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Shukla N, Shah K, Rathore D, Soni K, Shah J, Vora H, Dave H. Androgen receptor: Structure, signaling, function and potential drug discovery biomarker in different breast cancer subtypes. Life Sci 2024; 348:122697. [PMID: 38710280 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The Androgen Receptor (AR) is emerging as an important factor in the pathogenesis of breast cancer (BC), which is the most common malignancy worldwide. >70 % of AR expression in primary and metastatic breast tumors has been observed which suggests that AR may be a new marker and a potential therapeutic target among AR-positive BC patients. Biological insight into AR-positive breast cancer reveals that AR may cross-talk with several vital signaling pathways, including key molecules and receptors. Downstream signaling of AR might also affect many clinically important pathways that are emerging as clinical targets in BC. AR exhibits different behaviors depending on the breast cancer molecular subtype. Preliminary clinical research using AR-targeted drugs, which have already been FDA-approved for prostate cancer (PC), has given promising results for AR-positive breast cancer patients. However, since AR positivity's prognostic and predictive value remains uncertain, it is difficult to identify and stratify patients who would benefit from AR-targeted therapies alone. Thus, the need of the hour is to target the androgen receptor as a monotherapy or in combination with other conventional therapies which has proven to be an effective clinical strategy for the treatment of prostate cancer patients, and these therapeutic strategies are increasingly being investigated in breast cancer. Therefore, in this manuscript, we review the role of AR in various cellular processes that promote tumorigenesis and aggressiveness, in different subtypes of breast cancer, as well as discuss ongoing efforts to target AR for the more effective treatment and prevention of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirali Shukla
- Institute of Science, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382481, India
| | - Kanisha Shah
- Division of Biological & Life Sciences, School of Arts & Sciences, Ahmedabad University, Central Campus, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India
| | - Deepshikha Rathore
- Institute of Science, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382481, India
| | - Kinal Soni
- Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382481, India
| | - Jigna Shah
- Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382481, India
| | - Hemangini Vora
- The Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380016, India
| | - Heena Dave
- Institute of Science, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382481, India.
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2
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Hanamura T, Yokoyama K, Kitano S, Kagamu H, Yamashita M, Terao M, Okamura T, Kumaki N, Hozumi K, Iwamoto T, Honda C, Kurozumi S, Richer JK, Niikura N. Investigating the immunological function of alpha-2-glycoprotein 1, zinc-binding in regulating tumor response in the breast cancer microenvironment. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:42. [PMID: 38349455 PMCID: PMC10864576 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03629-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alpha-2-glycoprotein 1, zinc-binding (ZAG), a secreted protein encoded by the AZGP1 gene, is structurally similar to HLA class I. Despite its presumed immunological function, little is known about its role in tumor immunity. In this study, we thus aimed to determine the relationship between the expression of AZGP1/ZAG and the immunological profiles of breast cancer tissues at both the gene and protein level. METHODS Using a publicly available gene expression dataset from a large-scale breast cancer cohort, we conducted gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to screen the biological processes associated with AZGP1. We analyzed the correlation between AZGP1 expression and immune cell composition in breast cancer tissues, estimated using CIBERSORTx. Previously, we evaluated the infiltration of 11 types of immune cells for 45 breast cancer tissues using flow cytometry (FCM). ZAG expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry on these specimens and analyzed for its relationship with immune cell infiltration. The action of ZAG in M1/M2 polarization models using primary cultures of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC)-derived macrophage (Mφ) was analyzed based on the expression of M1/M2 markers (CD86, CD80/CD163, MRC1) and HLA class I/II by FCM. RESULTS AZGP1 expression was negatively correlated with multiple immunological processes and specific immune cell infiltration including Mφ M1 using GSEA and CIBERSORTx. ZAG expression was associated with decreased infiltration of monocytes/macrophages, non-classical monocytes, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells in tumor tissues assessed using FCM. In in vitro analyses, ZAG decreased the expression of CD80, CD163, MRC1, and HLA classes I/II in the M1 polarization model and the expression of CD163 and MRC1 in the M2 polarization model. CONCLUSION ZAG is suggested to be a novel immunoregulatory factor affecting the Mφ phenotype in breast cancer tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Hanamura
- Department of Breast Oncology, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture, 259-1193, Japan.
| | - Kozue Yokoyama
- Department of Breast Oncology, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture, 259-1193, Japan
| | - Shigehisa Kitano
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy Development, Department of Advanced Medical Development, The Cancer Institute Hospital of JFCR, 3-8-31, Ariake, Koto, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kagamu
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, 1397-1, Yamane, Hidaka-shi, Saitama Prefecture, 350-1298, Japan
| | - Makiko Yamashita
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy Development, Department of Advanced Medical Development, The Cancer Institute Hospital of JFCR, 3-8-31, Ariake, Koto, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Mayako Terao
- Department of Breast Oncology, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture, 259-1193, Japan
| | - Takuho Okamura
- Department of Breast Oncology, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture, 259-1193, Japan
| | - Nobue Kumaki
- Department of Pathology, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture, 259-1193, Japan
| | - Katsuto Hozumi
- Department of Immunology, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture, 259-1193, Japan
| | - Takayuki Iwamoto
- Kawasaki Medical School Hospital, Breast and Thyroid Surgery, 577 Matsushima, Kurashiki-shi, Okayama Prefecture, 701-0192, Japan
| | - Chikako Honda
- Department of General Surgical Science, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 39-22, Showa-Machi 3-Chome, Maebashi-shi, Gunma Prefecture, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Sasagu Kurozumi
- Department of Breast Surgery, International University of Health and Welfare, 4-3, Kozunomori, Narita-shi, Chiba Prefecture, 286-8686, Japan
| | - Jennifer K Richer
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 East 19th Avenue, Mailstop 8104, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Naoki Niikura
- Department of Breast Oncology, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture, 259-1193, Japan
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Katleba KD, Ghosh PM, Mudryj M. Beyond Prostate Cancer: An Androgen Receptor Splice Variant Expression in Multiple Malignancies, Non-Cancer Pathologies, and Development. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2215. [PMID: 37626712 PMCID: PMC10452427 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple studies have demonstrated the importance of androgen receptor (AR) splice variants (SVs) in the progression of prostate cancer to the castration-resistant phenotype and their utility as a diagnostic. However, studies on AR expression in non-prostatic malignancies uncovered that AR-SVs are expressed in glioblastoma, breast, salivary, bladder, kidney, and liver cancers, where they have diverse roles in tumorigenesis. AR-SVs also have roles in non-cancer pathologies. In granulosa cells from women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, unique AR-SVs lead to an increase in androgen production. In patients with nonobstructive azoospermia, testicular Sertoli cells exhibit differential expression of AR-SVs, which is associated with impaired spermatogenesis. Moreover, AR-SVs have been identified in normal cells, including blood mononuclear cells, neuronal lipid rafts, and the placenta. The detection and characterization of AR-SVs in mammalian and non-mammalian species argue that AR-SV expression is evolutionarily conserved and that AR-SV-dependent signaling is a fundamental regulatory feature in multiple cellular contexts. These discoveries argue that alternative splicing of the AR transcript is a commonly used mechanism that leads to an expansion in the repertoire of signaling molecules needed in certain tissues. Various malignancies appropriate this mechanism of alternative AR splicing to acquire a proliferative and survival advantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley D. Katleba
- Veterans Affairs-Northern California Health Care System, 10535 Hospital Way, Mather, CA 95655, USA; (K.D.K.); (P.M.G.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, 1 Shields Avenue, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Paramita M. Ghosh
- Veterans Affairs-Northern California Health Care System, 10535 Hospital Way, Mather, CA 95655, USA; (K.D.K.); (P.M.G.)
- Department of Urologic Surgery, 4860 Y Street, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA 95718, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, 1 Shields Avenue, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Maria Mudryj
- Veterans Affairs-Northern California Health Care System, 10535 Hospital Way, Mather, CA 95655, USA; (K.D.K.); (P.M.G.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, 1 Shields Avenue, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Cai GX, Kong WY, Liu Y, Zhong SY, Liu Q, Deng YF, Ye GL. Nuclear transport maintenance of USP22-AR by Importin-7 promotes breast cancer progression. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:211. [PMID: 37391429 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01525-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The translocation of biological macromolecules between cytoplasm and nucleus is of great significance to maintain various life processes in both normal and cancer cells. Disturbance of transport function likely leads to an unbalanced state between tumor suppressors and tumor-promoting factors. In this study, based on the unbiased analysis of protein expression differences with a mass spectrometer between human breast malignant tumors and benign hyperplastic tissues, we identified that Importin-7, a nuclear transport factor, is highly expressed in breast cancer (BC) and predicts poor outcomes. Further studies showed that Importin-7 promotes cell cycle progression and proliferation. Mechanistically, through co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and nuclear-cytoplasmic protein separation experiments, we discovered that AR and USP22 can bind to Importin-7 as cargoes to promote BC progression. In addition, this study provides a rationale for a therapeutic strategy to restream the malignant progression of AR-positive BC by inhibiting the high expression state of Importin-7. Moreover, the knockdown of Importin-7 increased the responsiveness of BC cells to the AR signaling inhibitor, enzalutamide, suggesting that targeting Importin-7 may be a potential therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geng-Xi Cai
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, 528000, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei-Yao Kong
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, 511436, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, 511436, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shu-Yi Zhong
- Guangzhou Medical University-Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health (GMU-GIBH) Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, 511436, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Pathology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, 528000, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuan-Fei Deng
- Department of Pathology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, 528000, Foshan, Guangdong, China.
| | - Guo-Lin Ye
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, 528000, Foshan, Guangdong, China.
