1
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Focaccio A, Rossi L, De Luca A. A spotlight on the role of copper in the epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Life Sci 2024; 354:122972. [PMID: 39142503 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122972] [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: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
The complex process known as epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a fundamental role in several biological settings, encompassing embryonic development, wound healing, and pathological conditions such as cancer and fibrosis. In recent years, a bulk of research has brought to light the key role of copper, a trace element with essential functions in cellular metabolism, cancer initiation and progression. Indeed, copper, besides functioning as cofactor of enzymes required for essential cellular processes, such as energy production and oxidation reactions, has emerged as an allosteric regulator of kinases whose activity is required to fulfill cancer dissemination through the EMT. In this comprehensive review, we try to describe the intricate relationship between the transition metal copper and EMT, spanning from the earliest foundational studies to the latest advancements. Our aim is to shed light on the multifaceted roles undertaken by copper in EMT in cancer and to unveil the diverse mechanisms by which copper homeostasis exerts its influence over EMT regulators, signaling pathways, cell metabolic reprogramming and transcription factors ultimately contributing to the spread of cancer. Therefore, this review not only may contribute to a deeper comprehension of copper-mediated mechanisms in EMT but also supports the hypothesis that targeting copper may contribute to counteract the progression of EMT-associated pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Focaccio
- PhD School in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Rossi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Anastasia De Luca
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
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2
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Fernando W, Cruickshank BM, Arun RP, MacLean MR, Cahill HF, Morales-Quintanilla F, Dean CA, Wasson MCD, Dahn ML, Coyle KM, Walker OL, Power Coombs MR, Marcato P. ALDH1A3 is the switch that determines the balance of ALDH + and CD24 -CD44 + cancer stem cells, EMT-MET, and glucose metabolism in breast cancer. Oncogene 2024:10.1038/s41388-024-03156-4. [PMID: 39251846 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03156-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Plasticity is an inherent feature of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and regulates the balance of key processes required at different stages of breast cancer progression, including epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) versus mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET), and glycolysis versus oxidative phosphorylation. Understanding the key factors that regulate the switch between these processes could lead to novel therapeutic strategies that limit tumor progression. We found that aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A3 (ALDH1A3) regulates these cancer-promoting processes and the abundance of the two distinct breast CSC populations defined by high ALDH activity and CD24-CD44+ cell surface expression. While ALDH1A3 increases ALDH+ breast cancer cells, it inversely suppresses the CD24-CD44+ population by retinoic acid signaling-mediated gene expression changes. This switch in CSC populations induced by ALDH1A3 was paired with decreased migration but increased invasion and an intermediate EMT phenotype. We also demonstrate that ALDH1A3 increases oxidative phosphorylation and decreases glycolysis and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The effects of ALDH1A3 reduction were countered with the glycolysis inhibitor 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG). In cell culture and tumor xenograft models, 2DG suppresses the increase in the CD24-CD44+ population and ROS induced by ALDH1A3 knockdown. Combined inhibition of ALDH1A3 and glycolysis best reduces breast tumor growth and tumor-initiating cells, suggesting that the combination of targeting ALDH1A3 and glycolysis has therapeutic potential for limiting CSCs and tumor progression. Together, these findings identify ALDH1A3 as a key regulator of processes required for breast cancer progression and depletion of ALDH1A3 makes breast cancer cells more susceptible to glycolysis inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wasundara Fernando
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada
| | - Brianne M Cruickshank
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Raj Pranap Arun
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Maya R MacLean
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Hannah F Cahill
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | | | - Cheryl A Dean
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | | | - Margaret L Dahn
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Krysta M Coyle
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Olivia L Walker
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Melanie R Power Coombs
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada
| | - Paola Marcato
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS, Canada.
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3
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Zhang X, Zhang X, Li M, Jiao S, Zhang Y. Monitoring Partial EMT Dynamics through Cell Mechanics Using Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy. Anal Chem 2024. [PMID: 39238086 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c02612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Tumor cells undergo an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) accompanied by a reduction in elasticity to initiate metastasis. However, in vivo, tumor cells typically exhibit partial EMT rather than fully EMT. Whether cell mechanics can accurately identify the status of partial EMT, especially the dynamic process, remains unclear. To elucidate the relationship between cell mechanics and partial EMT, we employed scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM) to analyze the dynamic changes in cell mechanics during the TGFβ-induced partial EMT of HCT116 colon cancer cells. Cells undergoing partial EMT, characterized by increased expression of EMT transcription factors, Snai1 and Zeb1, and EMT-related genes, Fn1 and MMP9, while retaining the expression of the epithelial markers E-cadherin (E-cad) and EpCAM, did not exhibit significant changes in cell morphology, suggesting that morphological changes alone were inadequate for identifying partial EMT status. However, cell elasticity markedly decreased in partial EMT cells, and this reduction was reversed with the reversible transition of partial EMT. These findings suggest a strong correlation between cell mechanics and the dynamic process of partial EMT, indicating that cell mechanics could serve as a valuable label-free marker for identifying the status of partial EMT while preserving the physiological characteristics of tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xufang Zhang
- School of Information Science and Technology, North China University of Technology, Beijing 100144, China
| | - Xueqia Zhang
- School of Information Science and Technology, North China University of Technology, Beijing 100144, China
| | - Mingkun Li
- School of Information Science and Technology, North China University of Technology, Beijing 100144, China
| | - Shuopei Jiao
- School of Information Science and Technology, North China University of Technology, Beijing 100144, China
| | - Yanjun Zhang
- WPI Nano-Life Science Institute (Nano-LSI), Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, U.K
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4
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Zhao H, Xu J, Zhong Y, He S, Hao Z, Zhang B, Liu Z, Zhou X. Mammary hydroxylated oestrogen activates the NLRP3 inflammasome in tumor-associated macrophages to promote breast cancer progression and metastasis. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 142:113034. [PMID: 39226826 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.113034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer remains one of the primary causes of cancer-related death. An imbalance of oestrogen homeostasis and an inflammatory tumor microenvironment (TME) are vital risk factors for the progression and metastasis of breast cancer. Here, we showed that oestrogen homeostasis was disrupted both in breast cancer patients and in a transgenic MMTV-PyMT mouse model of breast cancer, and significant levels of hydroxylated oestrogen accumulated in the mammary tissues of these patients and mice. We also observed that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) were the main population of immune cells present in the breast TME. TAM-dependent tumor metastasis could be triggered by hydroxylated oestrogen via NLRP3 inflammasome activation and IL-1β production. Mechanistically, TAM-derived inflammatory cytokines induced the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in breast tumor cells, leading to breast tumor invasion and metastasis. Conceptually, our study reveals a previously unknown role of hydroxylated oestrogen in the reprogramming of the TME via NLRP3 inflammasome activation in TAMs, which ultimately facilitates breast cancer cells proliferation, migration, and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004 Xuzhou, China; The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 210017 Nanjing, China
| | - Jiahao Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004 Xuzhou, China
| | - Ya'nan Zhong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004 Xuzhou, China
| | - Shiqing He
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 221004 Xuzhou, China
| | - Zhixiang Hao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004 Xuzhou, China
| | - Bei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, 221009 Xuzhou, China
| | - Zhao Liu
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 221004 Xuzhou, China.
| | - Xueyan Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004 Xuzhou, China.
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5
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Ganesan K, Xu C, Wu J, Du B, Liu Q, Sui Y, Song C, Zhang J, Tang H, Chen J. Ononin inhibits triple-negative breast cancer lung metastasis by targeting the EGFR-mediated PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:1849-1866. [PMID: 38900236 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2499-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The spreading of cancer cells from the primary tumor site to other parts of the body, known as metastasis, is the leading cause of cancer recurrence and mortality in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is observed in approximately 70% of TNBC patients. EGFR is crucial for promoting tumor metastasis and associated with poor prognosis. Therefore, it is vital to identify effective therapeutic strategies targeting EGFR inhibition. Ononin, an isoflavonoid found in various plants, such as clover and soybeans, has been shown to have anticancer properties in several cancers. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of ononin on TNBC lung metastasis and the associated molecular pathways. We used various assays, including cell viability, colony formation, Transwell, wound healing, ELISA, Western blotting, and staining techniques, to achieve this objective. The results demonstrated that ononin effectively suppressed cellular proliferation and induced apoptosis, as evidenced by the cell viability assay, colony formation assay, and expression of apoptosis markers, and reduced the metastatic capabilities of TNBC cells. These effects were achieved through the direct suppression of cell adhesion, invasiveness and motility. Furthermore, in TNBC xenograft lung metastatic models, ononin treatment significantly reduced tumor growth and lung metastasis. Additionally, ononin reversed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by downregulating the expression of EMT markers and matrix metalloproteinases, as confirmed by Western blot analysis. Furthermore, ononin treatment reduced EGFR phosphorylation and suppressed the PI3K, Akt, and mTOR signaling pathways, which was further confirmed using EGFR agonists or inhibitors. Importantly, ononin treatment did not exert any toxic effects on liver or kidney function. In conclusion, our findings suggest that ononin is a safe and potentially therapeutic treatment for TNBC metastasis that targets the EGFR-mediated PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Further studies are warranted to validate its efficacy and explore its potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumar Ganesan
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Cong Xu
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Jianming Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Bing Du
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Qingqing Liu
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Yue Sui
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Cailu Song
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jinhui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Hailin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Jianping Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China.
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6
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Hariri A, Mirian M, Khosravi A, Zarepour A, Iravani S, Zarrabi A. Intersecting pathways: The role of hybrid E/M cells and circulating tumor cells in cancer metastasis and drug resistance. Drug Resist Updat 2024; 76:101119. [PMID: 39111134 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2024.101119] [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: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis and therapy resistance are intricately linked with the dynamics of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs). EMT hybrid cells, characterized by a blend of epithelial and mesenchymal traits, have emerged as pivotal in metastasis and demonstrate remarkable plasticity, enabling transitions across cellular states crucial for intravasation, survival in circulation, and extravasation at distal sites. Concurrently, CTCs, which are detached from primary tumors and travel through the bloodstream, are crucial as potential biomarkers for cancer prognosis and therapeutic response. There is a significant interplay between EMT hybrid cells and CTCs, revealing a complex, bidirectional relationship that significantly influences metastatic progression and has a critical role in cancer drug resistance. This resistance is further influenced by the tumor microenvironment, with factors such as tumor-associated macrophages, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and hypoxic conditions driving EMT and contributing to therapeutic resistance. It is important to understand the molecular mechanisms of EMT, characteristics of EMT hybrid cells and CTCs, and their roles in both metastasis and drug resistance. This comprehensive understanding sheds light on the complexities of cancer metastasis and opens avenues for novel diagnostic approaches and targeted therapies and has significant advancements in combating cancer metastasis and overcoming drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirali Hariri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673461, Iran
| | - Mina Mirian
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673461, Iran.
| | - Arezoo Khosravi
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istanbul Okan University, Istanbul 34959, Turkiye
| | - Atefeh Zarepour
- Department of Research Analytics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 600 077, India
| | - Siavash Iravani
- Independent Researcher, W Nazar ST, Boostan Ave, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul 34396, Turkiye; Graduate School of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Yuan Ze University, Taoyuan 320315, Taiwan.
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7
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Gallardo A, López-Onieva L, Belmonte-Reche E, Fernández-Rengel I, Serrano-Prados A, Molina A, Sánchez-Pozo A, Landeira D. EZH2 represses mesenchymal genes and upholds the epithelial state of breast carcinoma cells. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:609. [PMID: 39174513 PMCID: PMC11341823 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-07011-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Emerging studies support that the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) regulates phenotypic changes of carcinoma cells by modulating their shifts among metastable states within the epithelial and mesenchymal spectrum. This new role of PRC2 in cancer has been recently proposed to stem from the ability of its catalytic subunit EZH2 to bind and modulate the transcription of mesenchymal genes during epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in lung cancer cells. Here, we asked whether this mechanism is conserved in other types of carcinomas. By combining TGF-β-mediated reversible induction of epithelial to mesenchymal transition and inhibition of EZH2 methyltransferase activity, we demonstrate that EZH2 represses a large set of mesenchymal genes and favours the residence of breast cancer cells towards the more epithelial spectrum during EMT. In agreement, analysis of human patient samples supports that EZH2 is required to efficiently repress mesenchymal genes in breast cancer tumours. Our results indicate that PRC2 operates through similar mechanisms in breast and lung cancer cells. We propose that PRC2-mediated direct transcriptional modulation of the mesenchymal gene expression programme is a conserved molecular mechanism underlying cell dissemination across human carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amador Gallardo
- Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), Avenida de la Ilustración 114, 18016, Granada, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Lourdes López-Onieva
- Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), Avenida de la Ilustración 114, 18016, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Faculty of Science, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Efres Belmonte-Reche
- Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), Avenida de la Ilustración 114, 18016, Granada, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Iván Fernández-Rengel
- Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), Avenida de la Ilustración 114, 18016, Granada, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Andrea Serrano-Prados
- Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), Avenida de la Ilustración 114, 18016, Granada, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Aldara Molina
- Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), Avenida de la Ilustración 114, 18016, Granada, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Antonio Sánchez-Pozo
- Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), Avenida de la Ilustración 114, 18016, Granada, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - David Landeira
- Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), Avenida de la Ilustración 114, 18016, Granada, Spain.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain.
