1
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Vitale S, Calapà F, Colonna F, Luongo F, Biffoni M, De Maria R, Fiori ME. Advancements in 3D In Vitro Models for Colorectal Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2405084. [PMID: 38962943 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202405084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The process of drug discovery and pre-clinical testing is currently inefficient, expensive, and time-consuming. Most importantly, the success rate is unsatisfactory, as only a small percentage of tested drugs are made available to oncological patients. This is largely due to the lack of reliable models that accurately predict drug efficacy and safety. Even animal models often fail to replicate human-specific pathologies and human body's complexity. These factors, along with ethical concerns regarding animal use, urge the development of suitable human-relevant, translational in vitro models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Vitale
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine (OMM), Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, 00161, Italy
| | - Federica Calapà
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Colonna
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine (OMM), Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, 00161, Italy
| | - Francesca Luongo
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Biffoni
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine (OMM), Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, 00161, Italy
| | - Ruggero De Maria
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" - IRCCS, Largo F. Vito 1, Rome, Italy
| | - Micol E Fiori
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine (OMM), Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, 00161, Italy
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2
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Liu L, Han L, Dong L, He Z, Gao K, Chen X, Guo JC, Zhao Y. The hypoxia-associated genes in immune infiltration and treatment options of lung adenocarcinoma. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15621. [PMID: 37576511 PMCID: PMC10414028 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15621] [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: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a common lung cancer with a poor prognosis under standard chemotherapy. Hypoxia is a crucial factor in the development of solid tumors, and hypoxia-related genes (HRGs) are closely associated with the proliferation of LUAD cells. Methods In this study, LUAD HRGs were screened, and bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation were conducted. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases were used to gather LUAD RNA-seq data and accompanying clinical information. LUAD subtypes were identified by unsupervised cluster analysis, and immune infiltration analysis of subtypes was conducted by GSVA and ssGSEA. Cox regression and LASSO regression analyses were used to obtain prognosis-related HRGs. Prognostic analysis was used to evaluate HRGs. Differences in enrichment pathways and immunotherapy were observed between risk groups based on GSEA and the TIDE method. Finally, RT-PCR and in vitro experiments were used to confirm prognosis-related HRG expression in LUAD cells. Results Two hypoxia-associated subtypes of LUAD were distinguished, demonstrating significant differences in prognostic analysis and immunological characteristics between subtypes. A prognostic model based on six HRGs (HK1, PDK3, PFKL, SLC2A1, STC1, and XPNPEP1) was developed for LUAD. HK1, SLC2A1, STC1, and XPNPEP1 were found to be risk factors for LUAD. PDK3 and PFKL were protective factors in LUAD patients. Conclusion This study demonstrates the effect of hypoxia-associated genes on immune infiltration in LUAD and provides options for immunotherapy and therapeutic strategies in LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lina Han
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Dong
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zihao He
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Gao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Cheng Guo
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Zhao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- The Research Center for Ubiquitous Computing Systems (CUbiCS), Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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3
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Cardoso BD, Castanheira EMS, Lanceros-Méndez S, Cardoso VF. Recent Advances on Cell Culture Platforms for In Vitro Drug Screening and Cell Therapies: From Conventional to Microfluidic Strategies. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2202936. [PMID: 36898671 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
The clinical translations of drugs and nanomedicines depend on coherent pharmaceutical research based on biologically accurate screening approaches. Since establishing the 2D in vitro cell culture method, the scientific community has improved cell-based drug screening assays and models. Those advances result in more informative biochemical assays and the development of 3D multicellular models to describe the biological complexity better and enhance the simulation of the in vivo microenvironment. Despite the overall dominance of conventional 2D and 3D cell macroscopic culture methods, they present physicochemical and operational challenges that impair the scale-up of drug screening by not allowing a high parallelization, multidrug combination, and high-throughput screening. Their combination and complementarity with microfluidic platforms enable the development of microfluidics-based cell culture platforms with unequivocal advantages in drug screening and cell therapies. Thus, this review presents an updated and consolidated view of cell culture miniaturization's physical, chemical, and operational considerations in the pharmaceutical research scenario. It clarifies advances in the field using gradient-based microfluidics, droplet-based microfluidics, printed-based microfluidics, digital-based microfluidics, SlipChip, and paper-based microfluidics. Finally, it presents a comparative analysis of the performance of cell-based methods in life research and development to achieve increased precision in the drug screening process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz D Cardoso
- Physics Centre of Minho and Porto Universities (CF-UM-UP), Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, Braga, 4710-057, Portugal
- LaPMET-Laboratory of Physics for Materials and Emergent Technologies, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- Center for MicroElectromechanical Systems (CMEMS-UMinho), Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058, Guimarães, Portugal
- LABBELS-Associate Laboratory in Biotechnology and Bioengineering and Microelectromechanical Systems, University of Minho, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Elisabete M S Castanheira
- Physics Centre of Minho and Porto Universities (CF-UM-UP), Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, Braga, 4710-057, Portugal
- LaPMET-Laboratory of Physics for Materials and Emergent Technologies, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Senentxu Lanceros-Méndez
- Physics Centre of Minho and Porto Universities (CF-UM-UP), Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, Braga, 4710-057, Portugal
- LaPMET-Laboratory of Physics for Materials and Emergent Technologies, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- BCMaterials, Basque Center for Materials, Applications and Nanostructures, UPV/EHU Science Park, Leioa, 48940, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, 48009, Spain
| | - Vanessa F Cardoso
- Center for MicroElectromechanical Systems (CMEMS-UMinho), Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058, Guimarães, Portugal
- LABBELS-Associate Laboratory in Biotechnology and Bioengineering and Microelectromechanical Systems, University of Minho, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
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4
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Sim TM. Nanoparticle-assisted targeting of the tumour microenvironment. OPENNANO 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.onano.2022.100097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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5
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Pagotto S, Colorito ML, Nicotra A, Apuzzo T, Tinari N, Protasi F, Stassi G, Visone R, Di Franco S, Veronese A. A perspective analysis: microRNAs, glucose metabolism, and drug resistance in colon cancer stem cells. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 29:4-9. [PMID: 33526845 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-021-00298-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Pagotto
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Colorito
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Annalisa Nicotra
- Cellular and Molecular Pathophysiology Laboratory, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Tiziana Apuzzo
- Cellular and Molecular Pathophysiology Laboratory, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Nicola Tinari
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Feliciano Protasi
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Department of Medicine and Aging Science, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Giorgio Stassi
- Cellular and Molecular Pathophysiology Laboratory, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Rosa Visone
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Simone Di Franco
- Cellular and Molecular Pathophysiology Laboratory, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Angelo Veronese
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy. .,Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
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6
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Liu X, Shan W, Li T, Gao X, Kong F, You H, Kong D, Qiao S, Tang R. Cellular retinol binding protein-1 inhibits cancer stemness via upregulating WIF1 to suppress Wnt/β-catenin pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:1224. [PMID: 34775955 PMCID: PMC8590789 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08967-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background CRBP-1, a cytosolic chaperone of vitamin A, is identified in a serious number of cancers; however, its biological role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) needs to be further explored. The aim of our present study is to explore the roles and mechanisms of CRBP-1 in regulating liver cancer by using in vitro and in vivo biology approaches. Methods The expression level of CRBP-1 was detected using immunohistochemistry in HCC and matching adjacent non-tumorous liver tissues. Following established stable CRBP-1 overexpressed HCC cell lines, the cell growth and tumorigenicity were investigated both in vitro and in vivo. Intracellular retinoic acid was quantified by ELISA. The relationship between CRBP-1 and WIF1 was validated by using dual luciferase and ChIP analyses. Results The low expression of CRBP-1 was observed in HCC tissues compared to the normal liver tissues, while high CRBP-1 expression correlated with clinicopathological characteristics and increased overall survival in HCC patients. Overexpression of CRBP-1 significantly inhibited cell growth and tumorigenicity both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, overexpression of CRBP-1 suppressed tumorsphere formation and cancer stemness related genes expression in HCC. Mechanically, CRBP-1 inhibited Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to suppress cancer cell stemness of HCC. Furthermore, our results revealed that CRBP-1 could increase the intracellular levels of retinoic acid, which induced the activation of RARs/RXRs leading to the transcriptional expression of WIF1, a secreted antagonist of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, by physically interacting with the region on WIF1 promoter. Conclusion Our findings reveal that CRBP-1 is a crucial player in the initiation and progression of HCC, which provide a novel independent prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08967-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangye Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, 221004, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wenhua Shan
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, 221002, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingting Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoge Gao
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, 221002, People's Republic of China
| | - Fanyun Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongjuan You
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Delong Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuxi Qiao
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, 221002, People's Republic of China
| | - Renxian Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, 221004, People's Republic of China.
