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Díaz-Gago S, Vicente-Gutiérrez J, Ruiz-Rodríguez JM, Calafell J, Álvarez-Álvarez A, Lasa M, Chiloeches A, Baquero P. Autophagy sustains mitochondrial respiration and determines resistance to BRAF V600E inhibition in thyroid carcinoma cells. Autophagy 2024; 20:1383-1397. [PMID: 38436206 PMCID: PMC11210916 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2024.2312790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BRAFV600E is the most prevalent mutation in thyroid cancer and correlates with poor prognosis and therapy resistance. Although selective inhibitors of BRAFV600E have been developed, more advanced tumors such as anaplastic thyroid carcinomas show a poor response in clinical trials. Therefore, the study of alternative survival mechanisms is needed. Since metabolic changes have been related to malignant progression, in this work we explore metabolic dependencies of thyroid tumor cells to exploit them therapeutically. Our results show that respiration of thyroid carcinoma cells is highly dependent on fatty acid oxidation and, in turn, fatty acid mitochondrial availability is regulated through macroautophagy/autophagy. Furthermore, we show that both lysosomal inhibition and the knockout of the essential autophagy gene, ATG7, lead to enhanced lipolysis; although this effect is not essential for survival of thyroid carcinoma cells. We also demonstrate that following inhibition of either autophagy or fatty acid oxidation, thyroid tumor cells compensate oxidative phosphorylation deficiency with an increase in glycolysis. In contrast to lipolysis induction, upon autophagy inhibition, glycolytic boost in autophagy-deficient cells is essential for survival and, importantly, correlates with a higher sensitivity to the BRAFV600E selective inhibitor, vemurafenib. In agreement, downregulation of the glycolytic pathway results in enhanced mitochondrial respiration and vemurafenib resistance. Our work provides new insights into the role of autophagy in thyroid cancer metabolism and supports mitochondrial targeting in combination with vemurafenib to eliminate BRAFV600E-positive thyroid carcinoma cells.Abbreviations: AMP: adenosine monophosphate; ATC: anaplastic thyroid carcinoma; ATG: autophagy related; ATP: adenosine triphosphate; BRAF: B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase; Cas9: CRISPR-associated protein; CREB: cAMP responsive element binding protein; CRISPR: clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats; 2DG: 2-deoxyglucose; FA: fatty acid; FAO: fatty acid oxidation; FASN: fatty acid synthase; FCCP: trifluoromethoxy carbonyl cyanide phenylhydrazone; LAMP1: lysosomal associated membrane protein 1; LIPE/HSL: lipase E, hormone sensitive type; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; OCR: oxygen consumption rate; OXPHOS: oxidative phosphorylation; PRKA/PKA: protein kinase cAMP-activated; PTC: papillary thyroid carcinoma; SREBF1/SREBP1: sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Díaz-Gago
- Universidad de Alcalá, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Vicente-Gutiérrez
- Universidad de Alcalá, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose Manuel Ruiz-Rodríguez
- Universidad de Alcalá, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Madrid, Spain
| | - Josep Calafell
- Universidad de Alcalá, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alicia Álvarez-Álvarez
- Universidad de Alcalá, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Lasa
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sols-Morreale, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Chiloeches
- Universidad de Alcalá, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Baquero
- Universidad de Alcalá, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Madrid, Spain
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2
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Cerdido S, Abrisqueta M, Sánchez-Beltrán J, Lambertos A, Castejón-Griñán M, Muñoz C, Olivares C, García-Borrón JC, Jiménez-Cervantes C, Herraiz C. MGRN1 depletion promotes intercellular adhesion in melanoma by upregulation of E-cadherin and inhibition of CDC42. Cancer Lett 2024; 581:216484. [PMID: 38008393 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Mahogunin Ring Finger 1 is an E3-ubiquitin ligase encoded by the color gene MGRN1. Our previous in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that Mgrn1 deletion in mouse melanoma cells induced cell differentiation and adhesion, and decreased cell motility and invasion on collagen I, and lung colonization in an in vivo model. Here, we investigated the role of MGRN1 on human melanoma cell morphology, adhesion and expression of genes/proteins involved in an EMT-like transition. We demonstrated that wild-type BRAF human melanoma cells adopted a clustering-like morphology on collagen I, with permanent MGRN1 abrogation resulting in bigger cell clusters. Enhanced intercellular adhesion was mostly mediated by induction of E-cadherin and higher co-localization with β-catenin. Transcriptional upregulation of E-cadherin likely occurred through downregulation of the ZEB1 repressor. Finally, pulldown assays showed reduced activation of CDC42 in the absence of MGRN1, which was reverted after E-cadherin silencing. Overall, these findings highlight a new MGRN1-dependent pathway regulating melanoma cell shape, motility, and invasion potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Cerdido
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), 30120, Murcia, Spain
| | - M Abrisqueta
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), 30120, Murcia, Spain
| | - J Sánchez-Beltrán
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), 30120, Murcia, Spain
| | - A Lambertos
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), 30120, Murcia, Spain
| | - M Castejón-Griñán
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), 30120, Murcia, Spain
| | - C Muñoz
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), 30120, Murcia, Spain
| | - C Olivares
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), 30120, Murcia, Spain
| | - J C García-Borrón
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), 30120, Murcia, Spain
| | - C Jiménez-Cervantes
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), 30120, Murcia, Spain
| | - C Herraiz
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), 30120, Murcia, Spain.
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3
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Cilleros-Rodríguez D, Toledo-Lobo MV, Martínez-Martínez D, Baquero P, Angulo JC, Chiloeches A, Iglesias T, Lasa M. Protein kinase D activity is a risk biomarker in prostate cancer that drives cell invasion by a Snail/ERK dependent mechanism. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:166851. [PMID: 37611675 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Protein kinase D (PKD) family members play controversial roles in prostate cancer (PC). Thus, PKD1 is nearly absent in advanced tumours, where PKD2 and PKD3 are upregulated. Additionally, consequences of activation of these kinases on PC progression remain largely unclear. Here, we first investigated PKD function on PC cell motility, analysing the underlying molecular mechanisms. We find a striking decrease of Snail levels after PKD inhibition followed by cell migration and invasion impairment, demonstrating an unprecedented role of PKD activity on the regulation of this key transcription factor in PC progression. Specifically, we show that PKD2 activity mediates the effects of MEK/ERK pathway on Snail expression, establishing a joint function of ERK/PKD2/Snail cascade in PC cell invasion regulation. These results led us to address the clinical relevance of the correlation between PKD2 and ERK activities with Snail abundance in samples from PC patients at different stages, analysing its impact on tumour prognosis and patients´ survival. Importantly, this is the first study defining a direct correlation between active PKD2 and Snail levels, further linked to ERK activity. We also evidence that PKD2 activity is associated with important poor prognostic factors. Thus, PC patients with the expression pattern: active PKD2high/active ERKhigh/Snailhigh exhibit increased invasiveness and metastasis, and decreased survival. Our findings provide new insights for understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in PC progression, pinpointing the combination of active PKD2 and Snail levels, with the additional measurement of active ERK, as a confident biomarker to predict clinical outcome of patients with advanced PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darío Cilleros-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols", Universidad Autónoma de Madrid-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Val Toledo-Lobo
- Departamento de Biomedicina y Biotecnología, Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain; IRYCIS, Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Desirée Martínez-Martínez
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols", Universidad Autónoma de Madrid-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Baquero
- Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier C Angulo
- Servicio de Urología, Hospital Universitario de Getafe, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Chiloeches
- Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Iglesias
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols", Universidad Autónoma de Madrid-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain; CIBERNED, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neuro-degenerativas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Lasa
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols", Universidad Autónoma de Madrid-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain.
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4
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Sheikh-Ahmad M, Shalata Y, Bejar J, Kreizman Shefer H, Sirhan MF, Laniado M, Matter I, Agbarya A, Reut M, Yovanovich E, Saiegh L. The Correlation between Proliferative Immunohistochemical Markers and Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Aggressiveness. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59010110. [PMID: 36676734 PMCID: PMC9862399 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59010110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is one of the most common malignancies of the endocrine system. In order to improve the ability to predict tumor behavior, several studies have been conducted to search for surrogate prognostic immunohistochemical tumor markers. Objective: To evaluate the correlation between the intensity of different immunohistochemical marker staining in PTC and the risk for extrathyroidal extension and metastases. Materials and Methods: The study comprised patients who underwent hemi- or total thyroidectomy. Thyroid tissues were immunohistochemically stained for different tumor proliferative markers: Minichromosome maintenance proteins 2 (MCM2), Ki-67 labeling index, E-Cadherin, Neuropilin-1 and Metallothionein. The correlation between the intensity of each marker staining and the final diagnosis (benign neoplasm and PTC) and the correlation between the intensity of each staining and tumor extrathyroidal extension and metastases were evaluated. Results: The study included 66 patients. Staining for Metallothionein, E-Cadherin and MCM2 significantly differed between benign neoplasm (n = 22) and thyroid-confined PTC (n = 21) (p = 0.002, 0.004 and 0.005, respectively), between benign neoplasm and PTC with extrathyroidal extension (n = 11) (p = 0.001, 0.006 and 0.01, respectively), and between benign neoplasm and PTC with metastases (n = 12) (p = 0.01, <0.001 and 0.037, respectively). No staining correlated with extrathyroidal extension. The intensity of E-Cadherin staining was significantly lower in PTC with metastases than thyroid confined PTC and PTC with extrathyroidal extension (p = 0.028 and 0.021, respectively). Conclusions: Immunohistochemical staining for Metallothionein, E-Cadherin and MCM2 significantly distinguished between benign thyroid tumor and PTC. E-Cadherin staining significantly and inversely correlated with the presence of metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Sheikh-Ahmad
- Institute of Endocrinology, Bnai Zion Medical Center, 47 Golomb St., Haifa 31048, Israel
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-4-8359510; Fax: +972-4-8359519
| | - Yara Shalata
- Institute of Endocrinology, Bnai Zion Medical Center, 47 Golomb St., Haifa 31048, Israel
| | - Jacob Bejar
- Department of Pathology, Bnai Zion Medical Center, 47 Golomb St., Haifa 31048, Israel
| | - Hila Kreizman Shefer
- Department of Pathology, Bnai Zion Medical Center, 47 Golomb St., Haifa 31048, Israel
| | - Majd F. Sirhan
- Department of Pathology, Bnai Zion Medical Center, 47 Golomb St., Haifa 31048, Israel
| | - Monica Laniado
- Department of Surgery, Bnai Zion Medical Center, 47 Golomb St., Haifa 31048, Israel
| | - Ibrahim Matter
- Department of Surgery, Bnai Zion Medical Center, 47 Golomb St., Haifa 31048, Israel
| | - Abed Agbarya
- Department of Oncology, Bnai Zion Medical Center, 47 Golomb St., Haifa 31048, Israel
| | - Maria Reut
- Institute of Endocrinology, Bnai Zion Medical Center, 47 Golomb St., Haifa 31048, Israel
| | - Ekaterina Yovanovich
- Institute of Endocrinology, Bnai Zion Medical Center, 47 Golomb St., Haifa 31048, Israel
| | - Leonard Saiegh
- Institute of Endocrinology, Bnai Zion Medical Center, 47 Golomb St., Haifa 31048, Israel
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5
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Yadav P, Sarode LP, Gaddam RR, Kumar P, Bhatti JS, Khurana A, Navik U. Zebrafish as an emerging tool for drug discovery and development for thyroid diseases. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 130:53-60. [PMID: 36084888 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/06/2022]
Abstract
Zebrafish is a useful model for understanding human genetics and diseases and has evolved into a prominent scientific research model. The genetic structure of zebrafish is 70% identical to that of humans. Its small size, low cost, and transparent embryo make it a valuable tool in experimentation. Zebrafish and mammals possess the same molecular mechanism of thyroid organogenesis and development. Thus, thyroid hormone signaling, embryonic development, thyroid-related disorders, and novel genes involved in early thyroid development can all be studied using zebrafish as a model. Here in this review, we emphasize the evolving role of zebrafish as a possible tool for studying the thyroid gland in the context of physiology and pathology. The transcription factors nkx2.1a, pax2a, and hhex which contribute a pivotal role in the differentiation of thyroid primordium are discussed. Further, we have described the role of zebrafish as a model for thyroid cancer, evaluation of defects in thyroid hormone transport, thyroid hormone (TH) metabolism, and as a screening tool to study thyrotoxins. Hence, the present review highlights the role of zebrafish as a novel approach to understand thyroid development and organogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poonam Yadav
- Department of Pharmacology, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Lopmudra P Sarode
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur, 440033, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ravinder Reddy Gaddam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, IA, USA
| | - Puneet Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Jasvinder Singh Bhatti
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Amit Khurana
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstr. 30, D-52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Umashanker Navik
- Department of Pharmacology, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India.