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Wu Y, Sun S, Huang Y, Xiao M, Zhao X, Lu X, Xia B, Qiao K, Zhang S, Wu Q, Xiong J, Cheng S, Song Y. Correlation analysis between androgen receptor and the clinicopathological features and prognosis of mammary Paget's disease. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:1175-1184. [PMID: 35364707 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-03988-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Little is known about the prognostic value of androgen receptor (AR) status in mammary Paget's disease (MPD). The purpose of this study was to explore AR status and the distribution of molecular subtypes in MPD as well as the relationship between AR expression and clinicopathological factors and to evaluate its prognostic value. METHODS We analyzed 170 MPD patients of varying subtypes. AR expression was verified by immunohistochemical staining, and the correlations between AR expression and clinicopathological characteristics and survival status were analyzed. We further investigated 91 MPD patients with invasive ductal carcinoma (MPD-IDC). RESULTS AR was expressed in 55.3% of overall MPD patients, and 78.2% had the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression subtype. AR positivity was significantly correlated with BMI (P = 0.037) and pathological N stage (P = 0.023). Multivariate analysis indicated that pathological T stage and pathological N stage were independent prognostic factors for overall survival (OS). The positive AR group was significantly associated with better OS (P = 0.014). Among 91 MPD-IDC patients, AR was expressed in 56.0%, and 80.0% had the HER2 overexpression subtype. AR positivity was significantly correlated with pathological N stage (P = 0.033). Multivariate analysis indicated that AR and pathological T stage were independent prognostic factors for OS. Furthermore, AR positivity was significantly related to better OS (P = 0.005) in MPD-IDC patients as well as in patients with the HER2 overexpression subtype (P = 0.029). CONCLUSION Our results confirmed that AR is a potential biomarker for evaluating the prognosis of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Shanshan Sun
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yuanxi Huang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Min Xiao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xuhai Zhao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xiangshi Lu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Bingshu Xia
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Kun Qiao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Shiyuan Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Qiqi Wu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Jing Xiong
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Shaoqiang Cheng
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China.
| | - Yanni Song
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China.
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Hanamura T, Kitano S, Kagamu H, Yamashita M, Terao M, Okamura T, Kumaki N, Hozumi K, Iwamoto T, Honda C, Kurozumi S, Niikura N. Expression of hormone receptors is associated with specific immunological profiles of the breast cancer microenvironment. Breast Cancer Res 2023; 25:13. [PMID: 36721218 PMCID: PMC9887885 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-023-01606-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elucidating the unique immunoregulatory mechanisms in breast cancer microenvironment may help develop new therapeutic strategies. Some studies have suggested that hormone receptors also have immune regulatory functions, but their mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we have comprehensively analyzed the relationship between the expressions of estrogen (ER), progesterone (PgR), and androgen receptors (AR), and the immunological profile in breast cancer. METHODS Using publicly available gene expression profile datasets, METABRIC and SCAN-B, the associations between the expressions of hormone receptors and the immune cell compositions in breast cancer tissue, estimated by CIBERSORTx algorithm, were analyzed. We histologically evaluated tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (hTIL), PD-L1 (hPD-L1) expression, and the infiltration of 11 types of immune cells by flow cytometry (FCM) for 45 breast cancer tissue samples. The relationships between them and the expressions of ER, PgR, and AR of tumor tissues, evaluated immunohistochemically, were analyzed. RESULTS Expressions of ESR1, PGR, and AR were negatively correlated with overall immune composition. Expressions of ER and AR, but not that of PgR, were inversely associated with hTIL and hPD-L1 expression. FCM analysis showed that the expressions of ER and AR, but not that of PgR, were associated with decreased total leukocyte infiltration. Both CIBERSORTx and FCM analysis showed that ER expression was associated with reduced infiltration of macrophages and CD4+ T cells and that of AR with reduced macrophage infiltration. CONCLUSION Hormone receptor expression correlates with specific immunological profiles in the breast cancer microenvironment both at the gene and protein expression levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Hanamura
- Department of Breast Oncology, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture, 259-1193, Japan
| | - Shigehisa Kitano
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy Development, Center for Advanced Medical Development, The Cancer Institute Hospital of JFCR, 3-8-31, Ariake, Koto, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kagamu
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, 1397-1, Yamane, Hidaka-shi, Saitama Prefecture, 350-1298, Japan
| | - Makiko Yamashita
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy Development, Center for Advanced Medical Development, The Cancer Institute Hospital of JFCR, 3-8-31, Ariake, Koto, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Mayako Terao
- Department of Breast Oncology, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture, 259-1193, Japan
| | - Takuho Okamura
- Department of Breast Oncology, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture, 259-1193, Japan
| | - Nobue Kumaki
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Tokai University, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture, 259-1193, Japan
| | - Katsuto Hozumi
- Department of Immunology, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara-Shi, Kanagawa Prefecture, 259-1193, Japan
| | - Takayuki Iwamoto
- Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Okayama University Hospital, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kitaku, Okayama Prefecture, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Chikako Honda
- Department of General Surgical Science, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 39-22, Showa-machi 3-chome, Maebashi-shi, Gunma Prefecture, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Sasagu Kurozumi
- Department of Breast Surgery, International University of Health and Welfare, 4-3, Kozunomori, Narita-shi, Chiba Prefecture, 286-8686, Japan
| | - Naoki Niikura
- Department of Breast Oncology, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture, 259-1193, Japan.
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Amaral C, Correia-da-Silva G, Almeida CF, Valente MJ, Varela C, Tavares-da-Silva E, Vinggaard AM, Teixeira N, Roleira FMF. An Exemestane Derivative, Oxymestane-D1, as a New Multi-Target Steroidal Aromatase Inhibitor for Estrogen Receptor-Positive (ER +) Breast Cancer: Effects on Sensitive and Resistant Cell Lines. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 28:molecules28020789. [PMID: 36677847 PMCID: PMC9865664 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28020789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Around 70-85% of all breast cancer (BC) cases are estrogen receptor-positive (ER+). The third generation of aromatase inhibitors (AIs) is the first-line treatment option for these tumors. Despite their therapeutic success, they induce several side effects and resistance, which limits their efficacy. Thus, it is crucial to search for novel, safe and more effective anti-cancer molecules. Currently, multi-target drugs are emerging, as they present higher efficacy and lower toxicity in comparison to standard options. Considering this, this work aimed to investigate the anti-cancer properties and the multi-target potential of the compound 1α,2α-epoxy-6-methylenandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione (Oxy), also designated by Oxymestane-D1, a derivative of Exemestane, which we previously synthesized and demonstrated to be a potent AI. For this purpose, it was studied for its effects on the ER+ BC cell line that overexpresses aromatase, MCF-7aro cells, as well as on the AIs-resistant BC cell line, LTEDaro cells. Oxy reduces cell viability, impairs DNA synthesis and induces apoptosis in MCF-7aro cells. Moreover, its growth-inhibitory properties are inhibited in the presence of ERα, ERβ and AR antagonists, suggesting a mechanism of action dependent on these receptors. In fact, Oxy decreased ERα expression and activation and induced AR overexpression with a pro-death effect. Complementary transactivation assays demonstrated that Oxy presents ER antagonist and AR agonist activities. In addition, Oxy also decreased the viability and caused apoptosis of LTEDaro cells. Therefore, this work highlights the discovery of a new and promising multi-target drug that, besides acting as an AI, appears to also act as an ERα antagonist and AR agonist. Thus, the multi-target action of Oxy may be a therapeutic advantage over the three AIs applied in clinic. Furthermore, this new multi-target compound has the ability to sensitize the AI-resistant BC cells, which represents another advantage over the endocrine therapy used in the clinic, since resistance is a major drawback in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Amaral
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: (C.A.); (F.M.F.R.); Tel.: +351-220428560 (C.A.); +351-239488400 (F.M.F.R.); Fax: +351-226093390 (C.A.); +351-239488503 (F.M.F.R.)
| | - Georgina Correia-da-Silva
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Ferreira Almeida
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria João Valente
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Carla Varela
- Univ Coimbra, CIEPQPF, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Pólo III, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- CIEPQPF, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Clinic Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Pólo III Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Elisiário Tavares-da-Silva
- Univ Coimbra, CIEPQPF, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Pólo III, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Anne Marie Vinggaard
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Natércia Teixeira
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernanda M. F. Roleira
- Univ Coimbra, CIEPQPF, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Pólo III, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence: (C.A.); (F.M.F.R.); Tel.: +351-220428560 (C.A.); +351-239488400 (F.M.F.R.); Fax: +351-226093390 (C.A.); +351-239488503 (F.M.F.R.)
