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Zhao F, Zhang K, Ma L, Huang Y. Identification of epithelial-related artificial neural network prognostic models for the prediction of bladder cancer prognosis through comprehensive analysis of single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing. Heliyon 2024; 10:e34632. [PMID: 39157397 PMCID: PMC11328080 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34632] [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: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Bladder cancer (BLCA) presents as a heterogeneous epithelial malignancy. Progress in the early detection and effective treatment of BLCA relies heavily on the identification of novel biomarkers. Therefore, the primary goal of this study is to pinpoint potential biomarkers for BLCA through the fusion of single-cell RNA sequencing and RNA sequencing assessments. Furthermore, the aim is to establish practical clinical prognostic models that can facilitate accurate categorization and individualized therapy for patients. Methods In this research, training sets were acquired from the TCGA database, whereas validation sets (GSE32894) and single-cell datasets (GSE135337) were extracted from the GEO database. Single-cell analysis was utilized to obtain characteristic subpopulations along with their associated marker genes. Subsequently, a novel BLCA subtype was identified within TCGA-BLCA. Furthermore, an artificial neural network prognostic model was constructed within the TCGA-BLCA cohort and subsequently verified utilizing a validation set. Two machine learning algorithms were employed to screen hub genes. QRT-qPCR was performed to detect the gene expression levels utilized in the construction of prognostic models across various cell lines. Additionally, the cMAP database and molecular docking were utilized for searching small molecule drugs. Results The results of single-cell analysis revealed the presence of epithelial cells in multiple subpopulations, with 1579 marker genes selected for subsequent investigations. Subsequently, four epithelial cell subtypes were identified within the TCGA-BLCA cohort. Notably, cluster A exhibited a significant survival advantage. Concurrently, an artificial neural network prognostic model comprising 17 feature genes was constructed, accurately stratifying patient risk. Patients categorized in the low-risk group demonstrated a considerable survival advantage. The ROC analysis suggested that the model has strong prognostic ability. Furthermore, the findings of the validation group align consistently with those from the training group. Two types of machine learning algorithms screened NFIC as hub genes. Forskolin, a small molecule drug that binds to NFIC, was identified by employing a cMAP database and molecular docking. Conclusion The analysis results supplement the research on the role of epithelial cells in BLCA. An artificial neural network prognostic model containing 17 characteristic genes demonstrates the capability to accurately stratify patient risk, thereby potentially improving clinical decision-making and optimizing personalized therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zhao
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Limin Ma
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Yeqing Huang
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
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Kafeel S, Ragone A, Salzillo A, Palmiero G, Naviglio S, Sapio L. Adiponectin Receptor Agonist AdipoRon Inhibits Proliferation and Drives Glycolytic Dependence in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2633. [PMID: 39123363 PMCID: PMC11312309 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16152633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the countless therapeutic advances achieved over the years, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. To this primacy contribute both non-oncogene addicted and advanced NSCLCs, in which conventional therapies are only partially effective. The adiponectin receptor agonist AdipoRon has revealed antiproliferative action in different cancers, including osteosarcoma and pancreatic cancer. Herein, we investigated its potential anticancer role in NSCLC for the first time. We proved that AdipoRon strongly inhibits viability, growth and colony formation in H1299 and A549 NSCLC cells, mainly through a slowdown in cell cycle progression. Along with the biological behaviors, a metabolic switching was observed after AdipoRon administration in NSCLC cells, consisting of higher glucose consumption and lactate accumulation. Remarkably, both 2-Deoxy Glucose and Oxamate glycolytic-interfering agents greatly enhanced AdipoRon's antiproliferative features. As a master regulator of cell metabolism, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was activated by AdipoRon. Notably, the ablation of AdipoRon-induced AMPK phosphorylation by Compound-C significantly counteracted its effectiveness. However, the engagement of other pathways should be investigated afterwards. With a focus on NSCLC, our findings further support the ability of AdipoRon in acting as an anticancer molecule, driving its endorsement as a future candidate in NSCLC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Silvio Naviglio
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (S.K.); (A.R.); (A.S.); (G.P.); (L.S.)
