1
|
Anoushirvani AA, Jafarian Yazdi A, Amirabadi S, Asouri SA, Shafabakhsh R, Sheida A, Hosseini Khabr MS, Jafari A, Tamehri Zadeh SS, Hamblin MR, Kalantari L, Talaei Zavareh SA, Mirzaei H. Role of non-coding RNAs in neuroblastoma. Cancer Gene Ther 2023; 30:1190-1208. [PMID: 37217790 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00623-0] [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: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is known as the most prevalent extracranial malignancy in childhood with a neural crest origin. It has been widely accepted that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play important roles in many types of cancer, including glioma and gastrointestinal cancers. They may regulate the cancer gene network. According to recent sequencing and profiling studies, ncRNAs genes are deregulated in human cancers via deletion, amplification, abnormal epigenetic, or transcriptional regulation. Disturbances in the expression of ncRNAs may act either as oncogenes or as anti-tumor suppressor genes, and can lead to the induction of cancer hallmarks. ncRNAs can be secreted from tumor cells inside exosomes, where they can be transferred to other cells to affect their function. However, these topics still need more study to clarify their exact roles, so the present review addresses different roles and functions of ncRNAs in neuroblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Arash Anoushirvani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Firoozgar Hospital, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Sanaz Amirabadi
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Ahmadi Asouri
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University, Kashan, Iran
| | - Rana Shafabakhsh
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University, Kashan, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sheida
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Maryam Sadat Hosseini Khabr
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Ameneh Jafari
- ATMP Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, P.O. BOX: 15179/64311, Tehran, Iran
- Proteomics Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Michael R Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, South Africa
| | - Leila Kalantari
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
| | | | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University, Kashan, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu X, Wang Z, Xiong X, Li C, Wu Y, Su M, Yang S, Zeng M, Weng W, Huang K, Zhou D, Fang J, Xu L, Li P, Zhu Y, Qiu K, Ma Y, Lei J, Li Y. Arsenic Trioxide inhibits Activation of Hedgehog Pathway in Human Neuroblastoma Cell Line SK-N-BE(2) Independent of Itraconazole. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2023; 23:2217-2224. [PMID: 37888819 DOI: 10.2174/0118715206259952230919173611] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroblastoma (NB) remains associated with a low overall survival rate over the long term. Abnormal activation of the Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway can activate the transcription of various downstream target genes that promote NB. Both arsenic trioxide (ATO) and itraconazole (ITRA) can inhibit tumor growth. OBJECTIVE To determine whether ATO combined with ITRA can be used to treat NB with HH pathway activation, we examined the effects of ATO and ITRA monotherapy or combined inhibition of the HH pathway in NB. METHODS Analysis of CCK8 and flow cytometry showed cell inhibition and cell cycle, respectively. Real-time PCR analysis was conducted to assess the mRNA expression of HH pathway. RESULTS We revealed that as concentrations of ATO and ITRA increased, the killing effects of both agents on SK-N-BE(2) cells became more apparent. During G2/M, the cell cycle was largely arrested by ATO alone and combined with ITRA, and in the G0/G1 phase by ITRA alone. In the HH pathway, ATO inhibited the transcription of the SHH, PTCH1, SMO and GLI2 genes, however, ITRA did not. Instead of showing synergistic effects in a combined mode, ITRA decreased ATO inhibitory effects. CONCLUSION We showed that ATO is an important inhibitor of HH pathway but ITRA can weaken the inhibitory effect of ATO. This study provides an experimental evidence for the clinical use of ATO and ITRA in the treatment of NB with HH pathway activation in cytology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoshan Liu
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's Medical Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhixuan Wang
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's Medical Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xilin Xiong
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's Medical Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunmou Li
- Department of Pediatrics, the Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu Wu
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's Medical Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingwei Su
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's Medical Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shu Yang
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's Medical Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meilin Zeng
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's Medical Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjun Weng
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's Medical Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ke Huang
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's Medical Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dunhua Zhou
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's Medical Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianpei Fang
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's Medical Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lvhong Xu
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's Medical Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Li
- South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yafeng Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kunyin Qiu
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's Medical Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhan Ma
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's Medical Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaying Lei
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's Medical Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Li
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's Medical Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li Y, Feng C, Chen Y, Huang K, Li C, Xiong X, Li P, Zhou D, Peng X, Weng W, Deng X, Wu Y, Fang J. Improved Outcomes with Induction Chemotherapy Combined with Arsenic Trioxide in Stage 4 Neuroblastoma: A Case Series. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2021; 20:15330338211041454. [PMID: 34569870 PMCID: PMC8485563 DOI: 10.1177/15330338211041454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The apoptotic and cytotoxic effects of arsenic trioxide (ATO) makes it a potentially suitable agent for the treatment of patients with neuroblastoma with poor prognosis; therefore, we try to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of ATO combined with reinduction/induction chemotherapy in children with recurrent/refractory or newly diagnosed stage 4 neuroblastoma. Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed on seven pediatric patients with recurrent /refractory or newly diagnosed stage 4 neuroblastoma treated with traditional reinduction/induction chemotherapy combined with ATO. Results: A total of 7 patients were treated synchronously with ATO and chemotherapy for up to nine courses; all patients received conventional chemotherapy plus a 0.16 mg/kg/day dose of intravenous ATO during reinduction/induction chemotherapy. Treatment was effective in five patients and ineffective in the other two patients. The overall response rate was 71.43% (5 of 7). The side effects of the ATO combination were minor, whereby only treatment in one patient was terminated at the sixth course due to a prolonged QT interval (0.51 s), which returned to normal after symptomatic treatment. Conclusions: ATO can be safely and effectively combined with chemotherapy drugs as a potential alternative means of treatment for high-risk stage 4 neuroblastoma, and we have observed that ATO can restore the sensitivity of chemotherapy in some patients who were resistant to previous chemotherapy. Further investigations and clinical data are required to confirm these observations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- 56713Sun Yet-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuchu Feng
