide array of signaling pathways seem to be still underexplored. Also, while combinatorial treatments have become common practice in clinics, the majority of these approaches seem to combine molecularly targeted drugs with chemotherapeutic agents. In this manuscript, we start by analyzing the list of FDA-approved molecularly targeted drugs for breast cancer to evaluate where molecular targeting stands in breast cancer treatment today. We will then provide an overview of other options currently under clinical trial or being investigated in pre-clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamidreza Montazeri Aliabadi
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
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Chang J, Lo ZHY, Alenizi S, Kovacevic Z. Re-Shaping the Pancreatic Cancer Tumor Microenvironment: A New Role for the Metastasis Suppressor NDRG1. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2779. [PMID: 37345116 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102779] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PaC) is a highly aggressive disease, with poor response to current treatments and 5-year survival rates of 10-15%. PaC progression is facilitated by its interaction with the complex and multifaceted tumor microenvironment (TME). In the TME, cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells constantly communicate with each other via the secretion and uptake of factors including cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, metabolites, and extracellular vesicles (EVs), reshaping the landscape of PaC. Recent studies demonstrated that the metastasis suppressor N-myc downstream regulated 1 (NDRG1) not only inhibits oncogenic signaling pathways in PaC cells but also alters the communication between PaC cells and the surrounding stroma. In fact, NDRG1 was found to influence the secretome of PaC cells, alter cancer cell metabolism, and interfere with intracellular trafficking and intercellular communication between PaC cells and surrounding fibroblasts. This review will present recent advancements in understanding the role of NDRG1 in PaC progression, with a focus on how this molecule influences PaC-stroma communication and its potential for re-shaping the PaC TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Chang
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of NSW, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Zoe H Y Lo
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Shafi Alenizi
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Zaklina Kovacevic
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of NSW, Sydney 2052, Australia
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