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Kilmister EJ, Tan ST. Insights Into Vascular Anomalies, Cancer, and Fibroproliferative Conditions: The Role of Stem Cells and the Renin-Angiotensin System. Front Surg 2022; 9:868187. [PMID: 35574555 PMCID: PMC9091963 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.868187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells exhibiting embryonic stem cell (ESC) characteristics have been demonstrated in vascular anomalies (VAs), cancer, and fibroproliferative conditions, which are commonly managed by plastic surgeons and remain largely unsolved. The efficacy of the mTOR inhibitor sirolimus, and targeted therapies that block the Ras/BRAF/MEK/ERK1/2 and PI3KCA/AKT/mTOR pathways in many types of cancer and VAs, further supports the critical role of ESC-like cells in the pathogenesis of these conditions. ESC-like cells in VAs, cancer, and fibroproliferative conditions express components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) – a homeostatic endocrine signaling cascade that regulates cells with ESC characteristics. ESC-like cells are influenced by the Ras/BRAF/MEK/ERK1/2 and PI3KCA/AKT/mTOR pathways, which directly regulate cellular proliferation and stemness, and interact with the RAS at multiple points. Gain-of-function mutations affecting these pathways have been identified in many types of cancer and VAs, that have been treated with targeted therapies with some success. In cancer, the RAS promotes tumor progression, treatment resistance, recurrence, and metastasis. The RAS modulates cellular invasion, migration, proliferation, and angiogenesis. It also indirectly regulates ESC-like cells via its direct influence on the tissue microenvironment and by its interaction with the immune system. In vitro studies show that RAS inhibition suppresses the hallmarks of cancer in different experimental models. Numerous epidemiological studies show a reduced incidence of cancer and improved survival outcomes in patients taking RAS inhibitors, although some studies have shown no such effect. The discovery of ESC-like cells that express RAS components in infantile hemangioma (IH) underscores the paradigm shift in the understanding of its programmed biologic behavior and accelerated involution induced by β-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. The findings of SOX18 inhibition by R-propranolol suggests the possibility of targeting ESC-like cells in IH without β-adrenergic blockade, and its associated side effects. This article provides an overview of the current knowledge of ESC-like cells and the RAS in VAs, cancer, and fibroproliferative conditions. It also highlights new lines of research and potential novel therapeutic approaches for these unsolved problems in plastic surgery, by targeting the ESC-like cells through manipulation of the RAS, its bypass loops and converging signaling pathways using existing low-cost, commonly available, and safe oral medications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Swee T. Tan
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand
- Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial & Burns Unit, Hutt Hospital, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
- Department of Surgery, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Swee T. Tan
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Treatment of glioblastoma with re-purposed renin-angiotensin system modulators: Results of a phase I clinical trial. J Clin Neurosci 2021; 95:48-54. [PMID: 34929651 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2021.11.023] [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: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common and most aggressive primary brain cancer in adults. Standard treatment of glioblastoma consisting of maximal safe resection, adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy with temozolomide, results in an overall median survival of 14.6 months. The aggressive nature of glioblastoma has been attributed to the presence of glioblastoma stem cells which express components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). This phase I clinical trial investigated the tolerability and efficacy of a treatment targeting the RAS and its converging pathways in patients with glioblastoma. Patients who had relapsed following standard treatment of glioblastoma who met the trial criteria were commenced on dose-escalated oral RAS modulators (propranolol, aliskiren, cilazapril, celecoxib, curcumin with piperine, aspirin, and metformin). Of the 17 patients who were enrolled, ten completed full dose-escalation of the treatment. The overall median survival was 19.9 (95% CI:14.1-25.7) months. Serial FET-PET/CTs showed a reduction in both tumor volume and uptake in one patient, an increase in tumor uptake in nine patients with decreased (n = 1), unchanged (n = 1) and increased (n = 7) tumor volume, in the ten patients who had completed full dose-escalation of the treatment. Two patients experienced mild side effects and all patients had preservation of quality of life and performance status during the treatment. There is a trend towards increased survival by 5.3 months although it was not statistically significant. These encouraging results warrant further clinical trials on this potential novel, well-tolerated and cost-effective therapeutic option for patients with glioblastoma.