- 56713Sun Yet-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yantao Chen
- 56713Sun Yet-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ke Huang
- 56713Sun Yet-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunmou Li
- 56713Sun Yet-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xilin Xiong
- 56713Sun Yet-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Li
- 302944South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dunhua Zhou
- 56713Sun Yet-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaomin Peng
- 56713Sun Yet-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjun Weng
- 56713Sun Yet-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaogeng Deng
- 56713Sun Yet-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaohao Wu
- 56713Sun Yet-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianpei Fang
- 56713Sun Yet-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Li C, Peng X, Feng C, Xiong X, Li J, Liao N, Yang Z, Liu A, Wu P, Liang X, He Y, Tian X, Lin Y, Wang S, Li Y. Excellent Early Outcomes of Combined Chemotherapy With Arsenic Trioxide for Stage 4/M Neuroblastoma in Children: A Multicenter Nonrandomized Controlled Trial. Oncol Res 2021; 28:791-800. [PMID: 33858561 PMCID: PMC8420893 DOI: 10.3727/096504021x16184815905096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This nonrandomized, multicenter cohort, open-label clinical trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of combined chemotherapy with arsenic trioxide (ATO) in children with stage 4/M neuroblastoma (NB). We enrolled patients who were newly diagnosed with NB and assessed as stage 4/M and received either traditional chemotherapy or ATO combined with chemotherapy according to their own wishes. Twenty-two patients were enrolled in the trial group (ATO combined with chemotherapy), and 13 patients were enrolled in the control group (traditional chemotherapy). Objective response rate (ORR) at 4 weeks after completing induction chemotherapy was defined as the main outcome, and adverse events were monitored and graded in the meantime. Data cutoff date was December 31, 2019. Finally, we found that patients who received ATO combined with chemotherapy had a significantly higher response rate than those who were treated with traditional chemotherapy (ORR: 86.36% vs. 46.16%, p=0.020). Reversible cardiotoxicity was just observed in three patients who were treated with ATO, and no other differential adverse events were observed between the two groups. ATO combined with chemotherapy can significantly improve end-induction response in high-risk NB, and our novel regimen is well tolerated in pediatric patients. These results highlight the superiority of chemotherapy with ATO, which creates new opportunity for prolonging survival. In addition, this treatment protocol minimizes therapeutic costs compared with anti-GD2 therapy, MIBG, and proton therapy and can decrease the burden to families and society. However, we also need to evaluate more cases to consolidate our conclusion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunmou Li
- *Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Sun Yet-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xiaomin Peng
- *Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Sun Yet-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Chuchu Feng
- *Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Sun Yet-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xilin Xiong
- *Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Sun Yet-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jianxin Li
- †Department of Hematology and Oncology, Wuhan Children’s Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Ning Liao
- ‡Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of GuangXi Medical University, Nanning, P.R. China
| | - Zhen Yang
- §Department of Hematology, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Aiguo Liu
- ¶Department of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Pingping Wu
- *Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Sun Yet-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xuehong Liang
- †Department of Hematology and Oncology, Wuhan Children’s Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Yunyan He
- ‡Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of GuangXi Medical University, Nanning, P.R. China
| | - Xin Tian
- §Department of Hematology, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Yunbi Lin
- §Department of Hematology, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Songmi Wang
- ¶Department of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Yang Li
- *Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Sun Yet-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Carballo GB, Ribeiro JH, Lopes GPDF, Ferrer VP, Dezonne RS, Pereira CM, Spohr TCLDSE. GANT-61 Induces Autophagy and Apoptosis in Glioblastoma Cells despite their heterogeneity. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2021; 41:1227-1244. [PMID: 32504326 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-00891-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common adult primary tumor of the CNS characterized by rapid growth and diffuse invasiveness into the brain parenchyma. The GBM resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs may be due to the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs). The CSCs activate the same molecular pathways as healthy stem cells such as WNT, Sonic hedgehog (SHH), and Notch. Mutations or deregulations of those pathways play a key role in the proliferation and differentiation of their surrounding environment, leading to tumorigenesis. Here we investigated the effect of SHH signaling pathway inhibition in human GBM cells by using GANT-61, considering stem cell phenotype, cell proliferation, and cell death. Our results demonstrated that GANT-61 induces apoptosis and autophagy in GBM cells, by increasing the expression of LC3 II and cleaved caspase 3 and 9. Moreover, we observed that SHH signaling plays a crucial role in CSC phenotype maintenance, being also involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype. We also noted that SHH pathway modulation can regulate cell proliferation as revealed through the analysis of Ki-67 and c-MYC expressions. We concluded that SHH signaling pathway inhibition may be a promising therapeutic approach to treat patients suffering from GBM refractory to traditional treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Basile Carballo
- Instituto Estadual Do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer, Rua do Rezende 156, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20231-092, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Anatomia Patológica, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Orofacial Development and Regeneration, Institute of Oral Biology, Centre for Dental Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jessica Honorato Ribeiro
- Instituto Estadual Do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer, Rua do Rezende 156, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20231-092, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Anatomia Patológica, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK·CEN, Mol, Belgium
| | - Giselle Pinto de Faria Lopes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Anatomia Patológica, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Departamento de Biotecnologia Marinha, Instituto de Estudos do Mar Almirante Paulo Moreira (IEAPM)/Coordenação de Pesquisa, Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Valéria Pereira Ferrer
