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Deng Q, Huang Y, Zeng J, Li X, Zheng X, Guo L, Shi J, Bai L. Recent advancements in the small-molecule drugs for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): Structure-activity relationships, pharmacological activities, and the clinical trials. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 179:117343. [PMID: 39180795 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies in the world and the sixth leading cause of cancer death worldwide, and it is urgent to find safe and effective drugs for treatment. As an important therapeutic method, small-molecule drugs are continually being updated to achieve improved therapeutic effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the structural effects of various FDA-listed small-molecule drugs sorafenib, cabozantinib, lenvatinib, and regorafenib on the corresponding HCC targets and possible structural optimization methods, and to explore the mechanism for identifying potential therapeutic drugs that offer better efficacy and fewer side effects. METHODS The structure-activity relationship, pharmacological actions, and clinical applications of small-molecule drugs were reviewed by referencing MEDLINE, Web of Science, CNKI, and other databases, summarizing and integrating the relevant content. RESULTS The results showed that small-molecule drugs can inhibit HCC primarily by forming hydrogen bonds with Glu885, Asp1046, and Cys919 on the HCC target. HCC can be targeted by inhibiting the activation of multiple pathways, blocking the conduction of downstream signaling, and reducing the formation of tumor blood vessels. In general, small-molecule drugs primarily target four key receptors in HCC: VEGFR, PDGFR, EGFR, and FGFR, to achieve effective treatment. CONCLUSIONS By revealing their structure-activity relationships, pharmacological actions, and clinical trials, small-molecule drugs can offer broad prospects for the development of new medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qichuan Deng
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Huang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Zeng
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Xihua University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610039, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xianyi Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Guo
- The State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Jianyou Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
| | - Lan Bai
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; The State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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Xiang Y, Wu J, Qin H. Advances in hepatocellular carcinoma drug resistance models. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1437226. [PMID: 39144662 PMCID: PMC11322137 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1437226] [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: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer. Surgery has been the major treatment method for HCC owing to HCC's poor sensitivity to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, its effectiveness is limited by postoperative tumour recurrence and metastasis. Systemic therapy is applied to eliminate postoperative residual tumour cells and improve the survival of patients with advanced HCC. Recently, the emergence of various novel targeted and immunotherapeutic drugs has significantly improved the prognosis of advanced HCC. However, targeted and immunological therapies may not always produce complete and long-lasting anti-tumour responses because of tumour heterogeneity and drug resistance. Traditional and patient-derived cell lines or animal models are used to investigate the drug resistance mechanisms of HCC and identify drugs that could reverse the resistance. This study comprehensively reviewed the established methods and applications of in-vivo and in-vitro HCC drug resistance models to further understand the resistance mechanisms in HCC treatment and provide a model basis for possible individualised therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yien Xiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hanjiao Qin
- Department of Radiotherapy, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Fujiwara N, Tsunedomi R, Kimura Y, Nakajima M, Tomochika S, Enjoji S, Ohama T, Sato K, Nagano H. Protein phosphatase 6 promotes stemness of colorectal cancer cells. Cancer Sci 2024. [PMID: 39014521 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health concern, demanding a more profound comprehension of its molecular foundations for the development of improved therapeutic strategies. This study aimed to elucidate the role of protein phosphatase 6 (PP6), a member of the type 2A protein phosphatase family, in CRC. Protein phosphatase 6 functions as a heterotrimer with a catalytic subunit (PP6c), regulatory subunits (PP6Rs; PP6R1, PP6R2, and PP6R3), and scaffold subunits (ANKRD28, ANKRD44, and ANKRD52). Elevated PP6c expression has been identified in CRC tissues compared to normal mucosa, aligning with its potential involvement in CRC pathogenesis. PP6c knockdown resulted in decreased colony-forming ability and in vivo proliferation of various CRC cell lines. Transcriptome analysis revealed that PP6c knockdown resulted in altered expression of genes associated with cancer stemness. Notably, the PP6c-PP6R3 complex is a key player in regulating cancer stem cell (CSC) markers. Additionally, increased PP6c expression was observed in CSC-like cells induced by sphere formation, implicating the role of PP6c in CSC maintenance. This study highlights the role of PP6c in CRC and suggests that it is a potential therapeutic target disrupting a pathway critical for CRC progression and stem cell maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuyuki Fujiwara
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Japan
- Laboratory of Drug Discovery and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, Imabari, Japan
| | - Ryouichi Tsunedomi
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Japan
- Research Institute for Cell Design Medical Science, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Japan
| | - Yuta Kimura
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Japan
| | - Masao Nakajima
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Japan
| | - Shinobu Tomochika
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Japan
| | - Shuhei Enjoji
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Takashi Ohama
- Research Institute for Cell Design Medical Science, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Japan
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Koichi Sato
- Research Institute for Cell Design Medical Science, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Japan
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Nagano
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Japan
- Research Institute for Cell Design Medical Science, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Japan
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Berrino C, Omar A. Unravelling the Mysteries of the Sonic Hedgehog Pathway in Cancer Stem Cells: Activity, Crosstalk and Regulation. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:5397-5419. [PMID: 38920995 PMCID: PMC11202538 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46060323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signalling pathway plays a critical role in normal development and tissue homeostasis, guiding cell differentiation, proliferation, and survival. Aberrant activation of this pathway, however, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various cancers, largely due to its role in regulating cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are a subpopulation of cancer cells with the ability to self-renew, differentiate, and initiate tumour growth, contributing significantly to tumorigenesis, recurrence, and resistance to therapy. This review focuses on the intricate activity of the Shh pathway within the context of CSCs, detailing the molecular mechanisms through which Shh signalling influences CSC properties, including self-renewal, differentiation, and survival. It further explores the regulatory crosstalk between the Shh pathway and other signalling pathways in CSCs, highlighting the complexity of this regulatory network. Here, we delve into the upstream regulators and downstream effectors that modulate Shh pathway activity in CSCs. This review aims to cast a specific focus on the role of the Shh pathway in CSCs, provide a detailed exploration of molecular mechanisms and regulatory crosstalk, and discuss current and developing inhibitors. By summarising key findings and insights gained, we wish to emphasise the importance of further elucidating the interplay between the Shh pathway and CSCs to develop more effective cancer therapies.
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Jeng KS, Chang CF, Tsang YM, Sheen IS, Jeng CJ. Reappraisal of the Roles of the Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1739. [PMID: 38730691 PMCID: PMC11083695 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
HCC remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related death globally. The main challenges in treatments of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) primarily arise from high rates of postoperative recurrence and the limited efficacy in treating advanced-stage patients. Various signaling pathways involved in HCC have been reported. Among them, the Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway is crucial. The presence of SHH ligands is identified in approximately 60% of HCC tumor tissues, including tumor nests. PTCH-1 and GLI-1 are detected in more than half of HCC tissues, while GLI-2 is found in over 84% of HCC tissues. The SHH signaling pathway (including canonical and non-canonical) is involved in different aspects of HCC, including hepatocarcinogenesis, tumor growth, tumor invasiveness, progression, and migration. The SHH signaling pathway also contributes to recurrence, metastasis, modulation of the cancer microenvironment, and sustaining cancer stem cells. It also affects the resistance of HCC cells to chemotherapy, target therapy, and radiotherapy. Reappraisal of the roles of the SHH signaling pathway in HCC may trigger some novel therapies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Shyang Jeng
- Department of Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 220, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Fang Chang
- Department of Medical Research, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 220, Taiwan;
| | - Yuk-Ming Tsang
- Department of Imaging Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 220, Taiwan;
| | - I-Shyan Sheen
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Linkou Chang Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung Medical Foundation, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan;
| | - Chi-Juei Jeng
- Graduate Institude of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University, College of Medicine, Taipei City 10617, Taiwan;
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Hazari Y, Chevet E, Bailly-Maitre B, Hetz C. ER stress signaling at the interphase between MASH and HCC. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00844. [PMID: 38626349 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
HCC is the most frequent primary liver cancer with an extremely poor prognosis and often develops on preset of chronic liver diseases. Major risk factors for HCC include metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, a complex multifactorial condition associated with abnormal endoplasmic reticulum (ER) proteostasis. To cope with ER stress, the unfolded protein response engages adaptive reactions to restore the secretory capacity of the cell. Recent advances revealed that ER stress signaling plays a critical role in HCC progression. Here, we propose that chronic ER stress is a common transversal factor contributing to the transition from liver disease (risk factor) to HCC. Interventional strategies to target the unfolded protein response in HCC, such as cancer therapy, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Younis Hazari
- Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | - Eric Chevet
- Inserm U1242, University of Rennes, Rennes, France
- Centre de Lutte Contre le Cancer Eugène Marquis, Rennes, France
| | - Béatrice Bailly-Maitre
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) UMR1065, Université Côte d'Azur (UCA), Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), 06204 Nice, France Team "Metainflammation and Hematometabolism", Metabolism Department, France
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, U1065, C3M, 06200 Nice, France
| | - Claudio Hetz
- Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, California, USA
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7
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Sinha S, Hembram KC, Chatterjee S. Targeting signaling pathways in cancer stem cells: A potential approach for developing novel anti-cancer therapeutics. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 385:157-209. [PMID: 38663959 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have emerged as prime players in the intricate landscape of cancer development, progression, and resistance to traditional treatments. These unique cellular subpopulations own the remarkable capability of self-renewal and differentiation, giving rise to the diverse cellular makeup of tumors and fostering their recurrence following conventional therapies. In the quest for developing more effective cancer therapeutics, the focus has now shifted toward targeting the signaling pathways that govern CSCs behavior. This chapter underscores the significance of these signaling pathways in CSC biology and their potential as pivotal targets for the development of novel chemotherapy approaches. We delve into several key signaling pathways essential for maintaining the defining characteristics of CSCs, including the Wnt, Hedgehog, Notch, JAK-STAT, NF-κB pathways, among others, shedding light on their potential crosstalk. Furthermore, we highlight the latest advancements in CSC-targeted therapies, spanning from promising preclinical models to ongoing clinical trials. A comprehensive understanding of the intricate molecular aspects of CSC signaling pathways and their manipulation holds the prospective to revolutionize cancer treatment paradigms. This, in turn, could lead to more efficacious and personalized therapies with the ultimate goal of eradicating CSCs and enhancing overall patient outcomes. The exploration of CSC signaling pathways represents a key step towards a brighter future in the battle against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saptarshi Sinha
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, West Bengal, India
| | | | - Subhajit Chatterjee
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States.