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Gonzalez-Llerena JL, Espinosa-Rodriguez BA, Treviño-Almaguer D, Mendez-Lopez LF, Carranza-Rosales P, Gonzalez-Barranco P, Guzman-Delgado NE, Romo-Mancillas A, Balderas-Renteria I. Cordycepin Triphosphate as a Potential Modulator of Cellular Plasticity in Cancer via cAMP-Dependent Pathways: An In Silico Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5692. [PMID: 38891880 PMCID: PMC11171877 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115692] [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: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Cordycepin, or 3'-deoxyadenosine, is an adenosine analog with a broad spectrum of biological activity. The key structural difference between cordycepin and adenosine lies in the absence of a hydroxyl group at the 3' position of the ribose ring. Upon administration, cordycepin can undergo an enzymatic transformation in specific tissues, forming cordycepin triphosphate. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the structural features of cordycepin and its derivatives, contrasting them with endogenous purine-based metabolites using chemoinformatics and bioinformatics tools in addition to molecular dynamics simulations. We tested the hypothesis that cordycepin triphosphate could bind to the active site of the adenylate cyclase enzyme. The outcomes of our molecular dynamics simulations revealed scores that are comparable to, and superior to, those of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the endogenous ligand. This interaction could reduce the production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) by acting as a pseudo-ATP that lacks a hydroxyl group at the 3' position, essential to carry out nucleotide cyclization. We discuss the implications in the context of the plasticity of cancer and other cells within the tumor microenvironment, such as cancer-associated fibroblast, endothelial, and immune cells. This interaction could awaken antitumor immunity by preventing phenotypic changes in the immune cells driven by sustained cAMP signaling. The last could be an unreported molecular mechanism that helps to explain more details about cordycepin's mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Luis Gonzalez-Llerena
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Models, School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, San Nicolas de los Garza 66451, Mexico; (J.L.G.-L.); (B.A.E.-R.); (D.T.-A.); (P.G.-B.)
- Center for Research on Nutrition and Public Health, School of Public Health and Nutrition, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, Monterrey 66460, Mexico;
| | - Bryan Alejandro Espinosa-Rodriguez
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Models, School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, San Nicolas de los Garza 66451, Mexico; (J.L.G.-L.); (B.A.E.-R.); (D.T.-A.); (P.G.-B.)
| | - Daniela Treviño-Almaguer
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Models, School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, San Nicolas de los Garza 66451, Mexico; (J.L.G.-L.); (B.A.E.-R.); (D.T.-A.); (P.G.-B.)
| | - Luis Fernando Mendez-Lopez
- Center for Research on Nutrition and Public Health, School of Public Health and Nutrition, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, Monterrey 66460, Mexico;
| | - Pilar Carranza-Rosales
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Northeast Biomedical Research Center, Mexican Social Security Institute, Monterrey 64720, Mexico;
| | - Patricia Gonzalez-Barranco
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Models, School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, San Nicolas de los Garza 66451, Mexico; (J.L.G.-L.); (B.A.E.-R.); (D.T.-A.); (P.G.-B.)
| | - Nancy Elena Guzman-Delgado
- Health Research Division, High Specialty Medical Unit, Cardiology Hospital N. 34. Mexican Social Security Institute, Monterrey 64360, Mexico;
| | - Antonio Romo-Mancillas
- Computer Aided Drug Design and Synthesis Group, School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro 76010, Mexico
| | - Isaias Balderas-Renteria
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Models, School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, San Nicolas de los Garza 66451, Mexico; (J.L.G.-L.); (B.A.E.-R.); (D.T.-A.); (P.G.-B.)