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6
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Gao Y, Xiang D, Li W, Zheng X, Wang L, Li Z, Chen T. BRAF V600E Mutation-Responsive miRNA-222-3p Promotes Metastasis of Papillary Thyroid Cancer Cells via Snail-Induced EMT. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:843334. [PMID: 35651980 PMCID: PMC9148970 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.843334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BRAF mutation accounts for 50% of the PTC (papillary thyroid carcinoma) and is closely associated with high-risk clinicopathological characteristics. Increasing evidence implied that dysregulation of miRNA participated in carcinogenesis and progression of cancer. Clinical data showed the significant up-regulation of miR-222-3p in PTC; however, the role of miR-222-3p and possible relationship with BRAF mutation remained unclear. Here, we identified significant up-regulation of miR-222-3p in PTC tissues harboring BRAFV600E mutation compared with BRAF wild type (BRAFWT ) from collected PTC clinical samples. External validation performed with The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases was consistent with the above result. Exogenous expression of BRAFV600E oncoprotein increased the expression of miR-222-3p in B-CPAP and TPC-1 cells. The treatment of BRAFV600E and MEK inhibitor, PLX4720 and PD0325901, decreased the expression of miR-222-3p in B-CPAP but not in TPC-1. Inhibition of miR-222-3p significantly suppressed the migration of B-CPAP and induced a mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) phenotype via the Snail transcription factor. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis demonstrated the up-regulation of Snail correlated with lymph node metastasis and BRAFV600E mutation in PTC. Besides, in situ hybridization (ISH) and IHC analysis of PTC clinical samples confirmed the correlation between the expression of miR-222-3p and Snail. These results showed miR-222-3p conduced more aggressive clinical manifestation of PTC by promoting Snail-induced EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Gao
- Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dapeng Xiang
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weijie Li
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xi Zheng
- Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyu Li
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ting Chen
- Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Ting Chen,
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7
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Chakraborty S, Carnazza M, Jarboe T, DeSouza N, Li XM, Moscatello A, Geliebter J, Tiwari RK. Disruption of Cell-Cell Communication in Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer as an Immunotherapeutic Opportunity. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1350:33-66. [PMID: 34888843 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-83282-7_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid cancer incidence is increasing at an alarming rate, almost tripling every decade. About 44,280 new cases of thyroid cancer (12,150 in men and 32,130 in women) are estimated to be diagnosed in 2021, with an estimated death toll of around 2200. Although most thyroid tumors are treatable and associated with a favorable outcome, anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is extremely aggressive with a grim prognosis of 6-9 months post-diagnosis. A large contributing factor to this aggressive nature is that ATC is completely refractory to mainstream therapies. Analysis of the tumor microenvironment (TME) associated with ATC can relay insight to the pathological realm that encompasses tumors and aids in cancer progression and proliferation. The TME is defined as a complex niche that surrounds a tumor and involves a plethora of cellular components whose secretions can modulate the environment in order to favor tumor progression. The cellular heterogeneity of the TME contributes to its dynamic function due to the presence of both immune and nonimmune resident, infiltrating, and interacting cell types. Associated immune cells discussed in this chapter include macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), natural killer (NK) cells, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Nonimmune cells also play a role in the establishment and proliferation of the TME, including neuroendocrine (NE) cells, adipocytes, endothelial cells (ECs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and fibroblasts. The dynamic nature of the TME contributes greatly to cancer progression.Recent work has found ATC tissues to be defined by a T cell-inflamed "hot" tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) as evidenced by presence of CD3+ and CD8+ T cells. These tumor types are amenable to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. This therapeutic avenue, as of 2021, has remained unexplored in ATC. New studies should seek to explore the therapeutic feasibility of a combination therapy, through the use of a small molecule inhibitor with ICB in ATC. Screening of in vitro model systems representative of papillary, anaplastic, and follicular thyroid cancer explored the expression of 29 immune checkpoint molecules. There are higher expressions of HVEM, BTLA, and CD160 in ATC cell lines when compared to the other TC subtypes. The expression level of HVEM was more than 30-fold higher in ATC compared to the others, on average. HVEM is a member of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily, which acts as a bidirectional switch through interaction with BTLA, CD160, and LIGHT, in a cis or trans manner. Given the T cell-inflamed hot TIME in ATC, expression of HVEM on tumor cells was suggestive of a possibility for complex crosstalk of HVEM with inflammatory cytokines. Altogether, there is emerging evidence of a T cell-inflamed TIME in ATC along with the expression of immune checkpoint proteins HVEM, BTLA, and CD160 in ATC. This can open doors for combination therapies using small molecule inhibitors targeting downstream effectors of MAPK pathway and antagonistic antibodies targeting the HVEM/BTLA axis as a potentially viable therapeutic avenue for ATC patients. With this being stated, the development of adaptive resistance to targeted therapies is inevitable; therefore, using a combination therapy that targets the TIME can serve as a preemptive tactic against the characteristic therapeutic resistance that is seen in ATC. The dynamic nature of the TME, including the immune cells, nonimmune cells, and acellular components, can serve as viable targets for combination therapy in ATC. Understanding the complex interactions of these associated cells and the paradigm in which their secretions and components can serve as immunomodulators are critical points of understanding when trying to develop therapeutics specifically tailored for the anaplastic thyroid carcinoma microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjukta Chakraborty
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA.,Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michelle Carnazza
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Tara Jarboe
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Nicole DeSouza
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Xiu-Min Li
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | | | - Jan Geliebter
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Raj K Tiwari
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA.
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8
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Liu WL, Guan Q, Wen D, Ma B, Xu WB, Hu JQ, Wei WJ, Li DS, Wang Y, Xiang J, Liao T, Ji QH. PRDM16 Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Migration via Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition by Directly Targeting Pyruvate Carboxylase in Papillary Thyroid Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:723777. [PMID: 34796170 PMCID: PMC8593917 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.723777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PRDM16 (known as MEL1), a member of the PR domain zinc finger family, has been implicated in multiple biological processes, including cancers. It is not clear yet whether PRDM16 is involved in tumor progress of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). We identified the PRDM16 expression level in PTC tissues by qRT-PCR and analyzed its relationship with clinical characteristics in both Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center (FUSCC) and TCGA cohorts. We tested the function of PRDM16 in PTC cells both in vivo and in vitro. We found a direct downstream target of PRDM16, pyruvate carboxylase (PC), by RNA-sequencing, rescue experiments, luciferase assay, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. PRDM16 was downregulated in papillary thyroid cancer tissues and was significantly related with lymph node metastases and extrathyroidal extension in both FUSCC and TCGA cohorts. Overexpression of PRDM16 could attenuate proliferation and migration of PTC cells via inhibiting the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition process. PC was upregulated in papillary thyroid cancer tissues. Knockdown of PC could inhibit proliferation and migration in TPC-1 and K1 cells. The repression effect on cell proliferation and migration from PRDM16 was PC dependent. PRDM16 could directly bind to the PC promoter and inhibit its expression at the transcription level. Moreover, the mRNA expression level of PRDM16 and PC was negatively related in human PTC tissues. In conclusion, PRDM16 exhibited an antitumor effect and EMT inhibition function in PTC by directly binding with the PC promoter. PRDM16 may be a novel therapeutic target in papillary thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Lin Liu
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Guan
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Duo Wen
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ben Ma
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Bo Xu
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia-Qian Hu
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Jun Wei
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Duan-Shu Li
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Xiang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tian Liao
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing-Hai Ji
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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9
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Viana BPPB, Gomes AVP, Gimba ERP, Ferreira LB. Osteopontin Expression in Thyroid Cancer: Deciphering EMT-Related Molecular Mechanisms. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9101372. [PMID: 34680488 PMCID: PMC8533224 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101372] [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] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most common tumor arising from the endocrine system and generally presents good prognosis. However, its aggressive subtypes are related to therapeutic resistance and early metastasis. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and its reverse process, the mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET), are key events mediating cancer progression, including in thyroid cancer. The matricellular protein osteopontin (OPN) has been reported as a master regulator of EMT in many tumor types. Although high OPN expression has been described and associated with important aspects of thyroid cancer progression, there is no clear evidence regarding OPN as a regulator of EMT in thyroid cancer. Thus, taking together the known roles of OPN in the modulation of EMT in cancer and the information reporting the expression of OPN in thyroid tumor progression, this review aims at summarizing and discussing data related to EMT in thyroid cancer and its putative relation to the roles of OPN in the development of thyroid cancer. These data provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms by which OPN could potentially modulate EMT in thyroid tumors, generating evidence for future studies that may contribute to new therapeutic, prognostic and/or diagnostic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Prunes Pena Baroni Viana
- Grupo de Hemato-Oncologia Molecular, Coordenação de Pesquisa, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Praça da Cruz Vermelha, 23, 6° andar, Rio de Janeiro 20230-130, CEP, Brazil; (B.P.P.B.V.); (A.V.P.G.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Stricto Sensu em Oncologia, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rua André Cavalcanti, 37, 3° andar, Rio de Janeiro 20231-050, CEP, Brazil
| | - Amanda Vitória Pampolha Gomes
- Grupo de Hemato-Oncologia Molecular, Coordenação de Pesquisa, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Praça da Cruz Vermelha, 23, 6° andar, Rio de Janeiro 20230-130, CEP, Brazil; (B.P.P.B.V.); (A.V.P.G.)