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Humphries F, Chang-McDonald B, Patel J, Bockett N, Paterson E, Davis PF, Tan ST. Cathepsins B, D, and G Are Expressed in Metastatic Head and Neck Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:690460. [PMID: 34621666 PMCID: PMC8491843 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.690460] [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: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim We have previously demonstrated the presence of two cancer stem cell (CSC) subpopulations within metastatic head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (mHNcSCC) expressing components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which promotes tumorigenesis. Cathepsins B, D and G are enzymes that constitute bypass loops for the RAS. This study investigated the expression and localization of cathepsins B, D, and G in relation to CSC subpopulations within mHNcSCC. Methods Immunohistochemical staining was performed on mHNcSCC tissue samples from 20 patients to determine the expression and localization of cathepsins B, D, and G. Immunofluorescence staining was performed on two of these mHNcSCC tissue samples by co-staining of cathepsins B and D with OCT4 and SOX2, and cathepsin G with mast cell markers tryptase and chymase. Western blotting and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were performed on five mHNcSCC samples and four mHNcSCC-derived primary cell lines, to determine protein and transcript expression of these three cathepsins, respectively. Enzyme activity assays were performed on mHNcSCC tissue samples to determine whether these cathepsins were active. Results Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated the presence of cathepsins B, D and G in in all 20 mHNcSCC tissue samples. Immunofluorescence staining showed that cathepsins B and D were localized to the CSCs both within the tumor nests and peri-tumoral stroma (PTS) and cathepsin G was localized to the phenotypic mast cells within the PTS. Western blotting demonstrated protein expression of cathepsin B and D, and RT-qPCR demonstrated transcript expression of all three cathepsins. Enzyme activity assays showed that cathepsin B and D to be active. Conclusion The presence of cathepsins B and D on the CSCs and cathepsin G on the phenotypic mast cells suggest the presence of bypass loops for the RAS which may be a potential novel therapeutic target for mHNcSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Josie Patel
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Erin Paterson
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Paul F Davis
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Swee T Tan
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand.,Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial & Burns Unit, Hutt Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand.,Department of Surgery, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Munro MJ, Peng L, Wickremesekera SK, Tan ST. Colon adenocarcinoma-derived cells possessing stem cell function can be modulated using renin-angiotensin system inhibitors. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256280. [PMID: 34428252 PMCID: PMC8384197 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The cancer stem cell (CSC) concept proposes that cancer recurrence and metastasis are driven by CSCs. In this study, we investigated whether cells from colon adenocarcinoma (CA) with a CSC-like phenotype express renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components, and the effect of RAS inhibitors on CA-derived primary cell lines. Expression of RAS components was interrogated using immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining in 6 low-grade CA (LGCA) and 6 high-grade CA (HGCA) tissue samples and patient-matched normal colon samples. Primary cell lines derived from 4 HGCA tissues were treated with RAS inhibitors to investigate their effect on cellular metabolism, tumorsphere formation and transcription of pluripotency genes. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining showed expression of AT2R, ACE2, PRR, and cathepsins B and D by cells expressing pluripotency markers. β-blockers and AT2R antagonists reduced cellular metabolism, pluripotency marker expression, and tumorsphere-forming capacity of CA-derived primary cell lines. This study suggests that the RAS is active in CSC-like cells in CA, and further investigation is warranted to determine whether RAS inhibition is a viable method of targeting CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Munro
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand
- School of Biological Sciences and Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Kelburn, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Lifeng Peng
- School of Biological Sciences and Centre for Biodiscovery, Victoria University of Wellington, Kelburn, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Susrutha K. Wickremesekera
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand
- Upper Gastrointestinal, Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Section, Department of General Surgery, Wellington Regional Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Swee T. Tan
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand
- Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial & Burns Unit, Hutt Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand
- Department of Surgery, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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The Renin-Angiotensin System in the Tumor Microenvironment of Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13164004. [PMID: 34439159 PMCID: PMC8392691 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164004] [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: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Glioblastoma (GB) is the most aggressive brain cancer in humans. Patient survival outcomes have remained dismal despite intensive research over the past 50 years, with a median overall survival of only 14.6 months. We highlight the critical role of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) on GB cancer stem cells and the tumor microenvironment which, in turn, influences cancer stem cells in driving tumorigenesis and treatment resistance. We present recent developments and underscore the need for further research into the GB tumor microenvironment. We discuss the novel therapeutic targeting of the RAS using existing commonly available medications and utilizing model systems to further this critical investigation. Abstract Glioblastoma (GB) is an aggressive primary brain tumor. Despite intensive research over the past 50 years, little advance has been made to improve the poor outcome, with an overall median survival of 14.6 months following standard treatment. Local recurrence is inevitable due to the quiescent cancer stem cells (CSCs) in GB that co-express stemness-associated markers and components of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS). The dynamic and heterogeneous tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a fundamental role in tumor development, progression, invasiveness, and therapy resistance. There is increasing evidence showing the critical role of the RAS in the TME influencing CSCs via its upstream and downstream pathways. Drugs that alter the hallmarks of cancer by modulating the RAS present a potential new therapeutic alternative or adjunct to conventional treatment of GB. Cerebral and GB organoids may offer a cost-effective method for evaluating the efficacy of RAS-modulating drugs on GB. We review the nexus between the GB TME, CSC niche, and the RAS, and propose re-purposed RAS-modulating drugs as a potential therapeutic alternative or adjunct to current standard therapy for GB.
