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Sharma S. Unraveling the role of long non-coding RNAs in therapeutic resistance in acute myeloid leukemia: New prospects & challenges. Noncoding RNA Res 2024; 9:1203-1221. [PMID: 39036603 PMCID: PMC11259994 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2024.05.009] [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: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a fatal hematological disease characterized by the unchecked proliferation of immature myeloid blasts in different tissues developed by various mutations in hematopoiesis. Despite intense chemotherapeutic regimens, patients often experience poor outcomes, leading to substandard remission rates. In recent years, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have increasingly become important prognostic and therapeutic hotspots, due to their contributions to dysregulating many functional epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-translational mechanisms leading to alterations in cell expressions, resulting in increased chemoresistance and reduced apoptosis in leukemic cells. Through this review, I highlight and discuss the latest advances in understanding the major mechanisms through which lncRNAs confer therapy resistance in AML. In addition, I also provide perspective on the current strategies to target lncRNA expressions. A better knowledge of the critical role that lncRNAs play in controlling treatment outcomes in AML will help improve existing medications and devise new ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddhant Sharma
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada
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Djamgoz MBA. Stemness of Cancer: A Study of Triple-negative Breast Cancer From a Neuroscience Perspective. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024:10.1007/s12015-024-10809-0. [PMID: 39531198 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10809-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/21/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024]
Abstract
Stemness, giving cancer cells massive plasticity enabling them to survive in dynamic (e.g. hypoxic) environments and become resistant to treatment, especially chemotherapy, is an important property of aggressive tumours. Here, we review some essentials of cancer stemness focusing on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), the most aggressive form of all breast cancers. TNBC cells express a range of genes and mechanisms associated with stemness, including the fundamental four "Yamanaka factors". Most of the evidence concerns the transcription factor / oncogene c-Myc and an interesting case is the expression of the neonatal splice variant of voltage-gated sodium channel subtype Nav1.5. On the whole, measures that reduce the stemness make cancer cells less aggressive, reducing their invasive/metastatic potential and increasing/restoring their chemosensitivity. Such measures include gene silencing techniques, epigenetic therapies as well as novel approaches like optogenetics aiming to modulate the plasma membrane voltage. Indeed, simply hyperpolarizing their membrane potential can make stem cells differentiate. Finally, we give an overview of the clinical aspects and exploitation of cancer/TNBC stemness, including diagnostics and therapeutics. In particular, personalised mRNA-based therapies and mechanistically meaningful combinations are promising and the emerging discipline of 'cancer neuroscience' is providing novel insights to both fundamental issues and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa B A Djamgoz
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
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Lu P, Li Z, Xu H. USP22 promotes gefitinib resistance and inhibits ferroptosis in non-small cell lung cancer by deubiquitination of MDM2. Thorac Cancer 2024; 15:2260-2271. [PMID: 39315600 PMCID: PMC11543274 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.15439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The emergence of chemoresistance markedly compromised the treatment efficiency of human cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In the present study, we aimed to explore the effects of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 22 (USP22) and murine double minute 2 (MDM2) in gefitinib resistance in NSCLC. METHODS Immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay and western blot assay were carried out to determine the expression of USP22 and MDM2. Transwell assay and flow cytometry analysis were performed to evaluate cell migration and apoptosis. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was employed to assess gefitinib resistance. The phenomenon of ferroptosis was estimated by related commercial kits. The oxidized C11-BODIPY fluorescence intensity by C11-BODIPY staining. The relation between USP22 and MDM2 was analyzed by ubiquitination assay and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assay. RESULTS USP22 was abnormally upregulated in NSCLC tissues and cells, and USP22 silencing markedly repressed NSCLC cell migration and facilitated apoptosis and ferroptosis. Moreover, our results indicated that ferroptosis could enhance the suppressive effect of gefitinib on NSCLC cells. Besides, USP22 overexpression enhanced gefitinib resistance and ferroptosis protection in NSCLC cells. Mechanically, USP22 stabilized MDM2 and regulated MDM2 expression through deubiquitination of MDM2. MDM2 deficiency partially restored the effects of USP22 on gefitinib resistance and ferroptosis in NSCLC cells. Of note, we validated the promotional effect of USP22 on gefitinib resistance in NSCLC in vivo through establishing the murine xenograft model. CONCLUSION USP22/MDM2 promoted gefitinib resistance and inhibited ferroptosis in NSCLC, which might offer a novel strategy for overcoming gefitinib resistance in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Lu