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7
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Giordano M, Decio A, Battistini C, Baronio M, Bianchi F, Villa A, Bertalot G, Freddi S, Lupia M, Jodice MG, Ubezio P, Colombo N, Giavazzi R, Cavallaro U. L1CAM promotes ovarian cancer stemness and tumor initiation via FGFR1/SRC/STAT3 signaling. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:319. [PMID: 34645505 PMCID: PMC8513260 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02117-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells (CSC) have been implicated in tumor progression. In ovarian carcinoma (OC), CSC drive tumor formation, dissemination and recurrence, as well as drug resistance, thus contributing to the high death-to-incidence ratio of this disease. However, the molecular basis of such a pathogenic role of ovarian CSC (OCSC) has been elucidated only to a limited extent. In this context, the functional contribution of the L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) to OC stemness remains elusive. METHODS The expression of L1CAM was investigated in patient-derived OCSC. The genetic manipulation of L1CAM in OC cells provided gain and loss-of-function models that were then employed in cell biological assays as well as in vivo tumorigenesis experiments to assess the role of L1CAM in OC cell stemness and in OCSC-driven tumor initiation. We applied antibody-mediated neutralization to investigate L1CAM druggability. Biochemical approaches were then combined with functional in vitro assays to study the molecular mechanisms underlying the functional role of L1CAM in OCSC. RESULTS We report that L1CAM is upregulated in patient-derived OCSC. Functional studies showed that L1CAM promotes several stemness-related properties in OC cells, including sphere formation, tumor initiation and chemoresistance. These activities were repressed by an L1CAM-neutralizing antibody, pointing to L1CAM as a druggable target. Mechanistically, L1CAM interacted with and activated fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (FGFR1), which in turn induced the SRC-mediated activation of STAT3. The inhibition of STAT3 prevented L1CAM-dependent OC stemness and tumor initiation. CONCLUSIONS Our study implicate L1CAM in the tumorigenic function of OCSC and point to the L1CAM/FGFR1/SRC/STAT3 signaling pathway as a novel driver of OC stemness. We also provide evidence that targeting this pathway can contribute to OC eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Giordano
- Unit of Gynaecological Oncology Research, European Institute of Oncology IRCSS, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Decio
- Laboratory of Tumor Metastasis Therapeutics, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research - IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Battistini
- Unit of Gynaecological Oncology Research, European Institute of Oncology IRCSS, Milan, Italy
| | - Micol Baronio
- Unit of Gynaecological Oncology Research, European Institute of Oncology IRCSS, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Bianchi
- Cancer Biomarkers Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013, San Giovanni Rotondo, FG, Italy
| | - Alessandra Villa
- Unit of Gynaecological Oncology Research, European Institute of Oncology IRCSS, Milan, Italy.,Philochem AG, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni Bertalot
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCSS, Milan, Italy.,Division of Anatomical Pathology, Santa Chiara Hospital, Trento, Italy
| | - Stefano Freddi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCSS, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Lupia
- Unit of Gynaecological Oncology Research, European Institute of Oncology IRCSS, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Giovanna Jodice
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCSS, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Ubezio
- Laboratory of Tumor Metastasis Therapeutics, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research - IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Colombo
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCSS, Milan, Italy.,University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaella Giavazzi
- Laboratory of Tumor Metastasis Therapeutics, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research - IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Ugo Cavallaro
- Unit of Gynaecological Oncology Research, European Institute of Oncology IRCSS, Milan, Italy.
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8
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Nawara HM, Afify SM, Hassan G, Zahra MH, Seno A, Seno M. Paclitaxel-Based Chemotherapy Targeting Cancer Stem Cells from Mono- to Combination Therapy. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9050500. [PMID: 34063205 PMCID: PMC8147479 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Paclitaxel (PTX) is a chemotherapeutical agent commonly used to treat several kinds of cancer. PTX is known as a microtubule-targeting agent with a primary molecular mechanism that disrupts the dynamics of microtubules and induces mitotic arrest and cell death. Simultaneously, other mechanisms have been evaluated in many studies. Since the anticancer activity of PTX was discovered, it has been used to treat many cancer patients and has become one of the most extensively used anticancer drugs. Regrettably, the resistance of cancer to PTX is considered an extensive obstacle in clinical applications and is one of the major causes of death correlated with treatment failure. Therefore, the combination of PTX with other drugs could lead to efficient therapeutic strategies. Here, we summarize the mechanisms of PTX, and the current studies focusing on PTX and review promising combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hend M. Nawara
- Department of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; (H.M.N.); (S.M.A.); (G.H.); (M.H.Z.); (A.S.)
| | - Said M. Afify
- Department of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; (H.M.N.); (S.M.A.); (G.H.); (M.H.Z.); (A.S.)
- Division of Biochemistry, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Menoufia 32511, Egypt
| | - Ghmkin Hassan
- Department of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; (H.M.N.); (S.M.A.); (G.H.); (M.H.Z.); (A.S.)
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damascus University, Damascus 10769, Syria
| | - Maram H. Zahra
- Department of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; (H.M.N.); (S.M.A.); (G.H.); (M.H.Z.); (A.S.)
| | - Akimasa Seno
- Department of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; (H.M.N.); (S.M.A.); (G.H.); (M.H.Z.); (A.S.)