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Romualdo GR, Heidor R, Bacil GP, Moreno FS, Barbisan LF. Past, present, and future of chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis rodent models: Perspectives concerning classic and new cancer hallmarks. Life Sci 2023; 330:121994. [PMID: 37543357 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the main primary liver cancer, accounts for 5 % of all incident cases and 8.4 % of all cancer-related deaths worldwide. HCC displays a spectrum of environmental risk factors (viral chronic infections, aflatoxin exposure, alcoholic- and nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases) that result in molecular complexity and heterogeneity, contributing to a rising epidemiological burden, poor prognosis, and non-satisfactory treatment options. The emergence of HCC (i.e., hepatocarcinogenesis) is a multistep and complex process that addresses many (epi)genetic alterations and phenotypic traits, the so-called cancer hallmarks. "Polymorphic microbiomes", "epigenetic reprogramming", "senescent cells" and "unlocking phenotypic plasticity" are trending hallmarks/enabling features in cancer biology. As the main molecular drivers of HCC are still undruggable, chemically induced in vivo models of hepatocarcinogenesis are useful tools in preclinical research. Thus, this narrative review aimed at recapitulating the basic features of chemically induced rodent models of hepatocarcinogenesis, eliciting their permanent translational value regarding the "classic" and the "new" cancer hallmarks/enabling features. We gathered state-of-art preclinical evidence on non-cirrhotic, inflammation-, alcoholic liver disease- and nonalcoholic fatty liver-associated HCC models, demonstrating that these bioassays indeed express the recently added hallmarks, as well as reflect the interplay between classical and new cancer traits. Our review demonstrated that these protocols remain valuable for translational preclinical application, as they recapitulate trending features of cancer science. Further "omics-based" approaches are warranted while multimodel investigations are encouraged in order to avoid "model-biased" responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Ribeiro Romualdo
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Experimental Research Unit (UNIPEX), Multimodel Drug Screening Platform - Laboratory of Chemically Induced and Experimental Carcinogenesis (MDSP-LCQE), Botucatu, SP, Brazil; São Paulo State University (UNESP), Biosciences Institute, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Laboratory of Chemically Induced and Experimental Carcinogenesis (LCQE), Botucatu, SP, Brazil; São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Renato Heidor
- University of São Paulo (USP), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Laboratory of Diet, Nutrition, and Cancer, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Prata Bacil
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Biosciences Institute, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Laboratory of Chemically Induced and Experimental Carcinogenesis (LCQE), Botucatu, SP, Brazil; São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernando Salvador Moreno
- University of São Paulo (USP), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Laboratory of Diet, Nutrition, and Cancer, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Luís Fernando Barbisan
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Experimental Research Unit (UNIPEX), Multimodel Drug Screening Platform - Laboratory of Chemically Induced and Experimental Carcinogenesis (MDSP-LCQE), Botucatu, SP, Brazil; São Paulo State University (UNESP), Biosciences Institute, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Laboratory of Chemically Induced and Experimental Carcinogenesis (LCQE), Botucatu, SP, Brazil; São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
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Almeida Lima K, Osawa IYA, Ramalho MCC, de Souza I, Guedes CB, Souza Filho CHDD, Monteiro LKS, Latancia MT, Rocha CRR. Temozolomide Resistance in Glioblastoma by NRF2: Protecting the Evil. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041081. [PMID: 37189700 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor NRF2 is constitutively active in glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain tumor subtype with poor prognosis. Temozolomide (TMZ) is the primary chemotherapeutic agent for this type of tumor treatment, but resistance to this drug is often observed. This review highlights the research that is demonstrating how NRF2 hyperactivation creates an environment that favors the survival of malignant cells and protects against oxidative stress and TMZ. Mechanistically, NRF2 increases drug detoxification, autophagy, DNA repair, and decreases drug accumulation and apoptotic signaling. Our review also presents potential strategies for targeting NRF2 as an adjuvant therapy to overcome TMZ chemoresistance in glioblastoma. Specific molecular pathways, including MAPKs, GSK3β, βTRCP, PI3K, AKT, and GBP, that modulate NRF2 expression leading to TMZ resistance are discussed, along with the importance of identifying NRF2 modulators to reverse TMZ resistance and develop new therapeutic targets. Despite the significant progress in understanding the role of NRF2 in GBM, there are still unanswered questions regarding its regulation and downstream effects. Future research should focus on elucidating the precise mechanisms by which NRF2 mediates resistance to TMZ, and identifying potential novel targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karoline Almeida Lima
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Oncology, Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Sao Paulo 04037-003, Brazil
| | - Isabeli Yumi Araújo Osawa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Oncology, Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Sao Paulo 04037-003, Brazil
| | - Maria Carolina Clares Ramalho
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Oncology, Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Sao Paulo 04037-003, Brazil
| | - Izadora de Souza
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Oncology, Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Sao Paulo 04037-003, Brazil
| | - Camila Banca Guedes
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Oncology, Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Sao Paulo 04037-003, Brazil
| | | | | | - Marcela Teatin Latancia
- Laboratory of Genomic Integrity, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-3371, USA
| | - Clarissa Ribeiro Reily Rocha
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Oncology, Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Sao Paulo 04037-003, Brazil
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Hallis SP, Kim JM, Kwak MK. Emerging Role of NRF2 Signaling in Cancer Stem Cell Phenotype. Mol Cells 2023; 46:153-164. [PMID: 36994474 PMCID: PMC10070166 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2023.2196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small population of tumor cells characterized by self-renewal and differentiation capacity. CSCs are currently postulated as the driving force that induces intra-tumor heterogeneity leading to tumor initiation, metastasis, and eventually tumor relapse. Notably, CSCs are inherently resistant to environmental stress, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy due to high levels of antioxidant systems and drug efflux transporters. In this context, a therapeutic strategy targeting the CSC-specific pathway holds a promising cure for cancer. NRF2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2; NFE2L2) is a master transcription factor that regulates an array of genes involved in the detoxification of reactive oxygen species/electrophiles. Accumulating evidence suggests that persistent NRF2 activation, observed in multiple types of cancer, supports tumor growth, aggressive malignancy, and therapy resistance. Herein, we describe the core properties of CSCs, focusing on treatment resistance, and review the evidence that demonstrates the roles of NRF2 signaling in conferring unique properties of CSCs and the associated signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffanus P. Hallis
- Department of Pharmacy, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Korea
| | - Jin Myung Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Korea
| | - Mi-Kyoung Kwak
- Department of Pharmacy, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Korea
- College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Korea
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11
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Jun L, Chen W, Han L, Yanmin L, Qinglei Z, Pengfei Z. Protocadherin 20 promotes ferroptosis by suppressing the expression of Sirtuin 1 and promoting the acetylation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2023; 156:106363. [PMID: 36641129 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2023.106363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by a poor prognosis. Our previous work suggested that Protocadherin 20 (PCDH20) promoted ferroptosis in HCC. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Recently, we found that both the mRNA and protein levels of PCDH20 were upregulated in erastin- or sorafenib-treated HCC cells. Meanwhile, data showed that Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) was markedly downregulated in PCDH20-SNU-449 cells. Additionally, overexpression of PCDH20 or erastin-treated cells dramatically decreased cell viability and colony-forming capacity of HCC cells, whereas blocking PCDH20 reversed these effects. Moreover, PCDH20 overexpression or treatment with erastin significantly downregulated the expression of SIRT1, Solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), as well as the ferroptosis-related protein glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and glutathione (GSH), while elevated malondialdehyde (MDA), 2'- 7'-dichlorofluorescein (DCF) and intercellular iron levels. Conversely, knockdown of PCDH20 upregulated SIRT1 and SLC7A11. Immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that PCDH20 or erastin increased the amount of acetylated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (NRF2). This reducing effect of NRF2 deacetylation by PCDH20 was counteracted by restoring the expression of SIRT1. In addition, PCDH20 lowered the levels of GPX4, GSH, and cell viability, as well as resulted in an elevation in intercellular iron level, MDA, and DCF. These effects were reversed by SIRT1 expression. Besides, PCDH20 could promote ferroptosis by inhibiting SIRT1 from deacetylating NRF2, which led to the downregulation of SLC7A11, GPX4, and GSH both in vivo and in vitro. Our results signals that PCDH20 promotes ferroptosis by suppressing the expression of SIRT1 and thus, promoting the acetylation of NRF2in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lv Jun
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, PR China.