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Anatomia Patológica, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, Fluminense Federal University, Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Romulo Sperduto Dezonne
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biomedicina Translacional, Universidade Do Grande Rio, Duque de Caxias, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Maria Pereira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biomedicina Translacional, Universidade Do Grande Rio, Duque de Caxias, Brazil
| | - Tania Cristina Leite de Sampaio E Spohr
- Instituto Estadual Do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer, Rua do Rezende 156, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20231-092, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Anatomia Patológica, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Farina AR, Cappabianca LA, Zelli V, Sebastiano M, Mackay AR. Mechanisms involved in selecting and maintaining neuroblastoma cancer stem cell populations, and perspectives for therapeutic targeting. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:685-736. [PMID: 34367474 PMCID: PMC8316860 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i7.685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric neuroblastomas (NBs) are heterogeneous, aggressive, therapy-resistant embryonal tumours that originate from cells of neural crest (NC) origin and in particular neuroblasts committed to the sympathoadrenal progenitor cell lineage. Therapeutic resistance, post-therapeutic relapse and subsequent metastatic NB progression are driven primarily by cancer stem cell (CSC)-like subpopulations, which through their self-renewing capacity, intermittent and slow cell cycles, drug-resistant and reversibly adaptive plastic phenotypes, represent the most important obstacle to improving therapeutic outcomes in unfavourable NBs. In this review, dedicated to NB CSCs and the prospects for their therapeutic eradication, we initiate with brief descriptions of the unique transient vertebrate embryonic NC structure and salient molecular protagonists involved NC induction, specification, epithelial to mesenchymal transition and migratory behaviour, in order to familiarise the reader with the embryonic cellular and molecular origins and background to NB. We follow this by introducing NB and the potential NC-derived stem/progenitor cell origins of NBs, before providing a comprehensive review of the salient molecules, signalling pathways, mechanisms, tumour microenvironmental and therapeutic conditions involved in promoting, selecting and maintaining NB CSC subpopulations, and that underpin their therapy-resistant, self-renewing metastatic behaviour. Finally, we review potential therapeutic strategies and future prospects for targeting and eradication of these bastions of NB therapeutic resistance, post-therapeutic relapse and metastatic progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonietta Rosella Farina
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy
| | - Lucia Annamaria Cappabianca
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy
| | - Veronica Zelli
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy
| | - Michela Sebastiano
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy
| | - Andrew Reay Mackay
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yang J, Yu L, Yan J, Xiao Y, Li W, Xiao J, Lei J, Xiang D, Zhang S, Yu X. Circular RNA DGKB Promotes the Progression of Neuroblastoma by Targeting miR-873/GLI1 Axis. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1104. [PMID: 32793474 PMCID: PMC7390925 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulated evidences suggested that circular RNAs (circRNA) played critical roles in tumorigenesis and progression. To our knowledge, no study reported the function of circular RNA DGKB (circDGKB, circRNA ID: hsa_circ_0133622) on progression of neuroblastoma (NB). Here, we showed that circDGKB was upregulated in NB tissues compared to the normal dorsal root ganglia. Moreover, the expression level of circDGKB was negatively correlated with the survival rate of NB patients. Mechanically, overexpression of circDGKB promoted the proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumorigenesis of NB cells and reduced cell apoptosis, and vice versa. In addition, qRT-PCR and/or Western blot results showed that circDGKB overexpression inhibited the expression level of miR-873 and enhanced GLI1 expression. Moreover, miR-873 functioned an opposite role to circDGKB and significantly weakened circDGKB role in promoting NB progression. Furthermore, GLI1 upregulation also rescued the miR-873 role in inhibiting NB progression. In conclusion, our work proved that circDGKB promoted NB progression via targeting miR-873/GLI1 axis in vitro and in vivo. Our study provided a new target for NB treatment and indicated that circDGKB could act as a novel diagnostic marker for NB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiale Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Leitao Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jinlong Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yu Xiao
- Department of General Surgery, Jiangxi Provincial Children's Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Weiming Li
- Department of General Surgery, Jiangxi Provincial Children's Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Juhua Xiao
- Department of Ultrasound, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Jun Lei
- Department of General Surgery, Jiangxi Provincial Children's Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Deng Xiang
- Department of General Surgery, Jiangxi Provincial Children's Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Shouhua Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Jiangxi Provincial Children's Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Xin Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chen S, Gu S, Xu M, Mei D, Xiao Y, Chen K, Yan Z. Krüppel-like factor 9 promotes neuroblastoma differentiation via targeting the sonic hedgehog signaling pathway. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2020; 67:e28108. [PMID: 31782614 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroblastoma (NB) is a deadly solid tumor of children. Krüppel-like factor 9 (KLF9) has prodifferentiation and tumor suppression functions in several types of cancers. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of KLF9 on NB differentiation and growth and to elucidate the underlying mechanism. PROCEDURE Sixty-five NB paraffin samples were assessed for expression levels of KLF9 and sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway proteins by immunohistochemistry. The associations between expression of KLF9 and the SHH pathway components and patients' clinicopathologic characteristics were estimated. The impacts of KLF9 on cell differentiation, proliferation, and invasion were investigated in two NB cell lines (SH-SY5Y and IMR32). Additionally, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase reporter assays were used to elucidate the mechanism by which KLF9 regulates SHH signaling. RESULTS Differentiating NB specimens showed significantly higher KLF9 expression levels than undifferentiated/poorly differentiated ones. Moreover, increased KLF9 expression was associated with favorable prognoses in patients with NB. A negative correlation was found between KLF9 and SHH signaling expression levels in NB specimens. In vitro assays revealed that KLF9 promoted the differentiation of NB cells and inhibited their proliferation and invasion via suppression of the SHH pathway. Furthermore, KLF9 binding sites in the SHH promoter were identified by ChIP and luciferase reporter assays. CONCLUSIONS KLF9 exerts prodifferentiation and growth-inhibition effects on NB via suppression of the SHH pathway, suggesting a potential role of KLF9 in NB therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Song Gu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Xu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongyu Mei