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua Frei Caneca, 94, Rio de Janeiro 20211-010, CEP, Brazil
| | - Etel Rodrigues Pereira Gimba
- Grupo de Hemato-Oncologia Molecular, Coordenação de Pesquisa, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Praça da Cruz Vermelha, 23, 6° andar, Rio de Janeiro 20230-130, CEP, Brazil; (B.P.P.B.V.); (A.V.P.G.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Stricto Sensu em Oncologia, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rua André Cavalcanti, 37, 3° andar, Rio de Janeiro 20231-050, CEP, Brazil
- Departamento de Ciências da Natureza, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Recife 1-7, Bela Vista, Rio das Ostras 28880-000, CEP, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biomédicas, Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Instituto Biomédico, Av. Prof. Hernani Melo, 101, Niterói 24210-130, CEP, Brazil
- Correspondence: (E.R.P.G.); (L.B.F.)
| | - Luciana Bueno Ferreira
- Grupo de Hemato-Oncologia Molecular, Coordenação de Pesquisa, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Praça da Cruz Vermelha, 23, 6° andar, Rio de Janeiro 20230-130, CEP, Brazil; (B.P.P.B.V.); (A.V.P.G.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Stricto Sensu em Oncologia, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rua André Cavalcanti, 37, 3° andar, Rio de Janeiro 20231-050, CEP, Brazil
- Correspondence: (E.R.P.G.); (L.B.F.)
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10
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Baldini E, Tuccilli C, Pironi D, Catania A, Tartaglia F, Di Matteo FM, Palumbo P, Arcieri S, Mascagni D, Palazzini G, Tripodi D, Maturo A, Vergine M, Tarroni D, Lori E, Ferent IC, De Vito C, Fallahi P, Antonelli A, Censi S, D’Armiento M, Barollo S, Mian C, Morrone A, D’Andrea V, Sorrenti S, Ulisse S. Expression and Clinical Utility of Transcription Factors Involved in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition during Thyroid Cancer Progression. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10184076. [PMID: 34575184 PMCID: PMC8469282 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10184076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factors involved in epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT-TFs) silence the genes expressed in epithelial cells (e.g., E-cadherin) while inducing those typical of mesenchymal cells (e.g., vimentin). The core set of EMT-TFs comprises Zeb1, Zeb2, Snail1, Snail2, and Twist1. To date, information concerning their expression profile and clinical utility during thyroid cancer (TC) progression is still incomplete. We evaluated the EMT-TF, E-cadherin, and vimentin mRNA levels in 95 papillary TC (PTC) and 12 anaplastic TC (ATC) tissues and correlated them with patients’ clinicopathological parameters. Afterwards, we corroborated our findings by analyzing the data provided by a case study of the TGCA network. Compared with normal tissues, the expression of E-cadherin was found reduced in PTC and more strongly in ATC, while the vimentin expression did not vary. Among the EMT-TFs analyzed, Twist1 seems to exert a prominent role in EMT, being significantly associated with a number of PTC high-risk clinicopathological features and upregulated in ATC. Nonetheless, in the multivariate analysis, none of the EMT-TFs displayed a prognostic value. These data suggest that TC progression is characterized by an incomplete EMT and that Twist1 may represent a valuable therapeutic target warranting further investigation for the treatment of more aggressive thyroid cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enke Baldini
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (C.T.); (D.P.); (A.C.); (F.T.); (F.M.D.M.); (P.P.); (S.A.); (D.M.); (G.P.); (D.T.); (A.M.); (M.V.); (D.T.); (E.L.); (I.C.F.); (V.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Chiara Tuccilli
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (C.T.); (D.P.); (A.C.); (F.T.); (F.M.D.M.); (P.P.); (S.A.); (D.M.); (G.P.); (D.T.); (A.M.); (M.V.); (D.T.); (E.L.); (I.C.F.); (V.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Daniele Pironi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (C.T.); (D.P.); (A.C.); (F.T.); (F.M.D.M.); (P.P.); (S.A.); (D.M.); (G.P.); (D.T.); (A.M.); (M.V.); (D.T.); (E.L.); (I.C.F.); (V.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Antonio Catania
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (C.T.); (D.P.); (A.C.); (F.T.); (F.M.D.M.); (P.P.); (S.A.); (D.M.); (G.P.); (D.T.); (A.M.); (M.V.); (D.T.); (E.L.); (I.C.F.); (V.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Francesco Tartaglia
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (C.T.); (D.P.); (A.C.); (F.T.); (F.M.D.M.); (P.P.); (S.A.); (D.M.); (G.P.); (D.T.); (A.M.); (M.V.); (D.T.); (E.L.); (I.C.F.); (V.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Filippo Maria Di Matteo
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (C.T.); (D.P.); (A.C.); (F.T.); (F.M.D.M.); (P.P.); (S.A.); (D.M.); (G.P.); (D.T.); (A.M.); (M.V.); (D.T.); (E.L.); (I.C.F.); (V.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Piergaspare Palumbo
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (C.T.); (D.P.); (A.C.); (F.T.); (F.M.D.M.); (P.P.); (S.A.); (D.M.); (G.P.); (D.T.); (A.M.); (M.V.); (D.T.); (E.L.); (I.C.F.); (V.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Stefano Arcieri
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (C.T.); (D.P.); (A.C.); (F.T.); (F.M.D.M.); (P.P.); (S.A.); (D.M.); (G.P.); (D.T.); (A.M.); (M.V.); (D.T.); (E.L.); (I.C.F.); (V.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Domenico Mascagni
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (C.T.); (D.P.); (A.C.); (F.T.); (F.M.D.M.); (P.P.); (S.A.); (D.M.); (G.P.); (D.T.); (A.M.); (M.V.); (D.T.); (E.L.); (I.C.F.); (V.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Giorgio Palazzini
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (C.T.); (D.P.); (A.C.); (F.T.); (F.M.D.M.); (P.P.); (S.A.); (D.M.); (G.P.); (D.T.); (A.M.); (M.V.); (D.T.); (E.L.); (I.C.F.); (V.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Domenico Tripodi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (C.T.); (D.P.); (A.C.); (F.T.); (F.M.D.M.); (P.P.); (S.A.); (D.M.); (G.P.); (D.T.); (A.M.); (M.V.); (D.T.); (E.L.); (I.C.F.); (V.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Alessandro Maturo
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (C.T.); (D.P.); (A.C.); (F.T.); (F.M.D.M.); (P.P.); (S.A.); (D.M.); (G.P.); (D.T.); (A.M.); (M.V.); (D.T.); (E.L.); (I.C.F.); (V.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Massimo Vergine
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (C.T.); (D.P.); (A.C.); (F.T.); (F.M.D.M.); (P.P.); (S.A.); (D.M.); (G.P.); (D.T.); (A.M.); (M.V.); (D.T.); (E.L.); (I.C.F.); (V.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Danilo Tarroni
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (C.T.); (D.P.); (A.C.); (F.T.); (F.M.D.M.); (P.P.); (S.A.); (D.M.); (G.P.); (D.T.); (A.M.); (M.V.); (D.T.); (E.L.); (I.C.F.); (V.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Eleonora Lori
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (C.T.); (D.P.); (A.C.); (F.T.); (F.M.D.M.); (P.P.); (S.A.); (D.M.); (G.P.); (D.T.); (A.M.); (M.V.); (D.T.); (E.L.); (I.C.F.); (V.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Iulia Catalina Ferent
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (C.T.); (D.P.); (A.C.); (F.T.); (F.M.D.M.); (P.P.); (S.A.); (D.M.); (G.P.); (D.T.); (A.M.); (M.V.); (D.T.); (E.L.); (I.C.F.); (V.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Corrado De Vito
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Poupak Fallahi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (P.F.); (A.A.)
| | - Alessandro Antonelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (P.F.); (A.A.)
| | - Simona Censi
- Department of Medicine, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (S.C.); (S.B.); (C.M.)
| | - Matteo D’Armiento
- Scientific Direction, IRCCS San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (M.D.); (A.M.)
| | - Susy Barollo
- Department of Medicine, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (S.C.); (S.B.); (C.M.)
| | - Caterina Mian
- Department of Medicine, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (S.C.); (S.B.); (C.M.)
| | - Aldo Morrone
- Scientific Direction, IRCCS San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (M.D.); (A.M.)
| | - Vito D’Andrea
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (C.T.); (D.P.); (A.C.); (F.T.); (F.M.D.M.); (P.P.); (S.A.); (D.M.); (G.P.); (D.T.); (A.M.); (M.V.); (D.T.); (E.L.); (I.C.F.); (V.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Salvatore Sorrenti
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (C.T.); (D.P.); (A.C.); (F.T.); (F.M.D.M.); (P.P.); (S.A.); (D.M.); (G.P.); (D.T.); (A.M.); (M.V.); (D.T.); (E.L.); (I.C.F.); (V.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Salvatore Ulisse
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (C.T.); (D.P.); (A.C.); (F.T.); (F.M.D.M.); (P.P.); (S.A.); (D.M.); (G.P.); (D.T.); (A.M.); (M.V.); (D.T.); (E.L.); (I.C.F.); (V.D.); (S.S.)
- Correspondence:
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11
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Jiménez-Mora E, Gallego B, Díaz-Gago S, Lasa M, Baquero P, Chiloeches A. V600EBRAF Inhibition Induces Cytoprotective Autophagy through AMPK in Thyroid Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22116033. [PMID: 34204950 PMCID: PMC8199856 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The dysregulation of autophagy is important in the development of many cancers, including thyroid cancer, where V600EBRAF is a main oncogene. Here, we analyse the effect of V600EBRAF inhibition on autophagy, the mechanisms involved in this regulation and the role of autophagy in cell survival of thyroid cancer cells. We reveal that the inhibition of V600EBRAF activity with its specific inhibitor PLX4720 or the depletion of its expression by siRNA induces autophagy in thyroid tumour cells. We show that V600EBRAF downregulation increases LKB1-AMPK signalling and decreases mTOR activity through a MEK/ERK-dependent mechanism. Moreover, we demonstrate that PLX4720 activates ULK1 and increases autophagy through the activation of the AMPK-ULK1 pathway, but not by the inhibition of mTOR. In addition, we find that autophagy blockade decreases cell viability and sensitize thyroid cancer cells to V600EBRAF inhibition by PLX4720 treatment. Finally, we generate a thyroid xenograft model to demonstrate that autophagy inhibition synergistically enhances the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of V600EBRAF inhibition in vivo. Collectively, we uncover a new role of AMPK in mediating the induction of cytoprotective autophagy by V600EBRAF inhibition. In addition, these data establish a rationale for designing an integrated therapy targeting V600EBRAF and the LKB1-AMPK-ULK1-autophagy axis for the treatment of V600EBRAF-positive thyroid tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Jiménez-Mora
- Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Campus Universitario, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28871 Madrid, Spain; (E.J.-M.); (B.G.); (S.D.-G.); (P.B.)
| | - Beatriz Gallego
- Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Campus Universitario, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28871 Madrid, Spain; (E.J.-M.); (B.G.); (S.D.-G.); (P.B.)
| | - Sergio Díaz-Gago
- Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Campus Universitario, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28871 Madrid, Spain; (E.J.-M.); (B.G.); (S.D.-G.); (P.B.)
| | - Marina Lasa
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols”, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Pablo Baquero
- Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Campus Universitario, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28871 Madrid, Spain; (E.J.-M.); (B.G.); (S.D.-G.); (P.B.)
| | - Antonio Chiloeches
- Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Campus Universitario, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28871 Madrid, Spain; (E.J.-M.); (B.G.); (S.D.-G.); (P.B.)