| | - Masaharu Seno
- Department of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; (H.M.N.); (S.M.A.); (G.H.); (M.H.Z.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-86-251-8216
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9
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Wu P, Gao W, Su M, Nice EC, Zhang W, Lin J, Xie N. Adaptive Mechanisms of Tumor Therapy Resistance Driven by Tumor Microenvironment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:641469. [PMID: 33732706 PMCID: PMC7957022 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.641469] [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: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a disease which frequently has a poor prognosis. Although multiple therapeutic strategies have been developed for various cancers, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, resistance to these treatments frequently impedes the clinical outcomes. Besides the active resistance driven by genetic and epigenetic alterations in tumor cells, the tumor microenvironment (TME) has also been reported to be a crucial regulator in tumorigenesis, progression, and resistance. Here, we propose that the adaptive mechanisms of tumor resistance are closely connected with the TME rather than depending on non-cell-autonomous changes in response to clinical treatment. Although the comprehensive understanding of adaptive mechanisms driven by the TME need further investigation to fully elucidate the mechanisms of tumor therapeutic resistance, many clinical treatments targeting the TME have been successful. In this review, we report on recent advances concerning the molecular events and important factors involved in the TME, particularly focusing on the contributions of the TME to adaptive resistance, and provide insights into potential therapeutic methods or translational medicine targeting the TME to overcome resistance to therapy in clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peijie Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Miao Su
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Edouard C. Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Wenhui Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Jie Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Na Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
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10
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Lee DS, Oh K. Cancer Stem Cells in the Immune Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1187:245-266. [PMID: 33983582 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-32-9620-6_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells are a subpopulation of cancer cells responsible for the most demanding and aggressive cancer cell phenotypes: therapy resistance, a self-protective feature of stem cells; distant metastasis, requiring anchorage independence for survival in the circulation; and recurrence, which is related to the dormant-active cycling of stem cells. Normal tissues are composed of parenchymal cells, supportive connective components, and cellular disposal systems for removing the products of physiological wear and tear. Cancer stem cells develop from normal counterparts and progressively interact with their microenvironments, modifying and conditioning the cancer microenvironment. Cancer-associated myeloid cells constitute a major element of the cancer microenvironment. During the process of carcinogenesis, cancer stem cells and their intimately associated myeloid cells mutually interact and evolve, such that the cancer cells potentiate the activity of the myeloid cells and, in return, the myeloid cells increase cancer stem cell characteristics. Normal myeloid cells function as key accessory cells to maintain homeostasis in normal tissues and organs; in cancers, these cells co-evolve with the malignant parenchymal cells and are involved in every aspect of cancer cell biology, including proliferation, invasion, distant metastasis, and the development of resistance to therapy. In this way, cancer-associated myeloid cells provide two of the key hallmarks of cancer: evasion of immune destruction and cancer-promoting inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Sup Lee
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Keunhee Oh
- SillaJen, Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea
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11
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Radiosensitivity of Cancer Stem Cells Has Potential Predictive Value for Individual Responses to Radiotherapy in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123672. [PMID: 33297488 PMCID: PMC7762426 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Radiotherapy is often used as a neo-adjuvant treatment in locally advanced rectal cancer. While treatment generally induces an improvement in the outcome, some patients show resistance to treatment for reasons that still have to be elucidated. In this work, we report an in vitro and in vivo model based on patient-derived cancer stem cells. This model is able to predict individual responses to radiotherapy. The results indicate that cells found to be radiation-sensitive in vitro generated radiation-sensitive tumor xenografts upon subcutaneous implantation. Analogously, cancer stem cells (CSCs) that did not respond to in vitro radiation treatment generated radiation-resistant tumor xenografts. Moreover, radioresistant CSCs were generally isolated via biopsies of patients with poor responses to neo-adjuvant radiotherapy. This suggests that a cell-based in vitro test may itself be sufficient to predict outcomes in donor patients. Abstract Neo-adjuvant radiotherapy is frequently employed in the therapeutic management of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Radiotherapy can both reduce local recurrence and improve the success of surgical procedures by reducing tumor mass size. However, some patients show a poor response to treatment, which results in primary resistance or relapse after apparent curative surgery. In this work, we report in vitro and in vivo models based on patient-derived cancer stem cells (CSCs); these models are able to predict individual responses to radiotherapy in LARC. CSCs isolated from colorectal cancer biopsies were subjected to in vitro irradiation with the same clinical protocol used for LARC patients. Animal models, generated by CSC xenotransplantation, were also obtained and treated with the same radiotherapy protocol. The results indicate that CSCs isolated from rectal cancer needle biopsies possess an intrinsic grade of sensitivity to treatment, which is also maintained in the animal model. Notably, the specific CSCs’ in vitro and in vivo sensitivity values correspond to patients’ responses to radiotherapy. This evidence suggests that an in vitro radiotherapy response predictivity assay could support clinical decisions for the management of LARC patients, thus avoiding radiation toxicity to resistant patients and reducing the treatment costs.
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Seyfoori A, Barough MS, Amereh M, Jush BK, Lum JJ, Akbari M. Bioengineered tissue models for the development of dynamic immuno-associated tumor models and high-throughput immunotherapy cytotoxicity assays. Drug Discov Today 2020; 26:455-473. [PMID: 33253917 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is rapidly developing, with numerous therapies approved over the past decade and more therapies expected to gain approval in the future. However, immunotherapy of solid tumors has been less successful because immunosuppressive barriers limit immune cell trafficking and function against cancer cells. Interactions between suppressive immune cells, cytokines, and inhibitory factors are central to cancer immunotherapy approaches. In this review, we discuss recent advances in utilizing microfluidic platforms for understanding cancer-suppressive immune system interactions. Dendritic cell (DC)-mediated tumor models, infiltrated lymphocyte-mediated tumor models [e.g., natural killer (NK) cells, T cells, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, and macrophages], monocyte-mediated tumor models, and immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) tumor models are among the various bioengineered immune cell-cancer cell interactions that we reviewed herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Seyfoori
- Laboratory for Innovations in Micro Engineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| | | | - Meitham Amereh
- Laboratory for Innovations in Micro Engineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Bardia Khun Jush
- Laboratory for Innovations in Micro Engineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Julian J Lum
- Trev and Joyce Deeley Research Centre, BC Cancer, Victoria, BC V8R 6V5, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Mohsen Akbari
- Laboratory for Innovations in Micro Engineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; Center for Biomedical Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; Center for Advanced Materials and Related Technologies (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada.
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Rossi F, Noren H, Jove R, Beljanski V, Grinnemo KH. Differences and similarities between cancer and somatic stem cells: therapeutic implications. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:489. [PMID: 33208173 PMCID: PMC7672862 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-02018-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last decades, the cancer survival rate has increased due to personalized therapies, the discovery of targeted therapeutics and novel biological agents, and the application of palliative treatments. Despite these advances, tumor resistance to chemotherapy and radiation and rapid progression to metastatic disease are still seen in many patients. Evidence has shown that cancer stem cells (CSCs), a sub-population of cells that share many common characteristics with somatic stem cells (SSCs), contribute to this therapeutic failure. The most critical properties of CSCs are their self-renewal ability and their capacity for differentiation into heterogeneous populations of cancer cells. Although CSCs only constitute a low percentage of the total tumor mass, these cells can regrow the tumor mass on their own. Initially identified in leukemia, CSCs have subsequently been found in cancers of the breast, the colon, the pancreas, and the brain. Common genetic and phenotypic features found in both SSCs and CSCs, including upregulated signaling pathways such as Notch, Wnt, Hedgehog, and TGF-β. These pathways play fundamental roles in the development as well as in the control of cell survival and cell fate and are relevant to therapeutic targeting of CSCs. The differences in the expression of membrane proteins and exosome-delivered microRNAs between SSCs and CSCs are also important to specifically target the stem cells of the cancer. Further research efforts should be directed toward elucidation of the fundamental differences between SSCs and CSCs to improve existing therapies and generate new clinically relevant cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiorella Rossi
- NSU Cell Therapy Institute, Nova Southeastern University, 3301 College Ave, 3200 South University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328, USA
| | - Hunter Noren
- NSU Cell Therapy Institute, Nova Southeastern University, 3301 College Ave, 3200 South University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328, USA
| | - Richard Jove
- NSU Cell Therapy Institute, Nova Southeastern University, 3301 College Ave, 3200 South University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328, USA
| | - Vladimir Beljanski
- NSU Cell Therapy Institute, Nova Southeastern University, 3301 College Ave, 3200 South University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328, USA.
| | - Karl-Henrik Grinnemo
- NSU Cell Therapy Institute, Nova Southeastern University, 3301 College Ave, 3200 South University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328, USA. .,Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Department of Surgical Sciences, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Anaesthesiology, Uppsala University, Akademiska University Hospital, Akademiska sjukhuset, ingång 50, 4 tr, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden.