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongtao Xiao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhilong Yan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Aravindan N, Jain D, Somasundaram DB, Herman TS, Aravindan S. Cancer stem cells in neuroblastoma therapy resistance. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2019; 2:948-967. [PMID: 31867574 PMCID: PMC6924637 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2019.72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common cancer of infancy and accounts for nearly one tenth of pediatric cancer deaths. This mortality rate has been attributed to the > 50% frequency of relapse despite intensive, multimodal clinical therapy in patients with progressive NB. Given the disease’s heterogeneity and developed resistance, attaining a cure after relapse of progressive NB is highly challenging. A rapid decrease in the timeline between successive recurrences is likely due to the ongoing acquisition of genetic rearrangements in undifferentiated NB-cancer stem cells (CSCs). In this review, we present the current understanding of NB-CSCs, their intrinsic role in tumorigenesis, their function in disease progression, and their influence on acquired therapy resistance and tumor evolution. In particular, this review focus on the intrinsic involvement of stem cells and signaling in the genesis of NB, the function of pre-existing CSCs in NB progression and therapy response, the formation and influence of induced CSCs (iCSCs) in drug resistance and tumor evolution, and the development of a CSC-targeted therapeutic approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natarajan Aravindan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.,Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Drishti Jain
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Dinesh Babu Somasundaram
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Terence S Herman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.,Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Therapeutic targeting of lipid synthesis metabolism for selective elimination of cancer stem cells. Arch Pharm Res 2018; 42:25-39. [PMID: 30536027 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-018-1098-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are believed to have an essential role in tumor resistance and metastasis; however, no therapeutic strategy for the selective elimination of CSCs has been established. Recently, several studies have shown that the metabolic regulation for ATP synthesis and biological building block generation in CSCs are different from that in bulk cancer cells and rather similar to that in normal tissue stem cells. To take advantage of this difference for CSC elimination therapy, many studies have tested the effect of blocking these metabolism. Two specific processes for lipid biosynthesis, i.e., fatty acid unsaturation and cholesterol biosynthesis, have been shown to be very effective and selective for CSC targets. In this review, lipid metabolism specific to CSCs are summarized. In addition, how monounsaturated fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis may contribute to CSC maintenance are discussed. Specifically, the molecular mechanism required for lipid synthesis and essential for stem cell biology is highlighted. The limit and preview of the lipid metabolism targeting for CSCs are also discussed.
Collapse
|
11
|
Johnsen JI, Dyberg C, Fransson S, Wickström M. Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets in neuroblastoma. Pharmacol Res 2018; 131:164-176. [PMID: 29466695 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranical tumor of childhood and the most deadly tumor of infancy. It is characterized by early age onset and high frequencies of metastatic disease but also the capacity to spontaneously regress. Despite intensive therapy, the survival for patients with high-risk neuroblastoma and those with recurrent or relapsed disease is low. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop new therapies for these patient groups. The molecular pathogenesis based on high-throughput omics technologies of neuroblastoma is beginning to be resolved which have given the opportunity to develop personalized therapies for high-risk patients. Here we discuss the potential of developing targeted therapies against aberrantly expressed molecules detected in sub-populations of neuroblastoma patients and how these selected targets can be drugged in order to overcome treatment resistance, improve survival and quality of life for these patients and also the possibilities to transfer preclinical research into clinical testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Inge Johnsen
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Cecilia Dyberg
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Susanne Fransson
- Department of Pathology and Genetics, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Malin Wickström
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Shi Y, Sun X, He X. Overexpression of Aristaless-Like Homeobox-4 Inhibits Proliferation, Invasion, and EMT in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Oncol Res 2017; 25:11-18. [PMID: 28081728 PMCID: PMC7840740 DOI: 10.3727/096504016x14685034103833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aristaless-like homeobox-4 (ALX4), a member of the Aristaless-like homeobox family, has been found to be involved in tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. However, the role of ALX4 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains largely unclear. Therefore, in this study we investigated the effects of ALX4 on HCC. The study results indicated that the expression of ALX4 was downregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, we demonstrated that overexpression of ALX4 inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HCC cells. We also found that ALX4 had an inhibitory effect on the sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway. Taken together, the results suggest that ALX4 may be a promising target for HCC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yao Shi
- Control of Nosocomial Infections, Hong-hui Hospital, Xian Jiaotong University College of MedicineXianP.R. China
| | - Xiaoke Sun
- Department of Surgery, Hong-hui Hospital, Xian Jiaotong University College of MedicineXianP.R. China
| | - Xiafen He
- Basic Medical College of Xian Jiaotong UniversityXianP.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
SHH Protein Variance in the Limb Bud Is Constrained by Feedback Regulation and Correlates with Altered Digit Patterning. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2017; 7:851-858. [PMID: 28131983 PMCID: PMC5345715 DOI: 10.1534/g3.116.033019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
mRNA variance has been proposed to play key roles in normal development, population fitness, adaptability, and disease. While variance in gene expression levels may be beneficial for certain cellular processes, for example in a cell’s ability to respond to external stimuli, variance may be detrimental for the development of some organs. In the bilaterally symmetric vertebrate limb buds, the amount of Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) protein present at specific stages of development is essential to ensure proper patterning of this structure. To our surprise, we found that SHH protein variance is present during the first 10 hr of limb development. The variance is virtually eliminated after the first 10 hr of limb development. By examining mutant animals, we determined that the ability of the limb bud apical ectodermal ridge (AER) to respond to SHH protein was required for reducing SHH variance during limb formation. One consequence of the failure to eliminate variance in SHH protein was the presence of polydactyly and an increase in digit length. These data suggest a potential novel mechanism in which alterations in SHH variance during evolution may have driven changes in limb patterning and digit length.