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8
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Lazzari N, Rigotto G, Montini B, Del Bianco P, Moretto E, Palladino F, Cappellesso R, Tonello M, Cenzi C, Scapinello A, Piano MA, Rossi CR, Dalerba P, Pilati P, Sommariva A, Calabrò ML. Stemness and hybrid epithelial-mesenchymal profiles guide peritoneal dissemination of malignant mesothelioma and pseudomyxoma peritonei. Int J Cancer 2024. [PMID: 39146488 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.35137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Intrabdominal dissemination of malignant mesothelioma (MM) and pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is poorly characterized with respect to the stemness window which malignant cells activate during their reshaping on the epithelial-mesenchymal (E/M) axis. To gain insights into stemness properties and their prognostic significance in these rarer forms of peritoneal metastases (PM), primary tumor cultures from 55 patients selected for cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy were analyzed for cancer stem cells (CSC) by aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) and spheroid formation assays, and for expression of a set of plasticity-related genes to measure E/M transition (EMT) score. Intratumor heterogeneity was also analyzed. Samples from PM of colorectal cancer were included for comparison. Molecular data were confirmed using principal component and cluster analyses. Associations with survival were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression models. The activity of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), a stemness modifier, was tested in five cultures. Significantly increased amounts of ALDH1bright-cells identified high-grade PMP, and discriminated solid masses from ascitic/mucin-embedded tumor cells in both forms of PM. Epithelial/early hybrid EMT scores and an early hybrid expression pattern correlated with pluripotency factors were significantly associated with early peritoneal progression (p = .0343 and p = .0339, respectively, log-rank test) in multivariable models. ASA impaired spheroid formation and increased cisplatin sensitivity in all five cultures. These data suggest that CSC subpopulations and hybrid E/M states may guide peritoneal spread of MM and PMP. Stemness could be exploited as targetable vulnerability to increase chemosensitivity and improve patient outcomes. Additional research is needed to confirm these preliminary data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayana Lazzari
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Giulia Rigotto
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Barbara Montini
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Paola Del Bianco
- Clinical Research Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Elena Moretto
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Federica Palladino
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Marco Tonello
- Surgical Oncology of the Esophagus and Digestive Tract, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Carola Cenzi
- Clinical Research Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
- Surgical Oncology of the Esophagus and Digestive Tract, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Antonio Scapinello
- Anatomy and Histopathology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Maria Assunta Piano
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Piero Dalerba
- Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI), Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, New Jersey, USA
| | - Pierluigi Pilati
- Surgical Oncology of the Esophagus and Digestive Tract, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Antonio Sommariva
- Surgical Oncology of the Esophagus and Digestive Tract, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
- Surgical Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
- Advanced Surgical Oncology Unit, Surgical Oncology of the Esophagus and Digestive Tract, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Calabrò
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
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9
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Chen X, Jiang R, Huang X, Chen L, Hu X, Wei Y. Long Noncoding RNA NKX2-1-AS1 Accelerates Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Progression through the miR-589-5p/NME1 Axis. Cell Biochem Biophys 2024:10.1007/s12013-024-01472-w. [PMID: 39117986 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-024-01472-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common malignancy worldwide, with a high death rate. Long noncoding RNA (LncRNA) NKX2-1 antisense RNA 1 (NKX2-1-AS1) has been reported to be an oncogene in lung tumorigenesis. However, the precise mechanism of NKX2-1-AS1 underlying NSCLC progression is blurry. The intention of our research was to probe the potential mechanism of NKX2-1-AS1 underlying NSCLC. NKX2-1-AS1 expression and relevant downstream gene expression were measured using RT-qPCR. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were determined by MTT assay, EdU assay along with flow cytometry analysis. Cell migratory and invasive abilities were inspected by transwell assay. Western blot and immunofluorescence staining were utilized to assess the levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins. RNA pull-down together with luciferase reporter assays were performed to verify the interaction between NKX2-1-AS1 and its downstream RNAs. Xenograft tumor-bearing mouse models were built to analyze tumor growth in vivo. The results suggested that NKX2-1-AS1 was upregulated in NSCLC patient tissues and cell lines. NKX2-1-AS1 deficiency suppressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT while elevated apoptosis. NKX2-1-AS1 bound to miR-589-5p, and NME/NM23 nucleoside diphosphate kinase 1 (NME1) was targeted by miR-589-5p in NSCLC cells. Additionally, NKX2-1-AS1 accelerated the progression of NSCLC by regulating miR-589-5p/NME1 axis. NKX2-1-AS1 knockdown repressed tumor growth in vivo. In conclusion, NKX2-1-AS1 accelerated the NSCLC progression through interacting with miR-589-5p for NME1 upregulation, which may provide clues for NSCLC targeting therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Peoples' Hospital of Lishui, Lishui, China
| | - Ruilai Jiang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Peoples' Hospital of Lishui, Lishui, China
| | - Xiaocheng Huang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Peoples' Hospital of Lishui, Lishui, China
| | - Ling Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Peoples' Hospital of Lishui, Lishui, China
| | - Xiaogang Hu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Peoples' Hospital of Lishui, Lishui, China
| | - Yanbin Wei
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Peoples' Hospital of Lishui, Lishui, China.
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10
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Li Q, Sun Y, Zhai K, Geng B, Dong Z, Ji L, Chen H, Cui Y. Microbiota-induced inflammatory responses in bladder tumors promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition and enhanced immune infiltration. Physiol Genomics 2024; 56:544-554. [PMID: 38808774 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00032.2024] [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: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The intratumoral microbiota can modulate the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME); however, the underlying mechanism by which intratumoral microbiota influences the TIME in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) remains unclear. To address this, we collected samples from 402 patients with UCB, including paired host transcriptome and tumor microbiome data, from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We found that the intratumoral microbiome profiles were significantly correlated with the expression pattern of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes. Furthermore, we detected that the genera Lachnoclostridium and Sutterella in tumors could indirectly promote the EMT program by inducing an inflammatory response. Moreover, the inflammatory response induced by these two intratumoral bacteria further enhanced intratumoral immune infiltration, affecting patient survival and response to immunotherapy. In addition, an independent immunotherapy cohort of 348 patients with bladder cancer was used to validate our results. Collectively, our study elucidates the potential mechanism by which the intratumoral microbiota influences the TIME of UCB and provides a new guiding strategy for the targeted therapy of UCB.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The intratumoral microbiota may mediate the bladder tumor inflammatory response, thereby promoting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition program and influencing tumor immune infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Li
- Department of Urology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yichao Sun
- Department of Operating Room, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Zhai
- Department of Urology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingzhi Geng
- Department of Urology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenkun Dong
- Department of Urology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Ji
- Geneis Beijing Co., Ltd., Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Qingdao Geneis Institute of Big Data Mining and Precision Medicine, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Urology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Cui
- Department of Urology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, People's Republic of China
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11
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Wang J, Lv F, Zhu Y, Lu X, Zhang B. Reversal of the tamoxifen‑resistant breast cancer malignant phenotype by proliferation inhibition with bromosulfonamidine amino‑podophyllotoxin. Oncol Lett 2024; 28:373. [PMID: 38910903 PMCID: PMC11190816 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the lignans isolated from plants within the genus Podophyllum is podophyllotoxin (PPT). PPT and its derivatives are pharmacologically active compounds with potential antiproliferative properties in several kinds of tumors. Although these compounds have been used to treat other malignancies, no PPT derivative-based chemotherapeutic agent has been used to cure tamoxifen (TAM)-resistant breast cancer in clinical trials, to the best of our knowledge. Thus, using TAM-resistant breast cancer as a disease model, the present study assessed the effects of a recently synthesized PPT derivative, bromosulfonamidine amino-PPT (BSAPPT), on TAM-resistant breast cancer. Using the tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cell model (MCF-7/TAMR) in vitro, Cell Counting Kit-8 and colony formation assays were adopted to evaluate the effect of BSAPPT on cell proliferation. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle assays were used to assess the influence of BSAPPT on cell apoptosis and the cell cycle in MCF-7/TAMR. The targets of the potential mechanism of action were analyzed by RT-qPCR and western blotting. The present study demonstrated that BSAPPT suppressed MCF-7/TAMR cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. By modulating the level of expression of genes linked to both apoptosis and the cell cycle, BSAPPT triggered MCF-7/TAMR cells to undergo apoptosis and prevented them from entering the cell cycle. Consequently, BSAPPT blocked these cells from proliferating, thereby halting the malignant advancement of TAM-resistant breast cancer. Therefore, these findings indicate that new therapeutic agents involving BSAPPT may be developed to facilitate the treatment of TAM-resistant breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Wang
- BSL-3 Laboratory (Guangdong), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
- Medical Laboratory (Guangdong), Dongguan Eighth People's Hospital, Dongguan, Guangdong 523320, P.R. China
- Department of Genetics, Key Laboratory for Children's Genetics and Infectious Diseases of Dongguan, Dongguan, Guangdong 523320, P.R. China
| | - Fen Lv
- Medical Laboratory (Guangdong), Dongguan Eighth People's Hospital, Dongguan, Guangdong 523320, P.R. China
- Department of Genetics, Key Laboratory for Children's Genetics and Infectious Diseases of Dongguan, Dongguan, Guangdong 523320, P.R. China
| | - Yinghua Zhu
- Medical Laboratory (Guangdong), Dongguan Eighth People's Hospital, Dongguan, Guangdong 523320, P.R. China
- Department of Genetics, Key Laboratory for Children's Genetics and Infectious Diseases of Dongguan, Dongguan, Guangdong 523320, P.R. China
| | - Xiaomei Lu
- Medical Laboratory (Guangdong), Dongguan Eighth People's Hospital, Dongguan, Guangdong 523320, P.R. China
- Department of Genetics, Key Laboratory for Children's Genetics and Infectious Diseases of Dongguan, Dongguan, Guangdong 523320, P.R. China
| | - Bao Zhang
- BSL-3 Laboratory (Guangdong), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
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12
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Wu Z, Zang Y, Li C, He Z, Liu J, Du Z, Ma X, Jing L, Duan H, Feng J, Yan X. CD146, a therapeutic target involved in cell plasticity. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:1563-1578. [PMID: 38613742 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2521-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Since its identification as a marker for advanced melanoma in the 1980s, CD146 has been found to have multiple functions in both physiological and pathological processes, including embryonic development, tissue repair and regeneration, tumor progression, fibrosis disease, and inflammations. Subsequent research has revealed that CD146 is involved in various signaling pathways as a receptor or co-receptor in these processes. This correlation between CD146 and multiple diseases has sparked interest in its potential applications in diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapy. To better comprehend the versatile roles of CD146, we have summarized its research history and synthesized findings from numerous reports, proposing that cell plasticity serves as the underlying mechanism through which CD146 contributes to development, regeneration, and various diseases. Targeting CD146 would consequently halt cell state shifting during the onset and progression of these related diseases. Therefore, the development of therapy targeting CD146 holds significant practical value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Wu
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yuzhe Zang
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Chuyi Li
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhiheng He
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jingyu Liu
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhaoqi Du
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xinran Ma
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Lin Jing
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Hongxia Duan
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Nanozyme Laboratory in Zhongyuan, Henan Academy of Innovations in Medical Science, Zhengzhou, 451163, China.
| | - Jing Feng
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Xiyun Yan
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Nanozyme Laboratory in Zhongyuan, Henan Academy of Innovations in Medical Science, Zhengzhou, 451163, China.