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14
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Gao T, Liu X, He B, Pan Y, Wang S. IGF2 loss of imprinting enhances colorectal cancer stem cells pluripotency by promoting tumor autophagy. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:21236-21252. [PMID: 33173015 PMCID: PMC7695407 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are believed to be the driving force behind the tumor growth. We performed this study to further explore the role of IGF2 epigenetic on CRC stem cells pluripotency which showed that IGF2 LOI CRC cells usually had a higher CD133 expression and sphere forming efficiency than MOI cells. IGF2 LOI CSCs were also found to have a higher level of autophagy than MOI CSCs. Moreover, IGF2/IR-A signal was determined to play a more important role in CSCs formation than IGF2/IGF1R. At last, by using miRNA-195 mimics, we fortunately found the increased IR-A expression might be due to the degradation of miRNA-195 in CRC. In conclusion, our results might reveal that IGF2 LOI could promote CRC stem cells pluripotency by promoting CSCs autophagy. For the degradation of miRNA-195, IGF2 showed a higher ability in interacting with overexpressed IR-A rather than IGF1R which would further activate CSCs autophagy. All these findings might provide a novel mechanistic insight into CRC diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Gao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiangxiang Liu
- Central Laboratory, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bangshun He
- Central Laboratory, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuqin Pan
- Central Laboratory, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shukui Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210006, Jiangsu, China
- Central Laboratory, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210006, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center on Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210006, Jiangsu, China
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15
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Sistigu A, Musella M, Galassi C, Vitale I, De Maria R. Tuning Cancer Fate: Tumor Microenvironment's Role in Cancer Stem Cell Quiescence and Reawakening. Front Immunol 2020; 11:2166. [PMID: 33193295 PMCID: PMC7609361 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cell dormancy is a common feature of human tumors and represents a major clinical barrier to the long-term efficacy of anticancer therapies. Dormant cancer cells, either in primary tumors or disseminated in secondary organs, may reawaken and relapse into a more aggressive disease. The mechanisms underpinning dormancy entry and exit strongly resemble those governing cancer cell stemness and include intrinsic and contextual cues. Cellular and molecular components of the tumor microenvironment persistently interact with cancer cells. This dialog is highly dynamic, as it evolves over time and space, strongly cooperates with intrinsic cell nets, and governs cancer cell features (like quiescence and stemness) and fate (survival and outgrowth). Therefore, there is a need for deeper insight into the biology of dormant cancer (stem) cells and the mechanisms regulating the equilibrium quiescence-versus-proliferation are vital in our pursuit of new therapeutic opportunities to prevent cancer from recurring. Here, we review and discuss microenvironmental regulations of cancer dormancy and its parallels with cancer stemness, and offer insights into the therapeutic strategies adopted to prevent a lethal recurrence, by either eradicating resident dormant cancer (stem) cells or maintaining them in a dormant state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Sistigu
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Musella
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Galassi
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilio Vitale
- IIGM - Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine, c/o IRCSS Candiolo (TO), Candiolo, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Ruggero De Maria
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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16
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Bu L, Baba H, Yasuda T, Uchihara T, Ishimoto T. Functional diversity of cancer-associated fibroblasts in modulating drug resistance. Cancer Sci 2020; 111:3468-3477. [PMID: 33044028 PMCID: PMC7541012 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The effectiveness of current chemotherapies for cancer is gradually progressing; however achieving a complete cure through chemotherapy is still difficult and has been the main goal in treatment of advanced cancer. Drug resistance is an issue in cancer therapy, therefore increasing numbers of investigations into drug resistance have focused on the characteristics of the cancer cells themselves. The interaction between the tumor microenvironment (TME) and cancer cells is also intimately involved in the development of drug resistance. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a predominant component of the TME and affect tumor progression by secreting soluble factors. This review summarizes the most up-to-date knowledge of CAFs and drug resistance in cancer, with a focus on factors secreted from CAFs including proteins, cytokines, extracellular vesicles, and metabolites. A perspective on the potential role of anti-CAF therapies in overcoming CAF-induced drug resistance is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Bu
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
- Gastrointestinal Cancer BiologyInternational Research Center of Medical Sciences (IRCMS)Kumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Hideo Baba
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Tadahito Yasuda
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
- Gastrointestinal Cancer BiologyInternational Research Center of Medical Sciences (IRCMS)Kumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Tomoyuki Uchihara
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
- Gastrointestinal Cancer BiologyInternational Research Center of Medical Sciences (IRCMS)Kumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Takatsugu Ishimoto
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryGraduate School of Medical SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
- Gastrointestinal Cancer BiologyInternational Research Center of Medical Sciences (IRCMS)Kumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
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17
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Po A, Citarella A, Catanzaro G, Besharat ZM, Trocchianesi S, Gianno F, Sabato C, Moretti M, De Smaele E, Vacca A, Fiori ME, Ferretti E. Hedgehog-GLI signalling promotes chemoresistance through the regulation of ABC transporters in colorectal cancer cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13988. [PMID: 32814794 PMCID: PMC7438531 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70871-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer death. Chemoresistance is a pivotal feature of cancer cells leading to treatment failure and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are responsible for the efflux of several molecules, including anticancer drugs. The Hedgehog-GLI (HH-GLI) pathway is a major signalling in CRC, however its role in chemoresistance has not been fully elucidated. Here we show that the HH-GLI pathway favours resistance to 5-fluorouracil and Oxaliplatin in CRC cells. We identified potential GLI1 binding sites in the promoter region of six ABC transporters, namely ABCA2, ABCB1, ABCB4, ABCB7, ABCC2 and ABCG1. Next, we investigated the binding of GLI1 using chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments and we demonstrate that GLI1 transcriptionally regulates the identified ABC transporters. We show that chemoresistant cells express high levels of GLI1 and of the ABC transporters and that GLI1 inhibition disrupts the transporters up-regulation. Moreover, we report that human CRC tumours express high levels of the ABCG1 transporter and that its expression correlates with worse patients' prognosis. This study identifies a new mechanism where HH-GLI signalling regulates CRC chemoresistance features. Our results indicate that the inhibition of Gli1 regulates the ABC transporters expression and therefore should be considered as a therapeutic option in chemoresistant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnese Po
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Citarella
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Catanzaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Zein Mersini Besharat
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Sofia Trocchianesi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gianno
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Sabato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Moretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Vacca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Micol Eleonora Fiori
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Ferretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy.
- Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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Pentadecanoic Acid, an Odd-Chain Fatty Acid, Suppresses the Stemness of MCF-7/SC Human Breast Cancer Stem-Like Cells through JAK2/STAT3 Signaling. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12061663. [PMID: 32503225 PMCID: PMC7352840 DOI: 10.3390/nu12061663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Saturated fatty acids possess few health benefits compared to unsaturated fatty acids. However, increasing experimental evidence demonstrates the nutritionally beneficial role of odd-chain saturated fatty acids in human health. In this study, the anti-cancer effects of pentadecanoic acid were evaluated in human breast carcinoma MCF-7/stem-like cells (SC), a cell line with greater mobility, invasiveness, and cancer stem cell properties compared to the parental MCF-7 cells. Pentadecanoic acid exerted selective cytotoxic effects in MCF-7/SC compared to in the parental cells. Moreover, pentadecanoic acid reduced the stemness of MCF-7/SC and suppressed the migratory and invasive ability of MCF-7/SC as evidenced by the results of flow cytometry, a mammosphere formation assay, an aldehyde dehydrogenase activity assay, and Western blot experiments conducted to analyze the expression of cancer stem cell markers—CD44, β-catenin, MDR1, and MRP1—and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers—snail, slug, MMP9, and MMP2. In addition, pentadecanoic acid suppressed interleukin-6 (IL-6)-induced JAK2/STAT3 signaling, induced cell cycle arrest at the sub-G1 phase, and promoted caspase-dependent apoptosis in MCF-7/SC. These findings indicate that pentadecanoic acid can serve as a novel JAK2/STAT3 signaling inhibitor in breast cancer cells and suggest the beneficial effects of pentadecanoic acid-rich food intake during breast cancer treatments.
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miR-1285-3p Controls Colorectal Cancer Proliferation and Escape from Apoptosis through DAPK2. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072423. [PMID: 32244500 PMCID: PMC7177834 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs are tiny but powerful regulators of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Aberrant expression of oncogenic and tumor-suppressor microRNAs has been recognized as a common feature of human cancers. Colorectal cancer represents a major clinical challenge in the developed world and the design of innovative therapeutic approaches relies on the identification of novel biological targets. Here, we perform a functional screening in colorectal cancer cells using a library of locked nucleic acid (LNA)-modified anti-miRs in order to unveil putative oncogenic microRNAs whose inhibition yields a cytotoxic effect. We identify miR-1285-3p and further explore the effect of its targeting in both commercial cell lines and primary colorectal cancer stem cells, finding induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. We show that DAPK2, a known tumor-suppressor, is a novel miR-1285 target and mediates both the anti-proliferative and the pro-apoptotic effects of miR-1285 depletion. Altogether, our findings uncover a novel oncogenic microRNA in colorectal cancer and lay the foundation for further studies aiming at the development of possible therapeutic strategies based on miR-1285 targeting.
