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Wang S, Zhao Y, Yao F, Wei P, Ma L, Zhang S. An anti-GD2 aptamer-based bifunctional spherical nucleic acid nanoplatform for synergistic therapy targeting MDM2 for retinoblastoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116437. [PMID: 38522240 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116437] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinoblastoma (RB) is a type of pediatric solid tumor in the fundus. The lack of precision therapies combined with the difficulty of delivering small interfering RNA (siRNA) into the eyes means that there is currently no nucleic acid-based therapy for RB in clinical practice. Here, we reported on anti-GD2 and glutathione-responsive spherical nucleic acids (SNAs), loaded with siRNA and the inhibitor NVP-CGM097, which jointly blocked the oncogenic factor n in RB cells (Y79 and WERI-RB-1). The SNAs were formed through the self-assembly of bifunctional cholesterol amphiphiles containing aptamers that specifically targeted GD2-positive RB cells, allowing for the formation of an SNA with a dense DNA shell. The aptamer/siRNA component functioned both as a carrier and a payload, enhancing the specific recognition and delivery of both components and constituting an active agent for MDM2 regulation. Following SNA endocytosis by RB cells, siRNA and NVP-CGM097 were released from the SNA particles by glutathione, which synergistically blocked the MDM2-p53 pathway, increasing p53 protein content and inducing cell apoptosis. This study showed a potent antitumor effect following intravitreal injection of SNAs in Y79 tumor-bearing mice through clinical manifestation and tumor pathological analysis. In hematological analysis and hepatotoxicity assays, SNAs were safer for mice than melphalan, the favored drug for treating RB in clinical practice. Our results illustrated the potential of intravitreally injected SNAs as a precision medicine for treating RB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijing Wang
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, 18 Zetian Road, Futian District, Shenzhen 518040, China; Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, University Town of Shenzhen, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Institute of Biomedical Health Technology and Engineering, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Guangqiao Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Fei Yao
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, 18 Zetian Road, Futian District, Shenzhen 518040, China; Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, University Town of Shenzhen, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Pengxue Wei
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, 18 Zetian Road, Futian District, Shenzhen 518040, China
| | - Lan Ma
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, University Town of Shenzhen, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518055, China; Institute of Biomedical Health Technology and Engineering, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Guangqiao Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen 518107, China.
| | - Shaochong Zhang
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, 18 Zetian Road, Futian District, Shenzhen 518040, China.
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Pourali G, Ahmadzade AM, Arastonejad M, Pourali R, Kazemi D, Ghasemirad H, Khazaei M, Fiuji H, Nassiri M, Hassanian SM, Ferns GA, Avan A. The circadian clock as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer. Mol Cell Biochem 2024; 479:1243-1255. [PMID: 37405534 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04790-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) has a very high mortality rate globally. Despite ongoing efforts, its prognosis has not improved significantly over the last two decades. Thus, further approaches for optimizing treatment are required. Various biological processes oscillate in a circadian rhythm and are regulated by an endogenous clock. The machinery controlling the circadian cycle is tightly coupled with the cell cycle and can interact with tumor suppressor genes/oncogenes; and can therefore potentially influence cancer progression. Understanding the detailed interactions may lead to the discovery of prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers and new potential targets for treatment. Here, we explain how the circadian system relates to the cell cycle, cancer, and tumor suppressor genes/oncogenes. Furthermore, we propose that circadian clock genes may be potential biomarkers for some cancers and review the current advances in the treatment of PC by targeting the circadian clock. Despite efforts to diagnose pancreatic cancer early, it still remains a cancer with poor prognosis and high mortality rates. While studies have shown the role of molecular clock disruption in tumor initiation, development, and therapy resistance, the role of circadian genes in pancreatic cancer pathogenesis is not yet fully understood and further studies are required to better understand the potential of circadian genes as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazaleh Pourali
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Mahmoud Ahmadzade
- Transplant Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahshid Arastonejad
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Roozbeh Pourali
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Danial Kazemi
- Student Research Committee, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Hezar Jerib Street, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Ghasemirad
- Student Research Committee, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Majid Khazaei
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hamid Fiuji
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Nassiri
- Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Mahdi Hassanian
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Gordon A Ferns
- Division of Medical Education, Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton, Sussex, BN1 9PH, UK
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, QLD, 4059, Australia.
- Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, 37 Kent Street, QLD, 4102, Australia.
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3
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MacLean MR, Walker OL, Arun RP, Fernando W, Marcato P. Informed by Cancer Stem Cells of Solid Tumors: Advances in Treatments Targeting Tumor-Promoting Factors and Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4102. [PMID: 38612911 PMCID: PMC11012648 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074102] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subpopulation within tumors that promote cancer progression, metastasis, and recurrence due to their self-renewal capacity and resistance to conventional therapies. CSC-specific markers and signaling pathways highly active in CSCs have emerged as a promising strategy for improving patient outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic targets associated with CSCs of solid tumors across various cancer types, including key molecular markers aldehyde dehydrogenases, CD44, epithelial cellular adhesion molecule, and CD133 and signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and Sonic Hedgehog. We discuss a wide array of therapeutic modalities ranging from targeted antibodies, small molecule inhibitors, and near-infrared photoimmunotherapy to advanced genetic approaches like RNA interference, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, aptamers, antisense oligonucleotides, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, CAR natural killer cells, bispecific T cell engagers, immunotoxins, drug-antibody conjugates, therapeutic peptides, and dendritic cell vaccines. This review spans developments from preclinical investigations to ongoing clinical trials, highlighting the innovative targeting strategies that have been informed by CSC-associated pathways and molecules to overcome therapeutic resistance. We aim to provide insights into the potential of these therapies to revolutionize cancer treatment, underscoring the critical need for a multi-faceted approach in the battle against cancer. This comprehensive analysis demonstrates how advances made in the CSC field have informed significant developments in novel targeted therapeutic approaches, with the ultimate goal of achieving more effective and durable responses in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya R. MacLean
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Olivia L. Walker