- Joint Laboratory of Nanozymes in Zhengzhou University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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13
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Čugura T, Boštjančič E, Uhan S, Hauptman N, Jeruc J. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition associated markers in sarcomatoid transformation of clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Exp Mol Pathol 2024; 138:104909. [PMID: 38876079 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2024.104909] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of many cancers. Partial EMT (pEMT) could represent a critical step in tumor migration and dissemination. Sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma (sRCC) is an aggressive form of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) composed of a carcinomatous (sRCC-Ca) and sarcomatous (sRCC-Sa) component. The role of (p)EMT in the progression of RCC to sRCC remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of (p)EMT in RCC and sRCC. Tissue samples from 10 patients with clear cell RCC (ccRCC) and 10 patients with sRCC were selected. The expression of main EMT markers (miR-200 family, miR-205, SNAI1/2, TWIST1/2, ZEB1/2, CDH1/2, VIM) was analyzed by qPCR in ccRCC, sRCC-Ca, and sRCC-Sa and compared to non-neoplastic tissue and between both groups. Expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, vimentin and ZEB2 was analyzed using immunohistochemistry. miR-200c was downregulated in sRCC-Ca compared to ccRCC, while miR-200a was downregulated in sRCC-Sa compared to ccRCC. CDH1 was downregulated in sRCC-Sa when compared to any other group. ZEB2 was downregulated in ccRCC and sRCC compared to corresponding non-neoplastic kidney. A positive correlation was observed between CDH1 expression and miR-200a/b/c. Our results suggest that full EMT is not present in sRCC. Instead, discreet molecular differences exist between ccRCC, sRCC-Ca, and sRCC-Sa, possibly representing distinct intermediary states undergoing pEMT.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition/genetics
- Carcinoma, Renal Cell/pathology
- Carcinoma, Renal Cell/genetics
- Carcinoma, Renal Cell/metabolism
- Kidney Neoplasms/pathology
- Kidney Neoplasms/genetics
- Kidney Neoplasms/metabolism
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Female
- Vimentin/metabolism
- Vimentin/genetics
- Zinc Finger E-box Binding Homeobox 2/genetics
- Zinc Finger E-box Binding Homeobox 2/metabolism
- Aged
- Cadherins/genetics
- Cadherins/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Antigens, CD/genetics
- Antigens, CD/metabolism
- Twist-Related Protein 1/genetics
- Twist-Related Protein 1/metabolism
- Snail Family Transcription Factors/genetics
- Snail Family Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Zinc Finger E-box-Binding Homeobox 1/genetics
- Zinc Finger E-box-Binding Homeobox 1/metabolism
- Repressor Proteins/genetics
- Repressor Proteins/metabolism
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/pathology
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/metabolism
- Adult
- Nuclear Proteins
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Čugura
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Emanuela Boštjančič
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sara Uhan
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nina Hauptman
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jera Jeruc
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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14
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Lopez-Cerda M, Lorenzo-Sanz L, da Silva-Diz V, Llop S, Penin RM, Bermejo JO, de Goeij-de Haas R, Piersma SR, Pham TV, Jimenez CR, Martin-Liberal J, Muñoz P. IGF1R signaling induces epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity via ITGAV in cutaneous carcinoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:211. [PMID: 39075581 PMCID: PMC11285232 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03119-3] [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: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCCs) generally show epithelial differentiation features and good prognosis, whereas advanced cSCCs present mesenchymal traits associated with tumor relapse, metastasis, and poor survival. Currently, the mechanisms involved in cSCC progression are unclear, and the established markers are suboptimal for accurately predicting the clinical course of the disease. METHODS Using a mouse model of cSCC progression, expression microarray analysis, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry assays, we have identified a prognostic biomarker of tumor relapse, which has been evaluated in a cohort of cSCC patient samples. Phosphoproteomic analysis have revealed signaling pathways induced in epithelial plastic cancer cells that promote epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) and tumor progression. These pathways have been validated by genetic and pharmacological inhibition assays. RESULTS We show that the emergence of epithelial cancer cells expressing integrin αV (ITGAV) promotes cSCC progression to a mesenchymal state. Consistently, ITGAV expression allows the identification of patients at risk of cSCC relapse above the currently employed clinical histopathological parameters. We also demonstrate that activation of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) pathway in epithelial cancer cells is necessary to induce EMP and mesenchymal state acquisition in response to tumor microenvironment-derived factors, while promoting ITGAV expression. Likewise, ITGAV knockdown in epithelial plastic cancer cells also blocks EMP acquisition, generating epithelial tumors. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that ITGAV is a prognostic biomarker of relapse in cSCCs that would allow improved patient stratification. ITGAV also collaborates with IGF1R to induce EMP in epithelial cancer cells and promotes cSCC progression, revealing a potential therapeutic strategy to block the generation of advanced mesenchymal cSCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Lopez-Cerda
- Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Laura Lorenzo-Sanz
- Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Victoria da Silva-Diz
- Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, 08901, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Sandra Llop
- Medical Oncology Department, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO) L'Hospitalet, 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa M Penin
- Pathology Service, Bellvitge University Hospital/IDIBELL, 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Oriol Bermejo
- Plastic Surgery Unit, Bellvitge University Hospital/IDIBELL, 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Richard de Goeij-de Haas
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, 1081HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sander R Piersma
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, 1081HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Thang V Pham
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, 1081HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Connie R Jimenez
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, 1081HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Juan Martin-Liberal
- Medical Oncology Department, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO) L'Hospitalet, 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Purificación Muñoz
- Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
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15
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Subbalakshmi AR, Ramisetty S, Mohanty A, Pareek S, Do D, Shrestha S, Khan A, Talwar N, Tan T, Vishnubhotla P, Singhal SS, Salgia R, Kulkarni P. Phenotypic Plasticity and Cancer: A System Biology Perspective. J Clin Med 2024; 13:4302. [PMID: 39124569 PMCID: PMC11313222 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13154302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a major axis of phenotypic plasticity not only in diseased conditions such as cancer metastasis and fibrosis but also during normal development and wound healing. Yet-another important axis of plasticity with metastatic implications includes the cancer stem cell (CSCs) and non-CSC transitions. However, in both processes, epithelial (E) and mesenchymal (M) phenotypes are not merely binary states. Cancer cells acquire a spectrum of phenotypes with traits, properties, and markers of both E and M phenotypes, giving rise to intermediary hybrid (E/M) phenotypes. E/M cells play an important role in tumor initiation, metastasis, and disease progression in multiple cancers. Furthermore, the hybrid phenotypes also play a major role in causing therapeutic resistance in cancer. Here, we discuss how a systems biology perspective on the problem, which is implicit in the 'Team Medicine' approach outlined in the theme of this Special Issue of The Journal of Clinical Medicine and includes an interdisciplinary team of experts, is more likely to shed new light on EMT in cancer and help us to identify novel therapeutics and strategies to target phenotypic plasticity in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayalur Raghu Subbalakshmi
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.R.S.)
| | - Sravani Ramisetty
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.R.S.)
| | - Atish Mohanty
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.R.S.)
| | - Siddhika Pareek
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.R.S.)
| | - Dana Do
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.R.S.)
| | - Sagun Shrestha
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Phoenix, Goodyear, AZ 85338, USA
| | - Ajaz Khan
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Chicago, Zion, IL 60099, USA
| | - Neel Talwar
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope San Bernardino Road, Upland, CA 91786, USA
| | - Tingting Tan
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Avocado Avenue, Newport Beach, CA 92660, USA
| | - Priya Vishnubhotla
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Atlanta, Newnan, GA 30265, USA
| | - Sharad S. Singhal
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.R.S.)
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.R.S.)
| | - Prakash Kulkarni
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.R.S.)
- Department of Systems Biology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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16
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Han X, Liu Z, Cui M, Lin J, Li Y, Qin H, Sheng J, Zhang X. FGA influences invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma through the PI3K/AKT pathway. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:206011. [PMID: 39227068 DOI: 10.18632/aging.206011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Fibrinogen is an important plasma protein composed of three polypeptide chains, fibrinogen alpha (FGA), beta, and gamma. Apart from being an inflammation regulator, fibrinogen also plays a role in tumor progression. Liver cancer usually has a poor prognosis, with chronic hepatitis being the main cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). FGA serves as a serological marker for chronic hepatitis, but its relationship with liver cancer remains unclear. Through bioinformatics analysis and agarose gel electrophoresis, we found that FGA was downregulated in HCC and correlated with tumor stage and grade. By constructing both FGA gene knockout and overexpression cell models, we demonstrated that overexpressing FGA inhibited migration and invasion of liver cancer cells through Transwell migration/invasion and wound healing assays. Western blotting experiments showed that FGA overexpression increased the expression of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition marker protein E-cadherin while decreasing N-cadherin and slug protein expression. In addition, FGA knockout activated the PI3K/AKT pathway. In a mouse model of metastatic tumors, overexpression of FGA restricted the spread of tumor cells. In conclusion, FGA exhibits an inhibitory effect on tumor metastasis, providing new insights for the treatment of advanced HCC metastatic tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Han
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, China
| | - Zefeng Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, China
| | - Mengying Cui
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, China
| | - Jie Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, China
| | - Yongzhi Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, China
| | - Hanjiao Qin
- Department of Radiotherapy, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, China
| | - Jiyao Sheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, China
| | - Xuewen Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, China
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17
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Jiang Y, Yu Z, Zheng H, Zhou X, Zhou M, Geng X, Zhu Y, Huang S, Gong Y, Guo L. An immune biomarker associated with EMT serves as a predictor for prognosis and drug response in bladder cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:10813-10831. [PMID: 38980253 PMCID: PMC11272103 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205927] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bladder cancer (BLCA), which develops from the upper endometrial of the bladder, is the sixth most prevalent cancer across the globe. WDHD1 (WD repeat and HMG-box DNA binding protein 1 gene) directly affects signaling, the cell cycle, and the development of the cell skeleton. Uncertainty surrounds WDHD1's function in BLCA immunity and prognosis, though. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using weighed gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), initially, we first identified 32 risk factors in genes with differential expression for this investigation. Then, using a variety of bioinformatic techniques and experimental validation, we examined the connections between WDHD1 and BLCA expression, clinical pathological traits, WDHD1-related proteins, upper-skin-intermediate conversion (EMT), immune cell immersion, convergence factors, immune markers, and drug sensitivity. RESULT The findings demonstrated that we constructed a 32-gene risk-predicting model where WDHD1 was elevated as a representative gene expression in BLCA and related to a range of clinical traits. Furthermore, high WDHD1 expression was a standalone predictor associated with a worse survival rate. The most commonly recruited cells and their evolutionary patterns were highlighted to better comprehend WDHD1's function in cancer. High WDHD1 expression was associated with many aspects of immunology. Finally, the study found that individuals with high expression of WDHD1 were drug-sensitive to four different broad-spectrum anti-cancer drugs. CONCLUSION These results describe dynamic changes in the tumor microenvironment in BLCA and provide evidence for the hypothesis that WDHD1 is a novel biomarker of tumor development. WDHD1 may therefore be a useful target for the detection and management of BLCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yike Jiang
- Department of Ultrasonography, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, China
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, China
| | - Zichuan Yu
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, China
| | - Hao Zheng
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, China
| | - Xuanrui Zhou
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, China
| | - Minqin Zhou
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, China
| | - Xitong Geng
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, China
| | - Yanting Zhu
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, China
| | - Shuhan Huang
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, China
| | - Yiyang Gong
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, China
| | - Liangyun Guo
- Department of Ultrasonography, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, China
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18
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Geay J, Margaron Y, Gentien D, Reyal F, Puisieux A, Blanchoin L, Guyon L, Théry M. Plakins are involved in the regulation of centrosome position in polarized epithelial cells. Biol Cell 2024; 116:e2400048. [PMID: 38850178 DOI: 10.1111/boc.202400048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND INFORMATION The control of epithelial cell polarity is key to their function. Its dysregulation is a major cause of tissue transformation. In polarized epithelial cells,the centrosome is off-centred toward the apical pole. This asymmetry determines the main orientation of the microtubule network and intra-cellular traffic. However, the mechanism regulating centrosome positioning at the apical pole of polarized epithelial cells is still poorly undertood. RESULTS In this study we used transcriptomic data from breast cancer cells to identify molecular changes associated with the different stages of tumour transformation. We correlated these changes with variations in centrosome position or with cell progression along the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process that involves centrosome repositioning. We found that low levels of epiplakin, desmoplakin and periplakin correlated with centrosome mispositioning in cells that had progressed through EMT or tissue transformation. We further tested the causal role of these plakins in the regulation of centrosome position by knocking down their expression in a non-tumorigenic breast epithelial cell line (MCF10A). The downregulation of periplakin reduced the length of intercellular junction, which was not affected by the downregulation of epiplakin or desmoplakin. However, down-regulating any of them disrupted centrosome polarisation towards the junction without affecting microtubule stability. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, these results demonstrated that epiplakin, desmoplakin and periplakin are involved in the maintenance of the peripheral position of the centrosome close to inter-cellular junctions. They also revealed that these plakins are downregulated during EMT and breast cancer progression, which are both associated with centrosome mispositioning. SIGNIFICANCE These results revealed that the down-regulation of plakins and the consequential centrosome mispositioning are key signatures of disorganised cytoskeleton networks, inter-cellular junction weakening, shape deregulation and the loss of polarity in breast cancer cells. These metrics could further be used as a new readouts for early phases of tumoral development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Geay
- Université de Paris, CEA/INSERM/AP-HP, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, UMR976, HIPI, CytoMorpho Lab, Hopital Saint Louis, Paris, France
| | - Yoran Margaron
- Université Grenoble-Alpes, CEA/INRA/CNRS, Interdisciplinary Research Institute of Grenoble, UMR5168, LPCV, CytoMorpho Lab, Grenoble, France
| | - David Gentien
- Université PSL, Department of Translational Research, Institut Curie, Genomics Platform, Paris, France
| | - Fabien Reyal
- Université Paris Cité, Université PSL, INSERM U932, Breast Gynecological and Reconstructive Surgery, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Alain Puisieux
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
- Université PSL, Institut Curie, Université Versailles Saint-Quentin, CNRS UMR 3666, INSERM U1143, Paris, France
| | - Laurent Blanchoin
- Université de Paris, CEA/INSERM/AP-HP, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, UMR976, HIPI, CytoMorpho Lab, Hopital Saint Louis, Paris, France
- Université Grenoble-Alpes, CEA/INRA/CNRS, Interdisciplinary Research Institute of Grenoble, UMR5168, LPCV, CytoMorpho Lab, Grenoble, France
| | - Laurent Guyon
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CEA/INSERM, Interdisciplinary Research Institute of Grenoble, BioSanté UMR_S 1292, Grenoble, France
| | - Manuel Théry
- Université de Paris, CEA/INSERM/AP-HP, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, UMR976, HIPI, CytoMorpho Lab, Hopital Saint Louis, Paris, France
- Université Grenoble-Alpes, CEA/INRA/CNRS, Interdisciplinary Research Institute of Grenoble, UMR5168, LPCV, CytoMorpho Lab, Grenoble, France
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Chen K, Dong Y, He G, He X, Pan M, Huang X, Yu X, Xia J. UBTF mediates activation of L3MBTL2 to suppress NISCH expression through histone H2AK119 monoubiquitination modification in breast cancer. Clin Exp Metastasis 2024:10.1007/s10585-024-10299-x. [PMID: 38935187 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-024-10299-x] [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: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Lethal(3)malignant brain tumor-like protein 2 (L3MBTL2) has been related to transcriptional inhibition and chromatin compaction. Nevertheless, the biological functions and mechanisms of L3MBTL2 are undefined in breast cancer (BRCA). Here, we revealed that L3MBTL2 is responsible for the decline of Nischarin (NISCH), a well-known tumor suppressor, in BRCA, and explored the detailed mechanism. Knockdown of L3MBTL2 reduced monoubiquitination of histone H2A at lysine-119 (H2AK119ub), leading to reduced binding to the NISCH promoter and increased expression of NISCH. Meanwhile, the knockdown of L3MBTL2 decreased proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of BRCA cells, and increased apoptosis, which were abated by NISCH knockdown. Nucleolar transcription factor 1 (UBTF) induced the transcription of L3MBTL2 in BRCA, and the suppressing effects of UBTF silencing on EMT in BRCA cells were also reversed by NISCH knockdown. Knockdown of UBTF slowed tumor progression and attenuated lung tumor infiltration, whereas simultaneous knockdown of NISCH accelerated EMT and increased tumor lung metastasis. Taken together, our results show that L3MBTL2, transcriptionally activated by UBTF, exerts oncogenic functions in BRCA, by catalyzing H2AK119Ub and reducing expression of NISCH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Chen
- Department of Technology and Social Services, Dazhou Vocational College of Chinese Medicine, Tongchuan District, Vocational Education Park, Dazhou, Sichuan, 635000, P.R. China
| | - Yun Dong
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dazhou Vocational College of Chinese Medicine, Dazhou, Sichuan, 635000, P.R. China
| | - Gaojian He
- Dean's office, Dazhou Vocational College of Chinese Medicine, Dazhou, Sichuan, 635000, P.R. China
| | - Xuefeng He
- Department of Technology and Social Services, Dazhou Vocational College of Chinese Medicine, Tongchuan District, Vocational Education Park, Dazhou, Sichuan, 635000, P.R. China
| | - Meitong Pan
- Department of Technology and Social Services, Dazhou Vocational College of Chinese Medicine, Tongchuan District, Vocational Education Park, Dazhou, Sichuan, 635000, P.R. China
| | - Xuemei Huang
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646099, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolan Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646099, P.R. China.
| | - Jiyi Xia
- Department of Technology and Social Services, Dazhou Vocational College of Chinese Medicine, Tongchuan District, Vocational Education Park, Dazhou, Sichuan, 635000, P.R. China.