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Fibronectin in Cancer: Friend or Foe. Cells 2019; 9:cells9010027. [PMID: 31861892 PMCID: PMC7016990 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of fibronectin (FN) in tumorigenesis and malignant progression has been highly controversial. Cancerous FN plays a tumor-suppressive role, whereas it is pro-metastatic and associated with poor prognosis. Interestingly, FN matrix deposited in the tumor microenvironments (TMEs) promotes tumor progression but is paradoxically related to a better prognosis. Here, we justify how FN impacts tumor transformation and subsequently metastatic progression. Next, we try to reconcile and rationalize the seemingly conflicting roles of FN in cancer and TMEs. Finally, we propose future perspectives for potential FN-based therapeutic strategies.
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Su H, Xue Z, Feng Y, Xie Y, Deng B, Yao Y, Tian X, An Q, Yang L, Yao Q, Xue J, Chen G, Hao C, Zhou T. N-arylpiperazine-containing compound (C2): An enhancer of sunitinib in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, involving D1DR activation. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2019; 384:114789. [PMID: 31669811 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2019.114789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Revised: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies showed that dopamine (DA) significantly reduces the frequency of cancer stem-like cells (CSC) and enhances the efficacy of sunitinib (SUN) in the treatment of breast cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To overcome the shortcomings of DA in clinical practice, the purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy as well as the underlying mechanism of an orally available, N-arylpiperazine-containing compound C2, in the treatment of pancreatic cancer when used alone or in combination with SUN. Our results showed that C2 and SUN exerted synergistic effects on inhibiting the growth of SW1990 and PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells. C2 significantly inhibited colony formation and migration of both cells. SW1990 xenograft and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models were utilized for pharmacodynamic investigation in vivo. C2 alone showed little inhibition effect on tumor growth but increased the anti-tumor efficacy of SUN in both xenografts. Moreover, C2 down-regulated CSC markers (CD133 and ALDH) of both cancer cells and up-regulated the expression of dopamine receptor D1 (D1DR) in tumor. Besides, the SW1990 tumor growth was dose-dependently inhibited when the cells were pretreated with C2 before implantation. C2 increased intratumoral cAMP level, and the combination with D1DR specific antagonist SCH23390 reversed the above-mentioned effects of C2 both in vitro and in vivo, indicating the activation of D1DR may be involved in the underlying mechanism of C2 action. In summary, C2 could reduce the CSC frequency and enhance the anti-cancer effect of SUN in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, demonstrating its potential in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Su
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery System, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zixi Xue
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yaoyao Feng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery System, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ying Xie
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery System, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Bo Deng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery System, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ye Yao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery System, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xiuyun Tian
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Qiming An
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Liang Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery System, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Qingyu Yao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery System, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Junsheng Xue
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery System, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Guoshu Chen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Chunyi Hao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China.
| | - Tianyan Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery System, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
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Javarsiani MH, Javanmard SH, Colonna F. Metastatic components in colorectal cancer. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN MEDICAL SCIENCES 2019; 24:75. [PMID: 31523261 PMCID: PMC6734673 DOI: 10.4103/jrms.jrms_957_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Recent experiments have shown that cells with different genetic mutations can give rise to cancer transformation, both in vitro and in vivo, supported by the crosstalk between cancer cells and stroma. The stroma and the complex set of involved cells make up the tumor microenvironment that supports the engraftment of metastatic cells. In fact, environmental factors support colorectal cancer arise by formation and maintenance of cancer stem cells (CSCs). In this review, we discuss interactions between CSCs and their microenvironment that can provide better therapeutic opportunities in the metastatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shagayegh Haghjooy Javanmard
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Francesca Colonna
- Department of General Pathology, Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Largo Francesco University, Rome, Italy
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Diana A, Gaido G, Murtas D. MicroRNA Signature in Human Normal and Tumoral Neural Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20174123. [PMID: 31450858 PMCID: PMC6747235 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20174123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs, also called miRNAs or simply miR-, represent a unique class of non-coding RNAs that have gained exponential interest during recent years because of their determinant involvement in regulating the expression of several genes. Despite the increasing number of mature miRNAs recognized in the human species, only a limited proportion is engaged in the ontogeny of the central nervous system (CNS). miRNAs also play a pivotal role during the transition of normal neural stem cells (NSCs) into tumor-forming NSCs. More specifically, extensive studies have identified some shared miRNAs between NSCs and neural cancer stem cells (CSCs), namely miR-7, -124, -125, -181 and miR-9, -10, -130. In the context of NSCs, miRNAs are intercalated from embryonic stages throughout the differentiation pathway in order to achieve mature neuronal lineages. Within CSCs, under a different cellular context, miRNAs perform tumor suppressive or oncogenic functions that govern the homeostasis of brain tumors. This review will draw attention to the most characterizing studies dealing with miRNAs engaged in neurogenesis and in the tumoral neural stem cell context, offering the reader insight into the power of next generation miRNA-targeted therapies against brain malignances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Diana
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Gaido
- Department of Surgery, Cottolengo Mission Hospital Charia, 60200 Meru, Kenya
| | - Daniela Murtas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy.
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Luongo F, Colonna F, Calapà F, Vitale S, Fiori ME, De Maria R. PTEN Tumor-Suppressor: The Dam of Stemness in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1076. [PMID: 31366089 PMCID: PMC6721423 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11081076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PTEN is one of the most frequently inactivated tumor suppressor genes in cancer. Loss or variation in PTEN gene/protein levels is commonly observed in a broad spectrum of human cancers, while germline PTEN mutations cause inherited syndromes that lead to increased risk of tumors. PTEN restrains tumorigenesis through different mechanisms ranging from phosphatase-dependent and independent activities, subcellular localization and protein interaction, modulating a broad array of cellular functions including growth, proliferation, survival, DNA repair, and cell motility. The main target of PTEN phosphatase activity is one of the most significant cell growth and pro-survival signaling pathway in cancer: PI3K/AKT/mTOR. Several shreds of evidence shed light on the critical role of PTEN in normal and cancer stem cells (CSCs) homeostasis, with its loss fostering the CSC compartment in both solid and hematologic malignancies. CSCs are responsible for tumor propagation, metastatic spread, resistance to therapy, and relapse. Thus, understanding how alterations of PTEN levels affect CSC hallmarks could be crucial for the development of successful therapeutic approaches. Here, we discuss the most significant findings on PTEN-mediated control of CSC state. We aim to unravel the role of PTEN in the regulation of key mechanisms specific for CSCs, such as self-renewal, quiescence/cell cycle, Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal-Transition (EMT), with a particular focus on PTEN-based therapy resistance mechanisms and their exploitation for novel therapeutic approaches in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Luongo
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Colonna
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Calapà
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Vitale
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Micol E Fiori
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Ruggero De Maria
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy.
- Scientific Vice-Direction, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli"-I.R.C.C.S., Largo Francesco Vito 1-8, 00168 Rome, Italy.