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Iftikhar A, Islam M, Shepherd S, Jones S, Ellis I. Is RAS the Link Between COVID-19 and Increased Stress in Head and Neck Cancer Patients? Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:714999. [PMID: 34336866 PMCID: PMC8320172 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.714999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic emerged as a largely unexplained outbreak of pneumonia cases, in Wuhan City, China and rapidly spread across the world. By 11th March 2020, WHO declared it as a global pandemic. The resulting restrictions, to contain its spread, demanded a momentous change in the lifestyle of the general population as well as cancer patients. This augmented negative effects on the mental health of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC), who already battle with the stress of cancer diagnosis and treatment. The causative agent of COVID-19, SARS-CoV2, gains entry through the Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, which is a component of the Renin Angiotensin System (RAS). RAS has been shown to influence cancer and stress such that it can have progressive and suppressive effects on both. This review provides an overview of SARS-CoV2, looks at how the RAS provides a mechanistic link between stress, cancer and COVID-19 and the probable activation of the RAS axis that increase stress (anxiogenic) and tumor progression (tumorigenic), when ACE2 is hijacked by SARS-CoV2. The mental health crises brought about by this pandemic have been highlighted in many studies. The emerging links between cancer and stress make it more important than ever before to assess the stress burden of cancer patients and expand the strategies for its management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ian Ellis
- Unit of Cell and Molecular Biology, The Dental School, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
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Siljee S, Milne B, Brasch HD, Bockett N, Patel J, Davis PF, Kennedy-Smith A, Itinteang T, Tan ST. Expression of Components of the Renin-Angiotensin System by Cancer Stem Cells in Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma. Biomolecules 2021; 11:537. [PMID: 33916968 PMCID: PMC8067590 DOI: 10.3390/biom11040537] [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: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the expression of components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) by cancer stem cells (CSCs) we have recently demonstrated in renal clear cell carcinoma (RCCC). Fifteen RCCC tissue samples underwent immunohistochemical staining for components of the RAS: renin, pro-renin receptor (PRR), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), and angiotensin II receptor 2 (AT2R). Immunofluorescence co-staining or double immunohistochemical staining of these components of the RAS with stemness-associated markers OCT4 or KLF4 was performed on two of the samples. Protein and transcript expression of these components of the RAS in six RCCC tissue samples was investigated using western blotting and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), respectively. In addition, angiotensin II receptor 1 (AT1R) was investigated using RT-qPCR only. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated expression of renin, PRR, and ACE2 in 11, 13, and 13 out of 15 RCCC samples, respectively, while AT2R was expressed in all 15 samples. ACE was detected in the endothelium of normal vasculature only. Double immunohistochemical staining demonstrated localization of ACE2, but not renin, to the KLF4+ CSCs. Immunofluorescence staining showed localization of PRR and AT2R to the OCT4+ CSCs. Western blotting confirmed protein expression of all components of the RAS except renin. RT-qPCR demonstrated transcript expression of all components of the RAS including AT1R, but not AT2R, in all six RCCC tissue samples. This study demonstrated expression of PRR, ACE2, and AT2R by the CSCs within RCCC. Further studies may lead to novel therapeutic targeting of CSCs by manipulation of the RAS in the treatment of this aggressive cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Siljee
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington 6242, New Zealand; (S.S.); (B.M.); (H.D.B.); (N.B.); (J.P.); (P.F.D.); (T.I.)