- Department of Respiratory, Shuangyashan Shuangkuang HospitalShuangyashanChina
| | - Zhaoguo Li
- Department of Respiratorythe Second Affilicated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Hang Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shuangyashan Shuangkuang HospitalShuangyashanChina
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Zhang Q, Zhu J, Xie J, Gu Y, Chen L. USP22 as a key regulator of glycolysis pathway in osteosarcoma: insights from bioinformatics and experimental approaches. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17397. [PMID: 38784391 PMCID: PMC11114114 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor, but its pathogenesis remains unclear. Ubiquitin-specific processing peptidase 22 (USP22) is reported to be highly expressed and associated with tumor malignancy and prognosis in cancers. However, the role and mechanism of USP22 in osteosarcoma is not fully understood. This study aims to investigate the function and potential mechanism of USP22 in osteosarcoma using bioinformatics analysis combined with experimental validation. Methods We first integrated transcriptomic datasets and clinical information of osteosarcoma from GEO and TCGA databases to assess the expression and prognostic value of USP22 in osteosarcoma. Then, differential expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were conducted to identify USP22-related co-expressed genes. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed to explore the biological functions and signaling pathways of USP22 co-expressed genes. To validate the accuracy of bioinformatics analyses, we downregulated USP22 expression in osteosarcoma cell line Sao-2 using siRNA and assessed its effect on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and regulation of key signaling pathways. Results We found that USP22 was highly expressed in osteosarcoma tissues and correlated with poor prognosis in osteosarcoma patients. USP22 also showed potential as a diagnostic marker for osteosarcoma. In addition, 344 USP22-related co-expressed genes were identified, mainly involved in signaling pathways such as glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, spliceosome, thermogenesis, and cell cycle. The in vitro experiments confirmed the accuracy and reliability of bioinformatics analyses. We found that downregulation of USP22 could inhibit Sao-2 cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and induce apoptosis. Furthermore, downregulation of USP22 significantly reduced aerobic glycolysis levels in Sao-2 cells and inhibited the expression of key enzymes and transporters in aerobic glycolysis pathways such as HK2, PKM2, and GLUT1. Conclusions USP22 plays a critical role in the occurrence, development, and prognosis of osteosarcoma. USP22 could influence Sao-2 cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion by regulating the glycolysis pathway, thereby promoting osteosarcoma progression. Therefore, USP22 may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jinwei Zhu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jian Xie
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yurong Gu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lu Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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Gao H, Xi Z, Dai J, Xue J, Guan X, Zhao L, Chen Z, Xing F. Drug resistance mechanisms and treatment strategies mediated by Ubiquitin-Specific Proteases (USPs) in cancers: new directions and therapeutic options. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:88. [PMID: 38702734 PMCID: PMC11067278 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02005-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance represents a significant obstacle in cancer treatment, underscoring the need for the discovery of novel therapeutic targets. Ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs), a subclass of deubiquitinating enzymes, play a pivotal role in protein deubiquitination. As scientific research advances, USPs have been recognized as key regulators of drug resistance across a spectrum of treatment modalities, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy. This comprehensive review examines the complex relationship between USPs and drug resistance mechanisms, focusing on specific treatment strategies and highlighting the influence of USPs on DNA damage repair, apoptosis, characteristics of cancer stem cells, immune evasion, and other crucial biological functions. Additionally, the review highlights the potential clinical significance of USP inhibitors as a means to counter drug resistance in cancer treatment. By inhibiting particular USP, cancer cells can become more susceptible to a variety of anti-cancer drugs. The integration of USP inhibitors with current anti-cancer therapies offers a promising strategy to circumvent drug resistance. Therefore, this review emphasizes the importance of USPs as viable therapeutic targets and offers insight into fruitful directions for future research and drug development. Targeting USPs presents an effective method to combat drug resistance across various cancer types, leading to enhanced treatment strategies and better patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongli Gao
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Zhuo Xi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Jingwei Dai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Jinqi Xue
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Xin Guan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Liang Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China.
| | - Zhiguang Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China.
| | - Fei Xing
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China.