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25
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Willers C, Svitina H, Rossouw MJ, Swanepoel RA, Hamman JH, Gouws C. Models used to screen for the treatment of multidrug resistant cancer facilitated by transporter-based efflux. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2019; 145:1949-1976. [PMID: 31292714 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-019-02973-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Efflux transporters of the adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette (ABC)-superfamily play an important role in the development of multidrug resistance (multidrug resistant; MDR) in cancer. The overexpression of these transporters can directly contribute to the failure of chemotherapeutic drugs. Several in vitro and in vivo models exist to screen for the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs against MDR cancer, specifically facilitated by efflux transporters. RESULTS This article reviews a range of efflux transporter-based MDR models used to test the efficacy of compounds to overcome MDR in cancer. These models are classified as either in vitro or in vivo and are further categorised as the most basic, conventional models or more complex and advanced systems. Each model's origin, advantages and limitations, as well as specific efflux transporter-based MDR applications are discussed. Accordingly, future modifications to existing models or new research approaches are suggested to develop prototypes that closely resemble the true nature of multidrug resistant cancer in the human body. CONCLUSIONS It is evident from this review that a combination of both in vitro and in vivo preclinical models can provide a better understanding of cancer itself, than using a single model only. However, there is still a clear lack of progression of these models from basic research to high-throughput clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Willers
- Pharmacen™, Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Hanna Svitina
- Pharmacen™, Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Michael J Rossouw
- Pharmacen™, Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Roan A Swanepoel
- Pharmacen™, Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Josias H Hamman
- Pharmacen™, Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Chrisna Gouws
- Pharmacen™, Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.
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26
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Implication for Cancer Stem Cells in Solid Cancer Chemo-Resistance: Promising Therapeutic Strategies Based on the Use of HDAC Inhibitors. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8070912. [PMID: 31247937 PMCID: PMC6678716 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8070912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistance to therapy in patients with solid cancers represents a daunting challenge that must be addressed. Indeed, current strategies are still not effective in the majority of patients; which has resulted in the need for novel therapeutic approaches. Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a subset of tumor cells that possess self-renewal and multilineage differentiation potential, are known to be intrinsically resistant to anticancer treatments. In this review, we analyzed the implications for CSCs in drug resistance and described that multiple alterations in morphogenetic pathways (i.e., Hippo, Wnt, JAK/STAT, TGF-β, Notch, Hedgehog pathways) were suggested to be critical for CSC plasticity. By interrogating The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets, we first analyzed the prevalence of morphogenetic pathways alterations in solid tumors with associated outcomes. Then, by highlighting epigenetic relevance in CSC development and maintenance, we selected histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) as potential agents of interest to target this subpopulation based on the pleiotropic effects exerted specifically on altered morphogenetic pathways. In detail, we highlighted the role of HDACi in solid cancers and, specifically, in the CSC subpopulation and we pointed out some mechanisms by which HDACi are able to overcome drug resistance and to modulate stemness. Although, further clinical and preclinical investigations should be conducted to disclose the unclear mechanisms by which HDACi modulate several signaling pathways in different tumors. To date, several lines of evidence support the testing of novel combinatorial therapeutic strategies based on the combination of drugs commonly used in clinical practice and HDACi to improve therapeutic efficacy in solid cancer patients.
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Targeting Cancer Stem Cells: A Strategy for Effective Eradication of Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11050732. [PMID: 31137841 PMCID: PMC6562442 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11050732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are subpopulations of tumor cells with the ability to self-renew, differentiate, and initiate and maintain tumor growth, and they are considered to be the main drivers of intra- and inter-tumoral heterogeneity. While conventional chemotherapy can eradicate the majority of non-CSC tumor cells, CSCs are often drug-resistant, leading to tumor recurrence and metastasis. The heterogeneity of CSCs is the main challenge in developing CSC-targeting therapy; therefore, we and other investigators have focused on developing novel therapeutic strategies that combine conventional chemotherapy with inhibitors of CSC-regulating pathways. Encouraging preclinical findings have suggested that CSC pathway blockade can indeed enhance cellular sensitivity to non-targeted conventional therapy, and this work has led to several ongoing clinical trials of CSC pathway inhibitors. Our studies in bladder cancer and lung adenocarcinoma have demonstrated a crucial role of YAP1, a transcriptional regulator of genes that promote cell survival and proliferation, in regulating CSC phenotypes. Moreover, using cell lines and patient-derived xenograft models, we showed that inhibition of YAP1 enhances the efficacy of conventional therapies by attenuating CSC stemness features. In this review, we summarize the therapeutic strategies for targeting CSCs in several cancers and discuss the potential and challenges of the approach.
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28
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Visone R, Bacalini MG, Di Franco S, Ferracin M, Colorito ML, Pagotto S, Laprovitera N, Licastro D, Di Marco M, Scavo E, Bassi C, Saccenti E, Nicotra A, Grzes M, Garagnani P, De Laurenzi V, Valeri N, Mariani-Costantini R, Negrini M, Stassi G, Veronese A. DNA methylation of shelf, shore and open sea CpG positions distinguish high microsatellite instability from low or stable microsatellite status colon cancer stem cells. Epigenomics 2019; 11:587-604. [PMID: 31066579 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2018-0153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To investigate the genome-wide methylation of genetically characterized colorectal cancer stem cell (CR-CSC) lines. Materials & methods: Eight CR-CSC lines were isolated from primary colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues, cultured and characterized for aneuploidy, mutational status of CRC-related genes and microsatellite instability (MSI). Genome-wide DNA methylation was assessed by MethylationEPIC microarray. Results: We describe a distinctive methylation pattern that is maintained following in vivo passages in immune-compromised mice. We identified an epigenetic CR-CSC signature associated with MSI. We noticed that the preponderance of the differentially methylated positions do not reside at CpG islands, but spread to shelf and open sea regions. Conclusion: Given that CRCs with MSI-high status have a lower metastatic potential, the identification of a MSI-related methylation signature could provide new insights and possible targets into metastatic CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Visone
- Department of Medical, Oral & Biotechnological Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
- Center of Aging Science & Translational Medicine (CeSI-MeT), G. d'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Simone Di Franco
- Cellular & Molecular Pathophysiology Laboratory, Department of Surgical, Oncological & Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Manuela Ferracin
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic & Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Colorito
- Cellular & Molecular Pathophysiology Laboratory, Department of Surgical, Oncological & Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Sara Pagotto
- Department of Medical, Oral & Biotechnological Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
- Center of Aging Science & Translational Medicine (CeSI-MeT), G. d'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Noemi Laprovitera
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic & Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Mirco Di Marco
- Department of Medical, Oral & Biotechnological Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
- Center of Aging Science & Translational Medicine (CeSI-MeT), G. d'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Emanuela Scavo
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic & Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cristian Bassi
- Department of Morphology, Surgery & Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elena Saccenti
- Department of Morphology, Surgery & Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Annalisa Nicotra
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic & Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Grzes
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italia
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Genetics & Animal Breeding of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Poland
| | - Paolo Garagnani
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic & Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Vincenzo De Laurenzi
- Department of Medical, Oral & Biotechnological Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
- Center of Aging Science & Translational Medicine (CeSI-MeT), G. d'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Nicola Valeri
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Renato Mariani-Costantini
- Department of Medical, Oral & Biotechnological Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
- Center of Aging Science & Translational Medicine (CeSI-MeT), G. d'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Massimo Negrini
- Department of Morphology, Surgery & Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Stassi
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic & Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Angelo Veronese
- Center of Aging Science & Translational Medicine (CeSI-MeT), G. d'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medicine & Aging Science, G. d'Annunzio University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
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29
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Fiori ME, Di Franco S, Villanova L, Bianca P, Stassi G, De Maria R. Cancer-associated fibroblasts as abettors of tumor progression at the crossroads of EMT and therapy resistance. Mol Cancer 2019; 18:70. [PMID: 30927908 PMCID: PMC6441236 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-019-0994-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 348] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decades, the role of the microenvironment in tumor progression and therapeutic outcome has gained increasing attention. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have emerged as key players among stromal cells, owing to their abundance in most solid tumors and their diverse tumor-restraining/promoting roles. The interplay between tumor cells and neighboring CAFs takes place by both paracrine signals (cytokines, exosomes and metabolites) or by the multifaceted functions of the surrounding extracellular matrix. Here, we dissect the most recent identified mechanisms underlying CAF-mediated control of tumor progression and therapy resistance, which include induction of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), activation of survival pathways or stemness-related programs and metabolic reprogramming in tumor cells. Importantly, the recently unveiled heterogeneity in CAFs claims tailored therapeutic efforts aimed at eradicating the specific subset facilitating tumor progression, therapy resistance and relapse. However, despite the large amount of pre-clinical data, much effort is still needed to translate CAF-directed anti-cancer strategies from the bench to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micol Eleonora Fiori
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Di Franco
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Lidia Villanova
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Bianca
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giorgio Stassi
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Ruggero De Maria
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy. .,Scientific Vice-Direction - Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" - I.R.C.C.S, Largo Francesco Vito 1-8, 00168, Rome, Italy.