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Raj Pranap Arun
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Wasundara Fernando
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Paola Marcato
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
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Ghosh A, Mitra AK. Metastasis and cancer associated fibroblasts: taking it up a NOTCH. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 11:1277076. [PMID: 38269089 PMCID: PMC10806909 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1277076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the least understood aspect of cancer biology. 90% of cancer related deaths occur due extensive metastatic burden in patients. Apart from metastasizing cancer cells, the pro-tumorigenic and pro-metastatic role of the tumor stroma plays a crucial part in this complex process often leading to disease relapse and therapy resistance. Cellular signaling processes play a crucial role in the process of tumorigenesis and metastasis when aberrantly turned on, not just in the cancer cells, but also in the cells of the tumor microenvironment (TME). One of the most conserved pathways includes the Notch signaling pathway that plays a crucial role in the development and progression of many cancers. In addition to its well documented role in cancer cells, recent evidence suggests crucial involvement of Notch signaling in the stroma as well. This review aims to highlight the current findings focusing on the oncogenic role of notch signaling in cancer cells and the TME, with a specific focus on cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which constitute a major part of the tumor stroma and are important for tumor progression. Recent efforts have focused on the development of anti-cancer and anti-metastatic therapies targeting TME. Understanding the importance of Notch signaling in the TME would help identify important drivers for stromal reprogramming, metastasis and importantly, drive future research in the effort to develop TME-targeted therapies utilizing Notch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Argha Ghosh
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Anirban K. Mitra
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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5
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Sesamin Attenuates VEGFA-Induced Angiogenesis via Inhibition of Src and FAK Signaling in Chick Chorioallantoic Membrane Model and Human Endothelial EA.hy926 Cells. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11010188. [PMID: 36672695 PMCID: PMC9855418 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Sesamin, a major phytochemical in sesame seeds and oil, has been reported to have effects on physiological and pathological angiogenesis in several studies. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms of sesamin's effect on angiogenesis are not understood well enough. This study aimed to investigate its effect on both physiological and pathological angiogenesis using the in vivo chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model and the in vitro human endothelial cell line, EA.hy926, model. Sesamin inhibited the VEGFA-induced pathological angiogenesis significantly, although no effect was seen on angiogenesis without induction. It reduced the formation of vascular branches in the VEGFA-treated CAMs and also the proliferation and migration of EA.hy926 endothelial cells induced by VEGFA. Sesamin impeded the VEGF-mediated activation of Src and FAK signaling proteins, which may be responsible for sesamin-mediated reduction of pathological angiogenesis. Moreover, the effect of sesamin on the expressions of angiogenesis-related genes was then investigated and it was found that both mRNA and protein expressions of Notch1, the key pathway in vascular development, induced by VEGFA, were significantly reduced by sesamin. Our results altogether suggested that sesamin, by inhibiting pathological angiogenesis, has the potential to be employed in the prevention or treatment of diseases with over-angiogenesis, such as cancers.
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Shi Y, Zhang D, Chen J, Jiang Q, Song S, Mi Y, Wang T, Ye Q. Interaction between BEND5 and RBPJ suppresses breast cancer growth and metastasis via inhibiting Notch signaling. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:4233-4244. [PMID: 35844785 PMCID: PMC9274485 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.70866] [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: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
High frequent metastasis is the major cause of breast cancer (BC) mortality among women. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying BC metastasis remain largely unknown. Here, we identified six hub BC metastasis driver genes (BEND5, HSD11B1, NEDD9, SAA2, SH2D2A and TNFSF4) through bioinformatics analysis, among which BEND5 is the most significant gene. Low BEND5 expression predicted advanced stage and shorter overall survival in BC patients. Functional experiments showed that BEND5 could suppress BC growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, BEND5 inhibits Notch signaling via directly interacting with transcription factor RBPJ/CSL. BEN domain of BEND5 interacts with the N-terminal domain (NTD) domain of RBPJ, thus preventing mastermind like transcriptional coactivator (MAML) from forming a transcription activation complex with RBPJ. Our study provides a novel insight into regulatory mechanisms underlying Notch signaling and suggests that BEND5 may become a promising target for BC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanzhu Shi
- Medical College, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, P.R. China.,Department of Medical Molecular Biology, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Deyu Zhang
- Department of Medical Molecular Biology, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Jingyi Chen
- Department of Medical Molecular Biology, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Qiwei Jiang
- Department of Medical Molecular Biology, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Songze Song
- Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121001, P.R. China
| | - Yue Mi
- Department of Medical Molecular Biology, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Oncology, The fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100071, P.R. China
| | - Qinong Ye
- Medical College, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, P.R. China.,Department of Medical Molecular Biology, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
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7
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Notch signaling pathway: architecture, disease, and therapeutics. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:95. [PMID: 35332121 PMCID: PMC8948217 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00934-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 319] [Impact Index Per Article: 159.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The NOTCH gene was identified approximately 110 years ago. Classical studies have revealed that NOTCH signaling is an evolutionarily conserved pathway. NOTCH receptors undergo three cleavages and translocate into the nucleus to regulate the transcription of target genes. NOTCH signaling deeply participates in the development and homeostasis of multiple tissues and organs, the aberration of which results in cancerous and noncancerous diseases. However, recent studies indicate that the outcomes of NOTCH signaling are changeable and highly dependent on context. In terms of cancers, NOTCH signaling can both promote and inhibit tumor development in various types of cancer. The overall performance of NOTCH-targeted therapies in clinical trials has failed to meet expectations. Additionally, NOTCH mutation has been proposed as a predictive biomarker for immune checkpoint blockade therapy in many cancers. Collectively, the NOTCH pathway needs to be integrally assessed with new perspectives to inspire discoveries and applications. In this review, we focus on both classical and the latest findings related to NOTCH signaling to illustrate the history, architecture, regulatory mechanisms, contributions to physiological development, related diseases, and therapeutic applications of the NOTCH pathway. The contributions of NOTCH signaling to the tumor immune microenvironment and cancer immunotherapy are also highlighted. We hope this review will help not only beginners but also experts to systematically and thoroughly understand the NOTCH signaling pathway.