| | - Wang Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Liang Han
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Liu Yanmin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Zeng Qinglei
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Zhu Pengfei
- Department of Clinical Laboratory & Key Clinical Laboratory of Henan province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, PR China.
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Puente-Cobacho B, Varela-López A, Quiles JL, Vera-Ramirez L. Involvement of redox signalling in tumour cell dormancy and metastasis. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:49-85. [PMID: 36701089 PMCID: PMC10014738 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-022-10077-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Decades of research on oncogene-driven carcinogenesis and gene-expression regulatory networks only started to unveil the complexity of tumour cellular and molecular biology. This knowledge has been successfully implemented in the clinical practice to treat primary tumours. In contrast, much less progress has been made in the development of new therapies against metastasis, which are the main cause of cancer-related deaths. More recently, the role of epigenetic and microenviromental factors has been shown to play a key role in tumour progression. Free radicals are known to communicate the intracellular and extracellular compartments, acting as second messengers and exerting a decisive modulatory effect on tumour cell signalling. Depending on the cellular and molecular context, as well as the intracellular concentration of free radicals and the activation status of the antioxidant system of the cell, the signalling equilibrium can be tilted either towards tumour cell survival and progression or cell death. In this regard, recent advances in tumour cell biology and metastasis indicate that redox signalling is at the base of many cell-intrinsic and microenvironmental mechanisms that control disseminated tumour cell fate and metastasis. In this manuscript, we will review the current knowledge about redox signalling along the different phases of the metastatic cascade, including tumour cell dormancy, making emphasis on metabolism and the establishment of supportive microenvironmental connections, from a redox perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Puente-Cobacho
- Department of Genomic Medicine, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncology, Pfizer-University of Granada and Andalusian Regional Government, PTS, Granada, Spain
| | - Alfonso Varela-López
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology "José Mataix Verdú", Biomedical Research Center, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - José L Quiles
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology "José Mataix Verdú", Biomedical Research Center, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Laura Vera-Ramirez
- Department of Genomic Medicine, GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncology, Pfizer-University of Granada and Andalusian Regional Government, PTS, Granada, Spain. .,Department of Physiology, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology "José Mataix Verdú", Biomedical Research Center, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
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Wang L, Zhang Q, Ye L, Ye X, Yang W, Zhang H, Zhou X, Ren Y, Ma L, Zhang X, Mei C, Xu G, Li K, Luo Y, Jiang L, Lin P, Zhu S, Lang W, Wang Y, Shen C, Han Y, Liu X, Yang H, Lu C, Sun J, Jin J, Tong H. All-trans retinoic acid enhances the cytotoxic effect of decitabine on myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukaemia by activating the RARα-Nrf2 complex. Br J Cancer 2023; 128:691-701. [PMID: 36482192 PMCID: PMC9938271 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-02074-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Decitabine (DAC) is used as the first-line therapy in patients with higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (HR-MDS) and elderly acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients unsuitable for intensive chemotherapy. However, the clinical outcomes of patients treated with DAC as a monotherapy are far from satisfactory. Adding all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) to DAC reportedly benefitted MDS and elderly AML patients. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear and need further explorations from laboratory experiments. METHODS We used MDS and AML cell lines and primary cells to evaluate the combined effects of DAC and ATRA as well as the underlying mechanisms. We used the MOLM-13-luciferase murine xenograft model to verify the enhanced cytotoxic effect of the drug combination. RESULTS The combination treatment reduced the viability of MDS/AML cells in vitro, delayed leukaemia progress, and extended survival in murine xenograft models compared to non- and mono-drug treated models. DAC application as a single agent induced Nrf2 activation and downstream antioxidative response, and restrained reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, thus leading to DAC resistance. The addition of ATRA blocked Nrf2 activation by activating the RARα-Nrf2 complex, leading to ROS accumulation and ROS-dependent cytotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that combining DAC and ATRA has potential for the clinical treatment of HR-MDS/AML and merits further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes Diagnosis and Therapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic Malignancies, Diagnosis and Treatment, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes Diagnosis and Therapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic Malignancies, Diagnosis and Treatment, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Li Ye
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes Diagnosis and Therapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic Malignancies, Diagnosis and Treatment, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xingnong Ye
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes Diagnosis and Therapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic Malignancies, Diagnosis and Treatment, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenli Yang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes Diagnosis and Therapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic Malignancies, Diagnosis and Treatment, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes Diagnosis and Therapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic Malignancies, Diagnosis and Treatment, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinping Zhou
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes Diagnosis and Therapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic Malignancies, Diagnosis and Treatment, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanling Ren
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes Diagnosis and Therapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic Malignancies, Diagnosis and Treatment, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liya Ma
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes Diagnosis and Therapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic Malignancies, Diagnosis and Treatment, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic Malignancies, Diagnosis and Treatment, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chen Mei
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes Diagnosis and Therapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic Malignancies, Diagnosis and Treatment, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Gaixiang Xu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes Diagnosis and Therapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic Malignancies, Diagnosis and Treatment, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kongfei Li
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes Diagnosis and Therapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic Malignancies, Diagnosis and Treatment, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yingwan Luo
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes Diagnosis and Therapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic Malignancies, Diagnosis and Treatment, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lingxu Jiang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes Diagnosis and Therapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic Malignancies, Diagnosis and Treatment, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Peipei Lin
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes Diagnosis and Therapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Radiotherapy, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), 318000, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuanghong Zhu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes Diagnosis and Therapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic Malignancies, Diagnosis and Treatment, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wei Lang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes Diagnosis and Therapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic Malignancies, Diagnosis and Treatment, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuxia Wang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes Diagnosis and Therapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic Malignancies, Diagnosis and Treatment, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chuying Shen
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes Diagnosis and Therapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic Malignancies, Diagnosis and Treatment, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yueyuan Han
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes Diagnosis and Therapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic Malignancies, Diagnosis and Treatment, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaozhen Liu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes Diagnosis and Therapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic Malignancies, Diagnosis and Treatment, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haiyang Yang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes Diagnosis and Therapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic Malignancies, Diagnosis and Treatment, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chenxi Lu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes Diagnosis and Therapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic Malignancies, Diagnosis and Treatment, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jie Sun
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic Malignancies, Diagnosis and Treatment, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jie Jin
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic Malignancies, Diagnosis and Treatment, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongyan Tong
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes Diagnosis and Therapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic Malignancies, Diagnosis and Treatment, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Bhal S, Kundu CN. Targeting crosstalk of signaling pathways in cancer stem cells: a promising approach for development of novel anti-cancer therapeutics. Med Oncol 2023; 40:82. [PMID: 36662310 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01905-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Wnt, Hedgehog (Hh), and Notch signaling pathways are the evolutionarily conserved signaling pathways that regulate the embryonic development and also play crucial role in maintaining stemness properties of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and inducing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis, and angiogenesis. It has been highly challenging to inhibit the CSCs growth and proliferation as these are capable of evading chemotherapeutic drugs and cause cancer recurrence through multiple signaling pathways. Therefore, novel therapeutic strategies to target the key players involved in the crosstalk of these signaling pathways need to be developed. In this review, we have identified the interacting molecules of Wnt, Hh, and Notch pathways responsible for enhancing the malignant properties of CSCs. Analyzing the functions of these crosstalk molecules will help us to find an approach toward the development of new anti-cancer drugs for inhibition of CSCs growth and progression. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) play a significant role in various cellular processes, like chromatin remodeling, epigenetic modifications, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional regulations. Here, we have highlighted the research findings suggesting the involvement of LncRNAs in maintenance of the stemness properties of CSCs through modulation of the above-mentioned signaling pathways. We have also discussed about the different therapeutic approaches targeting those key players responsible for mediating the crosstalk between the pathways. Overall, this review article will surely help the cancer biologists to design novel anti-CSCs agents that will open up a new horizon in the field of anti-cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhasmita Bhal
- Cancer Biology Division, School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Deemed to Be University, Campus-11, Patia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751024, India
| | - Chanakya Nath Kundu
- Cancer Biology Division, School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Deemed to Be University, Campus-11, Patia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751024, India.
