1
|
Xin W, Zhang Y. Curcumin activates the JNK signaling pathway to promote ferroptosis in colon cancer cells. Chem Biol Drug Des 2024; 103:e14468. [PMID: 38443754 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14468] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Recent evidence has proved that curcumin as a natural polyphenol have a great anticancer and anti-proliferative effects in cancer cells. Ferroptosis, a new form of regulated cell death, plays a vital role in the pathogenesis and therapy of cancers. In this study, we aimed to examine the effects of curcumin in ferroptosis of human colorectal cancer cells and its underlying molecular mechanisms. SW-480 colorectal cancer cells were treated by curcumin with different concentrations. Cell viability was determined by using MTT assay. The concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and intracellular iron were measured using specific related kits. Real-time PCR and Western blot analysis were used to determine the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins including ACSL4, GPx4 and FTH1 and activation of JNK protein. Curcumin suppressed SW-480 cancer cells viability in dose-dependent manner. Cell treatment with curcumin led to accumulation of ROS and iron within cells and increase in the intracellular levels of lipid peroxidation. In addition, curcumin modulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of ferroptosis-related proteins including ACSL4, GPx4 and FTH1 and suppression of JNK signaling. Curcumin may exhibit its anticancer effect on colorectal cancer by downregulating JNK signaling to induce ferroptosis in SW-480 cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Baoji Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Baoji, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Baoji Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Baoji, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li S, Wang X, Liu Y, Xiao J, Yi J. The implication of necroptosis-related lncRNAs in orchestrating immune infiltration and predicting therapeutic efficacy in colon adenocarcinoma: an integrated bioinformatic analysis with preliminarily experimental validation. Front Genet 2023; 14:1170640. [PMID: 37600653 PMCID: PMC10433646 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1170640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Necroptosis contributes significantly to colon adenocarcinoma (COAD). We aim to assess the relationship between immunoinfiltration and stemness in COAD patients through the development of a risk score profile using necroptosis-related long noncoding RNAs (NRLs). Methods: Our study was based on gene expression data and relevant clinical information from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Necroptosis-related genes (NRGs) were obtained from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) database. Pearson correlation analysis, Cox regression, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression were used to determine the NRL prognositic signature (NRLPS). NRLs expression was examined using qRT-PCR method. Several algorithms were used to identify relationships between immune cell infiltration and NRLPS risk scores. Further analysis of somatic mutations, tumor stemness index (TSI), and drug sensitivity were also explored. Results: To construct NRLPS, 15 lncRNAs were investigated. Furthermore, NRLPS patients with high-risk subgroups had lower survival rates than that of patients with low-risk subgroups. Using GSEA analysis, NRL was found to be enriched in Notch, Hedgehog and Smoothened pathways. Immune infiltration analysis showed significant differences in CD8+ T cells, dendritic cell DCs, and CD4+ T cells between the two risk groups. In addition, our NRLPS showed a relevance with the regulation of tumor microenvironment, tumor mutation burden (TMB) and stemness. Finally, NRLPS demonstrated potential applications in predicting the efficacy of immunotherapy and chemotherapy in patients with COAD. Conclusion: Based on NRLs, a prognostic model was developed for COAD patients that allows a personalized tailoring immunotherapy and chemotherapy to be tailored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shizhe Li
- Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaotong Wang
- Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yajun Liu
- Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Junbo Xiao
- Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jun Yi
- Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Garza Treviño EN, Quiroz Reyes AG, Rojas Murillo JA, de la Garza Kalife DA, Delgado Gonzalez P, Islas JF, Estrada Rodriguez AE, Gonzalez Villarreal CA. Cell Therapy as Target Therapy against Colon Cancer Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098163. [PMID: 37175871 PMCID: PMC10179203 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098163] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subpopulation of cells within tumors with properties, such as self-renewal, differentiation, and tumorigenicity. CSCs have been proposed as a plausible therapeutic target as they are responsible for tumor recurrence, metastasis, and conventional therapy resistance. Selectively targeting CSCs is a promising strategy to eliminate the propagation of tumor cells and impair overall tumor development. Recent research shows that several immune cells play a crucial role in regulating tumor cell proliferation by regulating different CSC maintenance or proliferation pathways. There have been great advances in cellular immunotherapy using T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages, or stem cells for the selective targeting of tumor cells or CSCs in colorectal cancer (CRC). This review summarizes the CRC molecular profiles that may benefit from said therapy and the main vehicles used in cell therapy against CSCs. We also discuss the challenges, limitations, and advantages of combining conventional and/or current targeted treatments in the late stages of CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elsa N Garza Treviño
- Laboratorio de Terapia Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Dr. José Eleuterio González 235, Monterrey 64460, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Adriana G Quiroz Reyes
- Laboratorio de Terapia Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Dr. José Eleuterio González 235, Monterrey 64460, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Juan Antonio Rojas Murillo
- Laboratorio de Terapia Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Dr. José Eleuterio González 235, Monterrey 64460, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - David A de la Garza Kalife
- Laboratorio de Terapia Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Dr. José Eleuterio González 235, Monterrey 64460, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Paulina Delgado Gonzalez
- Laboratorio de Terapia Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Dr. José Eleuterio González 235, Monterrey 64460, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Jose F Islas
- Laboratorio de Terapia Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Dr. José Eleuterio González 235, Monterrey 64460, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Ana Esther Estrada Rodriguez
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Vicerrectoría de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Monterrey, Ignacio Morones Prieto 4500. Jesus M. Garza, San Pedro Garza García 66238, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Carlos A Gonzalez Villarreal
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Vicerrectoría de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Monterrey, Ignacio Morones Prieto 4500. Jesus M. Garza, San Pedro Garza García 66238, Nuevo León, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang M, Shi Z, Zhang S, Li X, To SKY, Peng Y, Liu J, Chen S, Hu H, Wong AST, Zeng JZ. The Ginsenoside Compound K Suppresses Stem-Cell-like Properties and Colorectal Cancer Metastasis by Targeting Hypoxia-Driven Nur77-Akt Feed-Forward Signaling. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010024. [PMID: 36612021 PMCID: PMC9817892 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia reprograms cancer stem cells. Nur77, an orphan nuclear receptor, highly expresses and facilitates colorectal cancer (CRC) stemness and metastasis under a hypoxic microenvironment. However, safe and effective small molecules that target Nur77 for CSC depletion remain unexplored. Here, we report our identification of the ginsenoside compound K (CK) as a new ligand of Nur77. CK strongly inhibits hypoxia-induced CRC sphere formation and CSC phenotypes in a Nur77-dependent manner. Hypoxia induces an intriguing Nur77-Akt feed-forward loop, resulting in reinforced PI3K/Akt signaling that is druggable by targeting Nur77. CK directly binds and modulates Nur77 phosphorylation to block the Nur77-Akt activation loop by disassociating Nur77 from the p63-bound Dicer promoter. The transcription of Dicer that is silenced under a hypoxia microenvironment is thus reactivated by CK. Consequently, the expression and processing capability of microRNA let-7i-5p are significantly increased, which targets PIK3CA mRNA for decay. The in vivo results showed that CK suppresses cancer stemness and metastasis without causing significant adverse effects. Given that the majority of FDA-approved and currently clinically tested PI3K/Akt inhibitors are reversible ATP-competitive kinase antagonists, targeting Nur77 for PI3K/Akt inactivation may provide an alternative strategy to overcoming concerns about drug selectivity and safety. The mechanistic target identification provides a basis for exploring CK as a promising nutraceutical against CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minda Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Zeyu Shi
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Shuaishuai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xudan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Sally Kit Yan To
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Yijia Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Siming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Hongyu Hu
- Xingzhi College, Zhejiang Normal University, Lanxi 321004, China
| | - Alice Sze Tsai Wong
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
- Correspondence: (A.S.T.W.); (J.-Z.Z.)