- Dazhou Chinese medicine research and development center, Dazhou, Sichuan, 635000, P.R. China.
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20
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Chen Y, Zhu H, Luo Y, Tong S, Liu Y. EZH2: The roles in targeted therapy and mechanisms of resistance in breast cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116624. [PMID: 38670045 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116624] [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: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance presents a formidable challenge in the realm of breast cancer therapy. Accumulating evidence suggests that enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a component of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), may serve as a key regulator in controlling drug resistance. EZH2 overexpression has been observed in breast cancer and many other malignancies, showing a strong correlation with poor outcomes. This review aims to summarize the mechanisms by which EZH2 regulates drug resistance, with a specific focus on breast cancer, in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the underlying molecular processes. Additionally, we will discuss the current strategies and outcomes of targeting EZH2 using both single agents and combination therapies, with the goal of offering improved guidance for the clinical treatment of breast cancer patients who have developed drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Chen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Clinical Pharmacy Innovation Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| | - Hongyan Zhu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Clinical Pharmacy Innovation Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| | - Yi Luo
- Clinical Pharmacy Innovation Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Biotheus Inc., Guangdong Province, Zhuhai 519080, PR China.
| | - Shuangmei Tong
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Clinical Pharmacy Innovation Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Clinical Pharmacy Innovation Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
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21
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Tran HCM, Mbemba E, Mourot N, Faltas B, Rousseau A, Lefkou E, Sabbah M, van Dreden P, Gerotziafas G. The procoagulant signature of cancer cells drives fibrin network formation in tumor microenvironment and impacts its quality. Implications in cancer cell migration and the resistance to anticancer agents. Thromb Res 2024; 238:172-183. [PMID: 38723522 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2024.04.015] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cancer cells induce hypercoagulability in the tumoral microenvironment by expressing Tissue Factor (TF). We aimed to study the impact of the procoagulant signature of cancer cells on the quality and structure of fibrin network. We also studied the impact of fibrin clot shield (FCS) on the efficiency of anticancer agents and the migration of cancer cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pancreatic cancer cells BXPC3 and breast cancer cells MDA-MB231 and MCF7, were cultured in the presence of normal Platelet Poor Plasma (PPP), diluted 10 % in conditioning media. Their potential to induce thrombin generation and their fibrinolytic activity were assessed. The structure of fibrin network was analyzed with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Cancer cells' mobility with fibrin clot and their interactions with fibrin were observed. Cancer cells were treated with paclitaxel (PTX) or 4-hydroxy-tamoxifen (4OHTam) in the presence or absence of FCS. RESULTS Cancer cells, in presence of PPP, induced fibrin network formation. High TF-expressing cancer cells (BXPC3 and MDA-MB23 cells), led to dense fibrin network with fine fibers. Low TF expressing cells MCF7 led to thick fibers. Exogenous TF enhanced the density of fibrin network formed by MCF7 cells. Cancer cells through their inherent profibrinolytic potential migrated within the fiber scaffold. The BXPC3 and MCF7 cells moved in clusters whereas the MDA-MB231 cells moved individually within the fibrin network. FCS decreased the efficiency of PTX and 4OHTam on the viability of cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS The procoagulant signature of cancer cells is determinant for the quality and structure of fibrin network in the microenvironment. Original SEM images show the architecture of "bird's nest"-like fibrin network being in touch with the cell membranes and surrounding cancer cells. Fibrin network constructed by triggering thrombin generation by cancer cells, provides a scaffold for cell migration. Fibrin clot shields protect cancer cells against PTX and 4OHTam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huong Chi Mai Tran
- Sorbonne University, INSERM UMR_S_938, Saint-Antoine Research Center (CRSA), Team "Cancer Biology and Therapeutics", Group "Cancer - Angiogenesis - Thrombosis", University Institute of Cancerology (UIC), 34 Rue du Crozatier, F-75012 Paris, France; Clinical Research Department, Diagnostica Stago, 125 Avenue Louis Roche, 92230 Gennevilliers, France
| | - Elisabeth Mbemba
- Sorbonne University, INSERM UMR_S_938, Saint-Antoine Research Center (CRSA), Team "Cancer Biology and Therapeutics", Group "Cancer - Angiogenesis - Thrombosis", University Institute of Cancerology (UIC), 34 Rue du Crozatier, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Noémie Mourot
- Sorbonne University, INSERM UMR_S_938, Saint-Antoine Research Center (CRSA), Team "Cancer Biology and Therapeutics", Group "Cancer - Angiogenesis - Thrombosis", University Institute of Cancerology (UIC), 34 Rue du Crozatier, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Beshoy Faltas
- Sorbonne University, INSERM UMR_S_938, Saint-Antoine Research Center (CRSA), Team "Cancer Biology and Therapeutics", Group "Cancer - Angiogenesis - Thrombosis", University Institute of Cancerology (UIC), 34 Rue du Crozatier, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Aurélie Rousseau
- Clinical Research Department, Diagnostica Stago, 125 Avenue Louis Roche, 92230 Gennevilliers, France
| | - Elmina Lefkou
- Sorbonne University, INSERM UMR_S_938, Saint-Antoine Research Center (CRSA), Team "Cancer Biology and Therapeutics", Group "Cancer - Angiogenesis - Thrombosis", University Institute of Cancerology (UIC), 34 Rue du Crozatier, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Michèle Sabbah
- Sorbonne University, INSERM UMR_S_938, Saint-Antoine Research Center (CRSA), Team "Cancer Biology and Therapeutics", Group "Cancer - Angiogenesis - Thrombosis", University Institute of Cancerology (UIC), 34 Rue du Crozatier, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Patrick van Dreden
- Sorbonne University, INSERM UMR_S_938, Saint-Antoine Research Center (CRSA), Team "Cancer Biology and Therapeutics", Group "Cancer - Angiogenesis - Thrombosis", University Institute of Cancerology (UIC), 34 Rue du Crozatier, F-75012 Paris, France; Clinical Research Department, Diagnostica Stago, 125 Avenue Louis Roche, 92230 Gennevilliers, France
| | - Grigoris Gerotziafas
- Sorbonne University, INSERM UMR_S_938, Saint-Antoine Research Center (CRSA), Team "Cancer Biology and Therapeutics", Group "Cancer - Angiogenesis - Thrombosis", University Institute of Cancerology (UIC), 34 Rue du Crozatier, F-75012 Paris, France; Thrombosis Center, Tenon - Saint Antoine University Hospital,Hôpitaux Universitaires Est Parisien, Assitance Publique Hôpitaix de Paris (AP-HP), 4 Rue de la Chine, 75020 Paris, France.
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22
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Huh HD, Park HW. Emerging paradigms in cancer cell plasticity. BMB Rep 2024; 57:273-280. [PMID: 38627950 PMCID: PMC11214895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells metastasize to distant organs by altering their characteristics within the tumor microenvironment (TME) to effectively overcome challenges during the multistep tumorigenesis. Plasticity endows cancer cell with the capacity to shift between different morphological states to invade, disseminate, and seed metastasis. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a theory derived from tissue biopsy, which explains the acquisition of EMT transcription factors (TFs) that convey mesenchymal features during cancer migration and invasion. On the other hand, adherent-to-suspension transition (AST) is an emerging theory derived from liquid biopsy, which describes the acquisition of hematopoietic features by AST-TFs that reprograms anchorage dependency during the dissemination of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). The induction and plasticity of EMT and AST dynamically reprogram cell-cell interaction and cell-matrix interaction during cancer dissemination and colonization. Here, we review the mechanisms governing cellular plasticity of AST and EMT during the metastatic cascade and discuss therapeutic challenges posed by these two morphological adaptations to provide insights for establishing new therapeutic interventions. [BMB Reports 2024; 57(6): 273-280].
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunbin D. Huh
- Department of Biochemistry, Brain Korea 21 Project, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Hyun Woo Park
- Department of Biochemistry, Brain Korea 21 Project, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
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23
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Seasock MJ, Shafiquzzaman M, Ruiz-Echartea ME, Kanchi RS, Tran BT, Simon LM, Meyer MD, Erice PA, Lotlikar SL, Wenlock SC, Ochsner SA, Enright A, Carisey AF, Romero F, Rosas IO, King KY, McKenna NJ, Coarfa C, Rodriguez A. Let-7 restrains an oncogenic epigenetic circuit in AT2 cells to prevent ectopic formation of fibrogenic transitional cell intermediates and pulmonary fibrosis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.22.595205. [PMID: 38826218 PMCID: PMC11142151 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.22.595205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Analysis of lung alveolar type 2 (AT2) progenitor stem cells has highlighted fundamental mechanisms that direct their differentiation into alveolar type 1 cells (AT1s) in lung repair and disease. However, microRNA (miRNA) mediated post-transcriptional mechanisms which govern this nexus remain understudied. We show here that the let-7 miRNA family serves a homeostatic role in governance of AT2 quiescence, specifically by preventing the uncontrolled accumulation of AT2 transitional cells and by promoting AT1 differentiation to safeguard the lung from spontaneous alveolar destruction and fibrosis. Using mice and organoid models with genetic ablation of let-7a1/let-7f1/let-7d cluster (let-7afd) in AT2 cells, we demonstrate prevents AT1 differentiation and results in aberrant accumulation of AT2 transitional cells in progressive pulmonary fibrosis. Integration of enhanced AGO2 UV-crosslinking and immunoprecipitation sequencing (AGO2-eCLIP) with RNA-sequencing from AT2 cells uncovered the induction of direct targets of let-7 in an oncogene feed-forward regulatory network including BACH1/EZH2 which drives an aberrant fibrotic cascade. Additional analyses by CUT&RUN-sequencing revealed loss of let-7afd hampers AT1 differentiation by eliciting aberrant histone EZH2 methylation which prevents the exit of AT2 transitional cells into terminal AT1s. This study identifies let-7 as a key gatekeeper of post-transcriptional and epigenetic chromatin signals to prevent AT2-driven pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Seasock
- Immunology & Microbiology Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030
- Department of Medicine, Immunology & Allergy Rheumatology, Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX, 77030
| | - Md Shafiquzzaman
- Department of Medicine, Immunology & Allergy Rheumatology, Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX, 77030
| | - Maria E. Ruiz-Echartea
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030
| | - Rupa S. Kanchi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX, 77030
| | - Brandon T. Tran
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030
| | - Lukas M. Simon
- Therapeutic Innovation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030
| | | | - Phillip A. Erice
- Immunology & Microbiology Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030
- Department of Medicine, Immunology & Allergy Rheumatology, Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX, 77030
| | - Shivani L. Lotlikar
- Department of Medicine, Immunology & Allergy Rheumatology, Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX, 77030
| | | | - Scott A. Ochsner
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030
| | - Anton Enright
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1TN, UK
| | - Alex F. Carisey
- William T. Shearer Center for Immunobiology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030
- Current Address: Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Freddy Romero
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Baylor College of Medicine. Houston, TX, 77030
- Current Address: Vertex Pharmaceuticals, 3215 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA, 92121
| | - Ivan O. Rosas
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Baylor College of Medicine. Houston, TX, 77030
| | - Katherine Y. King
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030
| | - Neil J. McKenna
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030
| | - Cristian Coarfa
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX, 77030
| | - Antony Rodriguez
- Department of Medicine, Immunology & Allergy Rheumatology, Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX, 77030
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX, 77030
- Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases, Michael E. Debakey, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030
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24
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Ma X, Li X, Sun Q, Luan F, Feng J. Molecular Biological Research on the Pathogenic Mechanism of Retinoblastoma. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:5307-5321. [PMID: 38920989 PMCID: PMC11202574 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46060317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinoblastoma (RB) is the most common intraocular malignant tumor in children, primarily attributed to the bi-allelic loss of the RB1 gene in the developing retina. Despite significant progress in understanding the basic pathogenesis of RB, comprehensively unravelling the intricate network of genetics and epigenetics underlying RB tumorigenesis remains a major challenge. Conventional clinical treatment options are limited, and despite the continuous identification of genetic loci associated with cancer pathogenesis, the development of targeted therapies lags behind. This review focuses on the reported genomic and epigenomic alterations in retinoblastoma, summarizing potential therapeutic targets for RB and providing insights for research into targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Fuxiao Luan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China; (X.M.); (X.L.); (Q.S.)
| | - Jing Feng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China; (X.M.); (X.L.); (Q.S.)