- Correspondence:
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12
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Wieczorek-Szukala K, Lewinski A. The Role of Snail-1 in Thyroid Cancer-What We Know So Far. J Clin Med 2021; 10:2324. [PMID: 34073413 PMCID: PMC8197874 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10112324] [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: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid carcinomas, despite the usually indolent behaviour and relatively good overall prognosis, show a high tendency to gain invasive phenotype and metastasise in some cases. However, due to a relatively slow progression, the exact mechanisms governing the metastatic process of thyroid carcinomas, including the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), are poorly described. One of the best-known regulators of cancer invasiveness is Snail-1-a zinc-finger transcription factor that plays a key role as an EMT inducer. More and more attention is being paid to the role of Snail with regard to thyroid cancer development. Apart from the obvious implications in the EMT process, Snail-1 plays an important role in the regulation of chemoresistance of the thyroid cells and cancer stem cell (CSC) formation, and it also interacts with miRNA specific to the thyroid gland. The aim of this review was to summarise the knowledge on Snail-1, especially in the context of thyroid oncogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrzej Lewinski
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Medical University of Lodz, 93-338 Lodz, Poland;
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13
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Lv N, Liu F, Cheng L, Liu F, Kuang J. The Expression of Transcription Factors is Different in Papillary Thyroid Cancer Cells during TNF - α induced EMT. J Cancer 2021; 12:2777-2786. [PMID: 33854637 PMCID: PMC8040707 DOI: 10.7150/jca.53349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Proinflammatory factor tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is an important inflammatory mediators in tumor microenvironment and autoimmune diseases, it is highly expressed in many solid tumors and tumor microenvironment, showing a tumor promoting role. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying TNF-α-increased invasion of thyroid cancer are still not fully understood. In order to explore whether TNF-α plays a key role in the process of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), we used TNF-α to induce EMT in different PTC cell lines, and observed the expression of different transcription factors and signal pathways. After TNF-α treatment, in TPC-1, Snail and ZEB2 mRNA levels did not change significantly, while Slug, Twist1, ZEB1 mRNA expression increased. In BCPAP, Snail mRNA level increased significantly (P < 0.01), while Twist1 showed a certain degree of increase only at the concentration of TNF - α 20 ng / ml (P < 0.01), but mRNA of Slug, ZEB1, ZEB2 showed no significant change. The expression of proteins was consistent with genes. The activation of different pathways did not show gene differences, and pathway inhibitors could reduce the invasion and metastasis of cells, but only NF-κB inhibitors could reverse the expression of transcription factors. Expressions of Snail and Slug in different PTC cell lines were dependent on pro-oncogene mutation, but the pathway had no differences. The establishment of this study model can enrich the research on the pathogenesis and metastasis of thyroid cancer, effectively link the inflammatory microenvironment with the occurrence and development of thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nannan Lv
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Fourth People's Hospital of Shenyang; 20 Huanghe South st, Huanggu District, Shenyang,China
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Fourth People's Hospital of Shenyang; 20 Huanghe South st, Huanggu District, Shenyang,China
| | - Lan Cheng
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Fourth People's Hospital of Shenyang; 20 Huanghe South st, Huanggu District, Shenyang,China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Fourth People's Hospital of Shenyang; 20 Huanghe South st, Huanggu District, Shenyang,China
| | - Jinsong Kuang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Fourth People's Hospital of Shenyang; 20 Huanghe South st, Huanggu District, Shenyang,China
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14
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Downregulation of Snail by DUSP1 Impairs Cell Migration and Invasion through the Inactivation of JNK and ERK and Is Useful as a Predictive Factor in the Prognosis of Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13051158. [PMID: 33800291 PMCID: PMC7962644 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dual specificity phosphatase 1 (DUSP1) is crucial in prostate cancer (PC), since its expression is downregulated in advanced carcinomas. Here, we investigated DUSP1 effects on the expression of mesenchymal marker Snail, cell migration and invasion, analyzing the underlying mechanisms mediated by mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) inhibition. To this purpose, we used different PC cells overexpressing or lacking DUSP1 or incubated with MAPKs inhibitors. Moreover, we addressed the correlation of DUSP1 expression with Snail and activated MAPKs levels in samples from patients diagnosed with benign hyperplasia or prostate carcinoma, studying its implication in tumor prognosis and survival. We found that DUSP1 downregulates Snail expression and impairs migration and invasion in PC cells. Similar results were obtained following the inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK). In clinical samples, we evidenced an inverse correlation between DUSP1 expression and Snail levels, which are further associated with JNK and ERK activation. Consequently, the pattern DUSP1high/activated JNKlow/activated ERKlow/Snaillow is associated with an overall extended survival of PC patients. In summary, the ratio between DUSP1 and Snail expression, with additional JNK and ERK activity measurement, may serve as a potential biomarker to predict the clinical outcome of PC patients. Furthermore, DUSP1 induction or inhibition of JNK and ERK pathways could be useful to treat PC.
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15
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Thyroid Carcinoma: Phenotypic Features, Underlying Biology and Potential Relevance for Targeting Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041950. [PMID: 33669363 PMCID: PMC7920269 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid carcinoma consists a group of phenotypically heterogeneous cancers. Recent advances in biological technologies have been advancing the delineation of genetic, epigenetic, and non-genetic factors that contribute to the heterogeneities of these cancers. In this review article, we discuss new findings that are greatly improving the understanding of thyroid cancer biology and facilitating the identification of novel targets for therapeutic intervention. We review the phenotypic features of different subtypes of thyroid cancers and their underlying biology. We discuss recent discoveries in thyroid cancer heterogeneities and the critical mechanisms contributing to the heterogeneity with emphases on genetic and epigenetic factors, cancer stemness traits, and tumor microenvironments. We also discuss the potential relevance of the intratumor heterogeneity in understanding therapeutic resistance and how new findings in tumor biology can facilitate designing novel targeting therapies for thyroid cancer.
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Li L, Li H, Zhang J, Gao X, Jin H, Liu R, Zhang Z, Zhang X, Wang X, Qu P, Zhao Y, Lu X. Bisphenol A at a human exposed level can promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition in papillary thyroid carcinoma harbouring BRAF V600E mutation. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:1739-1749. [PMID: 33469997 PMCID: PMC7875916 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA), a ubiquitous endocrine-disrupting chemical, alters the function of endocrine system and enhances the susceptibility to tumorigenesis in several hormone-dependent tumours as thyroid carcinoma. About 50% of papillary thyroid cancers (PTC), the most common type of thyroid malignancy, harbours the BRAFV600E mutation. This study aimed to investigate a potential combined effect of BPA exposure and BRAFV600E mutation on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in PTC. Firstly, the level of BPA in plasma, the evaluation of BRAFV600E mutation and the level of EMT-related proteins in PTC samples were individually determined. Additionally, the migration, invasion, colony formation capacity and the expression of EMT-related proteins after exposure to BPA were precisely analysed in vitro thyroid cells genetically modified by the introduction of BRAFV600E mutation. Moreover, ERK-Cox2 signalling pathway was also introduced to explore the possible mechanism in PTC development. As expected, whether the clinical investigation or cultured thyroid cells demonstrated that BPA at a concentration compatible with human exposed levels (10-7 M) synergized with the BRAFV600E mutation promoted EMT via the activation of ERK-Cox2 signalling pathway. Our findings offer some evidence that BPA as an environmental risk factor can facilitate the progression of PTC harbouring BRAFV600E mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuli Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Oromaxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xin Gao
- Department of head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University/Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, China
| | - Hao Jin
- Jin Zhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinzhou, China
| | - Renqi Liu
- Jin Zhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinzhou, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Jin Zhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinzhou, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xichang Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Peng Qu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuejiao Zhao
- Department of head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University/Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaobo Lu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Wieczorek-Szukala K, Kopczynski J, Kowalska A, Lewinski A. Snail-1 Overexpression Correlates with Metastatic Phenotype in BRAF V600E Positive Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E2701. [PMID: 32825554 PMCID: PMC7565998 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9092701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of cancer to metastasize is regulated by various signaling pathways, including transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), also implicated in the upregulation of Snail-1 transcription factor in malignant neoplasms. B-type Raf kinase gene (BRAF)V600E, the most common driving mutation in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), induces epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in thyroid cancer cells through changes in the Snail-1 level, increasing cell migration and invasion. However, little is known about the mechanism of Snail-1 and BRAFV600E relations in humans. Our study included 61 PTC patients with evaluated BRAFV600E mutation status. A total of 18 of those patients had lymph node metastases-of whom 10 were BRAFV600E positive, and 8 negative. Our findings indicate that the expression of Snail-1, but not TGFβ1, correlates with the metastatic phenotype in PTC. This is the first piece of evidence that the upregulation of Snail-1 corresponds with the presence of BRAFV600E mutation and increased expression of Snail-1 in metastatic PTC samples is dependent on BRAFV600E mutation status.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Janusz Kopczynski
- Department of Pathology, Holy Cross Cancer Center, 25-734 Kielce, Poland;
| | - Aldona Kowalska
- Endocrinology Clinic, Holy Cross Cancer Center, 25-734 Kielce, Poland;
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Jan Kochanowski University, 25-319 Kielce, Poland
| | - Andrzej Lewinski
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Medical University of Lodz, 93-338 Lodz, Poland;
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Yang C, Xu W, Gong J, Chai F, Cui D, Liu Z. Six1 Overexpression Promotes Glucose Metabolism and Invasion Through Regulation of GLUT3, MMP2 and Snail in Thyroid Cancer Cells. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:4855-4863. [PMID: 32581547 PMCID: PMC7269010 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s227291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Sineoculis homeobox homolog 1 (Six1) overexpression has been implicated in several human cancers. To date, its clinical significance and potential function in human thyroid cancer remain unclear. Methods Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the protein expression of BCAT1 in 89 cases of thyroid cancer tissues. We overexpressed and knockdown Six1 in TPC-1 and B-CPAP thyroid cancer cell lines. Biological roles and potential mechanisms of Six1 were examined using CCK-8, colony formation assay, Matrigel invasion assay, Western blot, PCR, ATP assay, and 2-NBDG uptake assay. Results We showed that Six1 protein was upregulated in thyroid cancers and was associated with tumor size and nodal metastasis. Analysis of TCGA dataset indicated that Six1 mRNA was higher in thyroid cancers compared with normal thyroid. CCK-8, colony formation and Matrigel invasion assays demonstrated that Six1 overexpression promoted proliferation, colony number and invasion while Six1 siRNA knockdown inhibited the growth rate, colony formation ability and invasive ability in both cell lines. Notably, Six1 upregulated glucose consumption, lactate production level and ATP level. 2-NBDG uptake analysis showed that Six1 overexpression upregulated glucose uptake while Six1 knockdown inhibited glucose uptake. Further analysis revealed that Six1 overexpression upregulated Snail, MMP2 and GLUT3 at both mRNA and protein levels. TCGA analysis demonstrated positive associations between Six1 and Snail, MMP2 and GLUT3 at the mRNA levels. Conclusion Taken together, our data demonstrated that Six1 was upregulated in human thyroid cancers and promoted cell proliferation and invasion. Our data also revealed new roles of Six1 in thyroid cancer development by modulating glucose metabolism and invasion, possibly through regulation of Snail, MMP2 and GLUT3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanjia Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Weixue Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Gong
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Life Science and Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Chai
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongxu Cui
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, People's Republic of China