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8
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Khadela A, Chavda VP, Soni S, Megha K, Pandya AJ, Vora L. Anti-Androgenic Therapies Targeting the Luminal Androgen Receptor of a Typical Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010233. [PMID: 36612226 PMCID: PMC9818775 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative tumors are progressively delineating their existence over the extended spectrum of breast cancers, marked by intricate molecular heterogeneity, a low overall survival rate, and an unexplored therapeutic approach. Although the basal subtype transcends the group and contributes approximately 80% to triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cases, the exceptionally appearing mesenchymal and luminal androgen receptor (LAR) subtypes portray an unfathomable clinical course. LAR with a distinct generic profile frequently metastasizes to regional lymph nodes and bones. This subtype is minimally affected by chemotherapy and shows the lowest pathologic complete response. The androgen receptor is the only sex steroid receptor that plays a cardinal role in the progression of breast cancers and is typically overexpressed in LAR. The partial AR antagonist bicalutamide and the next-generation AR inhibitor enzalutamide are being assessed in standard protocols for the mitigation of TNBC. There arises an inevitable need to probe into the strategies that could neutralize these androgen receptors and alleviate the trajectory of concerning cancer. This paper thus focuses on reviewing literature that provides insights into the anti-androgenic elements against LAR typical TNBC that could pave the way for clinical advancements in this dynamic sphere of oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash Khadela
- Department of Pharmacology, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Vivek P. Chavda
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad 380009, Gujarat, India
- Correspondence: (V.P.C.); (L.V.)
| | - Shruti Soni
- Pharm. D Section, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Kaivalya Megha
- Pharm. D Section, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Aanshi J. Pandya
- Pharm. D Section, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Lalitkumar Vora
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
- Correspondence: (V.P.C.); (L.V.)
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9
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Modulating the Activity of Androgen Receptor for Treating Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315342. [PMID: 36499670 PMCID: PMC9739178 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) is a steroid hormone receptor widely detected in breast cancer. Evidence suggests that the AR might be a tumor suppressor in estrogen receptor alpha-positive (ERα+ve) breast cancer but a tumor promoter in estrogen receptor alpha-negative (ERα-ve) breast cancer. Modulating AR activity could be a potential strategy for treating breast cancer. For ERα+ve breast cancer, activation of the AR had been demonstrated to suppress the disease. In contrast, for ERα-ve breast cancer, blocking the AR could confer better prognosis to patients. These studies support the feasibility of utilizing AR modulators as anti-cancer drugs for different subtypes of breast cancer patients. Nevertheless, several issues still need to be addressed, such as the lack of standardization in the determination of AR positivity and the presence of AR splice variants. In future, the inclusion of the AR status in the breast cancer report at the time of diagnosis might help improve disease classification and treatment decision, thereby providing additional treatment strategies for breast cancer.
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10
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Correlation between Androgen Receptor Expression in Luminal B (HER-2 Negative) Breast Cancer and Disease Outcomes. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12121988. [PMID: 36556209 PMCID: PMC9785183 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12121988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Hormone receptor positive breast cancer is a subtype of breast cancer with relatively good prognosis, but luminal B (HER−2 negative) breast cancer has a higher risk of recurrence and metastasis. Patients with endocrine therapy resistance and chemotherapy insensitivity have poor prognosis. Androgen receptor (AR) is widely expressed in breast cancer, but there is no clear conclusion about its function and correlation with prognosis in luminal B breast cancer. Further research is needed to reveal the role of AR in luminal B (HER−2 negative) breast cancer. (2) Methods: Retrospectively analyzed patients with early−stage luminal B breast cancer. The correlation between AR and its associated indexes with long−term survival was determined. (3) Results: A total of 985 patients were included with 143 treated by neoadjuvant therapy. Of these, 83.5% of the patients had AR expression ≥65%. High AR expression was associated with good disease−free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). In the neoadjuvant population, AR/estrogen receptor (ER) > 1.06 and residual tumor Ki67 > 23% had significantly worse DFS. (4) Conclusion: Low AR (<65%) expression is associated with poor prognosis in luminal B (HER−2 negative) breast cancer patients. High AR/ER and residual tumor Ki67 were associated with poor DFS in neoadjuvant group with a cutoff value of AR/ER > 1.06 and residual tumor Ki67 > 23%.
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Passalacqua MI, Rizzo G, Santarpia M, Curigliano G. 'Why is survival with triple negative breast cancer so low? insights and talking points from preclinical and clinical research'. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:1291-1310. [PMID: 36522800 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2159805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Triple negative breast cancer is typically related to poor prognosis, early metastasis, and high recurrence rate. Intrinsic and extrinsic biological features of TNBC and resistance mechanisms to conventional therapies can support its aggressive behavior, characterizing TNBC how extremely heterogeneous. Novel combination strategies are under investigation, including immunotherapeutic agents, anti-drug conjugates, PARP inhibitors, and various targeting agents, exploring, in the meanwhile, possible predictive biomarkers to correctly select patients for the optimal treatment for their specific subtype. AREAS COVERED This article examines the main malignity characteristics across different subtype, both histological and molecular, and the resistance mechanisms, both primary and acquired, to different drugs explored in the landscape of TNBC treatment, that lead TNBC to still has high mortality rate. EXPERT OPINION The complexity of TNBC is not only the main reason of its aggressivity, but its heterogeneity should be exploited in terms of therapeutics opportunities, combining agents with different mechanism of action, after a correct selection by biologic or molecular biomarkers. The main goal is to understand what TNBC really is and to act selectively on its characteristics, with a personalized anticancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ilenia Passalacqua
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, Ieo, European Institute of Oncology Irccs, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Haemato-Oncology, University of Milano, Milan, Italy.,Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Human Pathology G Barresi, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Graziella Rizzo
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, Ieo, European Institute of Oncology Irccs, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Haemato-Oncology, University of Milano, Milan, Italy.,Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Human Pathology G Barresi, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Mariacarmela Santarpia
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Human Pathology G Barresi, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, Ieo, European Institute of Oncology Irccs, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Haemato-Oncology, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
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12
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Emergence of Nanotechnology as a Powerful Cavalry against Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15050542. [PMID: 35631368 PMCID: PMC9143332 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is considered one of the un-manageable types of breast cancer, involving devoid of estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER 2) receptors. Due to their ability of recurrence and metastasis, the management of TNBC remains a mainstay challenge, despite the advancements in cancer therapies. Conventional chemotherapy remains the only treatment regimen against TNBC and suffers several limitations such as low bioavailability, systemic toxicity, less targetability, and multi-drug resistance. Although various targeted therapies have been introduced to manage the hardship of TNBC, they still experience certain limitations associated with the survival benefits. The current research thus aimed at developing and improving the strategies for effective therapy against TNBC. Such strategies involved the emergence of nanoparticles. Nanoparticles are designated as nanocavalries, loaded with various agents (drugs, genes, etc.) to battle the progression and metastasis of TNBC along with overcoming the limitations experienced by conventional chemotherapy and targeted therapy. This article documents the treatment regimens of TNBC along with their efficacy towards different subtypes of TNBC, and the various nanotechnologies employed to increase the therapeutic outcome of FDA-approved drug regimens.