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Resveratrol Inhibits Oxidative Stress and Regulates M1/M2-Type Polarization of Microglia via Mediation of the Nrf2/Shh Signaling Cascade after OGD/R Injury In Vitro. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12122087. [PMID: 36556306 PMCID: PMC9782981 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12122087] [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: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Microglia are closely related to the occurrence and development of oxidative stress. Cerebral ischemia leads to abnormal activation of microglia. Resveratrol can regulate M1/M2-type microglia polarization, but the underlying mechanism is not well understood, although the Nrf2 and Shh signaling pathways may be involved. Given that resveratrol activates Shh, the present study examined whether this is mediated by Nrf2 signaling. METHODS N9 microglia were pretreated with drugs before oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). HT22 neurons were also used for conditional co-culture with microglia. Cell viability was measured by CCK-8 assay. MDA levels and SOD activity in the supernatant were detected by TBA and WST-1, respectively. Immunofluorescence detected Nrf2 and Gli1 nuclear translocation. The levels of CD206, Arg1, iNOS, TNF-α, Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, Shh, Ptc, Smo, Gli1 protein and mRNA were measured by Western blotting or RT-qPCR. Annexin V-FITC Flow Cytometric Analysis detected apoptosis. RESULTS Resveratrol and Nrf2 activator RTA-408 enhanced the viability of microglia, reduced oxidative stress, promoted M2-type microglia polarization and activated Nrf2 and Shh signaling. ML385, a selective inhibitor of Nrf2, decreased the viability of microglia, aggravated oxidative stress, promoted M1-type microglia polarization and inhibited Nrf2 and Shh signaling. Moreover, resveratrol and RTA-408-treated microglia can reduce the apoptosis and increase the viability of HT22 neurons, while ML385-treated microglia aggravated the apoptosis and weakened the viability of HT22 neurons. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrated that resveratrol may inhibit oxidative stress, regulate M1/M2-type polarization of microglia and decrease neuronal injury in conditional co-culture of neurons and microglia via the mediation of the Nrf2/Shh signaling cascade after OGD/R injury in vitro.
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Zhang Y, Kuai S, Zhang Y, Xue H, Wu Z, Zhao P. Maternal sevoflurane exposure affects neural stem cell differentiation in offspring rats through NRF2 signaling. Neurotoxicology 2022; 93:348-354. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2022.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Zhang J, Xu HX, Cho WCS, Cheuk W, Li Y, Huang QH, Yang W, Xian YF, Lin ZX. Brucein D augments the chemosensitivity of gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer via inhibiting the Nrf2 pathway. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:90. [PMID: 35272669 PMCID: PMC8908700 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02270-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gemcitabine (GEM) is the first-line chemotherapeutic drug used to treat pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma carcinoma (PDAC), but chemoresistance is often encountered clinically. Nrf2, an oxidative stress responsive transcription factor, is an important contributor to chemoresistance and poor prognosis of PDAC. Brucein D (BD), a naturally occurring quassinoid, has been reported to exert anti-tumor effect in several cancers including PDAC. In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of BD and the role of Nrf2 axes on the chemosensitivity of GEM and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods Analyses of clinical samples of PDAC and GEPIA database were first conducted to identify the expression of Nrf2 in PDAC. We then established cell lines with stable deletion of Nrf2 through transfecting lentivirus into PDAC cells. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting were performed to determine the expression of Nrf2 in these cell lines. The effects of BD and Nrf2 axes on PDAC cell proliferation, colony-formation, tumor growth and chemosensitivity were determined both in vitro and in vivo. Orthotopic xenograft and genetically engineered KPC mouse models of PDAC were used to evaluate the anti-pancreatic cancer effects of BD and GEM. Results Nrf2 was highly expressed in PDAC in the clinical samples and GEPIA analysis. Gain- and lost-function study demonstrated that Nrf2 affected the chemosensitivity of GEM on PDAC cells both in vitro and in vivo. We further found that BD effectively inhibited PDAC cell proliferation and enhanced the chemosensitivity of GEM. Mechanistic studies revealed that BD sensitized GEM in PDAC cells through the ubiquitin–proteasome-dependent degradation of Nrf2, and downregulating the Nrf2 pathway. Silencing of Nrf2 plus BD treatment resulted in more potent inhibitory effects of GEM. In contrast, Nrf2 activation attenuated the chemosensitivity of GEM, indicating that the action of BD was Nrf2 dependent. Finally, the efficacy of BD alone and in combination with GEM on PDAC was validated on both orthotopic xenograft and genetically engineered KPC mouse models. Conclusions BD was able to enhance the chemosensitivity of GEM in PDAC through inhibition of the Nrf2 pathway. Our experimental findings indicate that BD, a potent Nrf2 inhibitor, holds promise for further development into a novel adjuvant therapy for PDAC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02270-z.
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Boorman E, Killick R, Aarsland D, Zunszain P, Mann GE. NRF2: An emerging role in neural stem cell regulation and neurogenesis. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 193:437-446. [PMID: 36272667 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.10.301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The birth of new neurons from neural stem cells (NSC)s during developmental and adult neurogenesis arises from a myriad of highly complex signalling cascades. Emerging as one of these is the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (NRF2)-signaling pathway. Regulation by NRF2 is reported to span the neurogenic process from early neural lineage specification and NSC regulation to neuronal fate commitment and differentiation. Here, we review these reports selecting only those where NRF2 signaling was directly manipulated to provide a clearer case for a direct role of NRF2 in embryonic and adult neurogenesis. With few studies providing mechanistic insight into this relationship, we lastly discuss key pathways linking NRF2 and stem cell regulation outside the neural lineage to shed light on mechanisms that may also be relevant to NSCs and neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Boorman
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK; King's BHF Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences, King's College London, 150 Stamford Street, London, SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Richard Killick
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Dag Aarsland
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Patricia Zunszain
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Giovanni E Mann
- King's BHF Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences, King's College London, 150 Stamford Street, London, SE1 9NH, UK.
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Redox-Regulation in Cancer Stem Cells. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102413. [PMID: 36289675 PMCID: PMC9598867 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a small subset of slowly dividing cells with tumor-initiating ability. They can self-renew and differentiate into all the distinct cell populations within a tumor. CSCs are naturally resistant to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. CSCs, thus, can repopulate a tumor after therapy and are responsible for recurrence of disease. Stemness manifests itself through, among other things, the expression of stem cell markers, the ability to induce sphere formation and tumor growth in vivo, and resistance to chemotherapeutics and irradiation. Stemness is maintained by keeping levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) low, which is achieved by enhanced activity of antioxidant pathways. Here, cellular sources of ROS, antioxidant pathways employed by CSCs, and underlying mechanisms to overcome resistance are discussed.