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25
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Nagai T, Sato M, Nishita M. miR-200c-141 induces a hybrid E/M state and promotes collective cell migration in MDA-MB-231 cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 709:149829. [PMID: 38552553 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149829] [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: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
The microRNA-200 (miR-200) family is a potent suppressor of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). While its role as a tumor suppressor has been well documented, recent studies suggested that it can promote cancer progression in several stages. In this study, we investigated whether the miR-200 family members play a role in the acquisition of a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) state, which is reported to be associated with cancer malignancy, in mesenchymal MDA-MB-231 cells. Our results demonstrated that the induction of miR-200c-141, a cluster of the miR-200 family member, can induce the expression of epithelial gene and cell-cell junction while mesenchymal markers are retained. Moreover, induction of miR-200c-141 promoted collective migration accompanied by the formation of F-actin cables anchored by adherens junction. These results suggest that the miR-200 family can induce a hybrid E/M state and endows with the ability of collective cell migration in mesenchymal cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoaki Nagai
- Department of Biochemistry, Fukushima Medical University, School of Medicine, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan.
| | - Misa Sato
- Department of Biochemistry, Fukushima Medical University, School of Medicine, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Michiru Nishita
- Department of Biochemistry, Fukushima Medical University, School of Medicine, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan.
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26
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Cao J, Qing J, Zhu L, Chen Z. Role of TIM-1 in the development and treatment of tumours. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1307806. [PMID: 38831760 PMCID: PMC11144867 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1307806] [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: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin structural domain 1 (TIM-1, also known as hepatitis A virus cell receptor 1) is a co-stimulatory molecule that is expressed predominantly on the surface of T cells. TIM-1 promotes the activation and proliferation of T cells, cytokine secretion, and can also be overexpressed in various types of cancer. Upregulation of TIM-1 expression may be associated with the development and progression of cancer. After reviewing the literature, we propose that TIM-1 affects tumour development mainly through two pathways. In the Direct pathway: overexpression in tumours activates tumour-related signaling pathways, mediates the proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and metastasis, and directly affects tumour development directly. In the indirect pathway: In addition to changing the tumour microenvironment and influencing the growth of tumours, TIM-1 binds to ligands to encourage the activation, proliferation, and generation of cytokines by immune cells. This review examines how TIM-1 stimulates the development of tumours in direct and indirect ways, and how TIM-1 is exploited as a target for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinmeng Cao
- Joint Inspection Center of Precision Medicine, The People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Jilin Qing
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, The People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Liya Zhu
- Graduate school, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhizhong Chen
- Joint Inspection Center of Precision Medicine, The People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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27
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Aziz MA. Multiomics approach towards characterization of tumor cell plasticity and its significance in precision and personalized medicine. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024:10.1007/s10555-024-10190-x. [PMID: 38761231 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10190-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Cellular plasticity refers to the ability of cells to change their identity or behavior, which can be advantageous in some cases (e.g., tissue regeneration) but detrimental in others (e.g., cancer metastasis). With a better understanding of cellular plasticity, the complexity of cancer cells, their heterogeneity, and their role in metastasis is being unraveled. The plasticity of the cells could also prove as a nemesis to their characterization. In this review, we have attempted to highlight the possibilities and benefits of using multiomics approach in characterizing the plastic nature of cancer cells. There is a need to integrate fragmented evidence at different levels of cellular organization (DNA, RNA, protein, metabolite, epigenetics, etc.) to facilitate the characterization of different forms of plasticity and cell types. We have discussed the role of cellular plasticity in generating intra-tumor heterogeneity. Different omics level evidence is being provided to highlight the variety of molecular determinants discovered using different techniques. Attempts have been made to integrate some of this information to provide a quantitative assessment and scoring of the plastic nature of the cells. However, there is a huge gap in our understanding of mechanisms that lead to the observed heterogeneity. Understanding of these mechanism(s) is necessary for finding targets for early detection and effective therapeutic interventions in metastasis. Targeting cellular plasticity is akin to neutralizing a moving target. Along with the advancements in precision and personalized medicine, these efforts may translate into better clinical outcomes for cancer patients, especially in metastatic stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Azhar Aziz
- Interdisciplinary Nanotechnology Center, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India.
- Cancer Nanomedicine Consortium, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Que X, Ren L, Yang L, Wang L, Li J, Wu R, Chen Q. Long noncoding RNA BMPR1B-AS1 stability regulated by IGF2BP2 affects the decidualization in endometriosis patients through the SMAD1/5/9 pathway. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23622. [PMID: 38703029 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202302195r] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Endometriosis (EMs)-related infertility commonly has decreased endometrial receptivity and normal decidualization is the basis for establishing and maintaining endometrial receptivity. However, the potential molecular regulatory mechanisms of impaired endometrial decidualization in patients with EMs have not been fully clarified. We confirmed the existence of reduced endometrial receptivity in patients with EMs by scanning electron microscopy and quantitative real-time PCR. Here we identified an lncRNA, named BMPR1B-AS1, which is significantly downregulated in eutopic endometrium in EMs patients and plays an essential role in decidual formation. Furthermore, RNA pull-down, mass spectrometry, RNA immunoprecipitation, and rescue analyses revealed that BMPR1B-AS1 positively regulates decidual formation through interaction with the RNA-binding protein insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2). Downregulation of IGF2BP2 led to a decreased stability of BMPR1B-AS1 and inhibition of activation of the SMAD1/5/9 pathway, an inhibitory effect which diminished decidualization in human endometrial stromal cells (hESCs) decidualization. In conclusion, our identified a novel regulatory mechanism in which the IGF2BP2-BMPR1B-AS1-SMAD1/5/9 axis plays a key role in the regulation of decidualization, providing insights into the potential link between abnormal decidualization and infertility in patients with EMs, which will be of clinical significance for the management and treatment of infertility in patients with EMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Que
- The School of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Gynecology and Reproductive Health of Fujian Province, Laboratory of Research and Diagnosis of Gynecological Diseases of Xiamen City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- The Graduate School of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Lulu Ren
- The School of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Gynecology and Reproductive Health of Fujian Province, Laboratory of Research and Diagnosis of Gynecological Diseases of Xiamen City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Reproductive Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Gynecology and Reproductive Health of Fujian Province, Laboratory of Research and Diagnosis of Gynecological Diseases of Xiamen City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Lemeng Wang
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Gynecology and Reproductive Health of Fujian Province, Laboratory of Research and Diagnosis of Gynecological Diseases of Xiamen City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Junzui Li
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Gynecology and Reproductive Health of Fujian Province, Laboratory of Research and Diagnosis of Gynecological Diseases of Xiamen City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Rongfeng Wu
- The School of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Gynecology and Reproductive Health of Fujian Province, Laboratory of Research and Diagnosis of Gynecological Diseases of Xiamen City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Reproductive Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Qionghua Chen
- The School of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Gynecology and Reproductive Health of Fujian Province, Laboratory of Research and Diagnosis of Gynecological Diseases of Xiamen City, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- The Graduate School of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
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29
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Jakab M, Lee KH, Uvarovskii A, Ovchinnikova S, Kulkarni SR, Jakab S, Rostalski T, Spegg C, Anders S, Augustin HG. Lung endothelium exploits susceptible tumor cell states to instruct metastatic latency. NATURE CANCER 2024; 5:716-730. [PMID: 38308117 PMCID: PMC11136671 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-023-00716-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
In metastasis, cancer cells travel around the circulation to colonize distant sites. Due to the rarity of these events, the immediate fates of metastasizing tumor cells (mTCs) are poorly understood while the role of the endothelium as a dissemination interface remains elusive. Using a newly developed combinatorial mTC enrichment approach, we provide a transcriptional blueprint of the early colonization process. Following their arrest at the metastatic site, mTCs were found to either proliferate intravascularly or extravasate, thereby establishing metastatic latency. Endothelial-derived angiocrine Wnt factors drive this bifurcation, instructing mTCs to follow the extravasation-latency route. Surprisingly, mTC responsiveness towards niche-derived Wnt was established at the epigenetic level, which predetermined tumor cell behavior. Whereas hypomethylation enabled high Wnt activity leading to metastatic latency, methylated mTCs exhibited low activity and proliferated intravascularly. Collectively the data identify the predetermined methylation status of disseminated tumor cells as a key regulator of mTC behavior in the metastatic niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Jakab
- European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Division of Vascular Oncology and Metastasis, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Ki Hong Lee
- European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Vascular Oncology and Metastasis, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexey Uvarovskii
- Center for Molecular Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Evotec SE, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Svetlana Ovchinnikova
- Center for Molecular Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Bioquant Center, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Shubhada R Kulkarni
- European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Vascular Oncology and Metastasis, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sevinç Jakab
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Till Rostalski
- European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Vascular Oncology and Metastasis, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carleen Spegg
- Division of Vascular Oncology and Metastasis, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simon Anders
- Center for Molecular Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Bioquant Center, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hellmut G Augustin
- European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Division of Vascular Oncology and Metastasis, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance), Heidelberg, Germany.
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30
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Karras P, Black JRM, McGranahan N, Marine JC. Decoding the interplay between genetic and non-genetic drivers of metastasis. Nature 2024; 629:543-554. [PMID: 38750233 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07302-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Metastasis is a multistep process by which cancer cells break away from their original location and spread to distant organs, and is responsible for the vast majority of cancer-related deaths. Preventing early metastatic dissemination would revolutionize the ability to fight cancer. Unfortunately, the relatively poor understanding of the molecular underpinnings of metastasis has hampered the development of effective anti-metastatic drugs. Although it is now accepted that disseminating tumour cells need to acquire multiple competencies to face the many obstacles they encounter before reaching their metastatic site(s), whether these competencies are acquired through an accumulation of metastasis-specific genetic alterations and/or non-genetic events is often debated. Here we review a growing body of literature highlighting the importance of both genetic and non-genetic reprogramming events during the metastatic cascade, and discuss how genetic and non-genetic processes act in concert to confer metastatic competencies. We also describe how recent technological advances, and in particular the advent of single-cell multi-omics and barcoding approaches, will help to better elucidate the cross-talk between genetic and non-genetic mechanisms of metastasis and ultimately inform innovative paths for the early detection and interception of this lethal process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Karras
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - James R M Black
- Cancer Genome Evolution Research Group, UCL Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | | | - Jean-Christophe Marine
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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31
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Pichol-Thievend C, Anezo O, Pettiwala AM, Bourmeau G, Montagne R, Lyne AM, Guichet PO, Deshors P, Ballestín A, Blanchard B, Reveilles J, Ravi VM, Joseph K, Heiland DH, Julien B, Leboucher S, Besse L, Legoix P, Dingli F, Liva S, Loew D, Giani E, Ribecco V, Furumaya C, Marcos-Kovandzic L, Masliantsev K, Daubon T, Wang L, Diaz AA, Schnell O, Beck J, Servant N, Karayan-Tapon L, Cavalli FMG, Seano G. VC-resist glioblastoma cell state: vessel co-option as a key driver of chemoradiation resistance. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3602. [PMID: 38684700 PMCID: PMC11058782 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47985-z] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly lethal type of cancer. GBM recurrence following chemoradiation is typically attributed to the regrowth of invasive and resistant cells. Therefore, there is a pressing need to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying GBM resistance to chemoradiation and its ability to infiltrate. Using a combination of transcriptomic, proteomic, and phosphoproteomic analyses, longitudinal imaging, organotypic cultures, functional assays, animal studies, and clinical data analyses, we demonstrate that chemoradiation and brain vasculature induce cell transition to a functional state named VC-Resist (vessel co-opting and resistant cell state). This cell state is midway along the transcriptomic axis between proneural and mesenchymal GBM cells and is closer to the AC/MES1-like state. VC-Resist GBM cells are highly vessel co-opting, allowing significant infiltration into the surrounding brain tissue and homing to the perivascular niche, which in turn induces even more VC-Resist transition. The molecular and functional characteristics of this FGFR1-YAP1-dependent GBM cell state, including resistance to DNA damage, enrichment in the G2M phase, and induction of senescence/stemness pathways, contribute to its enhanced resistance to chemoradiation. These findings demonstrate how vessel co-option, perivascular niche, and GBM cell plasticity jointly drive resistance to therapy during GBM recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy Pichol-Thievend
- Institut Curie, INSERM U1021, CNRS UMR3347, Tumor Microenvironment Lab, Paris-Saclay University, 91400, Orsay, France
| | - Oceane Anezo
- Institut Curie, INSERM U1021, CNRS UMR3347, Tumor Microenvironment Lab, Paris-Saclay University, 91400, Orsay, France
| | - Aafrin M Pettiwala
- Institut Curie, INSERM U1021, CNRS UMR3347, Tumor Microenvironment Lab, Paris-Saclay University, 91400, Orsay, France
- Institut Curie, PSL University, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Bourmeau
- Institut Curie, INSERM U1021, CNRS UMR3347, Tumor Microenvironment Lab, Paris-Saclay University, 91400, Orsay, France
| | - Remi Montagne
- Institut Curie, PSL University, 75005, Paris, France
- INSERM U900, 75005, Paris, France
- MINES ParisTeach, CBIO-Centre for Computational Biology, PSL Research University, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Anne-Marie Lyne
- Institut Curie, PSL University, 75005, Paris, France
- INSERM U900, 75005, Paris, France
- MINES ParisTeach, CBIO-Centre for Computational Biology, PSL Research University, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Pierre-Olivier Guichet
- Université de Poitiers, CHU Poitiers, ProDiCeT, F-86000, Poitiers, France
- CHU Poitiers, Laboratoire de Cancérologie Biologique, F-86000, Poitiers, France
| | - Pauline Deshors
- Institut Curie, INSERM U1021, CNRS UMR3347, Tumor Microenvironment Lab, Paris-Saclay University, 91400, Orsay, France
| | - Alberto Ballestín
- Institut Curie, INSERM U1021, CNRS UMR3347, Tumor Microenvironment Lab, Paris-Saclay University, 91400, Orsay, France
| | - Benjamin Blanchard
- Institut Curie, INSERM U1021, CNRS UMR3347, Tumor Microenvironment Lab, Paris-Saclay University, 91400, Orsay, France
| | - Juliette Reveilles
- Institut Curie, INSERM U1021, CNRS UMR3347, Tumor Microenvironment Lab, Paris-Saclay University, 91400, Orsay, France
| | - Vidhya M Ravi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kevin Joseph
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dieter H Heiland
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Boris Julien
- Institut Curie, INSERM U1021, CNRS UMR3347, Tumor Microenvironment Lab, Paris-Saclay University, 91400, Orsay, France
| | | | - Laetitia Besse
- Institut Curie, PSL University, Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMS2016, INSERM US43, Multimodal Imaging Center, 91400, Orsay, France
| | - Patricia Legoix
- Institut Curie, PSL University, ICGex Next-Generation Sequencing Platform, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Florent Dingli
- Institut Curie, PSL University, CurieCoreTech Spectrométrie de Masse Protéomique, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Stephane Liva
- Institut Curie, PSL University, 75005, Paris, France
- INSERM U900, 75005, Paris, France
- MINES ParisTeach, CBIO-Centre for Computational Biology, PSL Research University, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Damarys Loew
- Institut Curie, PSL University, CurieCoreTech Spectrométrie de Masse Protéomique, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Elisa Giani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
| | - Valentino Ribecco
- Institut Curie, INSERM U1021, CNRS UMR3347, Tumor Microenvironment Lab, Paris-Saclay University, 91400, Orsay, France
| | - Charita Furumaya
- Institut Curie, INSERM U1021, CNRS UMR3347, Tumor Microenvironment Lab, Paris-Saclay University, 91400, Orsay, France
| | - Laura Marcos-Kovandzic
- Institut Curie, INSERM U1021, CNRS UMR3347, Tumor Microenvironment Lab, Paris-Saclay University, 91400, Orsay, France
| | - Konstantin Masliantsev
- Université de Poitiers, CHU Poitiers, ProDiCeT, F-86000, Poitiers, France
- CHU Poitiers, Laboratoire de Cancérologie Biologique, F-86000, Poitiers, France
| | - Thomas Daubon
- Université Bordeaux, CNRS, IBGC, UMR5095, Bordeaux, France
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute and Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Aaron A Diaz
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Oliver Schnell
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Beck
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nicolas Servant
- Institut Curie, PSL University, 75005, Paris, France
- INSERM U900, 75005, Paris, France
- MINES ParisTeach, CBIO-Centre for Computational Biology, PSL Research University, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Lucie Karayan-Tapon
- Université de Poitiers, CHU Poitiers, ProDiCeT, F-86000, Poitiers, France
- CHU Poitiers, Laboratoire de Cancérologie Biologique, F-86000, Poitiers, France
| | - Florence M G Cavalli
- Institut Curie, PSL University, 75005, Paris, France
- INSERM U900, 75005, Paris, France
- MINES ParisTeach, CBIO-Centre for Computational Biology, PSL Research University, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Giorgio Seano
- Institut Curie, INSERM U1021, CNRS UMR3347, Tumor Microenvironment Lab, Paris-Saclay University, 91400, Orsay, France.