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Forooshani MK, Scarpitta R, Fanelli GN, Miccoli M, Naccarato AG, Scatena C. Is it time to consider the Androgen receptor as a therapeutic target in breast cancer? Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 22:775-786. [PMID: 34852747 DOI: 10.2174/1871520621666211201150818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is a heterogeneous disease and the most prevalent malignant tumor in women worldwide. The majority of BC cases are positive for estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PgR), both known to be involved in cancer pathogenesis, progression, and invasion. In line with this, hormonal deprivation therapy appears to be a useful tool and an effective treatment for these BC subtypes. Unfortunately, prognosis among patients with hormone-negative tumors or therapy-refractory and metastatic patients remains poor. Novel biomarkers are urgently needed in order to predict the course of the disease, make better therapy decisions and improve the overall survival of patients. In this respect, the androgen receptor (AR), a member of the hormonal nuclear receptor superfamily and ER and PgR, emerges as an interesting feature widely expressed in human BCs. Despite the advances, the precise tumorigenic mechanism of AR and the role of its endogenous ligands are yet not well-understood. In this review, we aim to elaborate on the prognostic impact of AR expression and current AR-targeting approaches based on previous studies investigating AR's role in different BC subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melika Kooshki Forooshani
- Division of Pathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa. Italy
| | - Rosa Scarpitta
- Division of Pathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa. Italy
| | - Giuseppe Nicolò Fanelli
- Division of Pathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa. Italy
| | - Mario Miccoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa. Italy
| | - Antonio Giuseppe Naccarato
- Division of Pathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa. Italy
| | - Cristian Scatena
- Division of Pathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa. Italy
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14
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Hanamura T, Christenson JL, O'Neill KI, Rosas E, Spoelstra NS, Williams MM, Richer JK. Secreted indicators of androgen receptor activity in breast cancer pre-clinical models. Breast Cancer Res 2021; 23:102. [PMID: 34736512 PMCID: PMC8567567 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-021-01478-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Accumulating evidence has attracted attention to the androgen receptor (AR) as a biomarker and therapeutic target in breast cancer. We hypothesized that AR activity within the tumor has clinical implications and investigated whether androgen responsive serum factors might serve as a minimally invasive indicator of tumor AR activity. METHODS Based on a comprehensive gene expression analysis of an AR-positive, triple negative breast cancer patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model, 163 dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-responsive genes were defined as an androgen responsive gene set. Among them, we focused on genes that were DHT-responsive that encode secreted proteins, namely KLK3, AZGP1 and PIP, that encode the secreted factors prostate specific antigen (PSA), zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein (ZAG) and prolactin induced protein (PIP), respectively. Using AR-positive breast cancer cell lines representing all breast cancer subtypes, expression of candidate factors was assessed in response to agonist DHT and antagonist enzalutamide. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed on publically available gene expression datasets from breast cancer patients to analyze the relationship between genes encoding the secreted factors and other androgen responsive gene sets in each breast cancer subtype. RESULTS Anti-androgen treatment decreased proliferation in all cell lines tested representing various tumor subtypes. Expression of the secreted factors was regulated by AR activation in the majority of breast cancer cell lines. In GSEA, the candidate genes were positively correlated with an androgen responsive gene set across breast cancer subtypes. CONCLUSION KLK3, AZGP1 and PIP are AR regulated and reflect tumor AR activity. Further investigations are needed to examine the potential efficacy of these factors as serum biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Hanamura
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Jessica L Christenson
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Kathleen I O'Neill
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Emmanuel Rosas
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Nicole S Spoelstra
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Michelle M Williams
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Jennifer K Richer
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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15
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Ryu WJ, Sohn JH. Molecular Targets and Promising Therapeutics of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14101008. [PMID: 34681231 PMCID: PMC8540846 DOI: 10.3390/ph14101008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most heterogeneous diseases in solid tumors and has limited therapeutic options. Due to the lack of appropriate targetable markers, the mainstay therapeutic strategy for patients with TNBC has been chemotherapy for the last several decades. Indeed, TNBC tumors have no expression of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2); therefore, they do not respond to hormone therapy and HER2-targeted therapy. In this review paper, the molecular heterogeneities, possible therapeutic targets, and recently approved and upcoming drugs for TNBC will be summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Ji Ryu
- Avison Biomedical Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea;
| | - Joo Hyuk Sohn
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-02-2228-8135
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16
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Rajarajan S, Korlimarla A, Alexander A, Anupama CE, Ramesh R, Srinath BS, Sridhar TS, Prabhu JS. Pre-Menopausal Women With Breast Cancers Having High AR/ER Ratios in the Context of Higher Circulating Testosterone Tend to Have Poorer Outcomes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:679756. [PMID: 34234742 PMCID: PMC8256854 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.679756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Women with breast tumors with higher expression of AR are in general known to have better survival outcomes while a high AR/ER ratio is associated with poor outcomes in hormone receptor positive breast cancers mostly in post menopausal women. We have evaluated the AR/ER ratio in the context of circulating androgens specifically in patients younger than 50 years most of whom are pre-menopausal and hence have a high estrogenic hormonal milieu. Methods Tumor samples from patients 50 years or younger at first diagnosis were chosen from a larger cohort of 270 patients with median follow-up of 72 months. Expression levels of ER and AR proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and the transcript levels by quantitative PCR. Ciculating levels of total testosterone were estimated from serum samples. A ratio of AR/ER was derived using the transcript levels, and tumors were dichotomized into high and low ratio groups based on the third quartile value. Survival and the prognostic significance of the ratio was compared between the low and high ratio groups in all tumors and also within ER positive tumors. Results were further validated in external datasets (TCGA and METABRIC). Results Eighty-eight (32%) patients were ≤50 years, with 22 having high AR/ER ratio calculated using the transcript levels. Circulating levels of total testosterone were higher in women whose tumors had a high AR/ER ratio (p = 0.02). Tumors with high AR/ER ratio had significantly poorer disease-free survival than those with low AR/ER ratio [HR-2.6 (95% CI-1.02-6.59) p = 0.04]. Evaluation of tumors with high AR/ER ratio within ER positive tumors alone reconfirmed the prognostic relevance of the high AR/ER ratio with a significant hazard ratio of 4.6 (95% CI-1.35-15.37, p = 0.01). Similar trends were observed in the TCGA and METABRIC dataset. Conclusion Our data in pre-menopausal women with breast cancer suggest that it is not merely the presence or absence of AR expression but the relative activity of ER, as well as the hormonal milieu of the patient that determine clinical outcomes, indicating that both context and interactions ultimately influence tumor behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savitha Rajarajan
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John’s Research Institute, Bangalore, India
- Centre for Doctoral Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, India
| | - Aruna Korlimarla
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John’s Research Institute, Bangalore, India
- Department of Research, Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Bangalore, India
| | - Annie Alexander
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John’s Research Institute, Bangalore, India
| | - C. E. Anupama
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John’s Research Institute, Bangalore, India
| | - Rakesh Ramesh
- Department of Surgical Oncology, St. John’s Medical College and Hospital, Bangalore, India
| | - B. S. Srinath
- Department of Surgery, Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Bangalore, India
| | - T. S. Sridhar
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John’s Research Institute, Bangalore, India
| | - Jyothi S. Prabhu
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John’s Research Institute, Bangalore, India
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17
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Amaral C, Trouille FM, Almeida CF, Correia-da-Silva G, Teixeira N. Unveiling the mechanism of action behind the anti-cancer properties of cannabinoids in ER + breast cancer cells: Impact on aromatase and steroid receptors. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 210:105876. [PMID: 33722705 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2021.105876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. In the last years, cannabinoids have gained attention in the clinical setting and clinical trials with cannabinoid-based preparations are underway. However, contradictory anti-tumour properties have also been reported. Thus, the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms behind their anti-tumour efficacy is crucial to better understand its therapeutic potential. Considering this, our work aims to clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-cancer properties of the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) and of the phytocannabinoids, cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer cells that overexpress aromatase (MCF-7aro). Their in vitro effects on cell proliferation, cell death and activity/expression of aromatase, ERα, ERβ and AR were investigated. Our results demonstrated that cannabinoids disrupted MCF-7aro cell cycle progression. Unlike AEA and THC that induced apoptosis, CBD triggered autophagy to promote apoptotic cell death. Interestingly, all cannabinoids reduced aromatase and ERα expression levels in cells. On the other hand, AEA and CBD not only exhibited high anti-aromatase activity but also induced up-regulation of ERβ. Therefore, all cannabinoids, albeit by different actions, target aromatase and ERs, impairing, in that way, the growth of ER+ breast cancer cells, which is dependent on estrogen signalling. As aromatase and ERs are key targets for ER+ breast cancer treatment, cannabinoids can be considered as potential and attractive therapeutic compounds for this type of cancer, being CBD the most promising one. Thus, from an in vitro perspective, this work may contribute to the growing mass of evidence of cannabinoids and cannabinoids-based medicines as potential anti-cancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Amaral
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Fabien Marc Trouille
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Ferreira Almeida
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Georgina Correia-da-Silva
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Natércia Teixeira
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
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18
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Molecular Characteristics of Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) and Its Effects in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094999. [PMID: 34066808 PMCID: PMC8125876 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is a type 1 transmembrane glycoprotein, and its homologs amyloid precursor-like protein 1 (APLP1) and amyloid precursor-like protein 2 (APLP2) are highly conserved in mammals. APP and APLP are known to be intimately involved in the pathogenesis and progression of Alzheimer's disease and to play important roles in neuronal homeostasis and development and neural transmission. APP and APLP are also expressed in non-neuronal tissues and are overexpressed in cancer cells. Furthermore, research indicates they are involved in several cancers. In this review, we examine the biological characteristics of APP-related family members and their roles in cancer.