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Tang K, Chen Q, Liu Y, Wang L, Lu W. Combination of Metformin and Sorafenib Induces Ferroptosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through p62-Keap1-Nrf2 Pathway. J Cancer 2022; 13:3234-3243. [PMID: 36118519 PMCID: PMC9475364 DOI: 10.7150/jca.76618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal cancers in the world. Sorafenib is the first small-molecule multi-kinase inhibitors approved by FDA for treatment of advanced HCC. Metformin has been demonstrated to have benefit for preventing cancer progression. In human recurrent HCCs, NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) was overexpressed and associated with poor survival. Nrf2 related signaling pathway plays central role to mediate cellular resistance to sorafenib through protecting HCC cells from ferroptosis. The effect of Combination treatment for HCC cells and the intrinsic mechanism have not been reported. In this study, metformin augmented the anti-tumor effect of sorafenib for HCC through ferroptosis induction by inhibiting Nrf2 related pathway. Based on the results of Nrf2 knockdown and p62 knockdown study, the combination of sorafenib and metformin suppressed proliferation of HCC cells through p62-Keap1-Nrf2/HO1 signaling way. Size of xenografts treated with the combination of sorafenib and metformin was smaller than other groups in vivo. Moreover, the combination treatment greatly induced ferroptosis in HCC cells through inhibiting Nrf2 expression. Based on our findings, the combination treatment suppressed proliferation of HCC cells through ferroptosis induction, by p62-Keap1-Nrf2/HO1 signaling way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kezhong Tang
- Department of Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, #88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, PR China
| | - Qing Chen
- Department of Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, #88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, PR China
| | - Yanmo Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Sir RunRun Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, PR China
| | - Lantian Wang
- Department of Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, #88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, PR China
| | - Wenjie Lu
- Department of Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, #88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, PR China
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Huang M, Lin Y, Wang C, Deng L, Chen M, Assaraf YG, Chen ZS, Ye W, Zhang D. New insights into antiangiogenic therapy resistance in cancer: Mechanisms and therapeutic aspects. Drug Resist Updat 2022; 64:100849. [PMID: 35842983 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2022.100849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a hallmark of cancer and is required for tumor growth and progression. Antiangiogenic therapy has been revolutionarily developing and was approved for the treatment of various types of cancer for nearly two decades, among which bevacizumab and sorafenib continue to be the two most frequently used antiangiogenic drugs. Although antiangiogenic therapy has brought substantial survival benefits to many cancer patients, resistance to antiangiogenic drugs frequently occurs during clinical treatment, leading to poor outcomes and treatment failure. Cumulative evidence has demonstrated that the intricate interplay among tumor cells, bone marrow-derived cells, and local stromal cells critically allows for tumor escape from antiangiogenic therapy. Currently, drug resistance has become the main challenge that hinders the therapeutic efficacies of antiangiogenic therapy. In this review, we describe and summarize the cellular and molecular mechanisms conferring tumor drug resistance to antiangiogenic therapy, which was predominantly associated with redundancy in angiogenic signaling molecules (e.g., VEGFs, GM-CSF, G-CSF, and IL17), alterations in biological processes of tumor cells (e.g., tumor invasiveness and metastasis, stemness, autophagy, metabolic reprogramming, vessel co-option, and vasculogenic mimicry), increased recruitment of bone marrow-derived cells (e.g., myeloid-derived suppressive cells, tumor-associated macrophages, and tumor-associated neutrophils), and changes in the biological functions and features of local stromal cells (e.g., pericytes, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and endothelial cells). We also review potential biomarkers to predict the response to antiangiogenic therapy in cancer patients, which mainly consist of imaging biomarkers, cellular and extracellular proteins, a certain type of bone marrow-derived cells, local stromal cell content (e.g., pericyte coverage) as well as serum or plasma biomarkers (e.g., non-coding RNAs). Finally, we highlight the recent advances in combination strategies with the aim of enhancing the response to antiangiogenic therapy in cancer patients and mouse models. This review introduces a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms and biomarkers associated with the evasion of antiangiogenic therapy in cancer, providing an outlook for developing more effective approaches to promote the therapeutic efficacy of antiangiogenic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maohua Huang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Postdoctoral Research Station, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yuning Lin
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Chenran Wang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Lijuan Deng
- Formula-Pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Minfeng Chen
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yehuda G Assaraf
- The Fred Wyszkowski Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Institute for Biotechnology, St. John's University, NY 11439, USA.
| | - Wencai Ye
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Dongmei Zhang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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22
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Zhao J, Zeng G, Lin E, Cai C, Li P, Zou B, Li J. Combined HIF-1α and SHH Up-Regulation Is a Potential Biomarker to Predict Poor Prognosis in Postoperative Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J INVEST SURG 2022; 35:1660-1667. [PMID: 35768071 DOI: 10.1080/08941939.2022.2090034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) or sonic hedgehog (SHH) is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. Hypoxia inhibits ferroptosis, which induces cancer cell death. However, the correlation between the combined HIF-1α and SHH up-regulation with prognosis, and the association between SHH and ferroptosis remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate them. METHODS We detected the expression of HIF-1α and SHH in HCC. Cox regression, clinical data, and Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed. In vitro cell experiments verified the relationship between HIF-1α and SHH, and observed the invasion of hypoxic HCC cells. The correlation between SHH and ferroptosis was also analyzed. RESULTS HIF-1α and SHH expression levels were significantly correlated with HCC (p < 0.0001). HIF-1α and SHH expression levels were found to be associated with TNM stage (p = 0.0121, p = 0.0078, respectively), vascular invasion (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, respectively), and recurrence (p = 0.0212, p = 0.0392, respectively). The combined upregulation of HIF-1α and SHH was an independent factor for predicting the overall survival (OS) of patients with HCC (p = 0.003), who had the shortest OS (p = 0.0009). SHH paralleled the increase in HIF-1α expression, which promotes cancer cell invasion. The upregulation of SHH was related to the inhibition of the expression of ferroptosis-related factors (FANCD2, p < 0.0001 and FTH1, p = 0.0009) in HCC. CONCLUSION Combined HIF-1α and SHH upregulation is a potentially poor prognosis indicator in patients with HCC because the upregulation of SHH inhibits ferroptosis in hypoxic cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Guifang Zeng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - En Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Chaonong Cai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Peiping Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Baojia Zou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
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23
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Qin S, Li B, Ming H, Nice EC, Zou B, Huang C. Harnessing redox signaling to overcome therapeutic-resistant cancer dormancy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188749. [PMID: 35716972 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Dormancy occurs when cells preserve viability but stop proliferating, which is considered an important cause of tumor relapse, which may occur many years after clinical remission. Since the life cycle of dormant cancer cells is affected by both intracellular and extracellular factors, gene mutation or epigenetic regulation of tumor cells may not fully explain the mechanisms involved. Recent studies have indicated that redox signaling regulates the formation, maintenance, and reactivation of dormant cancer cells by modulating intracellular signaling pathways and the extracellular environment, which provides a molecular explanation for the life cycle of dormant tumor cells. Indeed, redox signaling regulates the onset of dormancy by balancing the intrinsic pathways, the extrinsic environment, and the response to therapy. In addition, redox signaling sustains dormancy by managing stress homeostasis, maintaining stemness and immunogenic equilibrium. However, studies on dormancy reactivation are still limited, partly explained by redox-mediated activation of lipid metabolism and the transition from the tumor microenvironment to inflammation. Encouragingly, several drug combination strategies based on redox biology are currently under clinical evaluation. Continuing to gain an in-depth understanding of redox regulation and develop specific methods targeting redox modification holds the promise to accelerate the development of strategies to treat dormant tumors and benefit cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Bowen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Hui Ming
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Edouard C Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Bingwen Zou
- Department of Thoracic Oncology and Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China.
| | - Canhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, PR China.
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Drug Resistance and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040632. [PMID: 35203283 PMCID: PMC8870354 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and deadly cancers worldwide. It is usually diagnosed in an advanced stage and is characterized by a high intrinsic drug resistance, leading to limited chemotherapeutic efficacy and relapse after treatment. There is therefore a vast need for understanding underlying mechanisms that contribute to drug resistance and for developing therapeutic strategies that would overcome this. The rapid proliferation of tumor cells, in combination with a highly inflammatory microenvironment, causes a chronic increase of protein synthesis in different hepatic cell populations. This leads to an intensified demand of protein folding, which inevitably causes an accumulation of misfolded or unfolded proteins in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). This process is called ER stress and triggers the unfolded protein response (UPR) in order to restore protein synthesis or—in the case of severe or prolonged ER stress—to induce cell death. Interestingly, the three different arms of the ER stress signaling pathways have been shown to drive chemoresistance in several tumors and could therefore form a promising therapeutic target. This review provides an overview of how ER stress and activation of the UPR contributes to drug resistance in HCC.
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The Expression and Prognostic Value of Cancer Stem Cell Markers, NRF2, and Its Target Genes in TAE/TACE-Treated Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58020212. [PMID: 35208536 PMCID: PMC8879934 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58020212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Activation of NRF2, a key transcription factor of cytoprotectant against oxidative stress, and its target genes are associated with aggressive tumor progression, metastasis and poor survival. In addition, NRF2 signaling mediates cancer stem cell (CSC)-like properties in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Moreover, CSCs have been associated with HCC onset and unfavorable prognosis. Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) and/or transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), which attempt to restrict blood supply to diminish tumor growth, can create a hypoxic environment. However, its effect on NRF2 signaling and CSC marker CD133 in the context of prognosis of HCCs have not been investigated. Therefore, we studied the possible role of the expressions of NRF2, its target genes and CSC markers CD133 and EpCAM on the survival of HCC patients after TAE/TACE. Materials and Methods: RT-qPCR was performed with 120 tumor (T) and adjacent tumor (N) tissue pairs. Expression of a single marker or combination was assessed for associations with survival of HCC patients after TAE/TACE. Results: The result of multivariate Cox regression showed that vascular invasion (HR, 1.821; p = 0.015), metastasis (HR, 2.033; p = 0.049) and CD133 overexpression (HR, 2.013; p = 0.006) were associated with poor survival. In a Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, patients with high expression of CD133 had shorter overall survival (OS) than those with low expression of CD133 in post-TAE/TACE HCC (p < 0.001). In contrast, neither NRF2 nor components of its signaling pathway correlated with survival. Combination marker analysis showed that co-expression of NQO1 and CD133 was associated with poor outcome. Conclusions: This study suggests that analyzing the expression status of CD133 alone and co-expression of NQO1 and CD133 may have additional value in predicting the outcome of TAE/TACE-treated HCC patients.