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Shakib H, Rajabi S, Dehghan MH, Mashayekhi FJ, Safari-Alighiarloo N, Hedayati M. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in thyroid cancer: a comprehensive review. Endocrine 2019; 66:435-455. [PMID: 31378850 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-019-02030-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Metastatic progression of solid tumors, such as thyroid cancer is a complex process which involves various factors. Current understanding on the role of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in thyroid carcinomas suggests that EMT is implicated in the progression from follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) and papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) to poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) and anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC). According to the literature, the initiation of the EMT program in thyroid epithelial cells elevates the number of stem cells, which contribute to recurrent and metastatic diseases. The EMT process is orchestrated by a complex network of transcription factors, growth factors, signaling cascades, epigenetic modulations, and the tumor milieu. These factors have been shown to be dysregulated in thyroid carcinomas. Therefore, molecular interferences restoring the expression of tumor suppressors, or thwarting overexpressed oncogenes is a hopeful therapeutic method to improve the treatment of progressive diseases. In this review, we summarize the recent findings on EMT in thyroid cancer focusing on the main role-players and regulators of this process in thyroid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heewa Shakib
- Cellular and Molecular Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sadegh Rajabi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Nahid Safari-Alighiarloo
- Endocrine Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Hedayati
- Cellular and Molecular Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Oh K, Cho S, Yoon H, Lee J, Ahn S, Hong S. High prevalence of
BRAF
V600E mutations in Korean patients with ameloblastoma: Clinicopathological significance and correlation with epithelial‐mesenchymal transition. J Oral Pathol Med 2019; 48:413-420. [DOI: 10.1111/jop.12851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kyu‐Young Oh
- Department of Oral Pathology School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute Seoul National University Seoul Korea
- Shinan‐gun Public Health Center Shinan‐gun Jeollanam‐do Korea
| | - Sung‐Dae Cho
- Department of Oral Pathology School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute Seoul National University Seoul Korea
| | - Hye‐Jung Yoon
- Department of Oral Pathology School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute Seoul National University Seoul Korea
| | - Jae‐Il Lee
- Department of Oral Pathology School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute Seoul National University Seoul Korea
| | - Sun‐Ha Ahn
- Department of Oral Hygiene Kyungbuk College Yeongju Korea
| | - Seong‐Doo Hong
- Department of Oral Pathology School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute Seoul National University Seoul Korea
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Pak K, Suh S, Goh TS, Kim SJ, Oh SO, Seok JW, Kim IJ, Kim YH. BRAF-positive multifocal and unifocal papillary thyroid cancer show different messenger RNA expressions. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2019; 90:601-607. [PMID: 30592330 DOI: 10.1111/cen.13928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Thyroid cancer is the most common malignant endocrine tumour, and its incidence has continuously increased worldwide over the past three decades. We focused on the association of multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) with messenger RNA (mRNA) expression to characterize how molecular and histopathologic features relate to multifocality. DESIGN A retrospective cohort study. PATIENTS The primary and processed data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas. A total of 490 patients were included in this study. METHODS The statistical significance of differences in sex, age, histology, LN metastasis and recurrence were analysed using chi-squared test. To identify differentially expressed genes between BRAF (+) multifocal and unifocal PTCs and between BRAF (-) multifocal and unifocal PTCs, we used the Significance Analysis of Microarray. Over-representation analysis is conducted using CPDB. RESULTS A total of 237 patients had BRAF (+) PTCs, whereas 253 had BRAF (-) PTCs. There were 110 patients with multifocal PTCs and 127 with unifocal PTCs in the BRAF (+) group and 116 patients with multifocal PTCs and 137 with unifocal PTCs in the BRAF (-) group. In BRAF (+) group, multifocal PTCs had increased expression of 158 mRNAs as compared to that in unifocal PTCs. Ten mRNAs were involved in Wnt-related pathways, and seven mRNAs were included in pluripotency-related pathways. CONCLUSION Multifocal PTCs have higher expression of mRNAs in Wnt- and pluripotency-related pathways when BRAF mutation is present. This might be the mechanism that accounts for the difference between multifocal and unifocal PTCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoungjune Pak
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Sunghwan Suh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Tae Sik Goh
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Seong-Jang Kim
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Research Institute for Convergence of Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Sae-Ock Oh
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Ju Won Seok
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - In Joo Kim
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Yun Hak Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea
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de Castro TP, Penha RCC, Buexm LA, de Carvalho FN, Oliveira RDVC, Agarez FV, Pinto LW, Carvalho DP. Molecular Predictors for Advanced Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Recurrence. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:839. [PMID: 31866944 PMCID: PMC6907036 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite its indolent course, one-third of the papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) cases relapses, which directly impact on the quality of patients' lives. The molecular predictors of recurrence of PTC are poorly defined. We aimed at evaluating the long-term (10-20 years) prognostic value of aggressiveness markers in advanced PTC. To this end, immunohistochemistry for BRAFV600E, Estrogen receptor α, Progesterone receptor, Ki-67, and E-cadherin were performed in 53 primary advanced PTC from an up to 20 years follow-up patients from a well-characterized Brazilian cohort. Categorical data were summarized using frequencies and groups were compared using Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests. The expressions of the aggressiveness markers were associated with clinical-pathological data using the single-covariate logistic regression analysis. The Kaplan-Meier method with the Log-rank and Peto tests was used to estimate the probability of PTC-free survival. Persistence and recurrence (active disease) were associated with age (≥55 years), tumor size (>2 cm), extrathyroidal extension, local aggressiveness, macroscopic lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage at initial treatment. The BRAFV600E mutation status was associated with extrathyroidal extension, local aggressiveness, and inversely associated with distant metastasis at initial treatment. All progesterone receptor-positive patients had active disease and displayed a shorter time of PTC-free survival than the negative ones using the Kaplan-Meir analysis (p = 0.001, Log Rank; p = 0.005, Peto). Loss of E-cadherin expression was associated with an increase in the probability of active disease (OR = 3.75). BRAFV600E could be useful as a biomarker of local aggressiveness, while PR positive and E-cadherin loss of expression could predict the recurrence of advanced PTC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luisa Aguirre Buexm
- Molecular Carcinogenesis Program, Research Center, National Institute of Cancer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Denise P. Carvalho
- Endocrine Physiology Laboratory Doris Rosenthal, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Denise P. Carvalho
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Liang WQ, Zeng D, Chen CF, Sun SM, Lu XF, Peng CY, Lin HY. Long noncoding RNA H19 is a critical oncogenic driver and contributes to epithelial-mesenchymal transition in papillary thyroid carcinoma. Cancer Manag Res 2019; 11:2059-2072. [PMID: 30881130 PMCID: PMC6411319 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s195906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growing evidence has indicated that the long noncoding RNA H19 (lncRNA H19), frequently deregulated in almost all tumor types tested, acted as a pivotal contributor to both cancer initiation and progression. However, the role of lncRNA H19 in human papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remains controversial. The aim of the study was to investigate the expression and potential function of lncRNA H19 in human PTC. PATIENTS AND METHODS The lncRNA H19 level was determined by quantitative real-time (RT)-PCR analyses in 58 PTC tissue samples and their paired paracancerous tissue samples. RNA interference, RT-PCR analysis, and Western blot assay were used to determine the impact of lncRNA H19 on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in human PTC cells. The migratory and invasive capacities of PTC cells were determined by wound-healing and transwell migration and invasion assays. RESULTS lncRNA H19 expression was 2.417-fold higher in PTC tissues than their paired paracancerous tissue (95% CI: 1.898-2.935, P<0.0001). Higher level of lncRNA H19 was correlated to elevated expression of Vimentin, ZEB2, Twist, and Snail2. Inhibition of lncRNA H19 resulted in upregulation of E-cadherin and downregulation of Vimentin both at mRNA and protein levels. Conversely, enforced expression of the exogenous lncRNA H19 led to E-cadherin mRNA and protein downregulation and relative upregulation of Vimentin. Moreover, wound-healing and transwell migration and invasion assays showed that lncRNA H19 could promote the migratory and invasive abilities of PTC cells. CONCLUSION The level of lncRNA H19 was significantly higher in PTC tissues than paired paracancerous tissue or normal tissues. Overexpression of lncRNA H19 was correlated with higher tumor burden of PTC. It also contributes to EMT process, as well as promotes migration and invasion of PTC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Quan Liang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515000, People's Republic of China,
| | - De Zeng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515031, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun-Fa Chen
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515000, People's Republic of China,
| | - Shu-Ming Sun
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515000, People's Republic of China,
| | - Xiao-Feng Lu
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515000, People's Republic of China,
| | - Chun-Yan Peng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Taihe Hospital of Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei 442008, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao-Yu Lin
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515000, People's Republic of China,
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Nikitski AV, Rominski SL, Wankhede M, Kelly LM, Panebianco F, Barila G, Altschuler DL, Nikiforov YE. Mouse Model of Poorly Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma Driven by STRN-ALK Fusion. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2018; 188:2653-2661. [PMID: 30125543 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2018.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Chromosomal rearrangements of the ALK gene, which lead to constitutive activation of ALK tyrosine kinase, are found in various cancers. In thyroid cancers, ALK fusions, most commonly the STRN-ALK fusion, are detected in papillary thyroid cancer and with higher frequency in poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid cancers. Our aim was to establish a mouse model of thyroid-specific expression of STRN-ALK and to test whether this fusion drives the development of thyroid cancer with a propensity for dedifferentiation. Transgenic Tg-STRN-ALK mice with thyroglobulin-controlled expression of STRN-ALK were generated and aged with or without goitrogen treatment. Thyroids from these mice were subjected to histologic and immunohistochemical analysis. Transgenic mice with thyroid-specific expression of STRN-ALK developed poorly differentiated thyroid tumors by the age of 12 months in 22% of mice without goitrogen treatment and in 36% of mice with goitrogen treatment. Histologically and immunohistochemically, the tumors resembled poorly differentiated thyroid cancers in humans, demonstrating a solid growth pattern with sheets of round or spindle-shaped cells, decreased expression of thyroglobulin, and a tendency to lose E-cadherin. In this study, we report a novel mouse model of poorly differentiated thyroid cancer driven by the STRN-ALK oncogene with phenotypic features closely recapitulating human tumor, and with a more pronounced phenotype after additional thyroid-stimulating hormone stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susan L Rominski
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Mamta Wankhede
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Lindsey M Kelly
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Guillermo Barila
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Daniel L Altschuler
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Yuri E Nikiforov
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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In papillary thyroid carcinoma, expression by immunohistochemistry of BRAF V600E, PD-L1, and PD-1 is closely related. Virchows Arch 2018; 472:779-787. [PMID: 29651624 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-018-2357-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies targeting PD-L1/PD-1 have been shown to be effective in treating several types of human cancer. In papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), little is known about the expression of PD-L1/PD-1 in the tumor microenvironment or its potential correlation with BRAF V600E mutation status. In this study, we examined the expression of PD-L1, PD-1, and BRAF V600E in PTC by immunohistochemistry and investigated the clinical significance of expression status. We studied the expression of PD-L1, PD-1, and BRAF V600E by immunohistochemical staining in 110 cases of PTC with a diameter > 1 cm. Cases with a background of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (CLT) were excluded, as differentiating lymphocytes in the context of CLT from tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) is difficult. We classified PD-L1+/PD-1+ expression as type 1 (41%), PD-L1-/PD-1- as type 2 (17%), PD-L1+/PD-1- as type 3 (5%), and PD-L1-/PD-1+ as type 4 (37%). Significant correlations were found between expression of BRAF V600E and that of PD-L1 and PD-1. The positive correlation observed between expression of BRAF V600E and PD-L1/PD-1 suggests that immunotherapies targeting PD-L1/PD-1 might be effective for PTC patients with the BRAF V600E mutation, which are refractory to radioiodine therapy.