| | - Jin-Zhang Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- Correspondence: (A.S.T.W.); (J.-Z.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gao J, Zhu L. IKKα kinase silencing increases doxorubicin-induced apoptosis through regulation of oxidative DNA damage response in colon cancer cells. Chem Biol Drug Des 2022; 101:1089-1095. [PMID: 36515432 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14191] [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: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The inhibitor of kappa B kinase alpha (IKKα) is demonstrated to be involved in the various aspects of cancer biology, from its initiation, to progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of IKKα in doxorubicin (DOX)-mediated induction in apoptosis in SW-480 colon cancer cells. Cells were transfected with siRNA against IKKα and treated with DOX. MTT assay was applied to measure SW-480 cell proliferation. The mRNA levels of γ-H2AX within cells were assessed by qRT-PCR. 8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine was measured by ELISA. The formation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected by fluorometry. The antioxidant activities of some enzymes were also determined. For evaluation of apoptosis, ELISA assay was applied. IKKα silencing dramatically increased the doxorubicin cytotoxic effects. In addition, IKKα silencing substantially overexpressed γ-H2AX in SW-480 cells. Furthermore, upon IKKα silencing, the levels of ROS were elevated and the antioxidant defense system was significantly weakened. In addition, IKKα silencing led to the enhancement of apoptotic cells in doxorubicin-treated SW-480 cells. Co-treatment of IKKα and doxorubicin led to the enhanced cellular cytotoxicity via robosting ROS formation, inducing oxidative DNA damage, and decreasing cellular antioxidant defense, and finally potent apoptosis induction in cancer cell lines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianen Gao
- Department of Proctology, Dongzhimen Hospital Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Yancheng First Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, The First people's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Harbiyeli IFC, Burtea DE, Ivan ET, Streață I, Nicoli ER, Uscatu D, Șerbănescu MS, Ioana M, Vilmann P, Săftoiu A. Assessing Putative Markers of Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells: From Colonoscopy to Gene Expression Profiling. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12102280. [PMID: 36291969 PMCID: PMC9601164 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12102280] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are proposed to be involved in colorectal cancer (CRC) initiation, growth, and metastasis. The aim of our pilot study was to assess possible correlations between the clinicopathological characteristics of CRC patients and CSCs gene expression patterns, in order to provide insight into new methods for patient stratification and targeted therapeutic strategies. Our study involved 60 CRC patients, and the following three specific CSC genes were targeted: PROM1/CD133, ALCAM/CD166 and HCAM /CD44. Data are presented as relative mRNA expression of target genes to GAPDH. The expression of total CD133 and CD166 was assessed in paired samples of CRC tumors and adjacent tissue, while CD44 was assessed in similar samples. The qRT-PCR analysis detected all three targeted genes to different extents, in both normal and tumor tissue. In nine cases (15.69%), total CD133 had a higher expression in tumor tissue, whilst in 28 cases (47.06%) the expression was higher in non-malignant peritumor tissue. The total CD166 expression was increased in tumor tissue compared with paired non-invaded peritumor samples in eight cases (13.73%), whilst in eight cases (13.73%) the expression was higher in non-malignant peritumor tissue. Total CD44 expression was higher in tumor tissue compared with paired non-invaded peritumor samples in 47 cases (78.95%). In the remaining cases the difference between paired samples was biologically insignificant. In conclusion, our study suggests that qRT-PCR is feasible in assessing the gene expression profiles of CSCs from CRC, and a promising pathway to be followed for determining how often a person needs screening by colonoscopy and at which age to start. This could improve CRC diagnosis and early patient stratification, and open the way for new oncologic treatment development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irina Florina Cherciu Harbiyeli
- Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Craiova, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Daniela Elena Burtea
- Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Craiova, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Elena Tatiana Ivan
- Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Craiova, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Ioana Streață
- Human Genomics Laboratory, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Elena Raluca Nicoli
- Human Genomics Laboratory, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Daniel Uscatu
- Human Genomics Laboratory, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Mircea-Sebastian Șerbănescu
- Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Mihai Ioana
- Human Genomics Laboratory, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Peter Vilmann
- Gastro Unit, Division of Endoscopy, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
| | - Adrian Săftoiu
- Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Craiova, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cui G, Li G, Pang Z, Florholmen J, Goll R. The presentation and regulation of the IL-8 network in the epithelial cancer stem-like cell niche in patients with colorectal cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 152:113252. [PMID: 35687912 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulative evidence suggests that the biological behavior of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) is regulated by their surrounding niche, in which cytokines function as one of the main mediators for the interaction between CSCs and their microenvironment in the colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS We characterized the presentation of CSCs and the interleukin (IL)- 8 network in the adenoma/CRC epithelium using quantitative real-time PCR (q-PCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and double immunofluorescence. In addition, the capacity of IL-1β to stimulate epithelial IL-8 production in colon cancer Caco-2 cells was examined in vitro and the IL-8 product was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS IHC observation showed increased expression of both CSCs and IL-8 in the adenoma and CRC epithelium, and q-PCR results revealed that increased expression of IL-1β transcript was strongly correlated with increased IL-8 transcript levels in both adenoma and CRC tissues. Double immunofluorescence images demonstrated the coexpression of the IL-8 receptors IL-8RA and IL-8RB with LGR5 labeled CSCs in CRC tissue sections. Consistently, in vitro experiments showed that coculture of Caco-2 cells with IL-1β at concentrations of 1, 5, 10 and 20 ng/ml resulted in a dose-dependent release of IL-8, which could be specifically inhibited by cotreatment with the IL-1β receptor antagonist. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate activation of the IL-8 network in the niche of CSCs from the precancerous adenoma stage to the CRC stage, which is potentially stimulated by IL-1β in CRC cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guanglin Cui
- Research Group of Gastrointestinal Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Faculty of Health Science, Nord University, Campus Levanger, Levanger, Norway.
