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Berrino C, Omar A. Unravelling the Mysteries of the Sonic Hedgehog Pathway in Cancer Stem Cells: Activity, Crosstalk and Regulation. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:5397-5419. [PMID: 38920995 PMCID: PMC11202538 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46060323] [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: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signalling pathway plays a critical role in normal development and tissue homeostasis, guiding cell differentiation, proliferation, and survival. Aberrant activation of this pathway, however, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various cancers, largely due to its role in regulating cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are a subpopulation of cancer cells with the ability to self-renew, differentiate, and initiate tumour growth, contributing significantly to tumorigenesis, recurrence, and resistance to therapy. This review focuses on the intricate activity of the Shh pathway within the context of CSCs, detailing the molecular mechanisms through which Shh signalling influences CSC properties, including self-renewal, differentiation, and survival. It further explores the regulatory crosstalk between the Shh pathway and other signalling pathways in CSCs, highlighting the complexity of this regulatory network. Here, we delve into the upstream regulators and downstream effectors that modulate Shh pathway activity in CSCs. This review aims to cast a specific focus on the role of the Shh pathway in CSCs, provide a detailed exploration of molecular mechanisms and regulatory crosstalk, and discuss current and developing inhibitors. By summarising key findings and insights gained, we wish to emphasise the importance of further elucidating the interplay between the Shh pathway and CSCs to develop more effective cancer therapies.
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Ebrahimi N, Manavi MS, Faghihkhorasani F, Fakhr SS, Baei FJ, Khorasani FF, Zare MM, Far NP, Rezaei-Tazangi F, Ren J, Reiter RJ, Nabavi N, Aref AR, Chen C, Ertas YN, Lu Q. Harnessing function of EMT in cancer drug resistance: a metastasis regulator determines chemotherapy response. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:457-479. [PMID: 38227149 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10162-7] [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: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complicated molecular process that governs cellular shape and function changes throughout tissue development and embryogenesis. In addition, EMT contributes to the development and spread of tumors. Expanding and degrading the surrounding microenvironment, cells undergoing EMT move away from the main location. On the basis of the expression of fibroblast-specific protein-1 (FSP1), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), collagen, and smooth muscle actin (-SMA), the mesenchymal phenotype exhibited in fibroblasts is crucial for promoting EMT. While EMT is not entirely reliant on its regulators like ZEB1/2, Twist, and Snail proteins, investigation of upstream signaling (like EGF, TGF-β, Wnt) is required to get a more thorough understanding of tumor EMT. Throughout numerous cancers, connections between tumor epithelial and fibroblast cells that influence tumor growth have been found. The significance of cellular crosstalk stems from the fact that these events affect therapeutic response and disease prognosis. This study examines how classical EMT signals emanating from various cancer cells interfere to tumor metastasis, treatment resistance, and tumor recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasim Ebrahimi
- Genetics Division, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | | | - Siavash Seifollahy Fakhr
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Science and Biotechnology, Campus Hamar, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | | | | | - Mohammad Mehdi Zare
- Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Nazanin Pazhouhesh Far
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Science, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Rezaei-Tazangi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Jun Ren
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, UT Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Noushin Nabavi
- Department of Urologic Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Translational Medicine Group, Xsphera Biosciences, 6 Tide Street, Boston, MA, 02210, USA.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Chu Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Yavuz Nuri Ertas
- ERNAM-Nanotechnology Research and Application Center, Erciyes University, Kayseri, 38039, Türkiye.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Erciyes University, Kayseri, 38039, Türkiye.
| | - Qi Lu
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangsu, 226001, China.