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26
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Wnt Signaling in Thyroid Homeostasis and Carcinogenesis. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9040204. [PMID: 29642644 PMCID: PMC5924546 DOI: 10.3390/genes9040204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wnt pathway is essential for stem cell maintenance, but little is known about its role in thyroid hormone signaling and thyroid stem cell survival and maintenance. In addition, the role of Wnt signaling in thyroid cancer progenitor cells is also unclear. Here, we present emerging evidence for the role of Wnt signaling in somatic thyroid stem cell and thyroid cancer stem cell function. An improved understanding of the role of Wnt signaling in thyroid physiology and carcinogenesis is essential for improving both thyroid disease diagnostics and therapeutics.
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CRLF1 promotes malignant phenotypes of papillary thyroid carcinoma by activating the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways. Cell Death Dis 2018. [PMID: 29515111 PMCID: PMC5841418 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0352-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the one of the most common types of endocrine cancer and has a heterogeneous prognosis. Tumors from patients with poor prognosis may differentially express specific genes. Therefore, an analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was performed and revealed that cytokine receptor-like factor 1 (CRLF1) may be a potential novel target for PTC treatment. The objective of the current study was to explore the expression of CRLF1 in PTC and to investigate the main functions and mechanisms of CRLF1 in PTC. PTC tissues exhibited higher CRLF1 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels than it did with normal thyroid tissues. High CRLF1 levels were associated with aggressive clinicopathological features and poor disease-free survival rates. By using loss-of-function and gain-of-function assays, we found that CRLF1 not only increased cell migration and invasion in vitro but also promoted tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, CRLF1 induced epithelial–mesenchymal transitions. Overexpression of CRLF1 activated the ERK1/2 and AKT pathways. The oncogenic effects induced by CRLF1 were suppressed by treating the cells with the MEK inhibitor U0126 or the AKT inhibitor MK-2206. These results suggest that CRLF1 enhances cell proliferation and metastasis in PTC and thus may therefore be a potential therapeutic target for PTC.
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Byeon HK, Na HJ, Yang YJ, Ko S, Yoon SO, Ku M, Yang J, Kim JW, Ban MJ, Kim JH, Kim DH, Kim JM, Choi EC, Kim CH, Yoon JH, Koh YW. Acquired resistance to BRAF inhibition induces epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in BRAF (V600E) mutant thyroid cancer by c-Met-mediated AKT activation. Oncotarget 2018; 8:596-609. [PMID: 27880942 PMCID: PMC5352181 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously, the authors have identified that c-Met mediates reactivation of the PI3K/AKT pathway following BRAF inhibitor treatment in BRAF (V600E) mutant anaplastic thyroid cancer, thereby contributing to the acquired drug resistance. Therefore dual inhibition of BRAF and c-Met led to sustained treatment response, thereby maximizing the specific anti-tumor effect of targeted therapy. The present study goes one step further and aims to investigate the effect of acquired resistance of BRAF inhibitor on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in BRAF mutant thyroid cancer cells and the effect of dual inhibition from combinatorial therapy. Two thyroid cancer cell lines, 8505C and BCPAP were selected and treated with BRAF inhibitor, PLX4032 and its effect on EMT were examined and compared. Further investigation was carried out in orthotopic xenograft mouse models. Unlike BCPAP cells, the BRAF inhibitor resistant 8505C cells showed increased expressions of EMT related markers such as vimentin, β-catenin, and CD44. The combinatorial treatment of PLX4032 and PHA665752, a c-Met inhibitor reversed EMT. Similar results were confirmed in vivo. c-Met-mediated reactivation of the PI3K/AKT pathway contributes to the drug resistance to PLX4032 in BRAF (V600E) mutant anaplastic thyroid cancer cells and further promotes tumor cell migration and invasion by upregulated EMT mechanism. Dual inhibition of BRAF and c-Met leads to reversal of EMT, suggesting a maximal therapeutic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung Kwon Byeon
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwi Jung Na
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon Ju Yang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sooah Ko
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Och Yoon
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Minhee Ku
- Department of Radiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaemoon Yang
- Department of Radiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,YUHS-KRIBB Medical Convergence Research Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Wook Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung Jin Ban
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hoon Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Da Hee Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Min Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Chang Choi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Hoon Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,The Airway Mucus Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo-Heon Yoon
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,The Airway Mucus Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Research Center for Human Natural Defense System, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Woo Koh
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,The Airway Mucus Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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29
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Tarabichi M, Antoniou A, Le Pennec S, Gacquer D, de Saint Aubain N, Craciun L, Cielen T, Laios I, Larsimont D, Andry G, Dumont JE, Maenhaut C, Detours V. Distinctive Desmoplastic 3D Morphology Associated With BRAFV600E in Papillary Thyroid Cancers. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2018; 103:1102-1111. [PMID: 29342254 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2017-02279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Although 60% of papillary thyroid carcinomas are BRAFV600E mutant (PTCV600E), the increased aggressiveness of these cancers is still debated. OBJECTIVE For PTCV600E we aimed to further characterize the extent of the stroma and its activation, the three-dimensional (3D) tumor-stroma interface, and the proliferation rates of tumor and stromal fibroblasts. DESIGN We analyzed exomes, transcriptomes, and images of 364 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTCs) from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), including 211 PTCV600E; stained 22 independent PTCs for BRAFV600E and Ki67; sequenced the exomes and stained BRAFV600E in 5 primary tumor blocks and 4 nodal metastases from one patient with PTCV600E; and reconstructed the 3D volumes of one tumor and one metastatic block at histological resolution. RESULTS In TCGA, BRAFV600E was associated with higher expression of proliferation markers and lower expression of thyroid differentiation markers, independently of tumor purity. Moreover, PTCV600E, in line with their overall lower purity, also had higher expression of fibroblast- and T cell-associated genes and presented more fibrosis. Tumor cells that appeared disconnected on two-dimensional histological slices were revealed to be part of a unique tumor component in the 3D reconstructed microvolumes, and they formed a surprisingly complex connected space, infiltrating a proliferative stroma. Finally, in our PTC set, both stromal fibroblasts and tumor cells presented higher proliferation rates in PTCV600E. CONCLUSIONS Our results support the increased aggressiveness associated with BRAFV600E in PTC and shed light on the important role of the stroma in tumor expansion. The greater and more active fibrotic component predicts better efficiency of combined targeted treatments, as previously proposed for melanomaV600E.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Tarabichi
- Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Aline Antoniou
- Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and Biotechnology Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Soazig Le Pennec
- Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - David Gacquer
- Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicolas de Saint Aubain
- Department of Pathology, Jules Bordet Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ligia Craciun
- Department of Pathology, Jules Bordet Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thierry Cielen
- Department of Pathology, Jules Bordet Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ioanna Laios
- Department of Pathology, Jules Bordet Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Denis Larsimont
- Department of Pathology, Jules Bordet Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Guy Andry
- Surgery Department, Jules Bordet Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jacques Emile Dumont
- Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Carine Maenhaut
- Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and Biotechnology Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Vincent Detours
- Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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30
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Cui D, Zhao Y, Xu J. Activated CXCL5-CXCR2 axis promotes the migration, invasion and EMT of papillary thyroid carcinoma cells via modulation of β-catenin pathway. Biochimie 2018; 148:1-11. [PMID: 29471001 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2018.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Initiation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is common in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and may contribute to its metastasis. Aims of the present study are to investigate whether and how the C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL)-5/C-X-C motif receptor 2 (CXCR2) axis affects PTC metastasis, with a focus on the EMT process. Herein, two PTC cell lines, KTC-1 and B-CPAP cells, identified as CXCR2-positive cells were used as the cell model. We found that a 24-h stimulation of 1 or 10 nM recombinant human CXCL5 (rhCXCL5) enhanced the migration and invasion of both KTC-1 and B-CPAP cells without affecting their proliferation. The migration- and invasion-promoting effects of rhCXCL5 were attenuated if CXCR2 was silenced by its specific short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs). EMT initiation is defined as downregulation of epithelial-cadherin (E-cadherin) and upregulation of N-cadherin, Vimentin and Snail. Our data showed that rhCXCL5-induced EMT in PTC cells was suppressed by CXCR2 shRNA. Furthermore, the active CXCL5-CXCR2 axis enhanced the phosphorylation of Akt at Ser 473 residue and that of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3β) at Ser 9 residue, and accelerated the nuclear accumulation of β-catenin in PTC cells. Re-expression of the active form of β-catenin in PTC cells rescued their impaired invasiveness caused by the blockade of CXCL5-CXCR2 axis. In addition, CXCL5 and CXCR2 were overexpressed in the metastatic lymph nodes obtained from 18 patients with PTC. In summary, our study demonstrates that the activated CXCL5-CXCR2 axis contributes to the metastatic phenotype of PTC cells by modulating Akt/GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Cui
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116023, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yongfu Zhao
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116023, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingchao Xu
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116023, People's Republic of China
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31
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Tesselaar MH, Smit JW, Nagarajah J, Netea-Maier RT, Plantinga TS. Pathological processes and therapeutic advances in radioiodide refractory thyroid cancer. J Mol Endocrinol 2017; 59:R141-R154. [PMID: 28931558 DOI: 10.1530/jme-17-0134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
While in most patients with non-medullary thyroid cancer (TC), disease remission is achieved by thyroidectomy and ablation of tumor remnants by radioactive iodide (RAI), a substantial subgroup of patients with metastatic disease present tumor lesions that have acquired RAI resistance as a result of dedifferentiation. Although oncogenic mutations in BRAF, TERT promoter and TP53 are associated with an increased propensity for induction of dedifferentiation, the role of genetic and epigenetic aberrations and their effects on important intracellular signaling pathways is not yet fully elucidated. Also immune, metabolic, stemness and microRNA pathways have emerged as important determinants of TC dedifferentiation and RAI resistance. These signaling pathways have major clinical implications since their targeting could inhibit TC progression and could enable redifferentiation to restore RAI sensitivity. In this review, we discuss the current insights into the pathological processes conferring dedifferentiation and RAI resistance in TC and elaborate on novel advances in diagnostics and therapy to improve the clinical outcome of RAI-refractory TC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika H Tesselaar
- Department of PathologyRadboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes W Smit
- Internal MedicineDivision of Endocrinology Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - James Nagarajah
- Radiology & Nuclear MedicineRadboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Romana T Netea-Maier
- Internal MedicineDivision of Endocrinology Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Theo S Plantinga
- Department of PathologyRadboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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32
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Anelli V, Villefranc JA, Chhangawala S, Martinez-McFaline R, Riva E, Nguyen A, Verma A, Bareja R, Chen Z, Scognamiglio T, Elemento O, Houvras Y. Oncogenic BRAF disrupts thyroid morphogenesis and function via twist expression. eLife 2017; 6:e20728. [PMID: 28350298 PMCID: PMC5389860 DOI: 10.7554/elife.20728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is common, yet the sequence of alterations that promote tumor formation are incompletely understood. Here, we describe a novel model of thyroid carcinoma in zebrafish that reveals temporal changes due to BRAFV600E. Through the use of real-time in vivo imaging, we observe disruption in thyroid follicle structure that occurs early in thyroid development. Combinatorial treatment using BRAF and MEK inhibitors reversed the developmental effects induced by BRAFV600E. Adult zebrafish expressing BRAFV600E in thyrocytes developed invasive carcinoma. We identified a gene expression signature from zebrafish thyroid cancer that is predictive of disease-free survival in patients with papillary thyroid cancer. Gene expression studies nominated TWIST2 as a key effector downstream of BRAF. Using CRISPR/Cas9 to genetically inactivate a TWIST2 orthologue, we suppressed the effects of BRAFV600E and restored thyroid morphology and hormone synthesis. These data suggest that expression of TWIST2 plays a role in an early step of BRAFV600E-mediated transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Anelli