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Hu Y, Luo M. Cinobufotalin regulates the USP36/c-Myc axis to suppress malignant phenotypes of colon cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:5526-5544. [PMID: 38517383 PMCID: PMC11006458 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Ubiquitin-specific protease 36 (USP36) has been reported to exhibit oncogenic effects in various malignancies, but the function of USP36 in colon cancer progression remains indefinite. Herein, we aimed to determine the role and mechanism of USP36 in malignant phenotypes of colon cancer cells and explore the potential drug targeting USP36. Bioinformatics analyses indicated that USP36 is highly expressed and significantly related to tumor stages in colon cancer. Besides, USP36 was further up-regulated in oxaliplatin (Oxa)-resistant colon cancer cells. Colony formation, Edu staining, Transwell, wound healing, sphere formation, and CCK-8 assays were conducted and showed that the proliferation, Oxa-resistance, migration, stemness, and invasion of HCT116 cells were promoted after overexpressing USP36, while suppressed by USP36 knockdown. Mechanically, USP36 enhances c-Myc protein stabilization in HCT116 cells via deubiquitination. AutoDock tool and ubiquitin-AMC hydrolysis assay identified cinobufotalin (CBF), an anti-tumor drug, maybe a USP36 inhibitor by inhibiting its deubiquitination activity. CBF significantly prohibited proliferation, migration, invasion, and stemness of HCT116 cells and reversed Oxa-resistance, whereas enforced expression of USP36 blocked these effects. Moreover, in vivo analyses confirmed the oncogenic role of USP36 and the therapeutic potential of CBF in the malignancy of colon cancer. In conclusion, CBF may be a promising therapeutic agent for colon cancer due to its regulation of the USP36/c-Myc axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjun Hu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Ming Luo
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
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Prokakis E, Bamahmoud H, Jansari S, Fritsche L, Dietz A, Boshnakovska A, Rehling P, Johnsen SA, Gallwas J, Wegwitz F. USP22 supports the aggressive behavior of basal-like breast cancer by stimulating cellular respiration. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:120. [PMID: 38347585 PMCID: PMC10863169 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01441-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent tumor entity in women worldwide with a high chance of therapeutic response in early- and non-metastatic disease stages. Among all BC subtypes, triple-negative BC (TNBC) is the most challenging cancer subtype lacking effective molecular targets due to the particular enrichment of cancer stem cells (CSCs), frequently leading to a chemoresistant phenotype and metastasis. The Ubiquitin Specific Peptidase 22 (USP22) is a deubiquitinase that has been frequently associated with a CSC-promoting function and intimately implicated in resistance to conventional therapies, tumor relapse, metastasis and overall poor survival in a broad range of cancer entities, including BC. To date, though, the role of USP22 in TNBC has been only superficially addressed. METHODS The current study utilized the MMTV-cre, Usp22fl/fl transgenic mouse model to study the involvement of USP22 in the stem cell-like properties of the growing mammary tissue. Additionally, we combined high-throughput transcriptomic analyses with publicly available patient transcriptomic data and utilized TNBC culture models to decipher the functional role of USP22 in the CSC characteristics of this disease. RESULTS Interestingly, we identified that USP22 promotes CSC properties and drug tolerance by supporting the oxidative phosphorylation program, known to be largely responsible for the poor response to conventional therapies in this particularly aggressive BC subtype. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests a novel tumor-supportive role of USP22 in sustaining cellular respiration to facilitate the drug-tolerant behavior of HER2+-BC and TNBC cells. Therefore, we posit USP22 as a promising therapeutic target to optimize standard therapies and combat the aggressiveness of these malignancies. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos Prokakis
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
- Department of General, Visceral & Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Husam Bamahmoud
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Shaishavi Jansari
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lena Fritsche
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Alexander Dietz
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Angela Boshnakovska
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Peter Rehling
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Steven A Johnsen
- Department of General, Visceral & Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- The Robert Bosch Center for Tumor Diseases, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Julia Gallwas
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Florian Wegwitz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
- Department of General, Visceral & Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
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