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Roshni PT, Rekha PD. Biotechnological interventions for the production of forskolin, an active compound from the medicinal plant, Coleus forskohlii. PHYSIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF PLANTS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 30:213-226. [PMID: 38623169 PMCID: PMC11016037 DOI: 10.1007/s12298-024-01426-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Coleus forskohlii, an Indian-origin medicinal plant is the sole natural source of the labdane terpenoid forskolin (C22H34O7), with growing demand. Forskolin emerged as an industrially important bioactive compound, with many therapeutic applications in human health. It has established potential effects in the treatment of various diseases and conditions such as glaucoma, asthma, obesity, allergies, skin conditions and cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, clinical trials against different types of cancers are progressing. The mechanism of action of forskolin mainly involves activating adenylyl cyclase and elevating cAMP, thereby regulating different cellular processes. For the extraction of forskolin, tuberous roots of C. forskohlii are used as they contain the highest concentration of this metabolite. Approximately 2500 tonnes of the plant are cultivated annually to produce a yield of 2000-2200 kg ha-1 of dry tubers. The forskolin content of the root is distributed in the range of 0.01-1%, which cannot meet the increasing commercial demands from industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, dietary supplements, food and beverages. Hence, various aspects of micropropagation with different culture methods that employ precursors or elicitors to improve the forskolin content have been explored. Different extraction and analytical methods are also introduced to examine the yield and purity of forskolin. This review discusses the significance, clinical importance, mechanism of action and different approaches used for mass production including tissue culture for the lead compound forskolin to meet market needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pulukkunadu Thekkeveedu Roshni
- Division of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), University Road, Deralakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka 575018 India
| | - Punchappady Devasya Rekha
- Division of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), University Road, Deralakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka 575018 India
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Zhang H, Liu Y, Liu J, Chen J, Wang J, Hua H, Jiang Y. cAMP-PKA/EPAC signaling and cancer: the interplay in tumor microenvironment. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:5. [PMID: 38233872 PMCID: PMC10792844 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01524-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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a complex disease resulting from abnormal cell growth that is induced by a number of genetic and environmental factors. The tumor microenvironment (TME), which involves extracellular matrix, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), tumor-infiltrating immune cells and angiogenesis, plays a critical role in tumor progression. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a second messenger that has pleiotropic effects on the TME. The downstream effectors of cAMP include cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), exchange protein activated by cAMP (EPAC) and ion channels. While cAMP can activate PKA or EPAC and promote cancer cell growth, it can also inhibit cell proliferation and survival in context- and cancer type-dependent manner. Tumor-associated stromal cells, such as CAF and immune cells, can release cytokines and growth factors that either stimulate or inhibit cAMP production within the TME. Recent studies have shown that targeting cAMP signaling in the TME has therapeutic benefits in cancer. Small-molecule agents that inhibit adenylate cyclase and PKA have been shown to inhibit tumor growth. In addition, cAMP-elevating agents, such as forskolin, can not only induce cancer cell death, but also directly inhibit cell proliferation in some cancer types. In this review, we summarize current understanding of cAMP signaling in cancer biology and immunology and discuss the basis for its context-dependent dual role in oncogenesis. Understanding the precise mechanisms by which cAMP and the TME interact in cancer will be critical for the development of effective therapies. Future studies aimed at investigating the cAMP-cancer axis and its regulation in the TME may provide new insights into the underlying mechanisms of tumorigenesis and lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongying Zhang
- Cancer Center, Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yongliang Liu
- Cancer Center, Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jieya Liu
- Cancer Center, Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jinzhu Chen
- Cancer Center, Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China
| | - Hui Hua
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Yangfu Jiang