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Böpple K, Oren Y, Henry WS, Dong M, Weller S, Thiel J, Kleih M, Gaißler A, Zipperer D, Kopp HG, Aylon Y, Oren M, Essmann F, Liang C, Aulitzky WE. ATF3 characterizes aggressive drug-tolerant persister cells in HGSOC. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:290. [PMID: 38658567 PMCID: PMC11043376 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06674-x] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) represents the most common and lethal subtype of ovarian cancer. Despite initial response to platinum-based standard therapy, patients commonly suffer from relapse that likely originates from drug-tolerant persister (DTP) cells. We generated isogenic clones of treatment-naïve and cisplatin-tolerant persister HGSOC cells. In addition, single-cell RNA sequencing of barcoded cells was performed in a xenograft model with HGSOC cell lines after platinum-based therapy. Published single-cell RNA-sequencing data from neo-adjuvant and non-treated HGSOC patients and patient data from TCGA were analyzed. DTP-derived cells exhibited morphological alterations and upregulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. An aggressive subpopulation of DTP-derived cells showed high expression of the stress marker ATF3. Knockdown of ATF3 enhanced the sensitivity of aggressive DTP-derived cells to cisplatin-induced cell death, implying a role for ATF3 stress response in promoting a drug tolerant persister cell state. Furthermore, single cell lineage tracing to detect transcriptional changes in a HGSOC cell line-derived xenograft relapse model showed that cells derived from relapsed solid tumors express increased levels of EMT and multiple endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers, including ATF3. Single cell RNA sequencing of epithelial cells from four HGSOC patients also identified a small cell population resembling DTP cells in all samples. Moreover, analysis of TCGA data from 259 HGSOC patients revealed a significant progression-free survival advantage for patients with low expression of the ATF3-associated partial EMT genes. These findings suggest that increased ATF3 expression together with partial EMT promote the development of aggressive DTP, and thereby relapse in HGSOC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Böpple
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch - Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and University of Tuebingen, Auerbachstr. 112, 70376, Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Yaara Oren
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics & Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Whitney S Henry
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 455 Main St., Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Meng Dong
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch - Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and University of Tuebingen, Auerbachstr. 112, 70376, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Sandra Weller
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch - Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and University of Tuebingen, Auerbachstr. 112, 70376, Stuttgart, Germany
- Robert Bosch Center for Tumor Diseases (RBCT), Auerbachstr. 110, 70376, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Julia Thiel
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch - Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and University of Tuebingen, Auerbachstr. 112, 70376, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Markus Kleih
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch - Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and University of Tuebingen, Auerbachstr. 112, 70376, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Andrea Gaißler
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch - Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and University of Tuebingen, Auerbachstr. 112, 70376, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Damaris Zipperer
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch - Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and University of Tuebingen, Auerbachstr. 112, 70376, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Hans-Georg Kopp
- Robert Bosch Hospital, Auerbachstr. 110, 70376, Stuttgart, Germany
- Robert Bosch Center for Tumor Diseases (RBCT), Auerbachstr. 110, 70376, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Yael Aylon
- Weizmann Institute of Science, 234 Herzl St, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Moshe Oren
- Weizmann Institute of Science, 234 Herzl St, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Frank Essmann
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch - Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and University of Tuebingen, Auerbachstr. 112, 70376, Stuttgart, Germany
- Robert Bosch Center for Tumor Diseases (RBCT), Auerbachstr. 110, 70376, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Chunguang Liang
- Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter Am Hubland, University of Wuerzburg, 97074, Wuerzburg, Germany.
- Institute of Immunology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Leutragraben 3, 07743, Jena, Germany.
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Liu R, Lu Y, Li J, Yao W, Wu J, Chen X, Huang L, Nan D, Zhang Y, Chen W, Wang Y, Jia Y, Tang J, Liang X, Zhang H. Annexin A2 combined with TTK accelerates esophageal cancer progression via the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:291. [PMID: 38658569 PMCID: PMC11043348 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06683-w] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Annexin A2 (ANXA2) is a widely reported oncogene. However, the mechanism of ANXA2 in esophageal cancer is not fully understood. In this study, we provided evidence that ANXA2 promotes the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) through the downstream target threonine tyrosine kinase (TTK). These results are consistent with the up-regulation of ANXA2 and TTK in ESCC. In vitro experiments by knockdown and overexpression of ANXA2 revealed that ANXA2 promotes the progression of ESCC by enhancing cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Subsequently, animal models also confirmed the role of ANXA2 in promoting the proliferation and metastasis of ESCC. Mechanistically, the ANXA2/TTK complex activates the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and accelerates epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), thereby promoting the invasion and metastasis of ESCC. Furthermore, we identified that TTK overexpression can reverse the inhibition of ESCC invasion after ANXA2 knockdown. Overall, these data indicate that the combination of ANXA2 and TTK regulates the activation of the Akt/mTOR pathway and accelerates the progression of ESCC. Therefore, the ANXA2/TTK/Akt/mTOR axis is a potential therapeutic target for ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqi Liu
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Graduate Department, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Yanwei Lu
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jing Li
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Weiping Yao
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Graduate Department, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Jiajun Wu
- Graduate Department, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Luanluan Huang
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ding Nan
- Graduate Department, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yitian Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Jinxiang People's Hospital, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Weijun Chen
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yongshi Jia
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianming Tang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
| | - Xiaodong Liang
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Graduate Department, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China.
| | - Haibo Zhang
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Liang H, Zheng X, Zhang X, Zhang Y, Zheng J. The role of SWI/SNF complexes in digestive system neoplasms. Med Oncol 2024; 41:119. [PMID: 38630164 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02343-3] [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: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Chromatin remodeling is a critical step in the DNA damage response, and the ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers are a group of epigenetic regulators that alter nucleosome assembly and regulate transcription factor accessibility to DNA, preventing genomic instability and tumorigenesis caused by DNA damage. The SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex is one of them, and mutations in the gene encoding the SWI/SNF subunit are frequently found in digestive tumors. We review the most recent literature on the role of SWI/SNF complexes in digestive tumorigenesis, with different SWI/SNF subunits playing different roles. They regulate the biological behavior of tumor cells, participate in multiple signaling pathways, interact with multiple genes, and have some correlation with the prognosis of patients. Their carcinogenic properties may help discover new therapeutic targets. Understanding the mutations and defects of SWI/SNF complexes, as well as the underlying functional mechanisms, may lead to new strategies for treating the digestive system by targeting relevant genes or modulating the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanyun Liang
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, 261053, China
| | - Xin Zheng
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, 261053, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, 261041, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, 261053, China.
| | - Jie Zheng
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, 261053, China.
- Neurologic Disorders and Regenerative Repair Lab of Shandong Higher Education, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, 261053, China.
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Bagheri M, Mohamed GA, Mohamed Saleem MA, Ognjenovic NB, Lu H, Kolling FW, Wilkins OM, Das S, LaCroix IS, Nagaraj SH, Muller KE, Gerber SA, Miller TW, Pattabiraman DR. Pharmacological induction of chromatin remodeling drives chemosensitization in triple-negative breast cancer. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101504. [PMID: 38593809 PMCID: PMC11031425 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101504] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Targeted therapies have improved outcomes for certain cancer subtypes, but cytotoxic chemotherapy remains a mainstay for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a developmental program co-opted by cancer cells that promotes metastasis and chemoresistance. There are no therapeutic strategies specifically targeting mesenchymal-like cancer cells. We report that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved chemotherapeutic eribulin induces ZEB1-SWI/SNF-directed chromatin remodeling to reverse EMT that curtails the metastatic propensity of TNBC preclinical models. Eribulin induces mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) in primary TNBC in patients, but conventional chemotherapy does not. In the treatment-naive setting, but not after acquired resistance to other agents, eribulin sensitizes TNBC cells to subsequent treatment with other chemotherapeutics. These findings provide an epigenetic mechanism of action of eribulin, supporting its use early in the disease process for MET induction to prevent metastatic progression and chemoresistance. These findings warrant prospective clinical evaluation of the chemosensitizing effects of eribulin in the treatment-naive setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meisam Bagheri
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Gadisti Aisha Mohamed
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | | | - Nevena B Ognjenovic
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Hanxu Lu
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Fred W Kolling
- Center for Quantitative Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Owen M Wilkins
- Center for Quantitative Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | | | - Ian S LaCroix
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Shivashankar H Nagaraj
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Kristen E Muller
- Department of Pathology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Scott A Gerber
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Todd W Miller
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA; Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
| | - Diwakar R Pattabiraman
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA.
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Wang R, Yan Z. Cancer spreading patterns based on epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1259953. [PMID: 38665432 PMCID: PMC11043583 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1259953] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Metastasis is a major cause of cancer-related deaths, underscoring the necessity to discern the rules and patterns of cancer cell spreading. Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity contributes to cancer aggressiveness and metastasis. Despite establishing key determinants of cancer aggressiveness and metastatic ability, a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanism is unknown. We aimed to propose a classification system for cancer cells based on epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, focusing on hysteresis of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype. Methods: We extensively reviewed the concept of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, specifically considering the hysteresis of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype. Results: In this review and hypothesis article, based on epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, especially the hysteresis of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype, we proposed a classification of cancer cells, indicating that cancer cells with epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity potential could be classified into four types: irreversible hysteresis, weak hysteresis, strong hysteresis, and hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype. These four types of cancer cells had varied biology, spreading features, and prognoses. Discussion: Our results highlight that the proposed classification system offers insights into the diverse behaviors of cancer cells, providing implications for cancer aggressiveness and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhaopeng Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Perez-Moreno E, Oyanadel C, de la Peña A, Hernández R, Pérez-Molina F, Metz C, González A, Soza A. Galectins in epithelial-mesenchymal transition: roles and mechanisms contributing to tissue repair, fibrosis and cancer metastasis. Biol Res 2024; 57:14. [PMID: 38570874 PMCID: PMC10993482 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-024-00490-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Galectins are soluble glycan-binding proteins that interact with a wide range of glycoproteins and glycolipids and modulate a broad spectrum of physiological and pathological processes. The expression and subcellular localization of different galectins vary among tissues and cell types and change during processes of tissue repair, fibrosis and cancer where epithelial cells loss differentiation while acquiring migratory mesenchymal phenotypes. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that occurs in the context of these processes can include modifications of glycosylation patterns of glycolipids and glycoproteins affecting their interactions with galectins. Moreover, overexpression of certain galectins has been involved in the development and different outcomes of EMT. This review focuses on the roles and mechanisms of Galectin-1 (Gal-1), Gal-3, Gal-4, Gal-7 and Gal-8, which have been involved in physiologic and pathogenic EMT contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Perez-Moreno
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia (CCTE) Ciencia y Vida, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudia Oyanadel
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Químicas, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Adely de la Peña
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia (CCTE) Ciencia y Vida, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ronny Hernández
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisca Pérez-Molina
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudia Metz
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alfonso González
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile.