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30
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Vitiello M, Palma G, Monaco M, Bello AM, Camorani S, Francesca P, Rea D, Barbieri A, Chiappetta G, Vita GD, Cerchia L, Arra C, Fedele M. Dual Oncogenic/Anti-Oncogenic Role of PATZ1 in FRTL5 Rat Thyroid Cells Transformed by the Ha-RasV12 Oncogene. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10020127. [PMID: 30744101 PMCID: PMC6410289 DOI: 10.3390/genes10020127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
PATZ1 is a transcriptional factor downregulated in thyroid cancer whose re-expression in thyroid cancer cells leads to a partial reversion of the malignant phenotype, including the capacity to proliferate, migrate, and undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. We have recently shown that PATZ1 is specifically downregulated downstream of the Ras oncogenic signaling through miR-29b, and that restoration of PATZ1 in Ha-Ras transformed FRTL5 rat thyroid cells is able to inhibit their capacities to proliferate and migrate in vitro. Here, we analyzed the impact of PATZ1 expression on the in vivo tumorigenesis of these cells. Surprisingly, FRTL5-Ras-PATZ1 cells showed enhanced tumor initiation when engrafted in nude mice, even if their tumor growth rate was reduced compared to that of FRTL5-Ras control cells. To further investigate the cause of the enhanced tumor engraftment of FRTL5-Ras-PATZ1 cells, we analyzed the stem-like potential of these cells through their capacity to grow as thyrospheres. The results showed that restoration of PATZ1 expression in these cells increases stem cell markers’ expression and self-renewal ability of the thyrospheres while limiting their growth capacity. Therefore, we suggest that PATZ1 may play a role in enhancing the stem cell potential of thyroid cancer cells, but, at the same time, it impairs the proliferation of non-stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Vitiello
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "G. Salvatore" (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Palma
- S.S.D. Sperimentazione Animale, Istituto Nazionale Tumori⁻IRCCS⁻Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Mario Monaco
- Functional Genomic Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori⁻IRCCS⁻Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Anna Maria Bello
- Functional Genomic Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori⁻IRCCS⁻Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Simona Camorani
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "G. Salvatore" (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Paola Francesca
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "G. Salvatore" (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Domenica Rea
- S.S.D. Sperimentazione Animale, Istituto Nazionale Tumori⁻IRCCS⁻Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Antonio Barbieri
- S.S.D. Sperimentazione Animale, Istituto Nazionale Tumori⁻IRCCS⁻Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Gennaro Chiappetta
- Functional Genomic Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori⁻IRCCS⁻Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Gabriella De Vita
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Laura Cerchia
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "G. Salvatore" (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Claudio Arra
- S.S.D. Sperimentazione Animale, Istituto Nazionale Tumori⁻IRCCS⁻Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Monica Fedele
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "G. Salvatore" (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy.
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31
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Prasanna T, Wu F, Khanna KK, Yip D, Malik L, Dahlstrom JE, Rao S. Optimizing poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibition through combined epigenetic and immunotherapy. Cancer Sci 2018; 109:3383-3392. [PMID: 30230653 PMCID: PMC6215877 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype with poor survival outcomes. Currently, there are no targeted therapies available for TNBCs despite remarkable progress in targeted and immune‐directed therapies for other solid organ malignancies. Poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) are effective anticancer drugs that produce good initial clinical responses, especially in homologous recombination DNA repair‐deficient cancers. However, resistance is the rule rather than the exception, and recurrent tumors tend to have an aggressive phenotype associated with poor survival. Many efforts have been made to overcome PARPi resistance, mostly by targeting genes and effector proteins participating in homologous recombination that are overexpressed during PARPi therapy. Due to many known and unknown compensatory pathways, genes, and effector proteins, overlap and shared resistance are common. Overexpression of programmed cell death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) and cancer stem cell (CSC) sparing are novel PARPi resistance hypotheses. Although adding programmed cell death‐1 (PD‐1)/PD‐L1 inhibitors to PARPi might improve immunogenic cell death and be crucial for durable responses, they are less likely to target the CSC population that drives recurrent tumor growth. Lysine‐specific histone demethylase‐1A and histone deacetylase inhibitors have shown promising activity against CSCs. Combining epigenetic drugs such as lysine‐specific histone demethylase‐1A inhibitors or histone deacetylase inhibitors with PARPi/anti‐PD‐1/PD‐L1 is a novel, potentially synergistic strategy for priming tumors and overcoming resistance. Furthermore, such an approach could pave the way for the identification of new upstream epigenetic and genetic signatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiru Prasanna
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of ESTeM, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia.,Department of Medical Oncology, The Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Fan Wu
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of ESTeM, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Kum Kum Khanna
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Desmond Yip
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT, Australia.,ANU Medical School, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Laeeq Malik
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT, Australia.,ANU Medical School, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Jane E Dahlstrom
- ANU Medical School, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.,Department of Anatomical Pathology, ACT Pathology, The Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Sudha Rao
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of ESTeM, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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32
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Incomplete radiofrequency ablation promotes the development of CD133 + cancer stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2 via inducing SOX9 expression. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2018; 17:416-422. [PMID: 30262419 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2018.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells (CSCs) accelerate the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) residual after incomplete radiofrequency ablation (In-RFA). The present study aimed to detect the effects of In-RFA on stemness transcription factors (STFs) expression which are important for the production and function of CSCs, and to find which STFs promote HCC stemness after In-RFA. METHODS HepG2 cells were used for in vitro and in vivo studies. Flow cytometry and sphere-formation assays were used to detect the level and function of CD133+CSCs in the models. PCR array and ELISA were applied to analyze the altered expression of 84 STFs in CD133+CSCs in two models. Specific lentiviral shRNA was used to knockdown STFs expression, followed by detecting In-RFA's effects on the levels and function of CD133+CSCs. RESULTS In-RFA was identified to induce CD133+CSCs and increase their tumorigenesis ability in vitro and in vivo. The mRNA levels of 84 STFs in CD133+CSCs were detected by PCR array, showing that 15 and 22 STFs were up-regulated in two models, respectively. Meanwhile, the mRNA levels of seven common STFs were up-regulated in both models. ELISA assay demonstrated that only the protein of sex determining region Y-box 9 (SOX9) was up-regulated in both models, the protein levels of the other 6 common STFs did not increase in both models. Finally, SOX9 was identified to play an important role in inducing, maintaining stemness and promoting tumorigenesis ability of CD133+CSCs in both models. CONCLUSION In-RFA-induced SOX9 stimulates CD133+CSCs proliferation and increases their tumorigenesis ability, suggesting that SOX9 may be a good target for HCC treatment.