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19
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Sleightholm R, Neilsen BK, Elkhatib S, Flores L, Dukkipati S, Zhao R, Choudhury S, Gardner B, Carmichael J, Smith L, Bennion N, Wahl A, Baine M. Percentage of Hormone Receptor Positivity in Breast Cancer Provides Prognostic Value: A Single-Institute Study. J Clin Med Res 2021; 13:9-19. [PMID: 33613796 PMCID: PMC7869562 DOI: 10.14740/jocmr4398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A majority of breast cancer tumors express estrogen receptor (ER) and/or progesterone receptor (PR); however, the percentage of cancer cells expressing these receptors can range from 0-100%. The prognostic and therapeutic impact of the percentage of cells expressing hormone receptors in breast cancer is not fully understood. Methods A retrospective analysis of 411 breast cancer patients who were treated at the University of Nebraska Medical Center between 2010 and 2017 was performed. Patient tumors were evaluated for percentage of cells expressing ER and PR in conjunction with clinical outcomes. Results Patient tumors demonstrated a highly bimodal pattern of ER and PR staining with a majority of tumors demonstrating either a high percentage (> 80% of cells) or lack of cells (0%) staining for ER or PR. An increase in the percentage of ER positivity correlated with decreased local recurrence and improved overall survival. An increase in the percentage of PR positivity demonstrated a trend towards decreased local recurrence and improved overall survival, but was not statistically significant. Conclusions Results based on both continuous and categorical evaluation of ER expression revealed that increasing expression correlated with improved patient outcomes. Similar evaluation of PR expression demonstrated a trend towards improved patient outcomes though not statistically significant. These findings suggest that the degree of hormone receptor positivity and not a Boolean representation of positivity could provide additional prognostic value in the treatment and management of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Sleightholm
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.,These authors contributed equally
| | - Beth K Neilsen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.,These authors contributed equally
| | - Safwan Elkhatib
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Laura Flores
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Saihari Dukkipati
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Runze Zhao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Songita Choudhury
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Bret Gardner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Joey Carmichael
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Lynette Smith
- Department of Statistics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Nathan Bennion
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Andrew Wahl
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Michael Baine
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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Marra A, Trapani D, Viale G, Criscitiello C, Curigliano G. Practical classification of triple-negative breast cancer: intratumoral heterogeneity, mechanisms of drug resistance, and novel therapies. NPJ Breast Cancer 2020; 6:54. [PMID: 33088912 PMCID: PMC7568552 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-020-00197-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is not a unique disease, encompassing multiple entities with marked histopathological, transcriptomic and genomic heterogeneity. Despite several efforts, transcriptomic and genomic classifications have remained merely theoretic and most of the patients are being treated with chemotherapy. Driver alterations in potentially targetable genes, including PIK3CA and AKT, have been identified across TNBC subtypes, prompting the implementation of biomarker-driven therapeutic approaches. However, biomarker-based treatments as well as immune checkpoint inhibitor-based immunotherapy have provided contrasting and limited results so far. Accordingly, a better characterization of the genomic and immune contexture underpinning TNBC, as well as the translation of the lessons learnt in the metastatic disease to the early setting would improve patients' outcomes. The application of multi-omics technologies, biocomputational algorithms, assays for minimal residual disease monitoring and novel clinical trial designs are strongly warranted to pave the way toward personalized anticancer treatment for patients with TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Marra
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti, 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Haemato-Oncology, University of Milano, Via Festa del Perdono, 7, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Dario Trapani
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti, 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Viale
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti, 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Carmen Criscitiello
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti, 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti, 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Haemato-Oncology, University of Milano, Via Festa del Perdono, 7, 20122 Milan, Italy
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Tagliaferri B, Quaquarini E, Palumbo R, Balletti E, Presti D, Malovini A, Agozzino M, Teragni CM, Terzoni A, Bernardo A, Villani L, Sottotetti F. Role of androgen receptor expression in early stage ER+/PgR-/HER2- breast cancer. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2020; 12:1758835920958355. [PMID: 32994808 PMCID: PMC7502860 DOI: 10.1177/1758835920958355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Progesterone receptor (PgR) negative breast cancer (BC) is an aggressive subtype with poor prognosis and reduced response to endocrine treatments. Several studies have suggested that androgen receptor (AR) expression is associated with a favorable tumor biology, longer recurrence free survival (RFS), and overall survival. In the literature no data exist regarding the role of AR expression in early stage estrogen receptor (ER)+/PgR- BCs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic role of AR expression in this setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS This is a monocentric retrospective study in which 208 patients who underwent surgical intervention for ER+/PgR-/Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2 (HER2)- BC were included. The primary objective was to analyze the relationship between AR expression and RFS. RESULTS At a median follow-up of 77 months, 75 patients (36%) had a disease relapse (all sites included). AR expression was significantly higher in patients who did not relapse compared with those who relapsed with an impact on RFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.99, p = 0.025). Patients with AR expression ⩾80% had a lower risk of relapse compared with those with AR <80% (HR = 0.53, p = 0.008). In addition, breast tumors with higher AR expression had good biological features (low ki67 and nuclear grade) compared with BCs with lower AR expression, at least partly explaining the different outcome. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study support the potential prognostic role of AR in patients with ER+/PgR- BCs and may contribute to the identification of subgroups of high-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erica Quaquarini
- Medical Oncology Unit, ICS Maugeri-IRCCS SpA SB, via Maugeri 10, Pavia, 27100, Italy
| | | | | | - Daniele Presti
- Medical Oncology Unit, ICS Maugeri-IRCCS SpA SB, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alberto Malovini
- Laboratory of Informatics and System Engineering for Clinical Research, ICS Maugeri-IRCCS SpA SB, Pavia, Italy
| | - Manuela Agozzino
- Operative Unit of Anatomic Pathology, ICS Maugeri-IRCCS SpA SB, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Terzoni
- Medical Oncology Unit, ICS Maugeri-IRCCS SpA SB, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Laura Villani
- Operative Unit of Anatomic Pathology, ICS Maugeri-IRCCS SpA SB, Pavia, Italy
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22
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Zhang M, Meng X, Guo C, Liu J, Xing Z, Wang X, Wang X. Clinicopathological Relevance and Prognostic Value of Androgen Receptor in Mammary Paget's Disease with Underlying Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Oncol Res Treat 2020; 43:346-353. [PMID: 32645702 DOI: 10.1159/000507893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mammary Paget's disease (MPD) is a rare cutaneous manifestation. Epidemiologically, more than half of the MPD patients concurrently have underlying invasive ductal carcinoma (MPD-IDC), and their prognosis remains poor despite multimodal treatments of breast cancer have markedly improved patients' survival. Accordingly, it is crucial to seek out novel therapeutic targets of MPD-IDC. As an emerging biological marker, the value of androgen receptor (AR) in MPD-IDC is inconsistent. Our objectives were to investigate the associations between AR and clinicopathological factors, and to explore its prognostic value in MPD-IDC. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed data from 103 MPD-IDC patients, and immunohistochemical staining was used to determine their AR statuses. RESULTS AR was expressed in 44 patients (42.7%), and AR expression was significantly correlated with body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.038) and axillary lymph node (ALN) status (p = 0.025). Kaplan-Meier curves showed that AR positivity was significantly associated with better overall survival (OS) in MPD-IDC patients (p = 0.019) and estrogen receptor-negative MPD-IDC patients (p = 0.039). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that AR was not an independent prognostic indicator of disease-free survival (DFS) or OS in MPD-IDC patients (p = 0.395 and p = 0.073, respectively). CONCLUSIONS In contrast to AR-negative tumors, patients with AR-positive ones were more likely to have lower BMI, no ALN metastasis, and better OS. AR-targeted treatments for MPD-IDC may add to existing therapeutic approaches to improve their effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menglu Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangzhi Meng
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Changyuan Guo
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zeyu Xing
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China,
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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23
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Rajković-Molek K, Mustać E, Avirović M, Georgev P, Demaria M, Aničić J, Ban J, Babarović E. The expression of calpain-1 and androgen receptor in breast cancer and their correlation with clinicopathological characteristics: An immunohistochemical retrospective study. Pathol Res Pract 2020; 216:153068. [PMID: 32825941 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2020.153068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease with different biological outcome and ability to acquire resistance to therapy. The calpain family of proteases and androgen receptor (AR) are implicated in breast cancer pathogenesis and progression and are potential targets for novel treatment regimens. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of calpain-1 and AR in breast cancer and to correlate their expression with clinicopathological variables and prognosis of patients. In this study we enrolled 219 breast cancer patients with long term follow-up information available. Immunohistochemical methods on a tissue microarray were used to investigate expression of calpain-1 and AR in tumor cells. The expression of calpain-1 and AR both differed significantly between the tumor subtypes of patients (p = 0.002 and p = 0.042 respectively). High calpain-1 expression was associated with patient's age over 50 years (p = 0.005) and positive ER status (p = 0.009), but not with other clinicopathological variables. Women with AR negative breast cancers were more likely to be older (p = 0.016), to have bigger tumors (p = 0.032), higher stage of the disease (p = 0.026), presence of exulceration (p = 0.017), negative ER status (p = 0.007) and higher Ki-67 proliferative index (p = 0.027). Calpain-1 expression was not associated with breast cancer specific overall survival in the total cohort of patients, however low calpain-1 expression was associated with adverse survival (p = 0.018) in triple negative subgroup of patients. Low calpain-1 expression was also associated with significantly shorter 5-year disease-free survival in total cohort of patients (p = 0.03). AR status was not associated with overall and disease-free survival of patients. This study has demonstrated that the expression of calpain-1 and androgen receptors are associated with important clinicopathological variables. The expression of calpain-1 was associated with improved disease-free survival of all analyzed patients and with improved overall survival of triple negative breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koraljka Rajković-Molek
- Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Krešimirova 42, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
| | - Elvira Mustać
- Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Krešimirova 42, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Brace Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
| | - Manuela Avirović
- Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Krešimirova 42, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Brace Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
| | - Paula Georgev
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Brace Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
| | - Martina Demaria
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Brace Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