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, United States
| | - Jacques A Villefranc
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, United States
| | - Sagar Chhangawala
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, United States
| | - Raul Martinez-McFaline
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, United States
| | - Eleonora Riva
- Section of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Science, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Anvy Nguyen
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, United States
| | - Akanksha Verma
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, United States
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, United States
| | - Rohan Bareja
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, United States
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, United States
| | - Zhengming Chen
- Department of Healthcare Policy & Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, United States
| | - Theresa Scognamiglio
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, United States
| | - Olivier Elemento
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, United States
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, United States
| | - Yariv Houvras
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, United States
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, United States
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, United States
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33
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Xu X, Lu Y, Li Y, Prinz RA. Sonic Hedgehog Signaling in Thyroid Cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:284. [PMID: 29163356 PMCID: PMC5670164 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most common malignancy of the endocrine system. The initiation of thyroid cancer is often triggered by a genetic mutation in the phosphortidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) or mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, such as RAS and BRAF, or by the rearrangement of growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase genes such as RET/PTC. The sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway is evolutionarily conserved and plays an important role in the embryonic development of normal tissues and organs. Gene mutations in the Shh pathway are involved in basal cell carcinomas (BCC). Activation of the Shh pathway due to overexpression of the genes encoding the components of this pathway stimulates the growth and spread of a wide range of cancer types. The Shh pathway also plays an important role in cancer stem cell (CSC) self-renewal. GDC-0449 and LDE-225, two inhibitors of this pathway, have been approved for treating BCC and are being tested as a single agent or in combination with other drugs for treating various other cancers. Here, we review the recent findings on activation of the Shh pathway in thyroid cancer and its role in maintaining thyroid CSC self-renewal. We also summarize the recent developments on crosstalk of the Shh pathway with the MAPK and PI3K oncogenic pathways, and its implications for combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiulong Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Comparative Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
- *Correspondence: Xiulong Xu, ,
| | - Yurong Lu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Comparative Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yi Li
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Richard A. Prinz
- Department of Surgery, NorthShore University Health System, Evanston, IL, United States
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34
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Sponziello M, Rosignolo F, Celano M, Maggisano V, Pecce V, De Rose RF, Lombardo GE, Durante C, Filetti S, Damante G, Russo D, Bulotta S. Fibronectin-1 expression is increased in aggressive thyroid cancer and favors the migration and invasion of cancer cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 431:123-32. [PMID: 27173027 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In this study we analyzed the expression levels of markers of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in several papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) and the relation with tumor genotypes and clinicopathological characteristics. The role of fibronectin-1 (FN1) was investigated by analyzing the effects of FN1 silencing in two human thyroid cancer cell lines. Most of EMT markers were significantly over-expressed in a group of 36 PTCs. In particular, FN1 mRNA levels were higher in tumor vs non-tumor tissue (117.3, p < 0.001) and also in aggressive and BRAF(V600E) samples. Similar results were observed (and confirmed at the protein level) when FN1 expression was analyzed in a validation group of 50 PTCs and six lymph node (LN) metastases. Silencing of FN1 in TPC-1 and BCPAP thyroid cancer cells significantly reduced proliferation, adhesion, migration, and invasion in both cell lines. Collectively, our data indicate that FN1 overexpression is an important determinant of thyroid cancer aggressiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marialuisa Sponziello
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Rosignolo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Marilena Celano
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Valentina Maggisano
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Valeria Pecce
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Cosimo Durante
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Filetti
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Damante
- Institute of Medical Genetics, "S. Maria della Misericordia" University Hospital, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Diego Russo
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Stefania Bulotta
- Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
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35
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Mitchell B, Dhingra JK, Mahalingam M. BRAF and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition: Lessons From Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma and Primary Cutaneous Melanoma. Adv Anat Pathol 2016; 23:244-71. [PMID: 27145091 DOI: 10.1097/pap.0000000000000113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The increased prevalence of BRAF mutations in thyroid carcinoma and primary cutaneous melanoma (PCM) hint that dysregulation of BRAF might contribute to the noted association between PCM and thyroid carcinoma. A recent study evaluating the rate of BRAFV600E mutations among patients who had been diagnosed with primary papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and PCM showed that patients with either PCM or PTC were at an increased risk of developing the other as a second primary malignant neoplasm. Furthermore, the authors noted that samples from patients suffering from both malignancies exhibited a higher rate of incidence of the BRAFV600E mutation, compared with patients not suffering from both malignancies. These studies support the hypothesis that the pathogenesis of these 2 malignancies might share a conserved molecular pattern associated with dysregulation of the BRAF protein. One mechanism through which BRAF might contribute to PCM and thyroid carcinoma progression is through induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Specifically, the Snail/E-cadherin axis has been demonstrated as a pathway dysregulated by BRAF, leading to EMT in both malignancies. Our analysis focuses on the results of these recent investigations, and through a review of select molecules relevant to EMT, looks to provide a context by which to better understand the relevance and role of stromal-parenchymal signaling and the BRAF mutation in the pathogenesis of PTC and PCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendon Mitchell
- *University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL †Department of Otolaryngology, Tufts Medical center, Boston, MA ‡Dermatopathology Section, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, VA Consolidated Laboratories, West Roxbury, MA
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36
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Zhang L, Cheng X, Gao Y, Zhang C, Bao J, Guan H, Yu H, Lu R, Xu Q, Sun Y. Curcumin inhibits metastasis in human papillary thyroid carcinoma BCPAP cells via down-regulation of the TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling pathway. Exp Cell Res 2016; 341:157-65. [PMID: 26826337 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2016.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Revised: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Thyroid cancers usually possess a good prognosis while the risks of recurrence and metastasis turn out to be a disturbing issue. Curcumin [bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione] is a natural polyphenolic compound mainly found in turmeric (Curcuma longa). Our previous studies have demonstrated that curcumin showed proliferation-inhibitory and apoptosis-inducing effects on K1 papillary thyroid cancer cells. However, the mechanism underlying the inhibition effects of curcumin on thyroid cancer cells remains unclear. Herein, we demonstrated that curcumin remarkably increased the expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin and repressed the expression of the mesenchymal marker vimentin in human papillary thyroid carcinoma BCPAP cells. Curcumin also suppressed multiple metastatic steps of BCPAP cells, including cell attachment, spreading as well as migration. In addition, the transcription, secretion and activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in BCPAP cells were mitigated upon curcumin treatment. Further evidence showed that curcumin decreased TGF-β1-mediated phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3. These results revealed that curcumin inhibited the TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) via down-regulation of Smad2/3 signaling pathways. Our findings provide new evidence that the anti-metastatic and anti-EMT activities of curcumin may contribute to the development of chemo-preventive agents for thyroid cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xian Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanyan Gao
- Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chiyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiandong Bao
- Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haixia Guan
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism and Institute of Endocrinology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Huixin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rongrong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Qiang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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37
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Baquero P, Jiménez-Mora E, Santos A, Lasa M, Chiloeches A. TGFβ induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition of thyroid cancer cells by both the BRAF/MEK/ERK and Src/FAK pathways. Mol Carcinog 2015; 55:1639-1654. [PMID: 26392228 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Revised: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a crucial process in tumour progression, by which epithelial cells acquire a mesenchymal phenotype, increasing its motility and the ability to invade distant sites. Here, we describe the molecular mechanisms by which V600E BRAF, TGFβ and the Src/FAK complex cooperatively regulate EMT induction and cell motility of anaplastic thyroid cancer cells. Analysis of EMT marker levels reveals a positive correlation between TGFβ and Snail expression, with a concomitant downregulation of E-cadherin, accompanied by an increase of cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, we show that V600E BRAF depletion by siRNA or inhibition of its activity by treatment with its inhibitor PLX4720 reverses the TGFβ-mediated effects on Snail, E-cadherin, migration and invasion. Moreover, V600E BRAF induces TGFβ secretion through a MEK/ERK-dependent mechanism. In addition, TGFβ activates the Src/FAK complex, which in turn regulates the expression of Snail and E-cadherin as well as cell migration. The inhibition of Src with the inhibitor SU6656 or abrogation of FAK expression with a specific siRNA reverses the TGFβ-induced effects. Interestingly, we demonstrate that activation of the Src/FAK complex by TGFβ is independent of V600E BRAF signalling, since inhibition of this oncogene does not affect its phosphorylation. Our data strongly suggest that TGFβ induces EMT and aggressiveness of thyroid cancer cells by parallel mechanisms involving both the V600E BRAF/MEK/ERK and Src/FAK pathways independently. Thus, we describe novel functions for Src/FAK in mediating the EMT program and aggressiveness regulated by TGFβ, establishing the inhibition of these proteins as a possible effective approach in preventing tumour progression of V600E BRAF-expressing thyroid tumours. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Baquero
- Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Alcalá, Campus Universitario, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Jiménez-Mora
- Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Alcalá, Campus Universitario, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adrián Santos
- Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Alcalá, Campus Universitario, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Lasa
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols", CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Chiloeches
- Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Alcalá, Campus Universitario, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.
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Ingeson-Carlsson C, Martinez-Monleon A, Nilsson M. Differential effects of MAPK pathway inhibitors on migration and invasiveness of BRAF(V600E) mutant thyroid cancer cells in 2D and 3D culture. Exp Cell Res 2015; 338:127-35. [PMID: 26384551 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2015.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Revised: 07/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment influences targeted drug therapy. In this study we compared drug responses to RAF and MEK inhibitors on tumor cell migration in 2D and 3D culture of BRAF(V600E) mutant cell lines derived from human papillary (BCPAP) and anaplastic (SW1736) thyroid carcinomas. Scratch wounding was compared to a double-layered collagen gel model developed for analysis of directed tumor cell invasion during prolonged culture. In BCPAP both PLX4720 and U0126 inhibited growth and migration in 2D and decreased tumor cell survival in 3D. In SW1736 drugs had no effect on migration in 2D but decreased invasion in 3D, however this related to reduced growth. Dual inhibition of BRAF(V600E) and MEK reduced but did not prevent SW1736 invasion although rebound phosphorylation of ERK in response to PLX4720 was blocked by U0126. These findings indicate that anti-tumor drug effects in vitro differ depending on culture conditions (2D vs. 3D) and that the invasive features of anaplastic thyroid cancer depend on non-MEK mechanism(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Ingeson-Carlsson
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden.
| | - Angela Martinez-Monleon
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden.
| | - Mikael Nilsson
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden.