Collapse
|
14
|
Potential role of Shh-Gli1-BMI1 signaling pathway nexus in glioma chemoresistance. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:15107-15114. [DOI: 10.1007/s13277-016-5365-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
|
15
|
Gallo-Oller G, Vollmann-Zwerenz A, Meléndez B, Rey JA, Hau P, Dotor J, Castresana JS. P144, a Transforming Growth Factor beta inhibitor peptide, generates antitumoral effects and modifies SMAD7 and SKI levels in human glioblastoma cell lines. Cancer Lett 2016; 381:67-75. [PMID: 27473823 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2016.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent malignant primary brain tumor, accounting for 60-70% of all gliomas. Current median patient survival time is 14-16 months after diagnosis. Numerous efforts in therapy have not significantly altered the nearly uniform lethality of this malignancy. The Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway plays a key role in GBM and is implicated in proliferation, invasion and therapy resistance. Several inhibitors of the TGF-β pathway have entered clinical trials or are under development. In this work, the therapeutic potential of P144, a TGF-β inhibitor peptide, was analyzed. P144 decreased proliferation, migration, invasiveness, and tumorigenicity in vitro, whereas apoptosis and anoikis were significantly increased for GBM cell lines. SMAD2 phosphorylation was reduced, together with a downregulation of SKI and an upregulation of SMAD7 at both transcriptional and translational levels. Additionally, P144 was able to impair tumor growth and increase survival in an in vivo flank model. Our findings suggest a potential effect of P144 in vitro and in vivo that is mediated by regulation of transcriptional target genes of the TGF-β pathway, suggesting a therapeutic potential of P144 for GBM treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Gallo-Oller
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Arabel Vollmann-Zwerenz
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Bárbara Meléndez
- Molecular Pathology Research Unit, Department of Pathology, Virgen de la Salud Hospital, Toledo, Spain
| | - Juan A Rey
- IdiPaz Research Unit, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Peter Hau
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Javier S Castresana
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ruan H, Luo H, Wang J, Ji X, Zhang Z, Wu J, Zhang X, Wu X. Smoothened-independent activation of hedgehog signaling by rearranged during transfection promotes neuroblastoma cell proliferation and tumor growth. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2016; 1860:1961-72. [PMID: 27316313 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2016] [Revised: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rearranged during transfection (RET) proto-oncogene encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase for glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) signaling, and high RET expression is closely related to the tumorigenesis and malignancy of neuroblastoma(NB). METHODS We have investigated whether RET signals through hedgehog (HH) pathway in NB cell proliferation and tumor growth by in vitro cell culture and in vivo xenograft approaches. RESULTS The key members of both GDNF/RET and HH/GLI pathways are expressed in NB cell lines to different extents. Knockdown of RET in NB cells significantly attenuates the activity of HH signaling, whereas overexpression of RET robustly enhances the output of transcriptional activation by HH. Likewise, activation of RET by GDNF induces HH signaling, whereas knockdown of RET attenuates both basal and GDNF-induced activities of HH signaling. Moreover, protein kinase B lies on the downstream of GDNF/RET signaling module to inhibit the GSK3β, resulting in activation of HH signaling. Furthermore, either knockdown of RET by shRNA or inhibition of HH pathway by cyclopamine attenuates not only basal but also GDNF-induced proliferation of SH-SY5Y cells, and knockdown of either RET or smoothened in SH-SY5Y cell xenografts significantly attenuated the tumor growth. Finally, inhibition of HH signaling by GLI1 and GLI2 inhibitor, Gant61, reduces not only basal but also RET-induced proliferation of SH-SY5Y cells and outgrowth of xenografts. CONCLUSION GDNF/RET/AKT/GSK3β signaling module activates HH pathway to stimulate NB cells proliferation and tumor outgrowth. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Targeting HH pathway is a rational approach for therapeutic intervention of NB with high RET expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongfeng Ruan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Huan Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Jirong Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xing Ji
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhongmiao Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Junsong Wu
- Department of Emergence, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Xianning Zhang
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Ximei Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Aberrant expression of Sonic hedgehog signaling in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. Hum Pathol 2015; 50:153-61. [PMID: 26997450 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2015.09.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Revised: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The SHH signaling pathway is critical for gastrointestinal development and organic patterning, and dysregulation of SHH pathway molecules has been detected in multiple gastrointestinal neoplasms. This study investigated the role of the SHH signaling pathway in PJS. Expression of SHH, PTCH, and GLI1 was examined by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry in 20 normal tissues and 75 colorectal lesions (25 PJPs, 25 adenomas, and 25 adenocarcinomas). Expression of SHH, PTCH, and GLI1 mRNA was higher in PJPs than in normal tissue (P < .05) and gradually increased along the PJP-adenoma-adenocarcinoma sequence (P < .05). Immunostaining indicated that SHH expression was present in 60% of PJPs, 72% of adenomas, and 84% of carcinomas, whereas 68% of PJPs, 72% of adenomas, and 88% of carcinomas exhibited cytoplasmic expression of PTCH. Moreover, high GLI1 expression was detected in 56% of PJPs, 64% of adenomas, and 80% of carcinomas; and high nuclear expression of GLI1 was observed in 8 adenomas with atypia and 15 carcinomas. Increased SHH, PTCH, and GLI1 protein correlated positively with tumor grade (P = .012, P = .003, and P = .007, respectively), tumor depth (P = .024, P = .007, and P = .01), and lymph node metastasis (P = .05, P = .015, and P = .005). This study identified aberrant expression of SHH pathway molecules in PJS, and the findings may supply a novel mechanism for the development of PJ polyps.