| | - Josip Aničić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Brace Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
| | - Josipa Ban
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Brace Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
| | - Emina Babarović
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Brace Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
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24
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Scatena C, Scarpitta R, Innocenti L, Miccoli M, Biancotti R, Diodati L, Ghilli M, Naccarato AG. Androgen receptor expression inversely correlates with histological grade and N stage in ER +/PgR low male breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2020; 182:55-65. [PMID: 32436149 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-020-05682-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Androgen Receptor (AR) positivity is often displayed in breast cancer and especially in Male Breast Cancer (MBC), where it appears to be a heterogeneous feature, with its expression ranging between 38 and 81% of cases. Given the fact that circulating androgens represent the most important sex hormones in males and that breast carcinogenesis is characteristically subjected to hormonal mechanisms, our purpose was to investigate the clinicopathological significance of AR in MBC assessing if its expression could be associated with parameters of tumor aggressiveness. METHODS Clinical and pathological data were retrospectively reviewed for male patients with a diagnosis of invasive breast cancer. AR status was detected by immunohistochemistry on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumoral tissue sections. Correlations between AR expression and histopathological features were assessed using univariate and multiple comparisons where appropriate, assuming P values < 0.05 as statistically significant. RESULTS The study included 44 consecutive male patients. AR expression ranged between 10 and 98% and the majority of cases presented a moderate to high expression of this receptor. Adopting a 20% PgR cut-off, statistical analyses highlighted a different behavior of AR: in ER+/PgRhigh group, it positively correlated with the other steroid receptors pointing out the importance of hormonal cross-talk: in ER+/PgRlow group, AR status inversely correlated with histological grade and lymph node status. CONCLUSION Hormonal factors reveal to play a crucial role in MBC carcinogenesis and progression. Intriguingly, in ER+/PgRlow tumors AR expression significantly correlates with lymph node status, hinting at a favorable biological role of AR in this tumor subgroup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Scatena
- Division of Pathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Rosa Scarpitta
- Division of Pathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Innocenti
- Division of Pathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Mario Miccoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Rachele Biancotti
- Division of Pathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Matteo Ghilli
- Breast Surgery Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonio Giuseppe Naccarato
- Division of Pathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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25
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Hadgu E, Seifu D, Tigneh W, Bokretsion Y, Bekele A, Abebe M, Sollie T, Karlsson C, Karlsson MG. Distribution and characteristics of androgen receptor (AR) in breast cancer among women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A cross sectional study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232519. [PMID: 32374753 PMCID: PMC7202607 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Evaluation of the role of androgen receptor (AR) in the biology of breast cancer is an emerging area of research. There are compelling evidences that AR expression may be used to further refine breast cancer molecular subtyping with prognostic and therapeutic implications. Many studies indicated co-expression of AR with the hormonal receptors in breast cancer has a favorable prognosis. AR is also investigated by many researchers as a potential therapeutic target in treatment of breast cancer. Studies on the frequency and distribution of AR in breast cancer among Africans is barely available. Given the heightened interest to understand its role in breast cancer, we determined AR expression and assessed its association with clinicopathological parameters among Ethiopian women. In this study, 112 newly diagnosed patient with invasive breast cancer at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital were enrolled. Immunohistochemical assessment of AR, ER, PR, Ki67 and HER2 were performed using tissue microarrays (TMA) constructed from their primary tumor block. Out of the 112 participants, 91 (81%) were positive for AR expression and the remaining 21 participants (19%) were negative for AR expression. Expression of AR in ER+, HER2+ and TNBC cases were 93%, 83% and 48% respectively. Our study reveals AR is expressed in a significant number of breast cancers patients and this may indicate that breast cancers cases in Ethiopia have favorable prognosis and could benefit from progresses in AR targeted treatments. Since AR expression has important consequences on the prognosis and treatment of breast cancer, further studies with an increased number of participants is necessary to confirm our reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endale Hadgu
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- * E-mail:
| | - Daniel Seifu
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Wondemagegnhu Tigneh
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Yonas Bokretsion
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abebe Bekele
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Markos Abebe
- Armauer Hansen research Institute (AHRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Thomas Sollie
- School of Medical Sciences, Orebro University, Orebro, Sweden
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26
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Fu WF, Li JJ, Kang SH, Song CG. The Expression, Clinicopathologic Characteristics, and Prognostic Value of Androgen Receptor in Breast Cancer: A Bioinformatics Analysis Using Public Databases. DNA Cell Biol 2020; 39:864-874. [PMID: 32181676 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2019.5192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of androgen receptor (AR) in breast cancer has been unveiled in succession for the past few years. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis based on four online public databases of data from many previous studies. We found that the expression of AR is significantly related to age, histological grade, and subtype but not to lymph node status. The low expression level of AR is strongly associated with poor recurrence-free survival, especially with poor distance metastasis-free survival in luminal A patients, but inverse in HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor-2) enriched patients. AR might be a biomarker of chemosensitivity in the basal subtype. Besides, the expression of melanophilin (MLPH) is distinctly in accordance with that of AR. AR could play diverse roles in different subtypes of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Fen Fu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Juan-Juan Li
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shao-Hong Kang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chuan-Gui Song
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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27
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Chen M, Yang Y, Xu K, Li L, Huang J, Qiu F. Androgen Receptor in Breast Cancer: From Bench to Bedside. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:573. [PMID: 32982970 PMCID: PMC7492540 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common malignancies and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women. Androgen receptor (AR) is frequently expressed in diverse BC subtypes. Accumulating evidence has revealed that AR might be a predictive or prognostic factor and a drug target in BC. AR expression and AR pathways differ in various BC subtypes, thereby resulting in controversial inferences on the predictive and prognostic value of AR. Herein, we summarized the roles of AR in different BC subtypes and AR-targeting therapies based on preclinical and clinical studies. Moreover, we highlighted the possible efficacy of a combination therapy via exploiting the AR-related mechanisms and the research on therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyao Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yunben Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kai Xu
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lili Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fuming Qiu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Institute, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Fuming Qiu
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Amaral C, Augusto TV, Almada M, Cunha SC, Correia-da-Silva G, Teixeira N. The potential clinical benefit of targeting androgen receptor (AR) in estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer cells treated with Exemestane. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1866:165661. [PMID: 31891807 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.165661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The development of acquired resistance to the aromatase inhibitors (AIs) used in clinic is being considered the major concern in estrogen-receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer therapy. Recently, androgen receptor (AR) has gained attention in the clinical setting, since it has been implicated in AIs-resistance, although, different roles for AR in cell fate have been described. In this work, our group elucidates, for the first time, the oncogenic role of AR in sensitive and resistant ER+ breast cancer cells treated with the potent third-generation steroidal AI Exemestane (Exe). We demonstrate that Exe promotes an overexpression/activation of AR, which has an oncogenic and pro-survival role in Exe-sensitive and Exe-resistant cells. Moreover, we also disclose that targeting AR with bicalutamide (CDX) in Exe-treated cells, enhances the efficacy of this AI in sensitive cells and re-sensitizes resistant cells to Exe treatment. Furthermore, by targeting AR in Exe-resistant cells, it is also possible to block the activation of the ERK1/2 and PI3K cell survival pathways, hamper ERα activation and increase ERβ expression. Thus, this study, highlights a new mechanism involved in Exe-acquired resistance, implicating AR as a key molecule in this setting and suggesting that Exe-resistant cells may have an AR-dependent but ER-independent mechanism. Hence we propose AR antagonism as a potential and attractive therapeutic strategy to overcome Exe-acquired resistance or to enhance the growth inhibitory properties of Exe on ER+ breast cancer cells, improving breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Amaral
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Tiago V Augusto
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Marta Almada
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara C Cunha
- LAQV.REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Bromatology and Hydrology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Georgina Correia-da-Silva
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Natércia Teixeira
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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A highly sensitive electrochemical sensor based on DNA Y-Junction for detection of estrogen receptor using target protein protection strategy. Anal Chim Acta 2019; 1086:110-115. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2019.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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30
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Clinical significance of serum PSA in breast cancer patients. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:1021. [PMID: 31664946 PMCID: PMC6819570 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-6256-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent preclinical data suggest that androgen receptor (AR) signaling plays a significant role in subsets of breast cancer. Clinical trials testing AR-targeting therapies in breast cancer have been conducted. Assessment of AR-signal in breast cancer tissue maybe useful for treatment selections. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is the product of an androgen-responsive gene. Serum PSA (sPSA) can be detected in women by a highly sensitive assay although the concentration is much lower than that observed in males. We investigated if sPSA reflects tumor biology, including AR signaling in breast cancer patients. Methods In this study, 132 healthy controls and 144 breast cancer patients were enrolled. sPSA was evaluated by the chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA) method. Correlations between sPSA and the various clinicopathological factors were analyzed. Results In post-menopausal state, sPSA detection rate was significantly higher in breast cancer patients compared with controls (27.4% vs 11.3%: p = 0.0090), but not in the whole cohort (29.2% vs 25.8%: p = 0.5265) or pre-menopausal subgroup (37.0% vs 42.6%: p = 0.6231). In post-menopausal breast cancer cases, higher sPSA value was associated with clinic-pathological factors including the expression of AR protein in primary legion. In a correlation analysis of quantitative data limited to post-menopausal metastatic breast cancer (MBC), sPSA was positively, albeit weakly correlated with clinic-pathological features including serum testosterone levels and AR positivity. Conclusions Our data suggest that sPSA may reflect tumor biological properties including AR activity in post-menopausal breast cancer.