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Wang Q, Wei X, Hu L, Zhuang L, Zhang H, Chen Q. Hedgehog-Gli2 Signaling Promotes Chemoresistance in Ovarian Cancer Cells by Regulating MDR1. Front Oncol 2022; 11:794959. [PMID: 35059317 PMCID: PMC8763667 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.794959] [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: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cisplatin (DDP) resistance remains a key challenge in improving the clinical outcome of patients with ovarian cancer (OC). Gli2 overexpression can lead to DDP resistance in OC cells, but the specific underlying regulatory mechanism remains unclear. The membrane transporter encoding gene MDR1 positively regulates chemotherapy resistance in various cancer types. We evaluated MDR1 as a potential Gli2 downstream target and the contribution of the Gli2/MDR1 axis in promoting DDP resistance in OC cells. Methods To generate drug-resistant SKOV3/DDP cells, SKOV3 cells were grown for six months under continuous induction wherein the DDP concentration was steadily increased. Gli2 expression in OC cells with varying DDP sensitivities was detected using western blot. Cell counting kit-8 assays were used to assess the DDP sensitivity of SKOV3, SKOV3/DDP, A2780, and A2780/DDP cells and reversal of DDP resistance in SKOV3/DDP and A2780/DDP cells. Cell proliferation was analyzed using 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation assays. The transcriptional regulation of MDR1 by Gli2 was determined using luciferase reporter assays. Finally, xenograft OC tumors were generated in nude mice, which were then treated with intraperitoneal DDP or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) injections to investigate if Gli2 affected DDP resistance in OC in vivo. Results DDP-resistant SKOV3/DDP and A2780/DDP cells showed higher expression of Gli2 and MDR1 as compared with that in DDP-sensitive OC cells. Gli2 knockdown in SKOV3/DDP cells significantly reduced MDR1 expression, whereas it increased DNA damage, thereby sensitizing OC cells to DDP. Similar results were obtained after targeting Gli2 expression with the Gli-antagonist 61 inhibitor (GANT61) in SKOV3/DDP and A2780/DDP cells. In cells stably overexpressing Gli2, treatment with gradient concentrations of verapamil, an MDR1 inhibitor, significantly inhibited MDR1 expression. Our findings indicate that downregulation of MDR1 expression may reverse OC cell resistance to DDP. Moreover, dual-luciferase reporter gene assays confirmed that MDR1 is a direct downstream target of Gli2, with Gli2 positively regulating MDR1 expression. Finally, subcutaneous xenotransplantation in nude mice demonstrated that Gli2 plays a key role in regulating OC drug resistance. Conclusions We identified a mechanism by which Hedgehog-Gli signaling regulates OC chemoresistance by modulating MDR1 expression. Hence, Gli2 and MDR1 are potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in patients with chemoresistant OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xin Wei
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Lanyan Hu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Lingling Zhuang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Qi Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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27
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Redox Control of the Dormant Cancer Cell Life Cycle. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102707. [PMID: 34685686 PMCID: PMC8535080 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Following efficient tumor therapy, some cancer cells may survive through a dormancy process, contributing to tumor recurrence and worse outcomes. Dormancy is considered a process where most cancer cells in a tumor cell population are quiescent with no, or only slow, proliferation. Recent advances indicate that redox mechanisms control the dormant cancer cell life cycle, including dormancy entrance, long-term dormancy, and metastatic relapse. This regulatory network is orchestrated mainly through redox modification on key regulators or global change of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in dormant cancer cells. Encouragingly, several strategies targeting redox signaling, including sleeping, awaking, or killing dormant cancer cells are currently under early clinical evaluation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying redox control of the dormant cancer cell cycle are poorly understood and need further exploration. In this review, we discuss the underlying molecular basis of redox signaling in the cell life cycle of dormant cancer and the potential redox-based targeting strategies for eliminating dormant cancer cells.
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28
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Gao L, Morine Y, Yamada S, Saito Y, Ikemoto T, Tokuda K, Takasu C, Miyazaki K, Shimada M. Nrf2 signaling promotes cancer stemness, migration, and expression of ABC transporter genes in sorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma cells. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256755. [PMID: 34473785 PMCID: PMC8412368 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aim As a multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitor, sorafenib is widely used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but patients frequently face resistance problems. Because the mechanism controlling sorafenib-resistance is not well understood, this study focused on the connection between tumor characteristics and the Nrf2 signaling pathway in a sorafenib-resistant HCC cell line. Methods A sorafenib-resistant HCC cell line (Huh7) was developed by increasing the dose of sorafenib in the culture medium until the target concentration was reached. Cell morphology, migration/invasion rates, and expression of stemness-related and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter genes were compared between sorafenib-resistant Huh7 cells and parental Huh7 cells. Next, a small interfering RNA was used to knock down Nrf2 expression in sorafenib-resistant Huh7 cells, after which cell viability, stemness, migration, and ABC transporter gene expression were examined again. Results Proliferation, migration, and invasion rates of sorafenib-resistant Huh7 cells were significantly increased relative to the parental cells with or without sorafenib added to the medium. The expression levels of stemness markers and ABC transporter genes were up-regulated in sorafenib-resistant cells. After Nrf2 was knocked down in sorafenib-resistant cells, cell migration and invasion rates were reduced, and expression levels of stemness markers and ABC transporter genes were reduced. Conclusion Nrf2 signaling promotes cancer stemness, migration, and expression of ABC transporter genes in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luping Gao
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yuji Morine
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Shinichiro Yamada
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yu Saito
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Ikemoto
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Kazunori Tokuda
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Chie Takasu
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Katsuki Miyazaki
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Mitsuo Shimada
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
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Chen W, Su J, Cai S, Shi C. Cullin3 aggravates the inflammatory response of periodontal ligament stem cells via regulation of SHH signaling and Nrf2. Bioengineered 2021; 12:3089-3100. [PMID: 34193016 PMCID: PMC8806625 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1943603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
It is found that the activation of Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway is related to the degree of inflammation in patients suffering from periodontitis. Cullin3 (CUL3), an important ubiquitin ligase, can control SHH signaling. In this study, we were dedicated to clarify the roles of SHH and CUL3 in P. gingivalis-LPS (Pg-LPS)-treated periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs). In this study, cell viability was detected using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). The inflammatory cytokines of PDLSCs were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). With the application of western blots, the protein levels of SHH, Gli1 and NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) were determined. Alkaline phosphatase staining and Alizarin red staining were performed to evaluate the differentiation and mineralization capabilities of PDLSCs. The apoptotic cells were screened using TUNEL staining. The results showed that Pg-LPS inhibited cell viability and triggered inflammation of PDLSCs. Overexpression of CUL3 weakened the differentiation and mineralization capabilities of PDLSCs. Moreover, CUL3 overexpression aggravated inflammation and cell apoptosis induced by Pg-LPS. It is worth noting that although the protein levels of SHH, Gli1 and Nrf2 were elevated in PDLSCs treated with Pg-LPS, overexpression of CUL3 decreased the expressions of Gli1 and Nrf2. Overall, SHH/Gli1 and Nrf2 were involved in the inflammation and cell apoptosis of PDLSCs, which was dominated by CUL3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanhong Chen
- Department of Stomatology, Quanzhou First Hospital, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jiangling Su
- Department of Stomatology, Quanzhou First Hospital, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Shixiong Cai
- Department of Stomatology, Quanzhou First Hospital, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Chun Shi
- Department of Endodontics and Periodontics, School of Stomatology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
