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Abdelaziz RF, Hussein AM, Kotob MH, Weiss C, Chelminski K, Stojanovic T, Studenik CR, Aufy M. Enhancement of Radiation Sensitivity by Cathepsin L Suppression in Colon Carcinoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17106. [PMID: 38069428 PMCID: PMC10707098 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242317106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the main causes of death globally. Radiotherapy/Radiation therapy (RT) is one of the most common and effective cancer treatments. RT utilizes high-energy radiation to damage the DNA of cancer cells, leading to their death or impairing their proliferation. However, radiation resistance remains a significant challenge in cancer treatment, limiting its efficacy. Emerging evidence suggests that cathepsin L (cath L) contributes to radiation resistance through multiple mechanisms. In this study, we investigated the role of cath L, a member of the cysteine cathepsins (caths) in radiation sensitivity, and the potential reduction in radiation resistance by using the specific cath L inhibitor (Z-FY(tBu)DMK) or by knocking out cath L with CRISPR/Cas9 in colon carcinoma cells (caco-2). Cells were treated with different doses of radiation (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10), dose rate 3 Gy/min. In addition, the study conducted protein expression analysis by western blot and immunofluorescence assay, cytotoxicity MTT, and apoptosis assays. The results demonstrated that cath L was upregulated in response to radiation treatment, compared to non-irradiated cells. In addition, inhibiting or knocking out cath L led to increased radiosensitivity in contrast to the negative control group. This may indicate a reduced ability of cancer cells to recover from radiation-induced DNA damage, resulting in enhanced cell death. These findings highlight the possibility of targeting cath L as a therapeutic strategy to enhance the effectiveness of RT. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms and to assess the translational implications of cath L knockout in clinical settings. Ultimately, these findings may contribute to the development of novel treatment approaches for improving outcomes of RT in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramadan F. Abdelaziz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (R.F.A.); (M.H.K.); (C.W.); (M.A.)
- Division of Human Health, International Atomic Energy Agency, Wagramer Str. 5, 1400 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Ahmed M. Hussein
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (R.F.A.); (M.H.K.); (C.W.); (M.A.)
| | - Mohamed H. Kotob
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (R.F.A.); (M.H.K.); (C.W.); (M.A.)
| | - Christina Weiss
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (R.F.A.); (M.H.K.); (C.W.); (M.A.)
| | - Krzysztof Chelminski
- Division of Human Health, International Atomic Energy Agency, Wagramer Str. 5, 1400 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Tamara Stojanovic
- Programme for Proteomics, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
| | - Christian R. Studenik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (R.F.A.); (M.H.K.); (C.W.); (M.A.)
| | - Mohammed Aufy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (R.F.A.); (M.H.K.); (C.W.); (M.A.)
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Beaton L, Bandula S, Gaze MN, Sharma RA. How rapid advances in imaging are defining the future of precision radiation oncology. Br J Cancer 2019; 120:779-790. [PMID: 30911090 PMCID: PMC6474267 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-019-0412-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Imaging has an essential role in the planning and delivery of radiotherapy. Recent advances in imaging have led to the development of advanced radiotherapy techniques—including image-guided radiotherapy, intensity-modulated radiotherapy, stereotactic body radiotherapy and proton beam therapy. The optimal use of imaging might enable higher doses of radiation to be delivered to the tumour, while sparing normal surrounding tissues. In this article, we review how the integration of existing and novel forms of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography have transformed tumour delineation in the radiotherapy planning process, and how these advances have the potential to allow a more individualised approach to the cancer therapy. Recent data suggest that imaging biomarkers that assess underlying tumour heterogeneity can identify areas within a tumour that are at higher risk of radio-resistance, and therefore potentially allow for biologically focussed dose escalation. The rapidly evolving concept of adaptive radiotherapy, including artificial intelligence, requires imaging during treatment to be used to modify radiotherapy on a daily basis. These advances have the potential to improve clinical outcomes and reduce radiation-related long-term toxicities. We outline how recent technological advances in both imaging and radiotherapy delivery can be combined to shape the future of precision radiation oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Beaton
- Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Steve Bandula
- Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK.,NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Mark N Gaze
- NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ricky A Sharma
- Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK. .,NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK.
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