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia (CCTE) Ciencia y Vida, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Andrea Soza
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile.
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia (CCTE) Ciencia y Vida, Santiago, Chile.
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Wang D, Chen S, Shao Y, Deng Y, Huang L. EIF4A3 modulated circ_000999 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cadmium-induced malignant transformation through the miR-205-5p/ZEB1 axis. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 186:108656. [PMID: 38621321 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is an accumulative toxic metal which poses a serious threat to human health, even in trace amounts. One of the most important steps in the pathophysiology of lung cancer (LC) is the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In this investigation, a cell malignant transformation model was established by exposing human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE) to a low dose of Cd for 30 weeks, after which a highly expressed circular RNA (circ_000999) was identified. Cd-induced EMT was clearly observed in rat lungs and 16HBE cells, which was further enhanced following circ_000999-overexpression. Furthermore, upregulated EIF4A3 interacted with the parental gene AGTPBP1 to promote high expression of circ_000999. Subsequent experiments confirmed that circ_000999 could regulate the EMT process by competitively binding miR-205-5p and inhibiting its activity, consequently upregulating expression of zinc finger E-box binding protein 1 (ZEB1). Importantly, the circ_000999 expression level in LC tissues was significantly increased, exhibiting a strong correlation with EMT indicators. Overall, these findings provide a new objective and research direction for reversing lung EMT and subsequent treatment and prevention of LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donglei Wang
- School of Public Health, Baotou Medical College, Baotou 014030, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Shijie Chen
- School of Public Health, Baotou Medical College, Baotou 014030, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Yueqing Shao
- School of Public Health, Baotou Medical College, Baotou 014030, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Yang Deng
- School of Public Health, Baotou Medical College, Baotou 014030, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Lihua Huang
- School of Public Health, Baotou Medical College, Baotou 014030, Inner Mongolia, China.
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Ahn MH, Kim JH, Choi SJ, Kim HJ, Park DG, Oh KY, Yoon HJ, Hong SD, Lee JI, Shin JA, Cho SD. Neuropilin-2 acts a critical determinant for epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and aggressive behaviors of human head and neck cancer. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024; 47:497-511. [PMID: 37787967 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00878-7] [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] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Neuropilin-2 (NRP2) is a multifunctional single-pass transmembrane receptor that binds to two disparate ligands, namely, vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and semaphorins (SEMAs). It is reportedly involved in neuronal and vascular development. In this study, we uncovered the exact functional role of NRP2 and its molecular mechanism during aggressive behaviors and lymph node (LN) metastasis in human head and neck cancer (HNC) and identified algal methanol extract as a potential novel NRP2 inhibitor. METHODS In silico analyses and immunohistochemistry were used to investigate the relationship between NRP2 expression and the prognosis of HNC patients. The functional role of NRP2 on the proliferation, migration, invasion, and cancer stem cell (CSC) properties of HNC cells was examined by MTS, soft agar, clonogenic, transwell migration and invasion assays, and sphere formation assays. Signaling explorer antibody array, western blot, and qPCR were performed toward the investigation of a molecular mechanism that is related to NRP2. RESULTS NRP2 was highly expressed in HNC and positively correlated with LN metastasis and advanced tumor stage and size in patients. Using loss- or gain-of-function approaches, we found that NRP2 promoted the proliferative, migratory, and invasive capacities of human HNC cells. Furthermore, NRP2 regulated Sox2 expression to exhibit aggressiveness and CSC properties of human HNC cells. We demonstrated that p90 ribosomal S6 kinase 1 (RSK1) elevates the aggressiveness and CSC properties of human HNC cells, possibly by mediating NRP2 and Sox2. Zeb1 was necessary for executing the NRP2/RSK1/Sox2 signaling pathway during the induction of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and aggressive behaviors of human HNC cells. Moreover, the methanol extract of Codium fragile (MECF) repressed NRP2 expression, inhibiting the RSK1/Sox2/Zeb1 axis, which contributed to the reduction of aggressive behaviors of human HNC cells. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that NRP2 is a critical determinant in provoking EMT and aggressive behaviors in human HNC through the RSK1/Sox2/Zeb1 axis, and MECF may have the potential to be a novel NRP2 inhibitor for treating metastasis in HNC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Hye Ahn
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
- Chemical Biology Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Ochang, Cheongwon, 28116, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hoon Kim
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Jung Choi
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Ji Kim
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Guk Park
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu-Young Oh
- Department of Oral Pathology, College of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Jung Yoon
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Doo Hong
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Il Lee
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Ae Shin
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sung-Dae Cho
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
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Zhang Q, Lou Y, Fang H, Sun S, Jin R, Ji Y, Chen Z. Cancer‑associated fibroblasts under therapy‑induced senescence in the tumor microenvironment (Review). Exp Ther Med 2024; 27:150. [PMID: 38476922 PMCID: PMC10928991 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2024.12438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Current cancer treatments target tumor cells; however, the tumor microenvironment (TME) induces therapeutic resistance, tumor development and metastasis, thus rendering these treatments ineffective. Research on the TME has therefore concentrated on nonmalignant cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a major TME component, which contribute to cancer progression due to their diverse origins, phenotypes and functions, including cancer cell invasion and migration, extracellular matrix remodeling, tumor metabolism modulation and therapeutic resistance. Standard cancer treatment typically exacerbates the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) of senescent cancer cells and nonmalignant cells that actively leak proinflammatory signals in the TME. Therapy-induced senescence may impair cancer cell activity and compromise treatment responsiveness. CAFs and SASP are well-studied in the formation and progression of cancer. The present review discusses the current data on CAF senescence caused by anticancer treatment and assesses how senescence-like CAFs affect tumor formation. The development of senolytic medication for aging stromal cells is also highlighted. Combining cancer therapies with senolytics may boost therapeutic effects and provide novel possibilities for research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuhua Zhang
- Department of Oncology, First Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Yijie Lou
- Department of Oncology, First Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Hao Fang
- Department of Oncology, First Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Shaopeng Sun
- Department of Oncology, First Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Rijuan Jin
- Department of Oncology, First Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Yunxi Ji
- Department of General Practice, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Zhe Chen
- Key Laboratory of Digestive Pathophysiology of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Cancer Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
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Ren Z, Dharmaratne M, Liang H, Benard O, Morales-Gallego M, Suyama K, Kumar V, Fard AT, Kulkarni AS, Prystowsky M, Mar JC, Norton L, Hazan RB. Redox signalling regulates breast cancer metastasis via phenotypic and metabolic reprogramming due to p63 activation by HIF1α. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:908-924. [PMID: 38238426 PMCID: PMC10951347 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02522-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Redox signaling caused by knockdown (KD) of Glutathione Peroxidase 2 (GPx2) in the PyMT mammary tumour model promotes metastasis via phenotypic and metabolic reprogramming. However, the tumour cell subpopulations and transcriptional regulators governing these processes remained unknown. METHODS We used single-cell transcriptomics to decipher the tumour cell subpopulations stimulated by GPx2 KD in the PyMT mammary tumour and paired pulmonary metastases. We analyzed the EMT spectrum across the various tumour cell clusters using pseudotime trajectory analysis and elucidated the transcriptional and metabolic regulation of the hybrid EMT state. RESULTS Integration of single-cell transcriptomics between the PyMT/GPx2 KD primary tumour and paired lung metastases unraveled a basal/mesenchymal-like cluster and several luminal-like clusters spanning an EMT spectrum. Interestingly, the luminal clusters at the primary tumour gained mesenchymal gene expression, resulting in epithelial/mesenchymal subpopulations fueled by oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glycolysis. By contrast, at distant metastasis, the basal/mesenchymal-like cluster gained luminal and mesenchymal gene expression, resulting in a hybrid subpopulation using OXPHOS, supporting adaptive plasticity. Furthermore, p63 was dramatically upregulated in all hybrid clusters, implying a role in regulating partial EMT and MET at primary and distant sites, respectively. Importantly, these effects were reversed by HIF1α loss or GPx2 gain of function, resulting in metastasis suppression. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, these results underscored a dramatic effect of redox signaling on p63 activation by HIF1α, underlying phenotypic and metabolic plasticity leading to mammary tumour metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuen Ren
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Malindrie Dharmaratne
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Huizhi Liang
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | | | | | - Kimita Suyama
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Viney Kumar
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Atefeh Taherian Fard
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ameya S Kulkarni
- Department of Endocrinology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Michael Prystowsky
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Jessica C Mar
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Larry Norton
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Rachel B Hazan
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
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Quinsgaard EMB, Korsnes MS, Korsnes R, Moestue SA. Single-cell tracking as a tool for studying EMT-phenotypes. Exp Cell Res 2024; 437:113993. [PMID: 38485079 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.113993] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
This article demonstrates that label-free single-cell video tracking is a useful approach for in vitro studies of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). EMT is a highly heterogeneous process, involved in wound healing, embryogenesis and cancer. The process promotes metastasis, and increased understanding can aid development of novel therapeutic strategies. The role of EMT-associated biomarkers depends on biological context, making it challenging to compare and interpret data from different studies. We demonstrate single-cell video tracking for comprehensive phenotype analysis. In this study we performed single-cell video tracking on 72-h long recordings. We quantified several behaviours at a single-cell level during induced EMT in MDA-MB-468 cells. This revealed notable variations in migration speed, with different dose-response patterns and varying distributions of speed. By registering cell morphologies during the recording, we determined preferred paths of morphological transitions. We also found a clear association between migration speed and cell morphology. We found elevated rates of cell death, diminished proliferation, and an increase in mitotic failures followed by re-fusion of sister-cells. The method allows tracking of phenotypes in cell lineages, which can be particularly useful in epigenetic studies. Sister-cells were found to have significant similarities in their speeds and morphologies, illustrating the heritability of these traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Marie Botne Quinsgaard
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Mónica Suárez Korsnes
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway; Korsnes Biocomputing (KoBio), Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Siver Andreas Moestue
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway; Department of Pharmacy, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
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Xu Z, Yuan Y, Liu J, Li C, Chen K, Wang F, Li G. STK214947, a novel indole alkaloids, inhibits HeLa and SK-HEP-1 cells survival and EMT process by blocking the Notch3 and Akt signals. Anticancer Drugs 2024; 35:325-332. [PMID: 38277337 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Apoptosis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are closely associated with tumor survival and metastasis. These are the basic events in tumor occurrence and progression. STK214947 is an indole alkaloid with a skeleton that is similar to that of indirubin. Indole alkaloids have attracted considerable attention because of their antitumor activity. However, the relationship between STK214947 and these basic events remains unknown. In this study, the effects of STK214947 on inducing apoptosis and reversing the EMT process in tumor cells were confirmed. Mild concentrations of STK214947 inhibited tumor cell migration by reversing EMT and significantly regulated the expression of EMT-related proteins, including Notch3, E-cadherin, N-cadherin and vimentin. In addition, STK214947 in high concentration could induce apoptosis by down-regulating Notch3, p-Akt/Akt, and NF-κB, and upregulating Caspase 3. These findings support the further development of STK214947 as a potential antitumor small molecule that targets Notch3 and Akt signal transduction in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Xu
- School of Ethnic Medicine, Yunnan Minzu University, Yunnan, Kunming, People's Republic of China
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Min J, Mashimo C, Nambu T, Maruyama H, Takigawa H, Okinaga T. Resveratrol is an inhibitory polyphenol of epithelial-mesenchymal transition induced by Fusobacterium nucleatum. Arch Oral Biol 2024; 160:105897. [PMID: 38290225 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2024.105897] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Resveratrol is a natural phytoalexin that has anti-inflammatory properties, reverses doxorubicin resistance, and inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in many types of cancer cells. Fusobacterium nucleatum is reportedly enriched in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues, sparking interest in the relationship between F. nucleatum and OSCC. Recently, F. nucleatum was shown to be associated with EMT in OSCC. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of the natural plant compound resveratrol on F. nucleatum-induced EMT in OSCC. DESIGN F. nucleatum was co-cultured with OSCC cells, with a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 300:1. Resveratrol was used at a concentration of 10 μM. Cell Counting Kit-8 and wound healing assays were performed to examine the viability and migratory ability of OSCC cells. Subsequently, real-time RT-PCR was performed to investigate the gene expression of EMT-related markers. Western blotting and immunofluorescence analyses were used to further analyze the expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin and the EMT transcription factor SNAI1. RESULTS Co-cultivation with F. nucleatum did not significantly enhance cell viability. The co-cultured cells displayed similarities to the positive control of EMT, exhibiting enhanced migration and expression changes in EMT-related markers. SNAI1 was significantly upregulated, whereas E-cadherin, was significantly downregulated. Notably, resveratrol inhibited F. nucleatum-induced cell migration, decreasing the expression of SNAI1. CONCLUSIONS Resveratrol inhibited F. nucleatum-induced EMT by downregulating SNAI1, which may provide a target for OSCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Min
- Department of Bacteriology, Osaka Dental University, 8-1, Kuzuha-Hanazono, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1121, Japan
| | - Chiho Mashimo
- Department of Bacteriology, Osaka Dental University, 8-1, Kuzuha-Hanazono, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1121, Japan
| | - Takayuki Nambu
- Department of Bacteriology, Osaka Dental University, 8-1, Kuzuha-Hanazono, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1121, Japan
| | - Hugo Maruyama
- Department of Bacteriology, Osaka Dental University, 8-1, Kuzuha-Hanazono, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1121, Japan
| | - Hiroki Takigawa
- Department of Bacteriology, Osaka Dental University, 8-1, Kuzuha-Hanazono, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1121, Japan
| | - Toshinori Okinaga
- Department of Bacteriology, Osaka Dental University, 8-1, Kuzuha-Hanazono, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1121, Japan.