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Zhao Y, Chen Y, Wang J, Liu L. Effects of ATP-binding cassette transporter G2 in extracellular vesicles on drug resistance of laryngeal cancer cells in in vivo and in vitro. Oncol Lett 2021; 21:364. [PMID: 33747221 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance is one of the main factors limiting the efficacy of chemotherapy in patients with laryngeal cancer; thus, it is important to investigate the drug resistance of laryngeal cancer. In the present study, the mechanism of the regulation of drug resistance in laryngeal cancer cells by ATP-binding transporter G2 (ABCG2) that is present in the extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by drug-resistant cells was studied in vivo and in vitro. A cisplatin (CDDP)-resistant cell line (AMC-HN-8/CDDP) was established from AMC-HN-8 cells by continuous exposure to increasing concentrations of CDDP. The EVs extracted from the culture medium of AMC-HN-8/CDDP and AMC-HN-8 cells were termed EVs1 and EVs2, respectively. Following 48-h treatment of AMC-HN-8 cells with EVs1 or EVs2, the cells were designated as AMC-HN-8-EVs1 or AMC-HN-8-EVs2. Nude mice bearing AMC-HN-8-EVs1 and AMC-HN-8 cell-derived xenograft tumors were established to detect the effects of EVs on drug resistance. The resistance index of AMC-HN-8/CDDP cells to CDDP was 5.60, which was determined by the MTT assay. The mRNA and protein expression levels of ABCG2 in AMC-HN-8/CDDP cells and EVs1 were significantly higher compared with those in AMC-HN-8 cells and EVs2, respectively (P<0.01). The ABCG2 mRNA and protein levels, and the proliferation index of AMC-HN-8-EVs1 cells were significantly higher compared with those of AMC-HN-8-EVs2 and AMC-HN-8 cells (P<0.01), whereas the apoptotic rate was significantly lower (P<0.01). The mean volume of subcutaneous tumor xenografts in the test group (inoculated with AMC-HN-8-EVs1 cells and intraperitoneally injected with 3 mg/kg CDDP) was significantly higher compared with that in the control group (inoculated with AMC-HN-8 cells and intraperitoneally injected with 3 mg/kg CDDP) (P<0.01), whereas the apoptotic rate of tumor cells was significantly lower (P<0.01). The ABCG2 mRNA and the protein expression levels in the tumor cells of the test group were significantly higher compared with those in the blank (inoculated with AMC-HN-8 cells and was intraperitoneally injected with normal saline) and control groups (P<0.01). The high expression levels of ABCG2 in laryngeal carcinoma cells affected the drug resistance of the cells. The EVs released by drug-resistant cells upregulated the expression of ABCG2 and induced drug resistance in laryngeal carcinoma cells, which may be dependent on the ABCG2 gene carried by the EVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhao
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Yuetong Chen
- Tumor Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Jing Wang
- Tumor Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Liang Liu
- Tumor Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
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Mirzaei S, Zarrabi A, Hashemi F, Zabolian A, Saleki H, Azami N, Hamzehlou S, Farahani MV, Hushmandi K, Ashrafizadeh M, Khan H, Kumar AP. Nrf2 Signaling Pathway in Chemoprotection and Doxorubicin Resistance: Potential Application in Drug Discovery. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10030349. [PMID: 33652780 PMCID: PMC7996755 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10030349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Doxorubicin (DOX) is extensively applied in cancer therapy due to its efficacy in suppressing cancer progression and inducing apoptosis. After its discovery, this chemotherapeutic agent has been frequently used for cancer therapy, leading to chemoresistance. Due to dose-dependent toxicity, high concentrations of DOX cannot be administered to cancer patients. Therefore, experiments have been directed towards revealing underlying mechanisms responsible for DOX resistance and ameliorating its adverse effects. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling is activated to increase levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells to protect them against oxidative stress. It has been reported that Nrf2 activation is associated with drug resistance. In cells exposed to DOX, stimulation of Nrf2 signaling protects cells against cell death. Various upstream mediators regulate Nrf2 in DOX resistance. Strategies, both pharmacological and genetic interventions, have been applied for reversing DOX resistance. However, Nrf2 induction is of importance for alleviating side effects of DOX. Pharmacological agents with naturally occurring compounds as the most common have been used for inducing Nrf2 signaling in DOX amelioration. Furthermore, signaling networks in which Nrf2 is a key player for protection against DOX adverse effects have been revealed and are discussed in the current review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Mirzaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran 1477893855, Iran;
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla 34956, Istanbul, Turkey; (A.Z.); (M.A.)
| | - Farid Hashemi
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran 1417466191, Iran;
| | - Amirhossein Zabolian
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 1477893855, Iran; (A.Z.); (H.S.); (N.A.); (S.H.); (M.V.F.)
| | - Hossein Saleki
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 1477893855, Iran; (A.Z.); (H.S.); (N.A.); (S.H.); (M.V.F.)
| | - Negar Azami
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 1477893855, Iran; (A.Z.); (H.S.); (N.A.); (S.H.); (M.V.F.)
| | - Soodeh Hamzehlou
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 1477893855, Iran; (A.Z.); (H.S.); (N.A.); (S.H.); (M.V.F.)
| | - Mahdi Vasheghani Farahani
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 1477893855, Iran; (A.Z.); (H.S.); (N.A.); (S.H.); (M.V.F.)
| | - Kiavash Hushmandi
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran 1417466191, Iran;
| | - Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla 34956, Istanbul, Turkey; (A.Z.); (M.A.)
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Orta Mahalle, Üniversite Caddesi No. 27, Orhanlı, Tuzla 34956, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan 23200, Pakistan;
| | - Alan Prem Kumar
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
- Correspondence:
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Silencing KIF14 reverses acquired resistance to sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:22975-23003. [PMID: 33203790 PMCID: PMC7746348 DOI: 10.18632/aging.104028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
For nearly a decade, sorafenib has served as a first-line chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but it displays only limited efficacy against advanced drug-resistant HCC. Regorafenib, the first second-line drug approved for treatment after sorafenib failure, can reverse resistance to sorafenib. We used bioinformatics methods to identify genes whose expression was differentially induced by sorafenib and regorafenib in HCC. We identified KIF14 as an oncogene involved in the acquired resistance to sorafenib in HCC and investigated its potential as a target for reversing this resistance. Sustained exposure of resistant HCC cells to sorafenib activated the AKT pathway, which in turn upregulated KIF14 expression by increasing expression of the transcription factor ETS1. Silencing KIF14 reversed the acquired resistance to sorafenib by inhibiting AKT activation and downregulating ETS1 expression by blocking the AKT-ETS1-KIF14 positive feedback loop. Moreover, injection of siKIF14 with sorafenib suppressed growth of sorafenib-resistant HCC tumors in mice. These results demonstrate that targeting KIF14 could be an effective means of reversing sorafenib failure or strengthening sorafenib's antitumor effects.
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Nrf2 in Neoplastic and Non-Neoplastic Liver Diseases. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102932. [PMID: 33053665 PMCID: PMC7599585 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Although the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway represents a powerful cell defense mechanism against a variety of toxic insults, its role in acute or chronic liver damage and tumor development is not completely understood. This review addresses how Nrf2 is involved in liver pathophysiology and critically discusses the contrasting results emerging from the literature. The aim of the present report is to stimulate further investigation on the role of Nrf2 that could lead to define the best strategies to therapeutically target this pathway. Abstract Activation of the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway, the most important cell defense signal, triggered to neutralize the harmful effects of electrophilic and oxidative stress, plays a crucial role in cell survival. Therefore, its ability to attenuate acute and chronic liver damage, where oxidative stress represents the key player, is not surprising. On the other hand, while Nrf2 promotes proliferation in cancer cells, its role in non-neoplastic hepatocytes is a matter of debate. Another topic of uncertainty concerns the nature of the mechanisms of Nrf2 activation in hepatocarcinogenesis. Indeed, it remains unclear what is the main mechanism behind the sustained activation of the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway in hepatocarcinogenesis. This raises doubts about the best strategies to therapeutically target this pathway. In this review, we will analyze and discuss our present knowledge concerning the role of Nrf2 in hepatic physiology and pathology, including hepatocellular carcinoma. In particular, we will critically examine and discuss some findings originating from animal models that raise questions that still need to be adequately answered.