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31
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Yi X, Jiang XJ, Fang ZM. Histone methyltransferase SMYD2: ubiquitous regulator of disease. Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:112. [PMID: 31370883 PMCID: PMC6670139 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0711-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
SET (Suppressor of variegation, Enhancer of Zeste, Trithorax) and MYND (Myeloid-Nervy-DEAF1) domain-containing protein 2 (SMYD2) is a protein methyltransferase that methylates histone H3 at lysine 4 (H3K4) or lysine 36 (H3K36) and diverse nonhistone proteins. SMYD2 activity is required for normal organismal development and the regulation of a series of pathophysiological processes. Since aberrant SMYD2 expression and its dysfunction are often closely related to multiple diseases, SMYD2 is a promising candidate for the treatment of these diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Here, we present an overview of the complex biology of SMYD2 and its family members and their context-dependent nature. Then, we discuss the discovery, structure, inhibitors, roles, and molecular mechanisms of SMYD2 in distinct diseases, with a focus on cardiovascular disease and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yi
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Xue-Jun Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Ze-Min Fang
- Division of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Collina F, Aquino G, Brogna M, Cipolletta S, Buonfanti G, De Laurentiis M, Di Bonito M, Cantile M, Botti G. LncRNA HOTAIR up-regulation is strongly related with lymph nodes metastasis and LAR subtype of Triple Negative Breast Cancer. J Cancer 2019; 10:2018-2024. [PMID: 31205562 PMCID: PMC6548158 DOI: 10.7150/jca.29670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) represent a heterogeneous disease characterized by several molecular subtypes with different prognoses and responses to therapy. For a correct clinical management of TNBC patients the knowledge of the gene regulation mechanisms related to tumor progression and drug response has become fundamental. LncRNAs regulate gene expression through various processes, including chromatin modification, transcription and post-transcription and they are emerging as important cancer biomarkers being involved in tumor pathogenesis, metastatic progression and drug resistance. In this study we aimed to analyze the expression of the lncRNA HOTAIR, mainly involved in breast cancer disease, in a large case series of TNBC patients. We used ISH methods by a RNA probe to better define its staining in tumor tissues and its relation with clinical-pathological parameters and outcomes of patients. Our results show that high HOTAIR expression in tumor tissues is strongly correlated with lymph nodes metastasis (LNM) (p=0.039), as reported also for other tumor types, and has a direct strong association with Androgen Receptor (AR) expression (p= 0.019). These data confirm the prognostic role of HOTAIR in TNBC, and, its involvement in the regulation of AR pathway, suggests the possibility to establish new therapeutic strategies for AR+TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Collina
- Pathology Unit, ISTITUTO NAZIONALE TUMORI-IRCCS-FONDAZIONE G.PASCALE, Naples, ITALY
| | - Gabriella Aquino
- Pathology Unit, ISTITUTO NAZIONALE TUMORI-IRCCS-FONDAZIONE G.PASCALE, Naples, ITALY
| | - Marianna Brogna
- Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Michelino De Laurentiis
- Department of Breast Surgery and Cancer Prevention, ISTITUTO NAZIONALE TUMORI-IRCCS-FONDAZIONE G.PASCALE, Naples, ITALY
| | - Maurizio Di Bonito
- Pathology Unit, ISTITUTO NAZIONALE TUMORI-IRCCS-FONDAZIONE G.PASCALE, Naples, ITALY
| | - Monica Cantile
- Pathology Unit, ISTITUTO NAZIONALE TUMORI-IRCCS-FONDAZIONE G.PASCALE, Naples, ITALY
| | - Gerardo Botti
- Department of Breast Surgery and Cancer Prevention, ISTITUTO NAZIONALE TUMORI-IRCCS-FONDAZIONE G.PASCALE, Naples, ITALY
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33
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Bandini E, Fanini F. MicroRNAs and Androgen Receptor: Emerging Players in Breast Cancer. Front Genet 2019; 10:203. [PMID: 30941159 PMCID: PMC6433747 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cause of cancer among women, with a high incidence rate occurrence every year worldwide despite advances in its management. BC is characterized by a spectrum of subtypes which respond differently to treatments due to their biological features, representing the main issue in the control of this type of malignancy. Androgen receptor (AR) is emerging as a target to investigate among hormone receptors, since it seems to play a role at various stages of development of specific BC subsets. For this reason, in recent years AR has become very important in the clinical practice, although its role remains controversial. A number of studies have proposed a correlation between microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of gene expression modulators, and AR in prostate cancer (PC), but there are still few evidences about the relationship between miRNAs and AR in BC. The purpose of this review is to present a state of the art scenario with consideration to the most recent discoveries about miRNAs involved in the AR associated pathogenesis of BC, in order to provide new insights into the role of miRNAs as key drivers in the modulation of AR, and possible actors in the development and progression of BC. Moreover, we consider findings about involvement of AR signaling in all stages of BC, highlighting its association with different subsets of breast carcinomas and with pre- and postmenopausal state of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca Fanini
- Biosciences Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Experimental Oncology and Hematology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (I.R.S.T.) S.r.l. IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
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34
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Min A, Jang H, Kim S, Lee KH, Kim DK, Suh KJ, Yang Y, Elvin P, O'Connor MJ, Im SA. Androgen Receptor Inhibitor Enhances the Antitumor Effect of PARP Inhibitor in Breast Cancer Cells by Modulating DNA Damage Response. Mol Cancer Ther 2018; 17:2507-2518. [PMID: 30232143 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-18-0234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) is expressed in 60%-70% of breast cancers regardless of estrogen receptor status, and has been proposed as a therapeutic target in breast cancers that retain AR. In this study, the authors aimed to investigate a new treatment strategy using a novel AR inhibitor AZD3514 in breast cancer. AZD3514 alone had a minimal antiproliferative effect on most breast cancer cell lines irrespective of AR expression level, but it downregulated the expressions of DNA damage response (DDR) molecules, including ATM and chk2, which resulted in the accumulation of damaged DNA in some breast cancer cells. Furthermore, AZD3514 enhanced cellular sensitivity to a PARP inhibitor olaparib by blocking the DDR pathway in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, the downregulation of NKX3.1 expression in MDA-MB-468 cells by AZD3514 occurred in parallel with the suppression of ATM-chk2 axis activation, and the suppression of NKX3.1 by AZD3514 was found to result from AZD3514-induced TOPORS upregulation and a resultant increase in NKX3.1 degradation. The study shows posttranslational regulation of NKX3.1 via TOPORS upregulation by AZD3514-induced ATM inactivation-increased olaparib sensitivity in AR-positive and TOPORS-expressing breast cancer cells, and suggests the antitumor effect of AZD3514/olaparib cotreatment is caused by compromised DDR activity in breast cancer cell lines and in a xenograft model. These results provide a rationale for future clinical trials of olaparib/AR inhibitor combination treatment in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahrum Min
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.,Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyemin Jang
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seongyeong Kim
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung-Hun Lee
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.,Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Translational Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | | | - Koung Jin Suh
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.,Translational Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yaewon Yang
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.,Translational Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Chungbuk University Hospital, Cheong-Ju, Korea
| | - Paul Elvin
- Oncology IMED, AstraZeneca UK Ltd., Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Mark J O'Connor
- Bioscience, Oncology, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca UK Ltd., Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Seock-Ah Im
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea. .,Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Translational Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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35