Collapse
|
18
|
Effect of itraconazole on mouse mesencephalic neurons. Int J Dev Neurosci 2015; 44:75-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2015.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Revised: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 06/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
|
19
|
Abstract
The existence of therapy resistant glioma stem cells is responsible for the high recurrence rate and incurability of glioblastomas. The Hedgehog pathway activity plays an essential role for self-renewal capacity and survival of glioma stem cells. We examined the potential of the Sonic hedgehog ligand for sensitizing of glioma stem cells to endogenous nano-irradiation. We demonstrate that the Sonic hedgehog ligand preferentially and efficiently activats glioma stem cells to enter the radiation sensitive G2/M phase. Concomitant inhibition of de novo thymidine synthesis with fluorodeoxyuridine and treatment with the Auger electron emitting thymidine analogue 5-[I-125]-Iodo-4′-thio-2′-deoxyuridine ([I-125]ITdU) leads to a fatal nano-irradiation in sensitized glioma stem cells. Targeting of proliferating glioma stem cells with DNA-incorporated [I-125]ITdU efficiently invokes the intrinsic apoptotic pathway despite active DNA repair mechanisms. Further, [I-125]ITdU completely inhibits survival of glioma stem cells in vitro. Analysis of non-stem glioblastoma cells and normal human astrocytes reveals that glioma stem cells differentially respond to Sonic hedgehog ligand. These data demonstrate a highly efficient and controllable single-cell kill therapeutic model for targeting glioma stem cells.
Collapse
|
20
|
Chen S, Zhang M, Xing L, Wang Y, Xiao Y, Wu Y. HIF-1α contributes to proliferation and invasiveness of neuroblastoma cells via SHH signaling. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0121115. [PMID: 25811359 PMCID: PMC4374675 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0121115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) on the proliferation, migration and invasion of neuroblastoma (NB) cells and the mechanisms involved. We here initially used the real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR), Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to detect the expression of HIF-1α and components of the sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway in NB cells and human specimens. Subsequently, cell proliferation, migration and invasion were analyzed using the cell counting assay, wound healing assay and Transwell system in two types of human NB cell lines, SH-SY5Y and IMR32. In addition, the role of HIF-1α in NB cells growth was determined in a xenograft nude mouse model. We found that the level of HIF-1α was significantly upregulated during NB progression and was associated with the expression of two components of SHH signaling, SHH and GLI1. We next indicated that the proliferation, migration and invasiveness of SH-SY5Y and IMR32 cells were significantly inhibited by HIF-1α knockdown, which was mediated by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting against its mRNA. Furthermore, the growth of NB cells in vivo was also suppressed by HIF-1α inhibition. Finally, the pro-migration and proliferative effects of HIF-1α could be reversed by disrupting SHH signaling. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that upregulation of HIF-1α in NB promotes proliferation, migration and invasiveness via SHH signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lili Xing
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongtao Xiao
- Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Shanghai, China
| | - Yeming Wu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Jung Y, Kim WY. Cancer stem cell targeting: Are we there yet? Arch Pharm Res 2015; 38:414-22. [DOI: 10.1007/s12272-015-0570-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
22
|
Cooperative integration between HEDGEHOG-GLI signalling and other oncogenic pathways: implications for cancer therapy. Expert Rev Mol Med 2015; 17:e5. [PMID: 25660620 PMCID: PMC4836208 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2015.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The HEDGEHOG-GLI (HH-GLI) signalling is a key pathway critical in embryonic development, stem cell biology and tissue homeostasis. In recent years, aberrant activation of HH-GLI signalling has been linked to several types of cancer, including those of the skin, brain, lungs, prostate, gastrointestinal tract and blood. HH-GLI signalling is initiated by binding of HH ligands to the transmembrane receptor PATCHED and is mediated by transcriptional effectors that belong to the GLI family, whose activity is finely tuned by a number of molecular interactions and post-translation modifications. Several reports suggest that the activity of the GLI proteins is regulated by several proliferative and oncogenic inputs, in addition or independent of upstream HH signalling. The identification of this complex crosstalk and the understanding of how the major oncogenic signalling pathways interact in cancer is a crucial step towards the establishment of efficient targeted combinatorial treatments. Here we review recent findings on the cooperative integration of HH-GLI signalling with the major oncogenic inputs and we discuss how these cues modulate the activity of the GLI proteins in cancer. We then summarise the latest advances on SMO and GLI inhibitors and alternative approaches to attenuate HH signalling through rational combinatorial therapies.
Collapse
|
23
|
Wang J, Gu S, Huang J, Chen S, Zhang Z, Xu M. Inhibition of autophagy potentiates the efficacy of Gli inhibitor GANT-61 in MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cells. BMC Cancer 2014; 14:768. [PMID: 25323222 PMCID: PMC4210511 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-14-768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aberrant Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is often associated with neuroblastoma (NB), a childhood malignancy with varying clinical outcomes due to different molecular characteristics. Inhibition of Hh signaling with small molecule inhibitors, particularly with GANT-61, significantly suppresses NB growth. However, NB with MYCN amplification is less sensitive to GANT-61 than those without MYCN amplification. Methods Autophagic process was examined in two MYCN amplified and two MYCN non-amplified NB cells treated with GANT-61. Subsequently, chemical and genetic approaches were applied with GANT-61 together to evaluate the role of autophagy in GANT-61 induced cell death. Results Here we show that GANT-61 enhanced autophagy in MYCN amplified NB cells. Both an autophagic inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and genetic disruption of ATG5 or ATG7 expression suppressed GANT-61 induced autophagy and significantly increased apoptotic cell death, whereas pre-treatment with an apoptotic inhibitor, Z-VAD-FMK, rescued GANT-61 induced cell death and had no effect on the autophagic process. In the other hand, GANT-61 barely induced autophagy in MYCN non-amplified NB cells, but overexpression of MYCN in MYCN non-amplified NB cells recapitulated GANT-61 induced autophagy seen in MYCN amplified NB cells, suggesting that the level of GANT-61 induced autophagy in NB cells is related to MYCN expression level in cells. Conclusion Aberrant Hh signaling activation as an oncogenic driver in NB renders inhibition of Hh signaling an effective measure to suppress NB growth. However, our data suggest that enhanced autophagy concomitant with Hh signaling inhibition acts as a pro-survival factor to maintain cell viability, which reduces GANT-61 efficacy. Besides, MYCN amplification is likely involved in the induction of the pro-survival autophagy. Overall, simultaneous inhibition of both Hh signaling and autophagy could be a better way to treat MYCN amplified NB. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2407-14-768) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Zhen Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China.