| | - Gui Li
- Research Group of Gastrointestinal Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhigang Pang
- Research Group of Gastrointestinal Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jon Florholmen
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of North Norway, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Rasmus Goll
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of North Norway, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Correia C, Weiskittel TM, Ung CY, Villasboas Bisneto JC, Billadeau DD, Kaufmann SH, Li H. Uncovering Pharmacological Opportunities for Cancer Stem Cells-A Systems Biology View. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:752326. [PMID: 35359437 PMCID: PMC8962639 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.752326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a small fraction of the total cancer cell population, yet they are thought to drive disease propagation, therapy resistance and relapse. Like healthy stem cells, CSCs possess the ability to self-renew and differentiate. These stemness phenotypes of CSCs rely on multiple molecular cues, including signaling pathways (for example, WNT, Notch and Hedgehog), cell surface molecules that interact with cellular niche components, and microenvironmental interactions with immune cells. Despite the importance of understanding CSC biology, our knowledge of how neighboring immune and tumor cell populations collectively shape CSC stemness is incomplete. Here, we provide a systems biology perspective on the crucial roles of cellular population identification and dissection of cell regulatory states. By reviewing state-of-the-art single-cell technologies, we show how innovative systems-based analysis enables a deeper understanding of the stemness of the tumor niche and the influence of intratumoral cancer cell and immune cell compositions. We also summarize strategies for refining CSC systems biology, and the potential role of this approach in the development of improved anticancer treatments. Because CSCs are amenable to cellular transitions, we envision how systems pharmacology can become a major engine for discovery of novel targets and drug candidates that can modulate state transitions for tumor cell reprogramming. Our aim is to provide deeper insights into cancer stemness from a systems perspective. We believe this approach has great potential to guide the development of more effective personalized cancer therapies that can prevent CSC-mediated relapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Correia
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Taylor M Weiskittel
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Choong Yong Ung
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | | | - Daniel D Billadeau
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States,Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Scott H Kaufmann
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States,Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States,Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Hu Li
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States,*Correspondence: Hu Li,
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Liu J, Qian J, Mo Q, Tang L, Xu Q. Long non-coding RNA PCED1B-AS1 promotes the proliferation of colorectal adenocarcinoma through regulating the miR-633/HOXA9 axis. Bioengineered 2022; 13:5407-5420. [PMID: 35176937 PMCID: PMC8974004 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2037225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) PCED1B-AS1 was shown to play essential roles in human cancers, while its function in colorectal adenocarcinoma remains unclear. This study was carried out to investigate the function of PCED1B-AS1 in regulating the microRNA(miR)-633/HOXA9 axis in colorectal adenocarcinoma. The expression of PCED1B-AS1, miR-633 and HOXA9 was measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) or Western blot analysis. Cell behaviors of colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines were assessed by CCK-8, EdU, Transwell and flow cytometry assays. The interaction among PCED1B-AS1, miR-633 and HOXA9 was determined by luciferase reporter and RIP assays. Rescue experiments were performed to determine the regulatory axis in colorectal adenocarcinoma. Moreover, an animal model was established to verify the role of PCED1B-AS1. We found that PCED1B-AS1 was upregulated and miR-633 was downregulated in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues and corresponding cell lines. Knockdown of PCED1B-AS1 inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis, while miR-633 inhibitor elevated proliferation and reduced apoptosis of cancer cell lines. In addition, overexpression of HOXA9 obviously attenuated the protective role of knockdown of PCED1B-AS1 or miR-633 mimics in colorectal adenocarcinoma progression. PCED1B-AS1 could negatively regulate the expression of HOXA9 by sponging miR-633. The in vivo experiments confirmed the role of PCED1B-AS1 and miR-633 in colorectal adenocarcinoma, as well as the regulatory relationship of this axis. Our results demonstrated that knockdown of PCED1B-AS1 inhibited the progression of colorectal adenocarcinoma by regulating the miR-633/HOXA9 axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province, PR, China
| | - Jun Qian
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province, PR, China
| | - Qi Mo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province, PR, China
| | - Liming Tang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province, PR, China