- Cancer Center, Laboratory of Oncogene, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Lee SY, Lee J, Park HL, Park YW, Kim H, Nam JH. The Adenylyl Cyclase Activator Forskolin Increases Influenza Virus Propagation in MDCK Cells by Regulating ERK1/2 Activity. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 33:1576-1586. [PMID: 37644733 PMCID: PMC10772552 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2306.06027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Vaccination is the most effective method for preventing the spread of the influenza virus. Cell-based influenza vaccines have been developed to overcome the disadvantages of egg-based vaccines and their production efficiency has been previously discussed. In this study, we investigated whether treatment with forskolin (FSK), an adenylyl cyclase activator, affected the output of a cell-based influenza vaccine. We found that FSK increased the propagation of three influenza virus subtypes (A/H1N1/California/4/09, A/H3N2/Mississippi/1/85, and B/Shandong/7/97) in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. Interestingly, FSK suppressed the growth of MDCK cells. This effect could be a result of protein kinase A (PKA)-Src axis activation, which downregulates extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 activity and delays cell cycle progression from G1 to S. This delay in cell growth might benefit the binding and entry of the influenza virus in the early stages of viral replication. In contrast, FSK dramatically upregulated ERK1/2 activity via the cAMP-PKA-Raf-1 axis at a late stage of viral replication. Thus, increased ERK1/2 activity might contribute to increased viral ribonucleoprotein export and influenza virus propagation. The increase in viral titer induced by FSK could be explained by the action of cAMP in assisting the entry and binding of the influenza virus. Therefore, FSK addition to cell culture systems could help increase the production efficiency of cell-based vaccines against the influenza virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Yeon Lee
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Jisun Lee
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Lim Park
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Wook Park
- Department of R&D, SK Bioscience, Seongnam 13493, Republic of Korea
| | - Hun Kim
- Department of R&D, SK Bioscience, Seongnam 13493, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hwan Nam
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Republic of Korea
- BK21 FOUR Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea
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Al Khatib AO, El-Tanani M, Al-Obaidi H. Inhaled Medicines for Targeting Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2777. [PMID: 38140117 PMCID: PMC10748026 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15122777] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Throughout the years, considerable progress has been made in methods for delivering drugs directly to the lungs, which offers enhanced precision in targeting specific lung regions. Currently, for treatment of lung cancer, the prevalent routes for drug administration are oral and parenteral. These methods, while effective, often come with side effects including hair loss, nausea, vomiting, susceptibility to infections, and bleeding. Direct drug delivery to the lungs presents a range of advantages. Notably, it can significantly reduce or even eliminate these side effects and provide more accurate targeting of malignancies. This approach is especially beneficial for treating conditions like lung cancer and various respiratory diseases. However, the journey towards perfecting inhaled drug delivery systems has not been without its challenges, primarily due to the complex structure and functions of the respiratory tract. This comprehensive review will investigate delivery strategies that target lung cancer, specifically focusing on non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)-a predominant variant of lung cancer. Within the scope of this review, active and passive targeting techniques are covered which highlight the roles of advanced tools like nanoparticles and lipid carriers. Furthermore, this review will shed light on the potential synergies of combining inhalation therapy with other treatment approaches, such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The goal is to determine how these combinations might amplify therapeutic results, optimizing patient outcomes and overall well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arwa Omar Al Khatib
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6AD, UK
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al Ahliyya Amman University, Amman 19111, Jordan
| | - Mohamed El-Tanani
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al Ahliyya Amman University, Amman 19111, Jordan
- College of Pharmacy, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates
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Kubohara Y, Fukunaga Y, Kikuchi H, Kuwayama H. Pharmacological Evidence That Dictyostelium Differentiation-Inducing Factor 1 Promotes Glucose Uptake Partly via an Increase in Intracellular cAMP Content in Mouse 3T3-L1 Cells. Molecules 2023; 28:7926. [PMID: 38067655 PMCID: PMC10708055 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28237926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Differentiation-inducing factor 1 (DIF-1) isolated from the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum can inhibit mammalian calmodulin-dependent cAMP/cGMP phosphodiesterase (PDE1) in vitro. DIF-1 also promotes glucose uptake, at least in part, via a mitochondria- and AMPK-dependent pathway in mouse 3T3-L1 fibroblast cells, but the mechanism underlying this effect has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effects of DIF-1 on intracellular cAMP and cGMP levels, as well as the effects that DIF-1 and several compounds that increase cAMP and cGMP levels have on glucose uptake in confluent 3T3-L1 cells. DIF-1 at 20 μM (a concentration that promotes glucose uptake) increased the level of intracellular cAMP by about 20% but did not affect the level of intracellular cGMP. Neither the PDE1 inhibitor 8-methoxymethyl-3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine at 10-200 μM nor the broad-range PDE inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine at 40-400 μM had any marked effects on glucose uptake. The membrane-permeable cAMP analog 8-bromo-cAMP at 200-1000 μM significantly promoted glucose uptake (by 20-25%), whereas the membrane-permeable cGMP analog 8-bromo-cGMP at 3-100 μM did not affect glucose uptake. The adenylate cyclase activator forskolin at 1-10 μM promoted glucose uptake by 20-30%. Thus, DIF-1 may promote glucose uptake by 3T3-L1 cells, at least in part, via an increase in intracellular cAMP level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzuru Kubohara
- Laboratory of Health and Life Science, Graduate School of Health and Sports Science, Juntendo University, Inzai 270-1695, Japan
| | - Yuko Fukunaga
- Department of Animal Risk Management, Faculty of Risk and Crisis Management, Chiba Institute of Science, Choshi 288-0025, Japan;
| | - Haruhisa Kikuchi
- Division of Natural Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Tokyo 105-8512, Japan;
| | - Hidekazu Kuwayama
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8572, Japan;
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Lucà S, Franco R, Napolitano A, Soria V, Ronchi A, Zito Marino F, Della Corte CM, Morgillo F, Fiorelli A, Luciano A, Palma G, Arra C, Battista S, Cerchia L, Fedele M. PATZ1 in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A New Biomarker That Negatively Correlates with PD-L1 Expression and Suppresses the Malignant Phenotype. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072190. [PMID: 37046851 PMCID: PMC10093756 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, is still an unmet medical problem due to the lack of both effective therapies against advanced stages and markers to allow a diagnosis of the disease at early stages before its progression. Immunotherapy targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint is promising for many cancers, including NSCLC, but its success depends on the tumor expression of PD-L1. PATZ1 is an emerging cancer-related transcriptional regulator and diagnostic/prognostic biomarker in different malignant tumors, but its role in lung cancer is still obscure. Here we investigated expression and role of PATZ1 in NSCLC, in correlation with NSCLC subtypes and PD-L1 expression. A cohort of 104 NSCLCs, including lung squamous cell carcinomas (LUSCs) and adenocarcinomas (LUADs), was retrospectively analyzed by immunohistochemistry for the expression of PATZ1 and PD-L1. The results were correlated with each other and with the clinical characteristics, showing on the one hand a positive correlation between the high expression of PATZ1 and the LUSC subtype and, on the other hand, a negative correlation between PATZ1 and PD-L1, validated at the mRNA level in independent NSCLC datasets. Consistently, two NSCLC cell lines transfected with a PATZ1-overexpressing plasmid showed PD-L1 downregulation, suggesting a role for PATZ1 in the negative regulation of PD-L1. We also showed that PATZ1 overexpression inhibits NSCLC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and that Patz1-knockout mice develop LUAD. Overall, this suggests that PATZ1 may act as a tumor suppressor in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Lucà
- Pathology Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Renato Franco
- Pathology Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Napolitano
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Soria
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Ronchi
- Pathology Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Zito Marino
- Pathology Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Carminia Maria Della Corte
- Department of Precision Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Floriana Morgillo
- Department of Precision Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Alfonso Fiorelli
- Translational Medical and Surgical Science, Thoracic Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Luciano
- S.S.D. Sperimentazione Animale, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Palma
- S.S.D. Sperimentazione Animale, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Arra
- S.S.D. Sperimentazione Animale, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Sabrina Battista
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Cerchia
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Monica Fedele
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80145 Naples, Italy
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