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Diao Y, Rahman MFU, Villegas VE, Wickström M, Johnsen JI, Zaphiropoulos PG. The impact of S6K1 kinase on neuroblastoma cell proliferation is independent of GLI1 signaling. BMC Cancer 2014; 14:600. [PMID: 25134527 PMCID: PMC4152578 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-14-600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The crosstalk between Hedgehog (HH) signaling and other signal transduction cascades has been extensively studied in different cancers. In neuroblastoma, mTOR/S6K1 signaling is known to have a role in the development of this disease and recent evidence also implicates the HH pathway. Moreover, S6K1 kinase has been shown to phosphorylate GLI1, the effector of HH signaling, promoting GLI1 transcriptional activity and oncogenic function in esophageal adenocarcinoma. In this study, we examined the possible interplay of S6K1 and GLI1 signaling in neuroblastoma. Methods siRNA knockdowns were used to suppress S6K1 and GLI1 expression, and the siRNA effects were validated by real-time PCR and Western blotting. Cell proliferation analysis was performed with the EdU incorporation assay. Cytotoxic analysis with increasing concentrations of PI3K/mTOR and GLI inhibitors, individually and in combination, was used to determine drug response. Results Although knockdown of either S6K1 or GLI1 reduces the cellular proliferation of neuroblastoma cells, there is little effect of S6K1 on the expression of GLI1 mRNA and protein and on the capacity of GLI1 to activate target genes. No detectable phosphorylation of GLI1 is observed prior or following S6K1 knockdown. GLI1 overexpression can not rescue the reduced proliferation elicited by S6K1 knockdown. Moreover, inhibitors of PI3K/mTOR and GLI signaling reduced neuroblastoma cell growth, but no additional growth inhibitory effects were detected when the two classes of drugs were combined. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that the impact of S6K1 kinase on neuroblastoma cells is not mediated through modulation of GLI1 expression/activity. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2407-14-600) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
|
25
|
Wickström M, Dyberg C, Shimokawa T, Milosevic J, Baryawno N, Fuskevåg OM, Larsson R, Kogner P, Zaphiropoulos PG, Johnsen JI. Targeting the hedgehog signal transduction pathway at the level of GLI inhibits neuroblastoma cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Int J Cancer 2012; 132:1516-24. [PMID: 22949014 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.27820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2012] [Accepted: 08/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hedgehog (HH) signaling is an important regulator of embryogenesis that has been associated with the development of several types of cancer. HH signaling is characterized by Smoothened (SMO)-dependent activation of the GLI transcription factors, which regulate the expression of critical developmental genes. Neuroblastoma, an embryonal tumor of the sympathetic nervous system, was recently shown to express high levels of key molecules in this signaling cascade. Using compounds blocking SMO (cyclopamine and SANT1) or GLI1/GLI2 (GANT61) activity revealed that inhibition of HH signaling at the level of GLI was most effective in reducing neuroblastoma growth. GANT61 sensitivity positively correlated to GLI1 and negatively to MYCN expression in the neuroblastoma cell lines tested. GANT61 downregulated GLI1, c-MYC, MYCN and Cyclin D1 expression and induced apoptosis of neuroblastoma cells. The effects produced by GANT61 were mimicked by GLI knockdown but not by SMO knockdown. Furthermore, GANT61 enhanced the effects of chemotherapeutic drugs used in the treatment of neuroblastoma in an additive or synergistic manner and reduced the growth of established neuroblastoma xenografts in nude mice. Taken together this study suggests that inhibition of HH signaling is a highly relevant therapeutic target for high-risk neuroblastoma lacking MYCN amplification and should be considered for clinical testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malin Wickström
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Shahi MH, Rey JA, Castresana JS. The sonic hedgehog-GLI1 signaling pathway in brain tumor development. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2012; 16:1227-38. [PMID: 22992192 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2012.720975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway is a regulatory network involved in development and cancer. Proteins like Ptch, SMO, and Gli are central to the Shh pathway. Other proteins like HHIP, SUFU, Bmi-1, Cyclin D2, Plakoglobin, PAX6, Nkx2.2, and SFRP1 are not so well understood in Shh regulation as Gli-1 downstream target genes. AREAS COVERED In this review we try to explain the Shh pathway components and their role in development and cancer, mainly of the brain. A summary of each of the proteins is presented together with an overview of their involvement in cancer. EXPERT OPINION Genetic alterations of the Shh pathway have been detected in cancer stem cells, a subgroup of tumor cells implicated in the origin and maintenance of tumors, being responsible for cancer recurrence and chemotherapy resistance. Cancer stem cells constitute a novel target for biomedical researchers. Specifically, the Shh pathway is being explored as a new opportunity for targeted therapies against tumors. Therefore, a better knowledge of every of the regulators of the Shh pathway is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi H Shahi