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Gómora MJ, Morales-Vásquez F, Pedernera E, Perez-Montiel D, López-Basave H, Villa AR, Hernández-Martínez A, Mena E, Mendez C. Sexual steroid hormone receptors profiles of ovarian carcinoma in Mexican women. Endocr Connect 2018; 7:1006-1012. [PMID: 30012649 PMCID: PMC6198187 DOI: 10.1530/ec-18-0158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The significance of the presence of androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptor alpha (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) in ovarian cancer patient survival has been a matter of numerous studies. This study was aimed to describe the expression profile of the three sexual steroid receptors in high-grade serous, endometrioid, mucinous and low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma and its association to the proliferation index in patients with primary ovarian carcinoma diagnosis, before any treatment. Eighty-one samples were obtained from the National Institute of Cancerology in Mexico City and were evaluated for the presence of AR, ER, PR and Ki67 by immunohistochemistry. The four subtypes of ovarian carcinoma displays a specific profile of the eight possible combinations of the steroid receptors with significant differences within the profile and the histological subtypes. High-grade serous carcinoma was characterized by a high frequency of both, triple-negative and AR+ ER- PR+ profiles. Endometrioid carcinoma presented a higher frequency of triple-positive profile. The presence of only AR+ profile was not observed in the endometrioid tumors. The relationship of the receptor profile with the proliferation index in the tumor epithelium shows that the expression of only ER is associated to a reduced proliferation index in endometrioid carcinoma. Steroid hormone receptor expression and co-expression could help characterize ovarian carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- María J Gómora
- Departamento de Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CdMx, Mexico
| | - Flavia Morales-Vásquez
- Departamento de Oncología Médica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Secretaría de Salud de México, CdMx, Mexico
| | - Enrique Pedernera
- Departamento de Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CdMx, Mexico
| | - Delia Perez-Montiel
- Departamento de Patología, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Secretaría de Salud de México, CdMx, Mexico
| | - Horacio López-Basave
- Departamento de Cirugía Oncológica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Secretaría de Salud de México, CdMx, Mexico
| | - Antonio R Villa
- División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CdMx, Mexico
| | - Azucena Hernández-Martínez
- Hospital Militar de Especialidades de la Mujer y Neonatología, Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional, CdMx, Mexico
| | - Esteban Mena
- Unidad de Apoyo Académico, Secretaría General, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CdMx, Mexico
| | - Carmen Mendez
- Departamento de Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CdMx, Mexico
- Correspondence should be addressed to C Mendez:
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Androgen receptor in triple negative breast cancer: A potential target for the targetless subtype. Cancer Treat Rev 2018; 68:102-110. [PMID: 29940524 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2018.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents the 15-20% of all breast cancers (BC) and is characterized by a very aggressive behavior. Recent data suggest that TNBC is not a single disease, but it is rather an umbrella for different ontology-profiles such as basal like 1 and 2, mesenchymal, and the luminal androgen receptor (LAR). The LAR subtype is characterized by the expression of the Androgen Receptor (AR) and its downstream effects. Notwithstanding the role of the AR in several signaling pathways, its impact on a biological and clinical standpoint is still controversial. The LAR subtype has been associated with better prognosis, less chemotherapy responsiveness and lower pathologic complete response after neoadjuvant treatment. Clinical evidence suggests a role for anti-androgen therapies such as bicalutamide, enzalutamide and abiraterone, offering an interesting chemo-free alternative for chemo-unresponsive patients, and therefore potentially shifting current treatment strategies.
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Riaz N, Idress R, Habib S, Azam I, Lalani ENM. Expression of Androgen Receptor and Cancer Stem Cell Markers (CD44 +/CD24 - and ALDH1 +): Prognostic Implications in Invasive Breast Cancer. Transl Oncol 2018; 11:920-929. [PMID: 29843115 PMCID: PMC6041567 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2018.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Androgen receptor (AR) has emerged as a significant prognostic marker in early breast cancer (BCa). Association of AR with cancer stem cell (CSC) markers in BCa is unknown. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of AR, CD44, CD24 and ALDH1 in a cohort of Pakistani patients diagnosed with invasive BCa and to correlate the expression with 5- year disease free survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS We evaluated immunohistochemical expression AR, CD44, CD24 and ALDH1 in formalin fixed paraffin embedded archival blocks of 166 cases of primary invasive BCa (stage I-III) and correlated the expression with clinicopathological variables and outcome using univariable and multivariable analysis. Survival data was computed by Kaplan Meier curves. RESULTS Expression of AR was observed in 62.7% tumors whereas CD44, CD24 and ALDH1 were expressed in 61.4%, 44% and 30.1% tumors, respectively. AR expression was significantly associated with T1-T2 tumors, lower grade, estrogen and progesterone receptor expression (P < .05) and remained an independent prognostic indicator in multivariable analysis (adjusted HR 0.33, 95% CI 0.13-0.81; P = .016). Significant association was observed between concordant expression of AR and CD24 (P = .001) with a favorable impact on survival (P = .007) whereas expression of CSC phenotypes (CD44+, CD44+/CD24- and ALDH1+) did not correlate with adverse outcome (P > .05). However, AR expression retained the association with better prognosis even in patients whose tumors exhibited a CSC phenotype. CONCLUSIONS Expression of AR and CD24 in stage I-III invasive BCa correlates with favorable clinicopathological features and delineates a subgroup of patients with better disease-free survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazia Riaz
- Section of Breast Diseases, Department of Surgery and Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, 74800 Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - Romana Idress
- Section of Histopathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, 74800, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - Sadia Habib
- Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, 74800, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - Iqbal Azam
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, 74800, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - El-Nasir Ma Lalani
- Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, 74800, Karachi, Pakistan.
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38
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Goldstein SW, Winter AG, Goldstein I. Improvements to the Vulva, Vestibule, Urethral Meatus, and Vagina in Women Treated With Ospemifene for Moderate to Severe Dyspareunia: A Prospective Vulvoscopic Pilot Study. Sex Med 2018; 6:154-161. [PMID: 29678557 PMCID: PMC5960031 DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2018.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Ospemifene, an oral selective estrogen receptor modulator approved for the treatment of mild to moderate dyspareunia from menopause, has been shown to moderate sexual pain and vaginal epithelial cell characteristics. However, no prospective vulvoscopic studies have been performed. Aim To examine, in menopausal women taking ospemifene 60 mg daily, changes to the vulva, vestibule, urethral meatus, and vaginal region over 20 weeks using vulvoscopy in a prospective open-label pilot study. Methods Vulvoscopic photographs taken at screening and the end of therapy assessed for changes in the appearance of the vulva, vestibule, urethral meatus, and vagina rated by a single reviewer using a 10-parameter Likert rating scale, the Vulvoscopic Genital Tissue Appearance Scale (VGTA). In addition, the cotton-tipped swab test and subject diary scores were assessed over the 20-week treatment period and compared before and after the intervention using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Main Outcome Measure Changes in VGTA score from baseline to end of study. Results 8 subjects (age = 59 ± 4.7 years) completed all visits and were included in the analysis of vulvoscopic photographs (n = 258). There were significant changes during the study period for urethral meatal prominence, introital stenosis, vestibular pallor, vestibular erythema, mucosal moisture, vaginal rugation, and anterior wall prominence (P < .05). Total pain score during cotton-tipped swab testing decreased from 11 (interquartile range = 10–16) before the intervention to 1 (interquartile range = 0–3) at the end of the study. Quantitative diary analysis indicated an increase in the number of sexual events, decrease in rates of pain during foreplay and intercourse, and decrease in use of lubricant at study completion (P < .05). Conclusions Ospemifene 60 mg daily for 20 weeks showed improvement in physical examination findings in this prospective study of menopausal women with dyspareunia, as documented on vulvoscopic photography. These changes were consistent with improvements in subject-reported pain and sexual function. Goldstein SW, Winter AG, Goldstein I. Improvements to the Vulva, Vestibule, Urethral Meatus, and Vagina in Women Treated With Ospemifene for Moderate to Severe Dyspareunia: A Prospective Vulvoscopic Pilot Study. Sex Med 2018;6:154–161.
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