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Assal RA, Elemam NM, Mekky RY, Attia AA, Soliman AH, Gomaa AI, Efthimiadou EK, Braoudaki M, Fahmy SA, Youness RA. A Novel Epigenetic Strategy to Concurrently Block Immune Checkpoints PD-1/PD-L1 and CD155/TIGIT in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Transl Oncol 2024; 45:101961. [PMID: 38631259 PMCID: PMC11040172 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.101961] [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: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment is an intricate web of stromal and immune cells creating an immune suppressive cordon around the tumor. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), Tumor microenvironment is a formidable barrier towards novel immune therapeutic approaches recently evading the oncology field. In this study, the main aim was to identify the intricate immune evasion tactics mediated by HCC cells and to study the epigenetic modulation of the immune checkpoints; Programmed death-1 (PD-1)/ Programmed death-Ligand 1 (PD-L1) and T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT)/Cluster of Differentiation 155 (CD155) at the tumor-immune synapse. Thus, liver tissues, PBMCs and sera were collected from Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), HCC as well as healthy individuals. Screening was performed to PD-L1/PD-1 and CD155/TIGIT axes in HCC patients. PDL1, CD155, PD-1 and TIGIT were found to be significantly upregulated in liver tissues and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of HCC patients. An array of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs validated to regulate such immune checkpoints were screened. The lncRNAs; CCAT-1, H19, and MALAT-1 were all significantly upregulated in the sera, PBMCs, and tissues of HCC patients as compared to HCV patients and healthy controls. However, miR-944-5p, miR-105-5p, miR-486-5p, miR-506-5p, and miR-30a-5p were downregulated in the sera and liver tissues of HCC patients. On the tumor cell side, knocking down of lncRNAs-CCAT-1, MALAT-1, or H19-markedly repressed the co-expression of PD-L1 and CD155 and accordingly induced the cytotoxicity of co-cultured primary immune cells. On the immune side, ectopic expression of the under-expressed microRNAs; miR-486-5p, miR-506-5p, and miR-30a-5p significantly decreased the transcript levels of PD-1 in PBMCs with no effect on TIGIT. On the other hand, ectopic expression of miR-944-5p and miR-105-5p in PBMCs dramatically reduced the co-expression of PD-1 and TIGIT. Finally, all studied miRNAs enhanced the cytotoxic effects of PBMCs against Huh7 cells. However, miR-105-5p showed the highest augmentation for PBMCs cytotoxicity against HCC cells. In conclusion, this study highlights a novel co-targeting strategy using miR-105-5p mimics, MALAT-1, CCAT-1 and H19 siRNAs to efficiently hampers the immune checkpoints; PD-L1/PD-1 and CD155/TIGIT immune evasion properties in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem A Assal
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development, Cairo-Ismailia Desert Road, 11785, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Noha M Elemam
- Clinical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Radwa Y Mekky
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA University), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Abdelrahman A Attia
- General Surgery Department, Ain Shams University, Demerdash Hospital, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Aya Hesham Soliman
- Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, 11835, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Asmaa Ibrahim Gomaa
- Department of Hepatology, National Liver Institute, Menoufiya University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt
| | - Eleni K Efthimiadou
- Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Chemistry Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Braoudaki
- Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical, and Biological Science, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK
| | - Sherif Ashraf Fahmy
- Chemistry Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, New Administrative Capital, 11835, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rana A Youness
- Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, 11835, Cairo, Egypt; Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Department, Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University (GIU), New Administrative Capital, 11835, Cairo, Egypt.
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Zeinelabdeen Y, Abaza T, Yasser MB, Elemam NM, Youness RA. MIAT LncRNA: A multifunctional key player in non-oncological pathological conditions. Noncoding RNA Res 2024; 9:447-462. [PMID: 38511054 PMCID: PMC10950597 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2024.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The discovery of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) has unveiled a wide range of transcripts that do not encode proteins but play key roles in several cellular and molecular processes. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are specific class of ncRNAs that are longer than 200 nucleotides and have gained significant attention due to their diverse mechanisms of action and potential involvement in various pathological conditions. In the current review, the authors focus on the role of lncRNAs, specifically highlighting the Myocardial Infarction Associated Transcript (MIAT), in non-oncological context. MIAT is a nuclear lncRNA that has been directly linked to myocardial infarction and is reported to control post-transcriptional processes as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) molecule. It interacts with microRNAs (miRNAs), thereby limiting the translation and expression of their respective target messenger RNA (mRNA) and regulating protein expression. Yet, MIAT has been implicated in other numerous pathological conditions such as other cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune disease, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic diseases, and many others. In this review, the authors emphasize that MIAT exhibits distinct expression patterns and functions across different pathological conditions and is emerging as potential diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic agent. Additionally, the authors highlight the regulatory role of MIAT and shed light on the involvement of lncRNAs and specifically MIAT in various non-oncological pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousra Zeinelabdeen
- Molecular Genetics Research Team, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University (GIU), Cairo, 11835, Egypt
- Faculty of Medical Sciences/UMCG, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, Groningen, 9713 AV, the Netherlands
| | - Tasneem Abaza
- Molecular Genetics Research Team, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University (GIU), Cairo, 11835, Egypt
- Biotechnology and Biomolecular Biochemistry Program, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Montaser Bellah Yasser
- Bioinformatics Group, Center for Informatics Sciences (CIS), School of Information Technology and Computer Science (ITCS), Nile University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Noha M. Elemam