- University of California, Department of Pharmacology, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Vangipuram SD, Buck SA, Lyman WD. Wnt pathway activity confers chemoresistance to cancer stem-like cells in a neuroblastoma cell line. Tumour Biol 2012; 33:2173-83. [PMID: 22886526 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-012-0478-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2012] [Accepted: 07/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common solid tumor in infancy. We have shown that the neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-SH contains CD133+ cells that are more resistant than 133- cells to Doxorubicin (DOX), a common chemotherapeutic agent. We hypothesize that activation of wnt signaling pathway in CD133+ cells contributes to their chemoresistance. To test this hypothesis, CD133+ cells were positively selected using magnetic micro-beads. Subsequently, CD133+ and negatively selected CD133- cells were treated with 100 ng/ml of DOX for up to 72 h. Then, cells were either lysed for total RNA extraction or fixed for immunostaining. Wnt "SIGNATURE" PCR Array was used to determine if changes in wnt related gene expression levels occurred and to estimate a pathway activity score. Expression of wnt pathway proteins β-Catenin and p-GSK3β (S-9) was determined by immunocytochemistry. Two wnt pathway inhibitors were used to determine the changes in cell viability, using the MTT assay. Results showed that wnt related genes were differentially expressed in CD133+ cells as compared to CD133- cells, both with and without DOX treatment. Pathway activity scores showed that DOX treatment significantly suppressed the wnt pathway activity in CD133- cells. Expression of β-catenin and p-GSK3β (S-9) was significantly greater in DOX treated and untreated CD133+ cells. The presence of wnt inhibitors with DOX decreased the number of live cells in CD133+ group and the percentage of live cells in both groups were equal. These data suggest that higher wnt pathway activity could be responsible for the chemoresistance of CD133+ cells in neuroblastoma cell lines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharada D Vangipuram
- Children's Research Center of Michigan, The Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Chakrabarti L, Abou-Antoun T, Vukmanovic S, Sandler AD. Reversible adaptive plasticity: a mechanism for neuroblastoma cell heterogeneity and chemo-resistance. Front Oncol 2012; 2:82. [PMID: 22891161 PMCID: PMC3412992 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2012.00082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2012] [Accepted: 07/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We describe a novel form of tumor cell plasticity characterized by reversible adaptive plasticity in murine and human neuroblastoma. Two cellular phenotypes were defined by their ability to exhibit adhered, anchorage dependent (AD) or sphere forming, anchorage independent (AI) growth. The tumor cells could transition back and forth between the two phenotypes and the transition was dependent on the culture conditions. Both cell phenotypes exhibited stem-like features such as expression of nestin, self-renewal capacity, and mesenchymal differentiation potential. The AI tumorspheres were found to be more resistant to chemotherapy and proliferated slower in vitro compared to the AD cells. Identification of specific molecular markers like MAP2, β-catenin, and PDGFRβ enabled us to characterize and observe both phenotypes in established mouse tumors. Irrespective of the phenotype originally implanted in mice, tumors grown in vivo show phenotypic heterogeneity in molecular marker signatures and are indistinguishable in growth or histologic appearance. Similar molecular marker heterogeneity was demonstrated in primary human tumor specimens. Chemotherapy or growth factor receptor inhibition slowed tumor growth in mice and promoted initial loss of AD or AI heterogeneity, respectively. Simultaneous targeting of both phenotypes led to further tumor growth delay with emergence of new unique phenotypes. Our results demonstrate that neuroblastoma cells are plastic, dynamic, and may optimize their ability to survive by changing their phenotype. Phenotypic switching appears to be an adaptive mechanism to unfavorable selection pressure and could explain the phenotypic and functional heterogeneity of neuroblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lina Chakrabarti
- The Joseph E. Robert Center for Surgical Care, Children’s National Medical CenterWashington, DC, USA
- The Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children’s National Medical CenterWashington, DC, USA
| | - Thamara Abou-Antoun
- The Joseph E. Robert Center for Surgical Care, Children’s National Medical CenterWashington, DC, USA
- The Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children’s National Medical CenterWashington, DC, USA
| | - Stanislav Vukmanovic
- The Joseph E. Robert Center for Surgical Care, Children’s National Medical CenterWashington, DC, USA
- The Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children’s National Medical CenterWashington, DC, USA
| | - Anthony D. Sandler
- The Joseph E. Robert Center for Surgical Care, Children’s National Medical CenterWashington, DC, USA
- The Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children’s National Medical CenterWashington, DC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
Emerging laboratory and clinical investigations demonstrate that Hedgehog signaling (Hh) represents a novel therapeutic target in various human cancers. This conserved signaling pathway precisely regulates self-renewal and terminal differentiation in embryonic development, but is typically silenced in adult tissues, with reactivation usually only during tissue repair. Aberrant Hh pathway signaling has been implicated in the pathogenesis, self-renewal, and chemotherapy resistance of a growing number of solid and hematologic malignancies. Major components of the Hh pathway include the Hh ligands (Sonic, Desert, and Indian), the transmembrane receptor Patched, the signal transducer Smoothened (Smo), and transcription factors Gli1–3 which regulate the transcription of Hh target genes. Mutations in Hh pathway genes, increased Hh signaling in tumor stroma, and Hh overexpression in self-renewing cells (cancer stem cells) have been described, and these different modes of Hh signaling have implications for the design of Hh pathway inhibitors and their integration into conventional treatment regimens. Discovery of a naturally-occurring Smo inhibitor, cyclopamine, and the identification of Hh pathway mutations and over expression in cancer cells prompted the development of several cyclopamine derivatives. Encouraging laboratory and in vivo data has resulted in Phase I and II clinical trials of Smo inhibitors. In this review, we will discuss the current understanding of Hh pathway signaling in malignancy and Smo antagonists in development. Recent data with these agents shows that they are well-tolerated and may be effective for subsets of patients. Challenges remain for appropriate patient selection and the optimal combination and sequence of these targeted therapies into current treatment paradigms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tara L Lin
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Zarco N, González-Ramírez R, González RO, Segovia J. GAS1 induces cell death through an intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Apoptosis 2012; 17:627-35. [DOI: 10.1007/s10495-011-0696-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
|