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8
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Kumari M, Krishnamurthy PT, Pinduprolu SKSS, Sola P. DR-5 and DLL-4 mAb Functionalized SLNs of Gamma-Secretase Inhibitors- An Approach for TNBC Treatment. Adv Pharm Bull 2021; 11:618-623. [PMID: 34888208 PMCID: PMC8642801 DOI: 10.34172/apb.2021.070] [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: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive and heterogeneous cancer subtypes. High rates of metastasis, poor prognosis, and drug resistance are the major problems associated with TNBC. The current chemotherapeutics eliminate only the bulk tumor cells (non-BCSCs) and do not affect breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). The BCSCs which are left behind after chemotherapy is reported to promote recurrence and metastasis of TNBC. Death receptor-5 (DR-5) is exclusively expressed in TNBCs and mediates the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis. DR-5, therefore, can be exploited for targeted drug delivery and to induce apoptosis. Gamma-secretase mediated Notch signaling in BCSCs regulates its proliferation, differentiation, and metastasis. The endogenous ligand, Delta-like ligand 4 (DLL4), is reported to activate this Notch signaling in TNBC. Blocking this signaling pathway using both gamma-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) and DLL4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) may produce synergistic benefits. Further, the GSIs (DAPT, LY-411575, RO4929097, MK0752, etc.) suffer from poor bioavailability and off-target side effects such as diarrhea, suppression of lymphopoiesis, headache, hypertension, fatigue, and ventricular dysfunctions. In this hypothesis, we discuss Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) based drug delivery systems containing GSIs and surface modified with DR-5 and DLL4 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to effectivity target and treat TNBC. The delivery system is designed to deliver the drug cargo precisely to TNBCs through its DR-5 receptors and hence expected to reduce the off-target side effects of GSIs. Further, DLL4 mAb and GSIs are expected to act synergistically to block the Notch signal mediated BCSCs proliferation, differentiation, and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamta Kumari
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Ooty, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Praveen T Krishnamurthy
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Ooty, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sai Kiran S S Pinduprolu
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Ooty, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Piyongsola Sola
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Ooty, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, India
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Zhdanovskaya N, Firrincieli M, Lazzari S, Pace E, Scribani Rossi P, Felli MP, Talora C, Screpanti I, Palermo R. Targeting Notch to Maximize Chemotherapeutic Benefits: Rationale, Advanced Strategies, and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205106. [PMID: 34680255 PMCID: PMC8533696 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The Notch signaling pathway regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, stem cell self-renewal, and differentiation in a context-dependent fashion both during embryonic development and in adult tissue homeostasis. Consistent with its pleiotropic physiological role, unproper activation of the signaling promotes or counteracts tumor pathogenesis and therapy response in distinct tissues. In the last twenty years, a wide number of studies have highlighted the anti-cancer potential of Notch-modulating agents as single treatment and in combination with the existent therapies. However, most of these strategies have failed in the clinical exploration due to dose-limiting toxicity and low efficacy, encouraging the development of novel agents and the design of more appropriate combinations between Notch signaling inhibitors and chemotherapeutic drugs with improved safety and effectiveness for distinct types of cancer. Abstract Notch signaling guides cell fate decisions by affecting proliferation, apoptosis, stem cell self-renewal, and differentiation depending on cell and tissue context. Given its multifaceted function during tissue development, both overactivation and loss of Notch signaling have been linked to tumorigenesis in ways that are either oncogenic or oncosuppressive, but always context-dependent. Notch signaling is critical for several mechanisms of chemoresistance including cancer stem cell maintenance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, tumor-stroma interaction, and malignant neovascularization that makes its targeting an appealing strategy against tumor growth and recurrence. During the last decades, numerous Notch-interfering agents have been developed, and the abundant preclinical evidence has been transformed in orphan drug approval for few rare diseases. However, the majority of Notch-dependent malignancies remain untargeted, even if the application of Notch inhibitors alone or in combination with common chemotherapeutic drugs is being evaluated in clinical trials. The modest clinical success of current Notch-targeting strategies is mostly due to their limited efficacy and severe on-target toxicity in Notch-controlled healthy tissues. Here, we review the available preclinical and clinical evidence on combinatorial treatment between different Notch signaling inhibitors and existent chemotherapeutic drugs, providing a comprehensive picture of molecular mechanisms explaining the potential or lacking success of these combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadezda Zhdanovskaya
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Mariarosaria Firrincieli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Lazzari
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Eleonora Pace
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Pietro Scribani Rossi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Maria Pia Felli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Claudio Talora
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
- Correspondence: (I.S.); (R.P.)
| | - Rocco Palermo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (I.S.); (R.P.)
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10
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Chen W, Wei W, Yu L, Ye Z, Huang F, Zhang L, Hu S, Cai C. Mammary Development and Breast Cancer: a Notch Perspective. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2021; 26:309-320. [PMID: 34374886 PMCID: PMC8566423 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-021-09496-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammary gland development primarily occurs postnatally, and this unique process is complex and regulated by systemic hormones and local growth factors. The mammary gland is also a highly dynamic organ that undergoes profound changes at puberty and during the reproductive cycle. These changes are driven by mammary stem cells (MaSCs). Breast cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death in women. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play prominent roles in tumor initiation, drug resistance, tumor recurrence, and metastasis. The highly conserved Notch signaling pathway functions as a key regulator of the niche mediating mammary organogenesis and breast neoplasia. In this review, we discuss mechanisms by which Notch contributes to breast carcinoma pathology and suggest potentials for therapeutic targeting of Notch in breast cancer. In summary, we provide a comprehensive overview of Notch functions in regulating MaSCs, mammary development, and breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhen Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Orthopaedics, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Liya Yu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Zi Ye
- Department of Orthopaedics, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Fujing Huang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Liyan Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Shiqi Hu
- DU-ANU Joint Science College, Shandong University, Weihai, 264200, China
| | - Cheguo Cai
- Department of Orthopaedics, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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Kumari M, Krishnamurthy PT, Sola P. Targeted Drug Therapy to Overcome Chemoresistance in Triple-negative Breast Cancer. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2021; 20:559-572. [PMID: 32370716 DOI: 10.2174/1568009620666200506110850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive and prevailing breast cancer subtype. The chemotherapeutics used in the treatment of TNBC suffer from chemoresistance, dose-limiting toxicities and off-target side effects. As a result, conventional chemotherapeutics are unable to prevent tumor growth, metastasis and result in failure of therapy. Various new targets such as BCSCs surface markers (CD44, CD133, ALDH1), signaling pathways (IL-6/JAK/STAT3, notch), pro and anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, DR4, DR5), hypoxic factors (HIF-1α, HIF-2α) and drug efflux transporters (ABCC1, ABCG2 and ABCB1) have been exploited to treat TNBC. Further, to improve the efficacy and safety of conventional chemotherapeutics, researchers have tried to deliver anticancer agents specifically to the TNBCs using nanocarrier based drug delivery. In this review, an effort has been made to highlight the various factors responsible for the chemoresistance in TNBC, novel molecular targets of TNBC and nano-delivery systems employed to achieve sitespecific drug delivery to improve efficacy and reduce off-target side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamta Kumari
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, (A Constituent College of JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research), Ooty, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Praveen Thaggikuppe Krishnamurthy
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, (A Constituent College of JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research), Ooty, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Piyong Sola
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, (A Constituent College of JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research), Ooty, Tamilnadu, India
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Acupuncture Regulates Serum Differentially Expressed Proteins in Patients with Chronic Atrophic Gastritis: A Quantitative iTRAQ Proteomics Study. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:9962224. [PMID: 34234838 PMCID: PMC8219412 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9962224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Objective To identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in sera of patients with chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) and to explore acupuncture's mechanism in CAG. Methods Peripheral sera from 8 healthy volunteers (HC), 8 chronic nonatrophic gastritis (NAG) patients, 8 CAG patients, and 8 CAG patients who underwent acupuncture treatment (CAG + ACU) were collected followed by labeling with iTRAQ reagent for protein identification and quantification using two-dimensional liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (2D-LC-MS/MS). Representative DEPs were selected through bioinformatics, and proteins were verified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results A total of 4,448 unique peptides were identified, corresponding to 816 nonredundant proteins. A 1.4-fold difference was used as the threshold. Compared with the HC group, 75 and 106 DEPs were identified from CAG and NAG groups, respectively. Compared with the CAG group, 110 and 66 DEPs were identified from the NAG and CAG + ACU groups, respectively. The DEPs were mainly involved in protein binding and the Notch signaling pathway-related proteins, and the upregulated proteins included actin-binding proteins (thymosin beta-4, tropomyosin-4, profilin-1, transgelin-2), while the downregulated proteins included Notch2 and Notch3. After acupuncture, the expression of these proteins in CAG patients was less differentiated from that in healthy people. The level of the above 6 proteins were verified by ELISA, and the results were similar to the results of iTRAQ analysis. Conclusions Actin-binding proteins and Notch signaling pathway-related proteins were correlated with the development and progression of CAG and thus are potential diagnostic markers for CAG. Acupuncture may play a role in regulating actin-binding proteins and Notch signaling pathway-related proteins to play a therapeutic role in CAG.