| | - Bridget Milne
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington 6242, New Zealand; (S.S.); (B.M.); (H.D.B.); (N.B.); (J.P.); (P.F.D.); (T.I.)
| | - Helen D. Brasch
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington 6242, New Zealand; (S.S.); (B.M.); (H.D.B.); (N.B.); (J.P.); (P.F.D.); (T.I.)
| | - Nicholas Bockett
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington 6242, New Zealand; (S.S.); (B.M.); (H.D.B.); (N.B.); (J.P.); (P.F.D.); (T.I.)
| | - Josie Patel
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington 6242, New Zealand; (S.S.); (B.M.); (H.D.B.); (N.B.); (J.P.); (P.F.D.); (T.I.)
| | - Paul F. Davis
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington 6242, New Zealand; (S.S.); (B.M.); (H.D.B.); (N.B.); (J.P.); (P.F.D.); (T.I.)
| | - Andrew Kennedy-Smith
- Department of Urology, Wellington Regional Hospital, Wellington 6021, New Zealand;
| | - Tinte Itinteang
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington 6242, New Zealand; (S.S.); (B.M.); (H.D.B.); (N.B.); (J.P.); (P.F.D.); (T.I.)
| | - Swee T. Tan
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington 6242, New Zealand; (S.S.); (B.M.); (H.D.B.); (N.B.); (J.P.); (P.F.D.); (T.I.)
- Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial and Burns Unit, Hutt Hospital, Lower Hutt 5010, New Zealand
- Department of Surgery, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
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Koh SP, Leadbitter P, Smithers F, Tan ST. β-blocker therapy for infantile hemangioma. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2021; 13:899-915. [PMID: 32662682 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2020.1788938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fifteen percent of proliferating infantile hemangioma (IH) require intervention because of the threat to function or life, ulceration, or tissue distortion. Propranolol is the mainstay treatment for problematic proliferating IH. Other β-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have been explored as alternative treatments. AREAS COVERED The demonstration of a hemogenic endothelium origin of IH, with a neural crest phenotype and multi-lineage differentiation capacity, regulated by the renin-angiotensin system, underscores its programmed biologic behavior and accelerated involution induced by propranolol, other β-blockers and ACE inhibitors. We review the indications, dosing regimens, duration of treatment, efficacy and adverse effects of propranolol, and therapeutic alternatives including oral atenolol, acebutolol, nadolol, intralesional propranolol injections, topical propranolol and timolol, and oral captopril. EXPERT OPINION Improved understanding of the biology of IH provides insights into the mechanism of action underscoring its accelerated involution induced by propranolol, other β-blockers and ACE inhibitors. More research is required to understand the optimal dosing and duration, efficacy and safety of these alternative therapies. Recent demonstration of propranolol's actions mediated by non-β-adrenergic isomer R-propranolol on stem cells, offers an immense opportunity to harness the efficacy of β-blockers to induce accelerated involution of IH, while mitigating their β-adrenergic receptor-mediated adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina P Koh
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute , Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Philip Leadbitter
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute , Wellington, New Zealand.,Centre for the Study & Treatment for Vascular Birthmarks, Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial and Burns Unit, Hutt Hospital , Wellington, New Zealand.,Department of Paediatrics, Hutt Hospital , Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Fiona Smithers
- Centre for the Study & Treatment for Vascular Birthmarks, Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial and Burns Unit, Hutt Hospital , Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Swee T Tan
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute , Wellington, New Zealand.,Centre for the Study & Treatment for Vascular Birthmarks, Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial and Burns Unit, Hutt Hospital , Wellington, New Zealand.,Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne , Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Cancer Stem Cells in Metastatic Head and Neck Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Express Components of the Renin-Angiotensin System. Cells 2021; 10:cells10020243. [PMID: 33513805 PMCID: PMC7910940 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the expression of components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) by cancer stem cell (CSC) subpopulations in metastatic head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (mHNcSCC). Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated expression of prorenin receptor (PRR), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and angiotensin II receptor 2 (AT2R) in all cases and angiotensinogen in 14 cases; however, renin and ACE2 were not detected in any of the 20 mHNcSCC tissue samples. Western blotting showed protein expression of angiotensinogen in all six mHNcSCC tissue samples, but in none of the four mHNcSCC-derived primary cell lines, while PRR was detected in the four cell lines only. RT-qPCR confirmed transcripts of angiotensinogen, PRR, ACE, and angiotensin II receptor 1 (AT1R), but not renin or AT2R in all four mHNcSCC tissue samples and all four mHNcSCC-derived primary cell lines, while ACE2 was expressed in the tissue samples only. Double immunohistochemical staining on two of the mHNcSCC tissue samples showed expression of angiotensinogen by the SOX2+ CSCs within the tumor nests (TNs), and immunofluorescence showed expression of PRR and AT2R by the SOX2+ CSCs within the TNs and the peritumoral stroma (PTS). ACE was expressed on the endothelium of the tumor microvessels within the PTS. We demonstrated expression of angiotensinogen by CSCs within the TNs, PRR, and AT2R by the CSCs within the TNs and the PTS, in addition to ACE on the endothelium of tumor microvessels in mHNcSCC.