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Lorenc Z, Opiłka MN, Kruszniewska-Rajs C, Rajs A, Waniczek D, Starzewska M, Lorenc J, Mazurek U. Expression Level of Genes Coding for Cell Adhesion Molecules of Cadherin Group in Colorectal Cancer Patients. Med Sci Monit 2015; 21:2031-40. [PMID: 26167814 PMCID: PMC4514365 DOI: 10.12659/msm.893610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed neoplasms and also one of the main death causes. Cell adhesion molecules are taking part in specific junctions, contributing to tissue integrality. Lower expression of the cadherins may be correlated with poorer differentiation of the CRC, and its more aggressive phenotype. The aim of the study is to designate the cadherin genes potentially useful for the diagnostics, prognostics, and the treatment of CRC. Material/Method Specimens were collected from 28 persons (14 female and 14 male), who were operated for CRC. The molecular analysis was performed using oligonucleotide microarrays, mRNA used was collected from adenocarcinoma, and macroscopically healthy tissue. The results were validated using qRT-PCR technique. Results Agglomerative hierarchical clustering of normalized mRNA levels has shown 4 groups with statistically different gene expression. The control group was divided into 2 groups, the one was appropriate control (C1), the second (C2) had the genetic properties of the CRC, without pathological changes histologically and macroscopically. The other 2 groups were: LSC (Low stage cancer) and HSC (High stage cancer). Consolidated results of the fluorescency of all of the differential genes, designated two coding E-cadherin (CDH1) with the lower expression, and P-cadherin (CDH3) with higher expression in CRC tissue. Conclusions The levels of genes expression are different for several groups of cadherins, and are related with the stage of CRC, therefore could be potentially the useful marker of the stage of the disease, also applicable in treatment and diagnostics of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zbigniew Lorenc
- Chair and Clinical Department of General, Colorectal and Trauma Surgery, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Mieszko Norbert Opiłka
- Chair and Clinical Department of General, Colorectal and Trauma Surgery, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | | | - Antoni Rajs
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Dariusz Waniczek
- Department of Propedeutics Surgery, Chair of General, Colorectal and Polytrauma Surgery, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Starzewska
- Chair and Clinical Department of General, Colorectal and Trauma Surgery, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Justyna Lorenc
- Chair and Clinical Department of General, Colorectal and Trauma Surgery, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Urszula Mazurek
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
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Miccoli P, Torregrossa L, Borrelli N, Materazzi G, Cacciato Insilla A, Miccoli M, Basolo F. E-selectin expression and BRAF status in papillary thyroid carcinomas: Correlation with clinicopathologic features. Surgery 2014; 156:1550-7; discussion 1557-8. [PMID: 25456953 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2014.08.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cell adhesion molecules, represented by the immunoglobulin family and selectins, play an important role in the progression of cancer. A correlation between selectins and tumor aggressiveness has been demonstrated in several reports. METHODS Eighty-eight patients (mean age, 41.0 ± 14 years) with papillary thyroid carcinoma (conventional variant and sized approximately 20 mm) were divided in 2 groups: 41 with encapsulated tumors and 47 with tumors with extrathyroidal extension. E-selectin expression was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining and semiquantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and normalized by calculating the z-score (positive: value above the population mean; negative: below the mean). RESULTS Lymph node metastasis (LNM) was found in 2 of 41 encapsulated tumors (4.8%) and in 19 of 47 tumors (40.4%) with extrathyroidal extension. BRAF mutation was present in 21 encapsulated tumors (51.2%) and in 31 tumors with extrathyroidal extension (65.9%). The mean E-selectin z-score was -0.32 for encapsulated tumors and 0.28 for tumors with extrathyroidal extension. E-selectin expression correlates with neoplastic infiltration (P = .04), the American Joint Commission on Cancer stage (P = .02), and BRAF mutation (P = .03). CONCLUSION E-selectin overexpression in association with BRAF mutation status could promote a more aggressive phenotype in papillary thyroid carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Miccoli
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area Pathology, Università degli Studi di Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Liborio Torregrossa
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area Pathology, Università degli Studi di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Nicla Borrelli
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area Pathology, Università degli Studi di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Materazzi
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area Pathology, Università degli Studi di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Cacciato Insilla
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area Pathology, Università degli Studi di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Mario Miccoli
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, Università degli Studi di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fulvio Basolo
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area Pathology, Università degli Studi di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Garrisi VM, Strippoli S, De Summa S, Pinto R, Perrone A, Guida G, Azzariti A, Guida M, Stefania T. Proteomic profile and in silico analysis in metastatic melanoma with and without BRAF mutation. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112025. [PMID: 25437182 PMCID: PMC4249853 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 10/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Selective inhibitors of BRAF, vemurafenib and dabrafenib are the standard of care for metastatic melanoma patients with BRAF V600, while chemotherapy continued to be widely used in BRAF wild type patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS In order to discover novel candidate biomarkers predictive to treatment, serum of 39 metastatic melanoma vemurafenib (n = 19) or chemotherapy (n = 20) treated patients at baseline, at disease control and at progression, were analyzed using SELDI-TOF technology. In silico analysis was used to identify more significant peaks. RESULTS In patients with different BRAF status, we found 5 peptides significantly deregulated, with the down-regulation of the m/z 9176 peak strongly associated with BRAF mutation. At baseline as predictive biomarkers we identified 2 peptides - m/z 6411, 4075 - as significantly up-regulated in responders to chemotherapy and 4 peaks - m/z 5900, 12544, 49124 and 11724 - significantly up-regulated in longer vs shorter responders to vemurafenib. After response, 3 peptides (m/z 4658, 18639, and 9307) resulted significantly down regulated while 3 peptides m/z 9292, 7765 and 9176 appeared up-regulated respectively in chemotherapy and vemurafenib responder patients. In vemurafenib treated patients, 16 peaks appeared deregulated at progression compared to baseline time. In silico analysis identified proteins involved in invasiveness (SLAIN1) and resistance (ABCC12) as well as in the pathway of detoxification (NQO1) and apoptosis (RBM10, TOX3, MTEFD1, TSPO2). Proteins associated with the modulation of neuronal plasticity (RIN1) and regulatory activity factors of gene transcription (KLF17, ZBTB44) were also highlighted. CONCLUSION Our exploratory study highlighted some factors that deserve to be further investigated in order to provide a framework for improving melanoma treatment management through the development of biomarkers which could act as the strongest surrogates of the key biological events in stage IV melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Michele Garrisi
- National Cancer Research Centre, Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, Bari, Italy
| | - Sabino Strippoli
- National Cancer Research Centre, Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, Bari, Italy
| | - Simona De Summa
- National Cancer Research Centre, Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, Bari, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Pinto
- National Cancer Research Centre, Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonella Perrone
- National Cancer Research Centre, Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, Bari, Italy
| | - Gabriella Guida
- Dept. of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Amalia Azzariti
- National Cancer Research Centre, Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, Bari, Italy
| | - Michele Guida
- National Cancer Research Centre, Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, Bari, Italy
| | - Tommasi Stefania
- National Cancer Research Centre, Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, Bari, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Ma R, Minsky N, Morshed SA, Davies TF. Stemness in human thyroid cancers and derived cell lines: the role of asymmetrically dividing cancer stem cells resistant to chemotherapy. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2014; 99:E400-9. [PMID: 24823711 PMCID: PMC3942234 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2013-3545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have the ability to self-renew through symmetric and asymmetric cell division. CSCs may arise from mutations within an embryonic stem cell/progenitor cell population or via epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and recent advances in the study of thyroid stem cells have led to a growing recognition of the likely central importance of CSCs in thyroid tumorigenesis. OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study were to establish the presence of a stem cell population in human thyroid tumors and to identify, isolate, and characterize CSCs in thyroid cancer cell lines. RESULTS 1) Human thyroid cancers (n = 10) and thyroid cancer cell lines (n = 6) contained a stem cell population as evidenced by pluripotent stem cell gene expression. 2) Pulse-chase experiments with thyroid cancer cells identified a label-retaining cell population, a primary characteristic of CSCs, which at mitosis divided their DNA both symmetrically and asymmetrically and included a population of cells expressing the progenitor marker, stage-specific embryonic antigen 1 (SSEA-1). 3) Cells positive for SSEA-1 expressed additional stem cell markers including Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog were confirmed as CSCs by their tumor-initiating properties in vivo, their resistance to chemotherapy, and their multipotent capability. 4) SSEA-1-positive cells showed enhanced vimentin expression and decreased E-cadherin expression, indicating their likely derivation via EMT. CONCLUSIONS Cellular diversity in thyroid cancer occurs through both symmetric and asymmetric cell division, and SSEA-1-positive cells are one form of CSCs that appear to have arisen via EMT and may be the source of malignant thyroid tumor formation. This would suggest that thyroid cancer CSCs were the result of thyroid cancer transformation rather than the source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Risheng Ma
- Thyroid Research Unit, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and the James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, New York 10468
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Virk RK, Theoharis CGA, Prasad A, Chhieng D, Prasad ML. Morphology predicts BRAF V600E mutation in papillary thyroid carcinoma: an interobserver reproducibility study. Virchows Arch 2014; 464:435-42. [DOI: 10.1007/s00428-014-1552-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Revised: 01/09/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Ma R, Bonnefond S, Morshed SA, Latif R, Davies TF. Stemness is Derived from Thyroid Cancer Cells. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:114. [PMID: 25076938 PMCID: PMC4097959 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One hypothesis for thyroid cancer development is its derivation from thyroid cancer stem cells (CSCs). Such cells could arise via different paths including from mutated resident stem cells within the thyroid gland or via epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) from malignant cells since EMT is known to confer stem-like characteristics. Furthermore, EMT is a critical process for epithelial tumor progression, local invasion, and metastasis formation. In addition, stemness provides cells with therapeutic resistance and is the likely cause of tumor recurrence. However, the relevance of EMT and stemness in thyroid cancer progression has not been extensively studied. METHODS To examine the status of stemness in thyroid papillary cancer, we employed a murine model of thyroid papillary carcinoma and examined the expression of stemness and EMT using qPCR and histochemistry in mice with a thyroid-specific knock-in of oncogenic Braf (LSL-Braf((V600E))/TPO-Cre). This construct is only activated at the time of thyroid peroxidase (TPO) expression in differentiating thyroid cells and cannot be activated by undifferentiated stem cells, which do not express TPO. RESULTS There was decreased expression of thyroid-specific genes such as Tg and NIS and increased expression of stemness markers, such as Oct4, Rex1, CD15, and Sox2 in the thyroid carcinoma tissue from 6-week-old BRAF(V600E) mice indicating the dedifferentiated status of the cells and the fact that stemness was derived in this model from differentiated thyroid cells. The decreased expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin and increased EMT regulators including Snail, Slug, and TGF-β1 and TGF-β3, and the mesenchymal marker vimentin demonstrated the simultaneous progression of EMT and the CSC-like phenotype. Stemness was also found in a cancer thyroid cell line (named Marca cells) derived from one of the murine tumors. In this cell line, we also found that overexpression of Snail caused up-regulation of vimentin expression and up-regulation of stemness markers Oct4, Rex1, and CD15, with enhanced migration ability of the cells. We also showed that TGF-β1 was able to induce Snail and vimentin expression in the Marca cell thyroid cancer line, indicating the induction of EMT in these cells, and this induction of EMT and stemness was significantly inhibited by celastro a natural inhibitor of neoplastic cells. CONCLUSION Our findings support our earlier hypothesis that stemness in thyroid cancer is derived via EMT rather than from resident thyroid stem cells. In mice with a thyroid-specific knock-in of oncogenic Braf (LSL-Braf((V600E))/TPO-Cre), the neoplastic changes were dependent on thyroid cell differentiation and the onset of stemness must have been derived from differentiated thyroid epithelial cells. Furthermore, celastrol suppressed TGF-β1 induced EMT in thyroid cancer cells and may have therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Risheng Ma
- Thyroid Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the James J Peters VA Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- *Correspondence: Risheng Ma, Thyroid Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the James J Peters VA Medical Center, Room 2F-28, 130 West Kingsbridge Road, New York, NY 10468, USA e-mail:
| | | | - Syed A. Morshed
- Thyroid Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the James J Peters VA Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rauf Latif
- Thyroid Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the James J Peters VA Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Terry F. Davies
- Thyroid Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the James J Peters VA Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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