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Allen F, Maillard I. Therapeutic Targeting of Notch Signaling: From Cancer to Inflammatory Disorders. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:649205. [PMID: 34124039 PMCID: PMC8194077 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.649205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past two decades, the Notch signaling pathway has been investigated as a therapeutic target for the treatment of cancers, and more recently in the context of immune and inflammatory disorders. Notch is an evolutionary conserved pathway found in all metazoans that is critical for proper embryonic development and for the postnatal maintenance of selected tissues. Through cell-to-cell contacts, Notch orchestrates cell fate decisions and differentiation in non-hematopoietic and hematopoietic cell types, regulates immune cell development, and is integral to shaping the amplitude as well as the quality of different types of immune responses. Depriving some cancer types of Notch signals has been shown in preclinical studies to stunt tumor growth, consistent with an oncogenic function of Notch signaling. In addition, therapeutically antagonizing Notch signals showed preclinical potential to prevent or reverse inflammatory disorders, including autoimmune diseases, allergic inflammation and immune complications of life-saving procedures such allogeneic bone marrow and solid organ transplantation (graft-versus-host disease and graft rejection). In this review, we discuss some of these unique approaches, along with the successes and challenges encountered so far to target Notch signaling in preclinical and early clinical studies. Our goal is to emphasize lessons learned to provide guidance about emerging strategies of Notch-based therapeutics that could be deployed safely and efficiently in patients with immune and inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick Allen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ivan Maillard
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Cheng JW, Duan LX, Yu Y, Wang P, Feng JL, Feng GZ, Liu Y. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells promote prostate cancer cell stemness via cell-cell contact to activate the Jagged1/Notch1 pathway. Cell Biosci 2021; 11:87. [PMID: 34001269 PMCID: PMC8130143 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-021-00599-0] [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: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play a crucial role in cancer development and tumor resistance to therapy in prostate cancer, but the influence of MSCs on the stemness potential of PCa cells by cell–cell contact remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of direct contact of PCa cells with MSCs on the stemness of PCa and its mechanisms. Methods First, the flow cytometry, colony formation, and sphere formation were performed to determine the stemness of PCaMSCs, and the expression of stemness-related molecules (Sox2, Oct4, and Nanog) was investigated by western blot analysis. Then, we used western blot and qPCR to determine the activity levels of two candidate pathways and their downstream stemness-associated pathway. Finally, we verified the role of the significantly changed pathway by assessing the key factors in this pathway via in vitro and in vivo experiments. Results We established that MSCs promoted the stemness of PCa cells by cell–cell contact. We here established that the enhanced stemness of PCaMSCs was independent of the CCL5/CCR5 pathway. We also found that PCaMSCs up-regulated the expression of Notch signaling-related genes, and inhibition of Jagged1-Notch1 signaling in PCaMSCs cells significantly inhibited MSCs-induced stemness and tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions Our results reveal a novel interaction between MSCs and PCa cells in promoting tumorigenesis through activation of the Jagged1/Notch1 pathway, providing a new therapeutic target for the treatment of PCa. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13578-021-00599-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Wen Cheng
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Li-Xia Duan
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,The Fifth Department of Chemotherapy, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Hedi road 71, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Pu Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jia-le Feng
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Guan-Zheng Feng
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China. .,The Fifth Department of Chemotherapy, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Hedi road 71, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China.
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15
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The complexity of tumour angiogenesis based on recently described molecules. Contemp Oncol (Pozn) 2021; 25:33-44. [PMID: 33911980 PMCID: PMC8063899 DOI: 10.5114/wo.2021.105075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumour angiogenesis is a crucial factor associated with tumour growth, progression, and metastasis. The whole process is the result of an interaction between a wide range of different molecules, influencing each other. Herein we summarize novel discoveries related to the less known angiogenic molecules such as galectins, pentraxin-3, Ral-interacting protein of 76 kDa (RLIP76), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), B7-H3, and delta-like ligand-4 (DLL-4) and their role in the process of tumour angiogenesis. These molecules influence the most important molecular pathways involved in the formation of blood vessels in cancer, including the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor interaction (VEGFR), HIF1-a activation, or PI3K/Akt/mTOR and JAK-STAT signalling pathways. Increased expression of galectins, RLIP76, and B7H3 has been proven in several malignancies. Pentraxin-3, which appears to inhibit tumour angiogenesis, shows reduced expression in tumour tissues. Anti-angiogenic treatment based mainly on VEGF inhibition has proved to be of limited effectiveness, leading to the development of drug resistance. The newly discovered molecules are of great interest as a potential source of new anti-cancer therapies. Their role as targets for new drugs and as prognostic markers in neoplasms is discussed in this review.