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33
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Belgorosky D, Fernández-Cabada T, Peñaherrera-Pazmiño AB, Langle Y, Booth R, Bhansali S, Pérez MS, Eiján AM, Lerner B. Analysis of tumoral spheres growing in a multichamber microfluidic device. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:6327-6336. [PMID: 29574936 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Lab on a Chip (LOC) farming systems have emerged as a powerful tool for single cell studies combined with a non-adherent cell culture substrate and single cell capture chips for the study of single cell derived tumor spheres. Cancer is characterized by its cellular heterogeneity where only a small population of cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for tumor metastases and recurrences. Thus, the in vitro strategy to the formation of a single cell-derived sphere is an attractive alternative to identify CSCs. In this study, we test the effectiveness of microdevices for analysis of heterogeneity within CSC populations and its interaction with different components of the extracellular matrix. CSC could be identify using specific markers related to its pluripotency and self-renewal characteristics such as the transcription factor Oct-4 or the surface protein CD44. The results confirm the usefulness of LOC as an effective method for quantification of CSC, through the formation of spheres under conditions of low adhesion or growing on components of the extracellular matrix. The device used is also a good alternative for evaluating the individual growth of each sphere and further identification of these CSC markers by immunofluorescence. In conclusion, LOC devices have not only the already known advantages, but they are also a promising tool since they use small amounts of reagents and are under specific culture parameters. LOC devices could be considered as a novel technology to be used as a complement or replacement of traditional studies on culture plates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Belgorosky
- Instituto de Oncología Angel H. Roffo, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Fellow at Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tamara Fernández-Cabada
- Fellow at Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Universidad Tecnológica Nacional (UTN), Facultad Regional de Haedo, Paris, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana Belén Peñaherrera-Pazmiño
- Fellow at Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Universidad Tecnológica Nacional (UTN), Facultad Regional de Haedo, Paris, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Yanina Langle
- Instituto de Oncología Angel H. Roffo, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ross Booth
- Millipore Sigma Corporation, Hayward, California
| | - Shekhar Bhansali
- Bio-MEMS and Microsystem Lab, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Maximiliano S Pérez
- Universidad Tecnológica Nacional (UTN), Facultad Regional de Haedo, Paris, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Ingeniería Biomédica, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Buenos Aires, (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Member at Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana María Eiján
- Instituto de Oncología Angel H. Roffo, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Member at Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Betiana Lerner
- Universidad Tecnológica Nacional (UTN), Facultad Regional de Haedo, Paris, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Ingeniería Biomédica, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Buenos Aires, (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Member at Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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The Roles of Insulin-Like Growth Factor 2 mRNA-Binding Protein 2 in Cancer and Cancer Stem Cells. Stem Cells Int 2018; 2018:4217259. [PMID: 29736175 PMCID: PMC5874980 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4217259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) mediate the localization, stability, and translation of the target transcripts and fine-tune the physiological functions of the proteins encoded. The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) 2 mRNA-binding protein (IGF2BP, IMP) family comprises three RBPs, IGF2BP1, IGF2BP2, and IGF2BP3, capable of associating with IGF2 and other transcripts and mediating their processing. IGF2BP2 represents the least understood member of this family of RBPs; however, it has been reported to participate in a wide range of physiological processes, such as embryonic development, neuronal differentiation, and metabolism. Its dysregulation is associated with insulin resistance, diabetes, and carcinogenesis and may potentially be a powerful biomarker and candidate target for relevant diseases. This review summarizes the structural features, regulation, and functions of IGF2BP2 and their association with cancer and cancer stem cells.
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Chen DC, Liang YD, Peng L, Wang YZ, Ai CZ, Zhu XX, Yan YW, Saeed Y, Yu B, Huang J, Gao Y, Liu J, Jiang YZ, Liu M, Chen D. CBFA2T2 is associated with a cancer stem cell state in renal cell carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2017; 17:103. [PMID: 29162985 PMCID: PMC5686942 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-017-0473-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common kidney cancer, accounting for approximately 80–90% of all primary kidney cancer. Treatment for patients with advanced RCC remains unsatisfactory. Rare cancer stem cells (CSCs) are proposed to be responsible for failure of current treatment. Methods OncoLnc was used as a tool for interactively exploring survival correlations. Gene manipulation and expression analysis were carried out using siRNA, RT-PCR and Western blotting. Wound healing and invasion assays were used for phenotypical characterization. Aldefluor assay and FACS sorting Sphere culture were used to determine the “stemness” of CSCs. Co-Immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) was used to examine the interaction between OCT4 and CBFA2T2. Student’s t-test and Chi square test was used to analyze statistical significance. Results CBFA2T2 expression can significantly predict the survival of RCC patients. Knocking-down of CBFA2T2 can inhibit cell migration and invasion in RCC cells in vitro, and reduce ALDHhigh CSCs populations. CBFA2T2 expression is necessary for sphere-forming ability and cancer stem cells marker expression in RCC cell lines. Conclusions Our data suggest that CBFA2T2 expression correlates with aggressive characteristics of RCC and CBFA2T2 is required for maintenance of “stemness” through regulation of stem cells factors, thereby highlighting CBFA2T2 as a potential therapeutic target for RCC treatment. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12935-017-0473-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Du-Chu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stress Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005 Fujian China.,Department of Oncology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853 China
| | - You-De Liang
- Department of Stomatology, Nanshan Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College, Shenzhen, 518060 Guangdong China
| | - Liang Peng
- Department of Oncology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853 China
| | - Yi-Ze Wang
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060 Guangdong China
| | - Chun-Zhi Ai
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060 Guangdong China
| | - Xin-Xing Zhu
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060 Guangdong China
| | - Ya-Wei Yan
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060 Guangdong China
| | - Yasmeen Saeed
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060 Guangdong China
| | - Bin Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Stress Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005 Fujian China
| | - Jingying Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Stress Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005 Fujian China
| | - Yuxin Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Stress Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005 Fujian China
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stress Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005 Fujian China
| | - Yi-Zhou Jiang
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060 Guangdong China
| | - Min Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stress Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005 Fujian China
| | - Demeng Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275 Guangdong People's Republic of China
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Pan CL, Chen FC. Patent trend and competitive analysis of cancer immunotherapy in the United States. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2017; 13:2583-2593. [PMID: 28881159 PMCID: PMC5798424 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2017.1361074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has brought high hopes for cancer treatment, and attracted tremendous resources from the biopharmaceutical community. Here we analyze cancer immunotherapy-related patents granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office in the past decade (2006-2016). A total of 2,229 patents were identified in 13 subfields. The growth of patent number in this field has outpaced the background rate, with cytokine-related therapies, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and natural killer cell therapies growing the most rapidly. The top 15 assignees possess 27.6% (616) of the patents. Amgen is the largest patent holder, followed by Novartis, and then by Chugai Seiyaku. The top assignees have focused on different subfields, and collaborated with each other for technology development. Our competitive analysis reveals that Novartis, Chugai Seiyaku, and Abbvie lead in both patent number and average quality of patents. Meanwhile, Immunomedics owns a high-quality though relatively small patent portfolio in single-chain variable fragment technology, which is not the focus of the abovementioned forerunners. Overall, our analysis illustrates an ecosystem where industry giants and smaller-size players each occupies a niche. Selection and succession are expected to continue for years in this young ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Lin Pan
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Feng-Chi Chen
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, Taiwan
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao-Tung University, Hsinchu City, Taiwan
- School of Dentistry, China Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan
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37
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Wyatt RA, Trieu NPV, Crawford BD. Zebrafish Xenograft: An Evolutionary Experiment in Tumour Biology. Genes (Basel) 2017; 8:E220. [PMID: 28872594 PMCID: PMC5615353 DOI: 10.3390/genes8090220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 08/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Though the cancer research community has used mouse xenografts for decades more than zebrafish xenografts, zebrafish have much to offer: they are cheap, easy to work with, and the embryonic model is relatively easy to use in high-throughput assays. Zebrafish can be imaged live, allowing us to observe cellular and molecular processes in vivo in real time. Opponents dismiss the zebrafish model due to the evolutionary distance between zebrafish and humans, as compared to mice, but proponents argue for the zebrafish xenograft's superiority to cell culture systems and its advantages in imaging. This review places the zebrafish xenograft in the context of current views on cancer and gives an overview of how several aspects of this evolutionary disease can be addressed in the zebrafish model. Zebrafish are missing homologs of some human proteins and (of particular interest) several members of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family of proteases, which are known for their importance in tumour biology. This review draws attention to the implicit evolutionary experiment taking place when the molecular ecology of the xenograft host is significantly different than that of the donor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael A Wyatt
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada.
| | - Nhu P V Trieu
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada.
| | - Bryan D Crawford
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada.
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