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Cancer Stem Cells in Head and Neck Metastatic Malignant Melanoma Express Components of the Renin-Angiotensin System. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:life10110268. [PMID: 33147716 PMCID: PMC7694034 DOI: 10.3390/life10110268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) are expressed by cancer stem cells (CSCs) in many cancer types. We here investigated expression of the RAS by the CSC subpopulations in human head and neck metastatic malignant melanoma (HNmMM) tissue samples and HNmMM-derived primary cell lines. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated expression of pro-renin receptor (PRR), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and angiotensin II receptor 2 (AT2R) in all; renin in one; and ACE2 in none of the 20 HNmMM tissue samples. PRR was localized to cells within the tumor nests (TNs), while AT2R was expressed by cells within the TNs and the peritumoral stroma (PTS). ACE was localized to the endothelium of the tumor microvessels within the PTS. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) detected transcripts for PRR, ACE, ACE2, and AT1R, in all the five HNmMM tissue samples and four HNmMM-derived primary cell lines; renin in one tissue sample and one cell line, and AT2R in none of the five HNmMM tissue samples and cell lines. Western blotting showed variable expression of ACE, PRR, and AT2R, but not ACE2, in six HNmMM tissue samples and two HNmMM-derived primary cell lines. Immunofluorescence staining of two HNmMM tissue samples demonstrated expression of PRR and AT2R by the SOX2+ CSCs within the TNs and the OCT4+ CSCs within the PTS, with ACE localized to the endothelium of the tumor microvessels within the PTS.
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11
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Cancer Stem Cells in Head and Neck Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Express Cathepsins. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2020; 8:e3042. [PMID: 32983794 PMCID: PMC7489689 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000003042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Cancer stem cell (CSC) subpopulations within moderately differentiated head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (MDHNcSCC) express the components of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS). This study investigated the expression of cathepsins B, D, and G, which constitute bypass loops of the RAS, by CSCs in MDHNcSCC.
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Kilmister EJ, Patel J, van Schaijik B, Bockett N, Brasch HD, Paterson E, Sim D, Davis PF, Roth IM, Itinteang T, Tan ST. Cancer Stem Cell Subpopulations Are Present Within Metastatic Head and Neck Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1091. [PMID: 32850316 PMCID: PMC7406827 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified in many cancer types including primary head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (HNcSCC). This study aimed to identify and characterize CSCs in metastatic HNcSCC (mHNcSCC). Immunohistochemical staining performed on mHNcSCC samples from 15 patients demonstrated expression of the induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) markers OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, KLF4, and c-MYC in all 15 samples. In situ hybridization and RT-qPCR performed on four of these mHNcSCC tissue samples confirmed transcript expression of all five iPSC markers. Immunofluorescence staining performed on three of these mHNcSCC samples demonstrated expression of c-MYC on cells within the tumor nests (TNs) and the peri-tumoral stroma (PTS) that also expressed KLF4. OCT4 was expressed on the SOX2+/NANOG+/KLF4+ cells within the TNs, and the SOX2+/NANOG+/KLF4+ cells within the PTS. RT-qPCR demonstrated transcript expression of all five iPSC markers in all three mHNcSCC-derived primary cell lines, except for SOX2 in one cell line. Western blotting showed the presence of SOX2, KLF4, and c-MYC but not OCT4 and NANOG in the three mHNcSCC-derived primary cell lines. All three cell lines formed tumorspheres, at the first passage. We demonstrated an OCT4+/NANOG+/SOX2+/KLF4+/c-MYC+ CSC subpopulation and an OCT4+/NANOG-/SOX2+/KLF4+/c-MYC+ subpopulation within the TNs, and an OCT4+/NANOG+/SOX2+/KLF4+/c-MYC+ subpopulation within the PTS of mHNcSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Josie Patel
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | | | - Helen D Brasch
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Erin Paterson
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Dalice Sim
- Biostatistical Group/Dean's Department, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Paul F Davis
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Imogen M Roth
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Swee T Tan