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Wang K, Fan HY, Pang X, Zhang M, Yu XH, Wu JS, Chen BJ, Jiang J, Liang XH, Tang YL. Dll4/Notch1 signalling pathway is required in collective invasion of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma. Oncol Rep 2021; 45:1011-1022. [PMID: 33469672 PMCID: PMC7859997 DOI: 10.3892/or.2021.7939] [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: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
High expression of δ‑like ligand 4 (Dll4) is reportedly related to the invasion, metastasis, and clinical prognosis of various malignant tumours. Our previous study revealed that collective cell invasion was a common pattern in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC). However, the roles of the Dll4/Notch1 signalling pathway in the collective invasion of SACC remain unclear. The present study revealed that Dll4 expression was higher at the invasive front of SACC, and that this upregulation was associated with solid tumour type, high TNM grade, and high rates of metastasis and recurrence. Furthermore, the expression levels of Notch1 and Dll4 were positively correlated at the invasive front, and a three‑dimensional (3D) culture model revealed that leader cells showed high expression of Dll4, while follower cells showed high expression of Notch1. Moreover, silencing of Dll4 expression using small interfering RNA reduced the migration, invasion, and collective invasion of SACC cells, and these abilities were rescued by Notch1 overexpression. Finally, SACC collective invasion was increased via the Dll4/Notch1 signalling pathway in experiments that involved a stiff 3D gel, hypoxia and co‑culture with human endothelial cells. These findings indicated that the Dll4/Notch1 signalling pathway may be involved in the collective invasion of SACC, which may help to provide possible targets for the treatment of SACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Hua-Yang Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Xing Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Mei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Xiang-Hua Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Jia-Shun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Bing-Jun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Jian Jiang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Sichuan Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610000, P.R. China
| | - Xin-Hua Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Ya-Ling Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Oral Pathology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
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Notch Signaling Function in the Angiocrine Regulation of Tumor Development. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112467. [PMID: 33198378 PMCID: PMC7697556 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The concept of tumor growth being angiogenesis dependent had its origin in the observations of Judah Folkman in 1969 of a retinoblastoma in a child. Tumor angiogenesis is initiated when endothelial cells (ECs) respond to local stimuli and migrate towards the growing mass, which results in the formation of tubular structures surrounded by perivascular support cells that transport blood to the inner tumor. In turn, the neo-vasculature supports tumor development and eventual metastasis. This process is highly regulated by several signaling pathways. Central to this process is the Notch signaling pathway. Beyond the role of Notch signaling in tumor angiogenesis, a major hallmark of cancer development, it has also been implicated in the regulation of tumor cell proliferation and survival, in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, invasion and metastasis and in the regulation of cancer stem cells, in a variety of hematologic and solid malignancies. There is increasing evidence for the tumor vasculature being important in roles other than those linked to blood perfusion. Namely, endothelial cells act on and influence neighboring tumor cells by use of angiocrine factors to generate a unique cellular microenvironment, thereby regulating tumor stem-like cells’ homeostasis, modulating tumor progression, invasiveness, trafficking and metastasis. This review will focus on Notch signaling components that play a part in angiocrine signaling in a tumor setting.
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Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the most common malignant tumor with a remarkable racial and geographical distribution including people in southern China, South East Asia, and the Middle East/North Africa. DNA methylation is an important manifestation of epigenetic modification, has been studied over several decades, and by regulating and controlling the expression of cancer-related genesits, abnormal DNA methylation can influence in a variety of human malignancy tumors.Until now, there is no analysis focus on differentially methylated, differential expressed genes (MDEGs) study, so we make a joint analysis for both gene methylation profiling microarray and gene expression profiling microarray in NPC. Two gene expression datasets (GSE64634 and GSE12452) and gene methylation profiling data set (GSE62336) were downloaded from GEO and analyzed using the online tool GEO2R to identify MDEGs. Gene ontology (GO) functional analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of the differentially methylated genes were performed. The STRING database was used to evaluate the interactions of MDEGs and to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network using Cytoscape software. Hub genes were validated with the cBioPortal database.The overlap among the 3 datasets contained 135 hypermethylation genes and 541 hypomethylation genes between NPC and non-NPC samples. A total of 4 genes (TROAP, PCOLCE2, HOXA4, and C1QB) in Hyper-LGs and 14 genes (DYNC1H1, LNX1, RAB37, ALDH3A1, SLC24A4, CP, CEP250, ANK2, DNAI2, MUC13, ACACB, GABRP, STX7, and TTC9) in Hypo-HGs were identified as hub genes.The study of DNA methylation and gene expression provides us a strong support as well as new comprehensive information of MDEGs to the revelation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma's complex pathogenesis. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the biological function of these genes in NPC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeng-hong Wu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Zhou
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hai-Ying Sun
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
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Xiu MX, Liu YM, Kuang BH. The Role of DLLs in Cancer: A Novel Therapeutic Target. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:3881-3901. [PMID: 32440154 PMCID: PMC7213894 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s244860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Delta-like ligands (DLLs) control Notch signaling. DLL1, DLL3 and DLL4 are frequently deregulated in cancer and influence tumor growth, the tumor vasculature and tumor immunity, which play different roles in cancer progression. DLLs have attracted intense research interest as anti-cancer therapeutics. In this review, we discuss the role of DLLs in cancer and summarize the emerging DLL-relevant targeting methods to aid future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Xi Xiu
- Medical School of Nanchang University, Nanchang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan-Meng Liu
- Medical School of Nanchang University, Nanchang, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo-Hai Kuang
- Medical School of Nanchang University, Nanchang, People's Republic of China
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Sharma G, Jagtap JM, Parchur AK, Gogineni VR, Ran S, Bergom C, White SB, Flister MJ, Joshi A. Heritable modifiers of the tumor microenvironment influence nanoparticle uptake, distribution and response to photothermal therapy. Theranostics 2020; 10:5368-5383. [PMID: 32373218 PMCID: PMC7196309 DOI: 10.7150/thno.41171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the impact of notch-DLL4-based hereditary vascular heterogeneities on the enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effect and plasmonic photothermal therapy response in tumors. Methods: We generated two consomic rat strains with differing DLL4 expression on 3rd chromosome. These strains were based on immunocompromised Salt-sensitive or SSIL2Rγ- (DLL4-high) and SS.BN3IL2Rγ- (DLL4-low) rats with 3rd chromosome substituted from Brown Norway rat. We further constructed three novel SS.BN3IL2Rγ- congenic strains by introgressing varying segments of BN chromosome 3 into the parental SSIL2Rγ- strain to localize the role of SSIL2Rγ- DLL4 on tumor EPR effect with precision. We synthesized multimodal theranostic nanoparticles (TNPs) based on Au-nanorods which provide magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray, and optical contrasts to assess image guided PTT response and quantify host specific therapy response differences in tumors orthotopically xenografted in DLL4-high and -low strains. We tested recovery of therapy sensitivity of PTT resistant strains by employing anti-DLL4 conjugated TNPs in two triple negative breast cancer tumor xenografts. Results: Host strains with high DLL4 allele demonstrated slightly increased tumor nanoparticle uptake but consistently developed photothermal therapy resistance compared to tumors in host strains with low DLL4 allele. Tumor micro-environment with low DLL4 expression altered the geographic distribution of nanoparticles towards closer proximity with vasculature which improved efficacy of PTT in spite of lower overall TNP uptake. Targeting TNPs to tumor endothelium via anti-DLL4 antibody conjugation improved therapy sensitivity in high DLL4 allele hosts for two triple negative human breast cancer xenografts. Conclusions: Inherited DLL4 expression modulates EPR effects in tumors, and molecular targeting of endothelial DLL4 via nanoparticles is an effective personalized nanomedicine strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayatri Sharma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Jaidip M. Jagtap