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Mazarei M, Shahabi Rabori V, Ghasemi N, Salehi M, Rayatpisheh N, Jahangiri N, Saberiyan M. LncRNA MALAT1 signaling pathway and clinical applications in overcome on cancers metastasis. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:4457-4472. [PMID: 37695391 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01179-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
In spite of its high mortality rate and difficulty in finding a cure, scientific advancements have contributed to a reduction in cancer-related fatalities. Aberrant gene expression during carcinogenesis emphasizes the importance of targeting the signaling networks that control gene expression in cancer treatment. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are transcribed RNA molecules that play a role in gene expression regulation, are a recent innovative therapeutic approach for diagnosing and treating malignancies. MALAT1, a well-known lncRNA, functions in gene expression, RNA processing, and epigenetic control. High expression levels of MALAT1 are associated with several human disorders, including metastasis, invasion, autophagy, and proliferation of cancer cells. MALAT1 affects various signaling pathways and microRNAs (miRNAs), and this study aims to outline its functional roles in cancer metastasis and its interactions with cellular signaling pathways. Moreover, MALAT1 and its interactions with signaling pathways can be promising target for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madineh Mazarei
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | | | - Nazila Ghasemi
- Department of Biology, Jahrom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Mehrnaz Salehi
- School of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Najmeh Rayatpisheh
- School of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Negin Jahangiri
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences and Engineering, Gonbad Kavous University, Gonbad-e Kavus, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Saberiyan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
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Ebrahimi N, Hakimzadeh A, Bozorgmand F, Speed S, Manavi MS, Khorram R, Farahani K, Rezaei-Tazangi F, Mansouri A, Hamblin MR, Aref AR. Role of non-coding RNAs as new therapeutic targets in regulating the EMT and apoptosis in metastatic gastric and colorectal cancers. Cell Cycle 2023; 22:2302-2323. [PMID: 38009668 PMCID: PMC10730205 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2023.2286804] [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: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) and gastric cancer (GC), are the two most common cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, and are serious health concerns worldwide. The discovery of more effective biomarkers for early diagnosis, and improved patient prognosis is important. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), can regulate cellular processes such as apoptosis and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) leading to progression and resistance of GC and CRC tumors. Moreover these pathways (apoptosis and EMT) may serve as therapeutic targets, to prevent metastasis, and to overcome drug resistance. A subgroup of ncRNAs is common to both GC and CRC tumors, suggesting that they might be used as biomarkers or therapeutic targets. In this review, we highlight some ncRNAs that can regulate EMT and apoptosis as two opposite mechanisms in cancer progression and metastasis in GC and CRC. A better understanding of the biological role of ncRNAs could open up new avenues for the development of personalized treatment plans for GC and CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasim Ebrahimi
- Genetics Division, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ali Hakimzadeh
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Tuscany, Italy
| | - Farima Bozorgmand
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology, Pharmaceutical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepehr Speed
- Medical Campus, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | | | - Roya Khorram
- Bone and Joint Diseases Research Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Kobra Farahani
- Department of Biology, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Rezaei-Tazangi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Atena Mansouri
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Michael R Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, South Africa
- Radiation Biology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Xsphera Biosciences, Translational Medicine group, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Ebrahimi N, Afshinpour M, Fakhr SS, Kalkhoran PG, Shadman-Manesh V, Adelian S, Beiranvand S, Rezaei-Tazangi F, Khorram R, Hamblin MR, Aref AR. Cancer stem cells in colorectal cancer: Signaling pathways involved in stemness and therapy resistance. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 182:103920. [PMID: 36702423 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.103920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third cause of cancer death worldwide. Although, in some cases, treatment can increase patient survival and reduce cancer recurrence, in many cases, tumors can develop resistance to therapy leading to recurrence. One of the main reasons for recurrence and therapy resistance is the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs possess a self-renewal ability, and their stemness properties lead to the avoidance of apoptosis, and allow a new clone of cancer cells to emerge. Numerous investigations inidicated the involvment of cellular signaling pathways in embryonic development, and growth, repair, and maintenance of tissue homeostasis, also participate in the generation and maintenance of stemness in colorectal CSCs. This review discusses the role of Wnt, NF-κB, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Sonic hedgehog, and Notch signaling pathways in colorectal CSCs, and the possible modulating drugs that could be used in treatment for resistant CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasim Ebrahimi
- Division of Genetics, Department of cell and molecular & microbiology, Faculty of Science and technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Maral Afshinpour
- Department of chemistry and Biochemistry, South Dakota State University (SDSU), Brookings, SD, USA
| | - Siavash Seifollahy Fakhr
- Department of Biotechnology; Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Campus Hamar, Norway
| | - Paniz Ghasempour Kalkhoran
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology_Microbiology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical science, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vida Shadman-Manesh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samaneh Adelian
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Sheida Beiranvand
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Basic Sciences, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Rezaei-Tazangi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Roya Khorram
- Bone and Joint Diseases Research Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Michael R Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa.
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Xsphera Biosciences, Translational Medicine Group, 6 Tide Street, Boston, MA 02210, USA.
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Ebrahimi N, Kharazmi K, Ghanaatian M, Miraghel SA, Amiri Y, Seyedebrahimi SS, Mobarak H, Yazdani E, Parkhideh S, Hamblin MR, Aref AR. Role of the Wnt and GTPase pathways in breast cancer tumorigenesis and treatment. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2022; 67:11-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2022.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Crosstalk between non-coding RNAs expression profile, drug resistance and immune response in breast cancer. Pharmacol Res 2021; 176:106041. [PMID: 34952200 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.106041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Drug resistance is one of the most critical challenges facing researchers in treating breast cancer. Despite numerous treatments for breast cancer, including conventional chemical drugs, monoclonal antibodies, and immunotherapeutic drugs known as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), many patients resist various approaches. In recent years, the relationship between gene expression profiles and drug resistance phenotypes has attracted much attention. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are regulatory molecules that have been shown to regulate gene expression and cell transcriptome. Two categories, microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs have been more considered and studied among these ncRNAs. Studying the role of different ncRNAs in chemical drug resistance and ICI resistance together can be beneficial in selecting more effective treatments for breast cancer. Changing the expression and action mechanism of these regulatory molecules on drug resistance phenotypes is the main topic of this review article.
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