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Nicolás-Morala J, Alonso-Juarranz M, Barahona A, Terrén S, Cabezas S, Falahat F, Gilaberte Y, Gonzalez S, Juarranz A, Mascaraque M. Comparative response to PDT with methyl-aminolevulinate and temoporfin in cutaneous and oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7025. [PMID: 38528037 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57624-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous and Head and Neck squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC, HNSCC) are among the most prevalent cancers. Both types of cancer can be treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT) by using the photosensitizer Temoporfin in HNSCC and the prodrug methyl-aminolevulinate (MAL) in CSCC. However, PDT is not always effective. Therefore, it is mandatory to correctly approach the therapy according to the characteristics of the tumour cells. For this reason, we have used cell lines of CSCC (A431 and SCC13) and HNSCC (HN5 and SCC9). The results obtained indicated that the better response to MAL-PDT was related to its localization in the plasma membrane (A431 and HN5 cells). However, with Temoporfin all cell lines showed lysosome localization, even the most sensitive ones (HN5). The expression of mesenchymal markers and migratory capacity was greater in HNSCC lines compared to CSCC, but no correlation with PDT response was observed. The translocation to the nucleus of β-catenin and GSK3β and the activation of NF-κβ is related to the poor response to PDT in the HNSCC lines. Therefore, we propose that intracellular localization of GSK3β could be a good marker of response to PDT in HNSCC. Although the molecular mechanism of response to PDT needs further elucidation, this work shows that the most MAL-resistant line of CSCC is more sensitive to Temoporfin.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Nicolás-Morala
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Experimental Dermatology and Skin Biology, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, IRYCIS, 28034, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Alonso-Juarranz
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Service, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - A Barahona
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - S Terrén
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - S Cabezas
- Oncology Service, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - F Falahat
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Service, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Y Gilaberte
- Department of Dermatology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, Instituto Investigación Sanitaria (IIS), Zaragoza, Aragón, Spain
| | - S Gonzalez
- Department of Experimental Dermatology and Skin Biology, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, IRYCIS, 28034, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - A Juarranz
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Experimental Dermatology and Skin Biology, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, IRYCIS, 28034, Madrid, Spain.
| | - M Mascaraque
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Experimental Dermatology and Skin Biology, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, IRYCIS, 28034, Madrid, Spain.
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Sarubo M, Mouri Y, Moromizato A, Yamada A, Jin S, Shao W, Hagita H, Miyoshi K, Kudo Y. Involvement of TGFBI-TAGLN axis in cancer stem cell property of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6767. [PMID: 38514830 PMCID: PMC10957997 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57478-0] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a significant healthcare burden globally. Previous research using single-cell transcriptome analysis identified TGFBI as a crucial marker for the partial-epithelial-mesenchymal transition (partial-EMT) program. However, the precise role of TGFBI in HNSCC progression remains unclear. Therefore, our study aimed to clarify the impact of TGFBI on the malignant behavior of HNSCC cells. Through RNA-sequencing data from the TCGA database, we validated that increased TGFBI expression correlates with a higher occurrence of lymph node metastasis and unfavorable prognosis in HNSCC cases. Functional experiments demonstrated that TGFBI overexpression enhances the ability of sphere formation, indicating stem-cell-like properties. Conversely, TGFBI depletion reduces sphere formation and suppresses the expression of cancer stem cell (CSC) markers. RNA-sequencing analysis of TGFBI-overexpressing and control HNSCC cells revealed TAGLN as a downstream effector mediating TGFBI-induced sphere formation. Remarkably, TAGLN depletion abolished TGFBI-induced sphere formation, while its overexpression rescued the suppressed sphere formation caused by TGFBI depletion. Moreover, elevated TAGLN expression showed correlations with the expression of TGFBI and partial-EMT-related genes in HNSCC cases. In conclusion, our findings suggest that TGFBI may promote CSC properties through the upregulation of TAGLN. These novel insights shed light on the involvement of the TGFBI-TAGLN axis in HNSCC progression and hold implications for the development of targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motoharu Sarubo
- Department of Oral Bioscience, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Mouri
- Department of Oral Bioscience, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Akira Moromizato
- Department of Oral Bioscience, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Azusa Yamada
- Department of Oral Bioscience, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Shengjan Jin
- Department of Oral Bioscience, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Wenhua Shao
- Department of Oral Bioscience, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Hiroko Hagita
- Department of Oral Bioscience, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Keiko Miyoshi
- Department of Oral Bioscience, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yasusei Kudo
- Department of Oral Bioscience, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima, Japan.
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Xiao L, Sun H, Cheng R, Yang R, Jin X, Xu Z, Cai Y, Yang Y, Pang F, Xue G, Wang P, Jiang Q, Nie H. Functional requirement of alternative splicing in epithelial-mesenchymal transition of pancreatic circulating tumor. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102129. [PMID: 38370981 PMCID: PMC10869908 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) that undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) can provide valuable information regarding metastasis and potential therapies. However, current studies on the EMT overlook alternative splicing. Here, we used single-cell full-length transcriptome data and mRNA sequencing of CTCs to identify stage-specific alternative splicing of partial EMT and mesenchymal states during pancreatic cancer metastasis. We classified definitive tumor and normal epithelial cells via genetic aberrations and demonstrated dynamic changes in the epithelial-mesenchymal continuum in both epithelial cancer cells and CTCs. We provide the landscape of alternative splicing in CTCs at different stages of EMT, uncovering cell-type-specific splicing patterns and splicing events in cell surface proteins suitable for therapies. We show that MBNL1 governs cell fate through alternative splicing independently of changes in gene expression and affects the splicing pattern during EMT. We found a high frequency of events that contained multiple premature termination codons and were enriched with C and G nucleotides in close proximity, which influence the likelihood of stop codon readthrough and expand the range of potential therapeutic targets. Our study provides insights into the EMT transcriptome's dynamic changes and identifies potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixing Xiao
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150000, China
| | - Haoxiu Sun
- School for Interdisciplinary Medicine and Engineering, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150076, China
| | - Rui Cheng
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150000, China
| | - Rongrong Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150000, China
| | - Xiyun Jin
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150000, China
| | - Zhaochun Xu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150000, China
| | - Yideng Cai
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150000, China
| | - Yuexin Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150000, China
| | - Fenglan Pang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150000, China
| | - Guangfu Xue
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150000, China
| | - Pingping Wang
- School for Interdisciplinary Medicine and Engineering, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150076, China
| | - Qinghua Jiang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150000, China
- School for Interdisciplinary Medicine and Engineering, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150076, China
| | - Huan Nie
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150000, China
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Parodi M, Centonze G, Murianni F, Orecchia P, Andriani F, Roato I, Gardelli C, Balsamo M, Moro M, Taiè G, Pastorino U, Petretto A, Lavarello C, Milione M, Sozzi G, Roz L, Vitale M, Bertolini G. Hybrid epithelial-mesenchymal status of lung cancer dictates metastatic success through differential interaction with NK cells. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e007895. [PMID: 38458638 PMCID: PMC10921513 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007895] [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] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) endows cancer cells with pro-metastatic properties, which appear most effective when cells enter an intermediate hybrid (H) state, characterized by integrated mesenchymal (M) and epithelial (E) traits. The reasons for this advantage are poorly known and, especially, it is totally unexplored whether the interplay between H-cells and NK cells could have a role. Here we characterize the pro-metastatic mechanics of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) H-cells and their subset of cancer-initiating cells (CICs), dissecting crucial interactions with NK cells. METHODS Human lung cancer cell lines and sublines representative of E, M, or H states, assessed by proteomics, were analyzed in vivo for their tumor-forming and disseminating capabilities. Interactions with NK cells were investigated in vitro using migration assays, cytotoxic degranulation assays, and evaluation of CD133+ CICs modulation after coculture, and validated in vivo through NK cell neutralization assays. Correlation between EMT status, NK cell infiltration, and survival data, was evaluated in a cohort of surgically resected NSCLC cases (n=79). RESULTS We demonstrated that H-cells, have limited dissemination capability but show the highest potential to initiate metastases in vivo. This property was related to their ability to escape NK cell surveillance. Mechanistically, H-cells expressed low levels of NK-attracting chemokines (CXCL1 and CXCL8), generating poorly infiltrated metastases. Accordingly, proteomics and GO enrichment analysis of E, H, M cell lines showed that the related secretory processes could change during EMT.Furthermore, H-CICs uniquely expressed high levels of the inhibitory ligand B7-H3, which protected H-CIC from NK cell-mediated clearance. In vivo neutralization assays confirmed that, indeed, the pro-metastatic properties of H-cells are poorly controlled by NK cells.Finally, the analysis of patients revealed that detection of hybrid phenotypes associated with low NK infiltration in NSCLC clinical specimens could identify a subset of patients with poor prognosis. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that H-cells play a central role in the metastatic spread in NSCLC. Such pro-metastatic advantage of H-cells is supported by their altered interaction with NK cells and by the critical role of B7-H3 in preserving their H-CIC component, indicating B7-H3 as a potential target in combined NK-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Parodi
- Immunology Operative Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Giovanni Centonze
- Unit of Epigenomics and Biomarkers of Solid Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Fabio Murianni
- Unit of Epigenomics and Biomarkers of Solid Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Orecchia
- Immunology Operative Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Francesca Andriani
- Unit of Epigenomics and Biomarkers of Solid Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Ilaria Roato
- C.I.R Dental School, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Cecilia Gardelli
- Unit of Epigenomics and Biomarkers of Solid Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Melissa Balsamo
- Unit of Epigenomics and Biomarkers of Solid Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Massimo Moro
- Unit of Epigenomics and Biomarkers of Solid Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Giulia Taiè
- Unit of Epigenomics and Biomarkers of Solid Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Ugo Pastorino
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Andrea Petretto
- Core Facilities, Clinical Proteomics and Metabolomics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Chiara Lavarello
- Core Facilities, Clinical Proteomics and Metabolomics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Massimo Milione
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Sozzi
- Unit of Epigenomics and Biomarkers of Solid Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Luca Roz
- Unit of Epigenomics and Biomarkers of Solid Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Massimo Vitale
- Immunology Operative Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Giulia Bertolini
- Unit of Epigenomics and Biomarkers of Solid Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
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Zhi Y, Wang Q, Zi M, Zhang S, Ge J, Liu K, Lu L, Fan C, Yan Q, Shi L, Chen P, Fan S, Liao Q, Guo C, Wang F, Gong Z, Xiong W, Zeng Z. Spatial Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Landscapes of Oral Submucous Fibrosis-Derived Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and its Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306515. [PMID: 38229179 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
In South and Southeast Asia, the habit of chewing betel nuts is prevalent, which leads to oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). OSF is a well-established precancerous lesion, and a portion of OSF cases eventually progress to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, the specific molecular mechanisms underlying the malignant transformation of OSCC from OSF are poorly understood. In this study, the leading-edge techniques of Spatial Transcriptomics (ST) and Spatial Metabolomics (SM) are integrated to obtain spatial location information of cancer cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells, as well as the transcriptomic and metabolomic landscapes in OSF-derived OSCC tissues. This work reveals for the first time that some OSF-derived OSCC cells undergo partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (pEMT) within the in situ carcinoma (ISC) region, eventually acquiring fibroblast-like phenotypes and participating in collagen deposition. Complex interactions among epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment are demonstrated. Most importantly, significant metabolic reprogramming in OSF-derived OSCC, including abnormal polyamine metabolism, potentially playing a pivotal role in promoting tumorigenesis and immune evasion is discovered. The ST and SM data in this study shed new light on deciphering the mechanisms of OSF-derived OSCC. The work also offers invaluable clues for the prevention and treatment of OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Qian Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Moxin Zi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- Department of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Junshang Ge
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Keyue Liu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Linsong Lu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Chunmei Fan
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Qijia Yan
- Department of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Pan Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Songqing Fan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Qianjin Liao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Can Guo
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Fuyan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Zhaojian Gong
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
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Thakur D, Sengupta D, Mahapatra E, Das S, Sarkar R, Mukherjee S. Glucocorticoid receptor: a harmonizer of cellular plasticity in breast cancer-directs the road towards therapy resistance, metastatic progression and recurrence. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:481-499. [PMID: 38170347 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10163-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Recent therapeutic advances have significantly uplifted the quality of life in breast cancer patients, yet several impediments block the road to disease-free survival. This involves unresponsiveness towards administered therapy, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and metastatic progression with the eventual appearance of recurrent disease. Attainment of such characteristics is a huge adaptive challenge to which tumour cells respond by acquiring diverse phenotypically plastic states. Several signalling networks and mediators are involved in such a process. Glucocorticoid receptor being a mediator of stress response imparts prognostic significance in the context of breast carcinoma. Involvement of the glucocorticoid receptor in the signalling cascade of breast cancer phenotypic plasticity needs further elucidation. This review attempted to shed light on the inter-regulatory interactions of the glucocorticoid receptor with the mediators of the plasticity program in breast cancer; which may provide a hint for strategizing therapeutics against the glucocorticoid/glucocorticoid receptor axis so as to modulate phenotypic plasticity in breast carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debanjan Thakur
- Department of Environmental Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700 026, India
| | - Debomita Sengupta
- Department of Environmental Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700 026, India
| | - Elizabeth Mahapatra
- Department of Environmental Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700 026, India
| | - Salini Das
- Department of Environmental Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700 026, India
| | - Ruma Sarkar
- B. D. Patel Institute of Paramedical Sciences, Charotar University of Science and Technology, CHARUSAT Campus, Changa, Gujarat, 388421, India
| | - Sutapa Mukherjee
- Department of Environmental Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700 026, India.
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