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Abdul K. Parchur
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | | | - Sophia Ran
- Simmons Cancer Institute, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - Carmen Bergom
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Sarah B. White
- Department of Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Michael J. Flister
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Amit Joshi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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Zhou R, Wang S, Wen H, Wang M, Wu M. The bispecific antibody HB-32, blockade of both VEGF and DLL4 shows potent anti-angiogenic activity in vitro and anti-tumor activity in breast cancer xenograft models. Exp Cell Res 2019; 380:141-148. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2019.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Metastasis is impaired by endothelial-specific Dll4 loss-of-function through inhibition of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and reduction of cancer stem cells and circulating tumor cells. Clin Exp Metastasis 2019; 36:365-380. [PMID: 31119445 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-019-09973-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Systemic inhibition of Dll4 has been shown to thoroughly reduce cancer metastasis. The exact cause of this effect and whether it is endothelial mediated remains to be clarified. Therefore, we proposed to analyze the impact of endothelial Dll4 loss-of-function on metastasis induction on three early steps of the metastatic process, regulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cancer stem cell (CSC) frequency and circulating tumor cell (CTC) number. For this, Lewis Lung Carcinoma (LLC) cells were used to model mouse tumor metastasis in vivo, by subcutaneous transplantation into endothelial-specific Dll4 loss-of-function mice. We observed that endothelial-specific Dll4 loss-of-function is responsible for the tumor vascular regression that leads to the reduction of tumor burden. It induces an increase in tumoral blood vessel density, but the neovessels are poorly perfused, with increased leakage and reduced perivascular maturation. Unexpectedly, although hypoxia was increased in the tumor, the number and burden of macro-metastasis was significantly reduced. This is likely to be a consequence of the observed reduction in both EMT and CSC numbers caused by the endothelial-specific Dll4 loss-of-function. This multifactorial context may explain the concomitantly observed reduction of the circulating tumor cell count. Furthermore, our results suggest that endothelial Dll4/Notch-function mediates tumor hypoxia-driven increase of EMT. Therefore, it appears that endothelial Dll4 may constitute a promising target to prevent metastasis.
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McClements L, Annett S, Yakkundi A, O’Rourke M, Valentine A, Moustafa N, Alqudah A, Simões BM, Furlong F, Short A, McIntosh SA, McCarthy HO, Clarke RB, Robson T. FKBPL and its peptide derivatives inhibit endocrine therapy resistant cancer stem cells and breast cancer metastasis by downregulating DLL4 and Notch4. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:351. [PMID: 30975104 PMCID: PMC6460676 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-5500-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Optimising breast cancer treatment remains a challenge. Resistance to therapy is a major problem in both ER- and ER+ breast cancer. Tumour recurrence after chemotherapy and/or targeted therapy leads to more aggressive tumours with enhanced metastatic ability. Self-renewing cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been implicated in treatment resistance, recurrence and the development of metastatic disease. METHODS In this study, we utilised in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo breast cancer models using ER+ MCF-7 and ER- MDA-MB-231 cells, as well as solid and metastatic breast cancer patient samples, to interrogate the effects of FKBPL and its peptide therapeutics on metastasis, endocrine therapy resistant CSCs and DLL4 and Notch4 expression. The effects of FKBPL overexpression or peptide treatment were assessed using a t-test or one-way ANOVA with Dunnett's multiple comparison test. RESULTS We demonstrated that FKBPL overexpression or treatment with FKBPL-based therapeutics (AD-01, pre-clinical peptide /ALM201, clinical peptide) inhibit i) CSCs in both ER+ and ER- breast cancer, ii) cancer metastasis in a triple negative breast cancer metastasis model and iii) endocrine therapy resistant CSCs in ER+ breast cancer, via modulation of the DLL4 and Notch4 protein and/or mRNA expression. AD-01 was effective at reducing triple negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell migration (n ≥ 3, p < 0.05) and invasion (n ≥ 3, p < 0.001) and this was translated in vivo where AD-01 inhibited breast cancer metastasis in MDA-MB-231-lucD3H1 in vivo model (p < 0.05). In ER+ MCF-7 cells and primary breast tumour samples, we demonstrated that ALM201 inhibits endocrine therapy resistant mammospheres, representative of CSC content (n ≥ 3, p < 0.05). Whilst an in vivo limiting dilution assay, using SCID mice, demonstrated that ALM201 alone or in combination with tamoxifen was very effective at delaying tumour recurrence by 12 (p < 0.05) or 21 days (p < 0.001), respectively, by reducing the number of CSCs. The potential mechanism of action, in addition to CD44, involves downregulation of DLL4 and Notch4. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates, for the first time, the pre-clinical activity of novel systemic anti-cancer therapeutic peptides, ALM201 and AD-01, in the metastatic setting, and highlights their impact on endocrine therapy resistant CSCs; both areas of unmet clinical need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lana McClements
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- The School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Stephanie Annett
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, RCSI, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anita Yakkundi
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Martin O’Rourke
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- Charles River Labs, 8-9 Spire Green Centre, Essex, Harlow, CM19 5TR UK
| | - Andrea Valentine
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- Charles River Labs, 8-9 Spire Green Centre, Essex, Harlow, CM19 5TR UK
| | | | - Abdelrahim Alqudah
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- School of Pharmacy, Hashemite University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Bruno M. Simões
- Manchester Breast Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Oglesby Cancer Research Building, Manchester, UK
| | - Fiona Furlong
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Amy Short
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Stuart A. McIntosh
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen’s University Belfast and Breast Surgery Department, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, UK
| | | | - Robert B. Clarke
- Manchester Breast Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Oglesby Cancer Research Building, Manchester, UK
| | - Tracy Robson
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, RCSI, Dublin, Ireland
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Yang MH, Chang KJ, Li B, Chen WS. Arsenic Trioxide Suppresses Tumor Growth through Antiangiogenesis via Notch Signaling Blockade in Small-Cell Lung Cancer. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:4647252. [PMID: 31093499 PMCID: PMC6481139 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4647252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly malignant type of lung cancer with no effective second-line chemotherapy drugs. Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) was reported to exert antiangiogenesis activities against lung cancer and induce poor development of vessel structures, similar to the effect observed following the blockade of Notch signaling. However, there are no direct evidences on the inhibitory effects of As2O3 on tumor growth and angiogenesis via blockade of Notch signaling in SCLC. Here, we found that As2O3 significantly inhibited the tumor growth and angiogenesis in SCLC and reduced the microvessel density. As2O3 disturbed the morphological development of tumor vessels and downregulated the protein levels of delta-like canonical Notch ligand 4 (Dll4), Notch1, and Hes1 in vivo. DAPT, a Notch signaling inhibitor, exerted similar effects in SCLC. We found that both As2O3 treatment and Notch1 expression knockdown resulted in the interruption of tube formation by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) on Matrigel. As2O3 had no effects on Dll4 level in HUVECs but significantly inhibited the expression of Notch1 and its downstream gene Hes1 regardless of Dll4 overexpression or Notch1 knockdown. These findings suggest that the antitumor activity of As2O3 in SCLC was mediated via its antiangiogenic effect through the blockade of Notch signaling, probably owing to Notch1 targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Hang Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Ke-Jie Chang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Bing Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Wan-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