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand.,Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial and Burns Unit, Hutt Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand.,Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Tan DC, Roth IM, Wickremesekera AC, Davis PF, Kaye AH, Mantamadiotis T, Stylli SS, Tan ST. Therapeutic Targeting of Cancer Stem Cells in Human Glioblastoma by Manipulating the Renin-Angiotensin System. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111364. [PMID: 31683669 PMCID: PMC6912312 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with glioblastoma (GB), a highly aggressive brain tumor, have a median survival of 14.6 months following neurosurgical resection and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Quiescent GB cancer stem cells (CSCs) invariably cause local recurrence. These GB CSCs can be identified by embryonic stem cell markers, express components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and are associated with circulating CSCs. Despite the presence of circulating CSCs, GB patients rarely develop distant metastasis outside the central nervous system. This paper reviews the current literature on GB growth inhibition in relation to CSCs, circulating CSCs, the RAS and the novel therapeutic approach by repurposing drugs that target the RAS to improve overall symptom-free survival and maintain quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Ch Tan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wellington Regional Hospital, Wellington 6021, New Zealand.
| | - Imogen M Roth
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington 6021, New Zealand.
| | - Agadha C Wickremesekera
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wellington Regional Hospital, Wellington 6021, New Zealand.
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington 6021, New Zealand.
- Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia.
| | - Paul F Davis
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington 6021, New Zealand.
| | - Andrew H Kaye
- Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Centre, Jerusalem 91120, Israel.
| | - Theo Mantamadiotis
- Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia.
| | - Stanley S Stylli
- Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia.
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia.
| | - Swee T Tan
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington 6021, New Zealand.
- Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia.
- Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial & Burns Unit, Hutt Hospital, Lower Hutt 5040, New Zealand.
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Roth IM, Wickremesekera AC, Wickremesekera SK, Davis PF, Tan ST. Therapeutic Targeting of Cancer Stem Cells via Modulation of the Renin-Angiotensin System. Front Oncol 2019; 9:745. [PMID: 31440473 PMCID: PMC6694711 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are proposed to be the cells that initiate tumorigenesis and maintain tumor development due to their self-renewal and multipotency properties. CSCs have been identified in many cancer types and are thought to be responsible for treatment resistance, metastasis, and recurrence. As such, targeting CSCs specifically should result in durable cancer treatment. One potential option for targeting CSCs is by manipulation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and pathways that converge on the RAS with numerous inexpensive medications currently in common clinical use. In addition to its crucial role in cardiovascular and body fluid homeostasis, the RAS is vital for stem cell maintenance and differentiation and plays a role in tumorigenesis and cancer prevention, suggesting that these roles may converge and result in modulation of CSC function by the RAS. In support of this, components of the RAS have been shown to be expressed in many cancer types and have been more recently localized to the CSCs in some tumors. Given these roles of the RAS in tumor development, clinical trials using RAS inhibitors either singly or in combination with other therapies are underway in different cancer types. This review outlines the roles of the RAS, with respect to CSCs, and suggests that the presence of components of the RAS in CSCs could offer an avenue for therapeutic targeting using RAS modulators. Due to the nature of the RAS and its crosstalk with numerous other signaling pathways, a systems approach using traditional RAS inhibitors in combination with inhibitors of bypass loops of the RAS and other signaling pathways that converge on the RAS may offer a novel therapeutic approach to cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imogen M Roth
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Agadha C Wickremesekera
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand.,Department of Neurosurgery, Wellington Regional Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Susrutha K Wickremesekera
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand.,Upper Gastrointestinal, Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Section, Department of General Surgery, Wellington Regional Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Paul F Davis
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Swee T Tan
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand.,Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial and Burns Unit, Hutt Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand
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