| | - Qiang Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province, PR, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bálintová L, Matúšková M, Gábelová A. The evaluation of the efficacy and potential genotoxic hazard of combined SAHA and 5-FU treatment in the chemoresistant colorectal cancer cell lines. MUTATION RESEARCH. GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2022; 874-875:503445. [PMID: 35151424 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2022.503445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is an essential chemotherapeutic drug for colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment. However, the frequent development of drug resistance has dramatically affected its clinical use. Therefore, novel treatment strategies are critical to improving patient outcomes. Herein, we investigated the ability of the epigenetic drug SAHA to increase the sensitivity of chemoresistant CRC cells to 5-FU. In addition, we evaluated the potential genotoxic risk of SAHA+5-FU combination treatment. As a model system, we used three CRC cell lines, HT-29, SW480, and HT-29/EGFP/FUR, differing in their resistance to 5-FU. CRC cell lines were exposed to sub-toxic SAHA concentrations for 24 h, followed by a 48 h treatment with 5-FU. The cytotoxicity of SAHA, 5-FU, and SAHA+5-FU was measured by the MTT test, the genotoxicity by the comet assay, and the micronucleus test. The apoptotic/necrotic activity was assessed using morphological criteria. We found a synergic decrease in the viability of HT-29 and SW480 cells, but not the most resistant HT-29/EGFP/FUR cells after combined SAHA+5-FU exposure compared to 5-FU. Remarkably, SAHA most efficiently induced apoptosis in HT-29/EGFP/FUR cells compared to HT-29 and SW480 cells. Combined SAHA+5-FU treatment resulted in a synergistic increase in apoptotic/necrotic cells in HT-29 cell line, while rather additive/sub-additive effect was determined in the SW480 and HT-29/EGFP/FUR cells. At the same time, however, a synergistic rise in micronuclei was found in CRC cell lines (at least at some concentrations). We have shown that SAHA can sensitize CRC cells to 5-FU; therefore, epigenetic and convential drug combinations could be beneficial for the patients. However, the increase in micronucleus formation after combined SAHA+5-FU treatment indicates a potential health hazard. The clastogenic activity could contribute to cancer heterogeneity, favoring progeny of such aberrant cells to clonal expansion. Therefore, developing new specific epigenetic drugs or nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery might reduce the potential genotoxic risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Bálintová
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 54, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
| | - Miroslava Matúšková
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 54, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Alena Gábelová
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 54, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cancer Stem Cells and Their Vesicles, Together with Other Stem and Non-Stem Cells, Govern Critical Cancer Processes: Perspectives for Medical Development. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020625. [PMID: 35054811 PMCID: PMC8775347 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cells, identified several decades ago, started to attract interest at the end of the nineties when families of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), concentrated in the stroma of most organs, were found to participate in the therapy of many diseases. In cancer, however, stem cells of high importance are specific to another family, the cancer stem cells (CSCs). This comprehensive review is focused on the role and the mechanisms of CSCs and of their specific extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are composed of both exosomes and ectosomes. Compared to non-stem (normal) cancer cells, CSCs exist in small populations that are preferentially distributed to the niches, such as minor specific tissue sites corresponding to the stroma of non-cancer tissues. At niches and marginal sites of other cancer masses, the tissue exhibits peculiar properties that are typical of the tumor microenvironment (TME) of cancers. The extracellular matrix (ECM) includes components different from non-cancer tissues. CSCs and their EVs, in addition to effects analogous to those of MSCs/EVs, participate in processes of key importance, specific to cancer: generation of distinct cell subtypes, proliferation, differentiation, progression, formation of metastases, immune and therapy resistance, cancer relapse. Many of these, and other, effects require CSC cooperation with surrounding cells, especially MSCs. Filtered non-cancer cells, especially macrophages and fibroblasts, contribute to collaborative cancer transition/integration processes. Therapy developments are mentioned as ongoing preclinical initiatives. The preliminary state of clinical medicine is presented in terms of both industrial development and future treatments. The latter will be administered to specific patients together with known drugs, with the aim of eradicating their tumor growth and metastases.
Collapse
|
12
|
Kamali Zonouzi S, Pezeshki PS, Razi S, Rezaei N. Cancer-associated fibroblasts in colorectal cancer. Clin Transl Oncol 2021; 24:757-769. [PMID: 34839457 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-021-02734-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of mortality among cancers. Many aspects of this cancer are under investigation to find established markers of diagnosis, prognosis, and also potential drug targets. In this review article, we are going to discuss the possible solution to all these aims by investigating the literature about cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) involved in CRC. Moreover, we are going to review their interaction with the tumor microenvironment (TME) and vitamin D and their role in tumorigenesis and metastasis. Moreover, we are going to expand more on some markers produced by them or related to them including FAP, a-SMA, CXCL12, TGF- β, POSTN, and β1-Integrin. Some signaling pathways related to CAFs are as follows: FAK, AKT, activin A, and YAP/TAZ. Some genes related to the CAFs which are found to be possible therapeutic targets include COL3A1, JAM3, AEBP1 and, CAF-derived TGFB3, WNT2, and WNT54.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Kamali Zonouzi
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - P S Pezeshki
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - S Razi
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - N Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr Qarib St, Keshavarz Blvd, 14194, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|