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25
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Baharlou R, Tajik N, Behdani M, Shokrgozar MA, Tavana V, Kazemi-Lomedasht F, Faraji F, Habibi-Anbouhi M. An antibody fragment against human delta-like ligand-4 for inhibition of cell proliferation and neovascularization. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2018; 40:368-374. [DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2018.1505907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rasoul Baharlou
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center (IRC), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nader Tajik
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center (IRC), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Behdani
- Biotechnology Research Center, Venom & Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Vajiheh Tavana
- Biotechnology Research Center, Venom & Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Kazemi-Lomedasht
- Biotechnology Research Center, Venom & Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Faraji
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center (IRC), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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26
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Giaimo BD, Borggrefe T. Introduction to Molecular Mechanisms in Notch Signal Transduction and Disease Pathogenesis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1066:3-30. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-89512-3_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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27
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Baharlou R, Tajik N, Habibi-Anbouhi M, Shokrgozar MA, Zarnani AH, Shahhosseini F, Behdani M. Generation and characterization of an anti-delta like ligand-4 Nanobody to induce non-productive angiogenesis. Anal Biochem 2018; 544:34-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2017.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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28
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Li H, Liu JW, Liu S, Yuan Y, Sun LP. Bioinformatics-Based Identification of Methylated-Differentially Expressed Genes and Related Pathways in Gastric Cancer. Dig Dis Sci 2017; 62:3029-3039. [PMID: 28914394 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-017-4740-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The aim of the study was to identify methylated-differentially expressed genes (MDEGs) in gastric cancer and investigate their potential pathways. METHODS Expression profiling (GSE13911 and GSE29272) and methylation profiling (GSE25869 and GSE30601) data were obtained from GEO DataSets. Differentially expressed genes and differentially methylated genes were identified using GEO2R. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analyses were performed for the MDEGs. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were established by STRING and Cytoscape. Analysis of modules in the PPI networks was performed using MCODE. Further, the hub genes derived from the PPI networks were verified by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and human tissues, with methylation-specific PCR for genes methylation and real-time qPCR for genes expression. RESULTS A total of 445 genes were identified as hypermethylated, lowly expressed genes (Hyper-LGs), which were enriched in the regulation of system process and channel activity. A total of 129 genes were identified as hypomethylated, highly expressed genes (Hypo-HGs), which were involved in cell adhesion, cell proliferation, and protein binding. Pathway analysis showed that Hyper-LGs were associated with neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and calcium signaling pathway, while Hypo-HGs were enriched in pathways in cancer. In the PPI networks, after verification by TCGA analysis and human tissue detection, CASR, CXCL12, and SST were identified as significantly different hub genes. CONCLUSIONS MDEG analysis helps to understand the epigenetic regulation mechanisms involved in the development and progression of gastric cancer. The hub genes have predictive and prognostic value as methylation-based biomarkers for the precise diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Li
- Tumor Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Key Laboratory of Cancer Etiology and Prevention (China Medical University), Liaoning Provincial Education Department, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Jing-Wei Liu
- Tumor Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Key Laboratory of Cancer Etiology and Prevention (China Medical University), Liaoning Provincial Education Department, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Tumor Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Key Laboratory of Cancer Etiology and Prevention (China Medical University), Liaoning Provincial Education Department, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Tumor Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Key Laboratory of Cancer Etiology and Prevention (China Medical University), Liaoning Provincial Education Department, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
| | - Li-Ping Sun
- Tumor Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Key Laboratory of Cancer Etiology and Prevention (China Medical University), Liaoning Provincial Education Department, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
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29
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Notch-out for breast cancer therapies. N Biotechnol 2017; 39:215-221. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2017.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Revised: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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30
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Wang S, Zhou R, Sun F, Li R, Wang M, Wu M. The two novel DLL4-targeting antibody-drug conjugates MvM03 and MGD03 show potent anti-tumour activity in breast cancer xenograft models. Cancer Lett 2017; 409:125-136. [PMID: 28923397 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The anti-human Delta-like 4 (DLL4) monoclonal antibody MMGZ01 has a high affinity to hrDLL4 and arrests the DLL4-mediated human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) phenotype, promotes immature vessels, and effectively reduces breast cancer cell growth in vivo. To develop a much more effective therapy, we conjugated MMGZ01 with two small-molecule cytotoxic agents, i.e., monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) and doxorubicin (DOX), with different linkers to generate antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), i.e., MMGZ01-vc-MMAE (named MvM03) and MMGZ01-GMBS-DOX (named MGD03), that are more potent therapeutic agents than naked antibody therapeutic agents. The produced anti-DLL4 ADCs can be effectively directed against DLL4 and internalized. Then, the release of MMAE or DOX into the cytosol can induce G2/M or G0/G1 phase growth arrest and cell death through the induction of apoptosis. In vitro, MvM03 was highly potent and selective against DLL4 cell lines. The anti-DLL4 ADCs, particularly MvM03, showed more potent anti-tumour activity than Docetaxel, which is an inhibitor of the depolymerisation of microtubules, in two xenograft breast cancer tumour models. Our findings indicate that anti-DLL4 ADCs have promising potential as an effective therapy for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Rihong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Fumou Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Renjie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Min Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Min Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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31