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Rao QW, Zhang SL, Guo MZ, Yuan FF, Sun JL, Qi F, Wang LS, Yang BW, Xia JL. Sulfiredoxin-1 is a promising novel prognostic biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Med 2020; 9:8318-8332. [PMID: 32955798 PMCID: PMC7666720 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.3430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying novel prognostic biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and then, develop an effective individualized treatment strategy remain extremely warranted. The prognostic role of sulfiredoxin-1(SRXN1), an antioxidant enzyme, remains unknown in HCC. This study aimed to explore the prognostic implications of SRXN1 in HCC patients after partial hepatectomy. The expression of SRXN1 in HCC and normal tissue were analyzed using the patients from the public databases and Zhongshan Hospital. The Cox regression, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves were performed to identify the predictive role of SRXN1 expression on HCC patients. A prognostic nomogram based on SRXN1 expression was constructed and validated to further confirm the predictive power of SRXN1 as a prognostic biomarker. Finally, functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction network analysis of SRXN1 and its associated genes were conducted. The results showed that SRXN1 was upregulated in HCC samples compared with the normal liver tissues. Patients with SRXN1 upregulation had shorter survival time. SRXN1 overexpression was significantly correlated with advanced clinicopathological parameters. The prognostic nomogram based on SRXN1 expression was proved to be more accurate than routine staging systems for the prediction of overall survival. Protein-protein interaction network analysis demonstrated the first neighbor genes of SRXN1 mainly participated in response to oxidative stress. In brief, SRXN1 could be a prognostic biomarker for the management of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Wen Rao
- Minhang Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-Long Zhang
- Institute of Fudan-Minhang Academic Health System, Minhang Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng-Zhou Guo
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei-Fei Yuan
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia-Lei Sun
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Qi
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Shun Wang
- Institute of Fudan-Minhang Academic Health System, Minhang Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bi-Wei Yang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing-Lin Xia
- Minhang Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Li B, Yang L, Peng X, Fan Q, Wei S, Yang S, Li X, Jin H, Wu B, Huang M, Tang S, Liu J, Li H. Emerging mechanisms and applications of ferroptosis in the treatment of resistant cancers. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 130:110710. [PMID: 33568263 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of chemotherapy drugs has promoted anticancer treatment, but the effect on tumours is not clear because of treatment resistance; thus, it is necessary to further understand the mechanism of cell death to explore new therapeutic targets. As a new type of programmed cell death, ferroptosis is increasingly being targeted in the treatment of many cancers with clinical drugs and experimental compounds. Ferroptosis is stimulated in tumours with inherently high levels of ferrous ions by a reaction with abundant polyunsaturated fatty acids and the inhibition of antioxidant enzymes, which can overcome treatment resistance in cancers mainly through GPX4. In this review, we focus on the intrinsic cellular regulators against ferroptosis in cancer resistance, such as GPX4, NRF2 and the thioredoxin system. We summarize the application of novel compounds and drugs to circumvent treatment resistance. We also introduce the application of nanoparticles for the treatment of resistant cancers. In conclusion, targeting ferroptosis represents a considerable strategy for resistant cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Li
- Department of General Surgery, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, Liaoning, China
| | - Liang Yang
- Department of General Surgery, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, Liaoning, China
| | - Xueqiang Peng
- Department of General Surgery, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, Liaoning, China
| | - Qin Fan
- Department of General Surgery, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, Liaoning, China
| | - Shibo Wei
- Department of General Surgery, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, Liaoning, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Department of General Surgery, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, Liaoning, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Department of General Surgery, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, Liaoning, China
| | - Hongyuan Jin
- Department of General Surgery, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, Liaoning, China
| | - Bo Wu
- Department of General Surgery, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, Liaoning, China
| | - Mingyao Huang
- Department of General Surgery, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, Liaoning, China
| | - Shilei Tang
- Department of General Surgery, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, Liaoning, China
| | - Jingang Liu
- Department of General Surgery, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, Liaoning, China
| | - Hangyu Li
- Department of General Surgery, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032, Liaoning, China.
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Xie Z, Wang F, Lin L, Duan S, Liu X, Li X, Li T, Xue M, Cheng Y, Ren H, Zhu Y. An SGLT2 inhibitor modulates SHH expression by activating AMPK to inhibit the migration and induce the apoptosis of cervical carcinoma cells. Cancer Lett 2020; 495:200-210. [PMID: 32931885 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In addition to their hypoglycemic effect, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have many other benefits. In the present study, we examine the anticancer effect of the SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin using cervical carcinoma models. In vivo antitumor activities of empagliflozin were observed in a nude mouse model. Empagliflozin intervention and downregulation of Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Molecule (Shh) inhibited the migration and promoted the apoptosis of cervical cancer cells in nude mice. Compared with the control group, the empagliflozin treatment group had an increased level of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and decreased levels of Forkhead Box A1 (FOXA1) and SHH in tumor tissue. In vitro experiments also showed that empagliflozin (50 μM) inhibited the migration of cervical cancer cells and induced their apoptosis by activating the AMPK/FOXA1 pathway and inhibiting the expression of SHH. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to determine the relationship between SHH expression and total survival time. The results showed that in cervical cancer patients, high SHH expression resulted in unfavorable overall survival. The downregulation of SHH with small interfering RNA (siRNA) inhibited the migration and invasion and promoted the apoptosis of HeLa cells. These findings show that empagliflozin has a potential therapeutic effect on cervical cancer. This effect was related to the activation of the AMPK pathway and the inhibition of SHH expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zipeng Xie
- Basic Medical College of Tianjin Medical University, 300070, Tianjin, China.
| | - Fang Wang
- The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, 300211, Tianjin, China
| | - Lingqiang Lin
- Basic Medical College of Tianjin Medical University, 300070, Tianjin, China
| | - Shaoxian Duan
- Basic Medical College of Tianjin Medical University, 300070, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiangyang Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Tianjin Medical University Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital & Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, 300070, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Tianjin Medical University Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital & Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, 300070, Tianjin, China
| | - Ting Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Tianjin Medical University Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital & Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, 300070, Tianjin, China
| | - Mei Xue
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Tianjin Medical University Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital & Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, 300070, Tianjin, China
| | - Ying Cheng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Tianjin Medical University Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital & Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, 300070, Tianjin, China
| | - He Ren
- Department of Gastroenterology, Center of Tumor Immunology and Cytotherapy, Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 266003, Qingdao, China.
| | - Yi Zhu
- Basic Medical College of Tianjin Medical University, 300070, Tianjin, China.
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Lin CC, Kuo IY, Wu LT, Kuan WH, Liao SY, Jen J, Yang YE, Tang CW, Chen YR, Wang YC. Dysregulated Kras/YY1/ZNF322A/Shh transcriptional axis enhances neo-angiogenesis to promote lung cancer progression. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:10001-10015. [PMID: 32929330 PMCID: PMC7481419 DOI: 10.7150/thno.47491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis enhances cancer metastasis and progression, however, the roles of transcription regulation in angiogenesis are not fully defined. ZNF322A is an oncogenic zinc-finger transcription factor. Here, we demonstrate a new mechanism of Kras mutation-driven ZNF322A transcriptional activation and elucidate the interplay between ZNF322A and its upstream transcriptional regulators and downstream transcriptional targets in promoting neo-angiogenesis. Methods: Luciferase activity, RT-qPCR and ChIP-qPCR assays were used to examine transcription regulation in cell models. In vitro and in vivo angiogenesis assays were conducted. Immunohistochemistry, Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate Cox regression assays were performed to examine the clinical correlation in tumor specimens from lung cancer patients. Results: We validated that Yin Yang 1 (YY1) upregulated ZNF322A expression through targeting its promoter in the context of Kras mutation. Reconstitution experiments by knocking down YY1 under KrasG13V activation decreased KrasG13V-promoted cancer cell migration, proliferation and ZNF322A promoter activity. Knockdown of YY1 or ZNF322A attenuated angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Notably, we validated that ZNF322A upregulated the expression of sonic hedgehog (Shh) gene which encodes a secreted factor that activates pro-angiogenic responses in endothelial cells. Clinically, ZNF322A protein expression positively correlated with Shh and CD31, an endothelial cell marker, in 133 lung cancer patient samples determined using immunohistochemistry analysis. Notably, patients with concordantly high expression of ZNF322A, Shh and CD31 correlated with poor prognosis. Conclusions: These findings highlight the mechanism by which dysregulation of Kras/YY1/ZNF322/Shh transcriptional axis enhances neo-angiogenesis and cancer progression in lung cancer. Therapeutic strategies that target Kras/YY1/ZNF322A/Shh signaling axis may provide new insight on targeted therapy for lung cancer patients.
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NR5A2 synergizes with NCOA3 to induce breast cancer resistance to BET inhibitor by upregulating NRF2 to attenuate ferroptosis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 530:402-409. [PMID: 32536370 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.05.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BET inhibitors (BETi) exert an excellent anti-cancer activity in breast cancer. However, the identification of new potential targets to enhance breast cancer sensitivity to BETi is still an enormous challenge. Both NR5A2 and NCOA3 are frequently involved in cancer cells resistance to chemotherapy, also associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer. However, the functions of NR5A2 and NCOA3 in BETi resistance remains unknown. In this study, we found that BETi JQ1 and I-BET151 exhibited anti-cancer effects in breast cancer by inducing ferroptosis. NCOA3 as a coactivator synergized with NR5A2 to prevent BETi-induced ferroptosis. Mechanistically, we identified NR5A2 synergized with NCOA3 to increase expression of NRF2, a transcription factor that controls the expression of many antioxidant genes. Moreover, inhibition of NR5A2 or NCOA3 using small molecule inhibitors enhanced anti-cancer effects of BETi against breast cancer in vivo and in vitro. Altogether, our findings illustrated NR5A2 synergized with NCOA3 to confer breast cancer cells resistance to BETi by induction of NRF2. Inhibition of NR5A2/NCOA3 combined with BETi might be a novel strategy for treatment of breast cancer.
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