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Flister MJ, Tsaih SW, Stoddard A, Plasterer C, Jagtap J, Parchur AK, Sharma G, Prisco AR, Lemke A, Murphy D, Al-Gizawiy M, Straza M, Ran S, Geurts AM, Dwinell MR, Greene AS, Bergom C, LaViolette PS, Joshi A. Host genetic modifiers of nonproductive angiogenesis inhibit breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2017; 165:53-64. [PMID: 28567545 PMCID: PMC6404538 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-017-4311-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Multiple aspects of the tumor microenvironment (TME) impact breast cancer, yet the genetic modifiers of the TME are largely unknown, including those that modify tumor vascular formation and function. METHODS To discover host TME modifiers, we developed a system called the Consomic/Congenic Xenograft Model (CXM). In CXM, human breast cancer cells are orthotopically implanted into genetically engineered consomic xenograft host strains that are derived from two parental strains with different susceptibilities to breast cancer. Because the genetic backgrounds of the xenograft host strains differ, whereas the inoculated tumor cells are the same, any phenotypic variation is due to TME-specific modifier(s) on the substituted chromosome (consomic) or subchromosomal region (congenic). Here, we assessed TME modifiers of growth, angiogenesis, and vascular function of tumors implanted in the SSIL2Rγ and SS.BN3IL2Rγ CXM strains. RESULTS Breast cancer xenografts implanted in SS.BN3IL2Rγ (consomic) had significant tumor growth inhibition compared with SSIL2Rγ (parental control), despite a paradoxical increase in the density of blood vessels in the SS.BN3IL2Rγ tumors. We hypothesized that decreased growth of SS.BN3IL2Rγ tumors might be due to nonproductive angiogenesis. To test this possibility, SSIL2Rγ and SS.BN3IL2Rγ tumor vascular function was examined by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI), micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), and ex vivo analysis of primary blood endothelial cells, all of which revealed altered vascular function in SS.BN3IL2Rγ tumors compared with SSIL2Rγ. Gene expression analysis also showed a dysregulated vascular signaling network in SS.BN3IL2Rγ tumors, among which DLL4 was differentially expressed and co-localized to a host TME modifier locus (Chr3: 95-131 Mb) that was identified by congenic mapping. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, these data suggest that host genetic modifier(s) on RNO3 induce nonproductive angiogenesis that inhibits tumor growth through the DLL4 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Flister
- Human and Molecular Genetics Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
- Cancer Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.
| | - Shirng-Wern Tsaih
- Human and Molecular Genetics Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Cancer Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Alexander Stoddard
- Human and Molecular Genetics Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Cody Plasterer
- Human and Molecular Genetics Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Cancer Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Jaidip Jagtap
- Cancer Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Abdul K Parchur
- Cancer Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Gayatri Sharma
- Cancer Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Anthony R Prisco
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Angela Lemke
- Human and Molecular Genetics Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Cancer Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Dana Murphy
- Human and Molecular Genetics Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Cancer Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Mona Al-Gizawiy
- Cancer Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Michael Straza
- Cancer Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Sophia Ran
- Simmons Cancer Institute, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - Aron M Geurts
- Human and Molecular Genetics Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Melinda R Dwinell
- Human and Molecular Genetics Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Cancer Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Andrew S Greene
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Carmen Bergom
- Cancer Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Peter S LaViolette
- Cancer Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Amit Joshi
- Cancer Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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32
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Zheng Y, Wang S, Xue X, Xu A, Liao W, Deng A, Dai G, Liu AP, Fu J. Notch signaling in regulating angiogenesis in a 3D biomimetic environment. LAB ON A CHIP 2017; 17:1948-1959. [PMID: 28470301 PMCID: PMC6223016 DOI: 10.1039/c7lc00186j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a complex cellular process involving highly orchestrated invasion and organization of endothelial cells (ECs) in a three-dimensional (3D) environment. Recent evidence indicates that Notch signaling is critically involved in regulating specialized functions and distinct fates of ECs in newly formed vasculatures during angiogenesis. Here, we demonstrated, for the first time, the application of a microengineered biomimetic system to quantitatively investigate the role of Notch signaling in regulating early angiogenic sprouting and vasculature formation of ECs in a 3D extracellular matrix. Morphological features of angiogenesis including invasion distance, invasion area, and tip cell number were quantified and compared under pharmacological perturbations of Notch signaling. In addition, influences of Notch signaling on EC proliferation in angiogenic vasculatures and directional invasion of tip cells were also investigated. Moreover, leveraging a novel nanobiosensor system, mRNA expression of Dll4, a Notch ligand, was monitored in invading tip cells using live cell imaging during the dynamic angiogenic process. Our data showed that inhibition of Notch signaling resulted in hyper-sprouting endothelial structures, while activation of Notch signaling led to opposite effects. Our results also supported the role of Notch signaling in regulating EC proliferation and dynamic invasion of tip cells during angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zheng
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Shue Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Xufeng Xue
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Alan Xu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Wei Liao
- Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P.R. China
| | - Alice Deng
- School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Guohao Dai
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Allen P. Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Biophysics Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jianping Fu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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33
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Jia X, Wang W, Xu Z, Wang S, Wang T, Wang M, Wu M. A humanized anti-DLL4 antibody promotes dysfunctional angiogenesis and inhibits breast tumor growth. Sci Rep 2016; 6:27985. [PMID: 27301650 PMCID: PMC4908374 DOI: 10.1038/srep27985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Blockage of Delta-like 4 (DLL4)-directed Notch signaling induces excessive tip cell formation and endothelial proliferation resulting in dysfunctional angiogenesis in tumors. MMGZ01, as a murine anti-human DLL4 monoclonal antibody, specifically binds to human DLL4 and blocks Notch pathway. Here, the structure of MMGZ01 variable fragment (Fv) was established and framework region (FR) residues which supported complementarily determining region (CDR) loop conformation were identified. Important residues interactions were also identified through docking MMGZ01 Fv with antigen epitope in DLL4. To humanize the murine antibody, we modified MMGZ01 Fv through CDR grafting and the reconstructed antibody (H3L2) maintained similar structure and binding affinity to parental MMGZ01 after back mutation of 12 canonical murine residues in the FRs. Meanwhile, H3L2 promoted human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation through inhibiting DLL4-directed Notch pathway. Moreover, in MDA-MB-231-bearing nude mice, H3L2 induced dysfunctional angiogenesis and tumor cell apoptosis and showed superior anti-tumor activity. In conclusion, H3L2 is an ideal humanized antibody that inhibits tumor growth through targeting DLL4-Notch pathway and has attracting potentials for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelian Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science &Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China
| | - Wenyi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science &Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China.,The Rutgers Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ 08102, United States
| | - Zhuobin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science &Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China
| | - Shijing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science &Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China
| | - Tong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science &Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China
| | - Min Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science &Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China
| | - Min Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science &Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China
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