- Clinical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rana A. Youness
- Molecular Genetics Research Team, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University (GIU), Cairo, 11835, Egypt
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Shamjith S, Murali VP, Joesph MM, T S F, Chandana R, Jayarajan RO, Maiti KK. Hydrogen Sulfide-Induced Activatable Photodynamic Therapy Adjunct to Disruption of Subcellular Glycolysis in Cancer Cells by a Fluorescence-SERS Bimodal Iridium Metal-Organic Hybrid. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:27114-27126. [PMID: 38747624 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c02761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
The practical application of photodynamic therapy (PDT) demands targeted and activatable photosensitizers to mitigate off-target phototoxicity common in "always on" photosensitizers during light exposure. Herein, a cyclometalated iridium complex-based activatable photodynamic molecular hybrid, Cy-Ir-7-nitrobenzofurazan (NBD), is demonstrated as a biomedicine for molecular precision. This design integrates a hydrogen sulfide (H2S)-responsive NBD unit with a hydroxy-appended iridium complex, Cy-Ir-OH. In normal physiological conditions, the electron-rich Ir metal center exerts electron transfer to the NBD unit, quenches the excited state dynamics, and establishes a PDT-off state. Upon exposure to H2S, Cy-Ir-NBD activates into the potent photosensitizer Cy-Ir-OH through nucleophilic substitution. This mechanism ensures exceptional specificity, enabling targeted phototherapy in H2S-rich cancer cells. Additionally, we observed that Cy-Ir-NBD-induced H2S depletion disrupts S-sulfhydration of the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme, impairing glycolysis and ATP production in the cellular milieu. This sequential therapeutic process of Cy-Ir-NBD is governed by the positively charged central iridium ion that ensures mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in cancer cells. Dual-modality SERS and fluorescence imaging validate apoptotic events, highlighting Cy-Ir-NBD as an advanced theranostic molecular entity for activatable PDT. Finally, as a proof of concept, clinical assessment is evaluated with the blood samples of breast cancer patients and healthy volunteers, based on their H2S overexpression capability through SERS and fluorescence, revealing Cy-Ir-NBD to be a promising predictor for PDT activation in advanced cancer phototherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanmughan Shamjith
- Chemical Sciences & Technology Division (CSTD), Organic Chemistry Section, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science & Technology (CSIR-NIIST), Industrial Estate, Pappanamcode, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695019, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Vishnu Priya Murali
- Chemical Sciences & Technology Division (CSTD), Organic Chemistry Section, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science & Technology (CSIR-NIIST), Industrial Estate, Pappanamcode, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695019, India
| | - Manu M Joesph
- Department of Life Sciences, Christ University, Bangalore 560029, India
| | - Fathima T S
- Chemical Sciences & Technology Division (CSTD), Organic Chemistry Section, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science & Technology (CSIR-NIIST), Industrial Estate, Pappanamcode, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695019, India
| | - Reghukumar Chandana
- Chemical Sciences & Technology Division (CSTD), Organic Chemistry Section, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science & Technology (CSIR-NIIST), Industrial Estate, Pappanamcode, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695019, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Roopasree O Jayarajan
- Chemical Sciences & Technology Division (CSTD), Organic Chemistry Section, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science & Technology (CSIR-NIIST), Industrial Estate, Pappanamcode, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695019, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Kaustabh Kumar Maiti
- Chemical Sciences & Technology Division (CSTD), Organic Chemistry Section, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science & Technology (CSIR-NIIST), Industrial Estate, Pappanamcode, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695019, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
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Zhao W, Feng S, Wang J, Zhang Z, Chen L, Jiang L, Li M, Wang T. Benserazide, a cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) inhibitor, potentially enhances the anticancer effects of paclitaxel via inhibiting the S-sulfhydration of SIRT1 and the HIF1-α/VEGF pathway. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1404532. [PMID: 38828455 PMCID: PMC11143879 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1404532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer targeted therapy is essential to minimize damage to normal cells and improve treatment outcomes. The elevated activity of Cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS), an enzyme responsible for producing endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S), plays a significant role in promoting tumor growth, invasiveness, and metastatic potential. Consequently, the selective inhibition of CBS could represent a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer. Currently, there is much interest in combining paclitaxel with other drugs for cancer treatment. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of combining benserazide, a CBS inhibitor, with paclitaxel in treating tumors. Firstly, we demonstrated CBS is indeed involved in the progression of multiple cancers. Then it was observed that the total binding free energy between the protein and the small molecule is -98.241 kJ/mol. The release of H2S in the group treated with 100 μM benserazide was reduced by approximately 90% compared to the negative control, and the thermal denaturation curve of the complex protein shifted to the right, suggesting that benserazide binds to and blocks the CBS protein. Next, it was found that compared to paclitaxel monotherapy, the combination of benserazide with paclitaxel demonstrated stronger antitumor activity in KYSE450, A549, and HCT8 cells, accompanied by reduced cell viability, cell migration and invasion, as well as diminished angiogenic and lymphangiogenic capabilities. In vivo studies showed that the combined administration of benserazide and paclitaxel significantly reduced the volume and weight of axillary lymph nodes in comparison to the control group and single administration group. Further mechanistic studies revealed that the combination of benserazide and paclitaxel significantly suppressed the S-sulfhydration of SIRT1 protein, thereby inhibiting the expression of SIRT1 protein and activating SIRT1 downstream Notch1/Hes1 signaling pathway in KYSE450, A549, and HCT8 cells. Meanwhile, we observed that benserazide combined with paclitaxel induced a more significant downregulation of HIF-1α, VEGF-A, VEGF-C, and VEGF-D proteins expression levels in KYSE450, A549, and HCT8 cells compared to paclitaxel alone. These findings indicated that benserazide enhances the anticancer effects of paclitaxel via inhibiting the S-sulfhydration of SIRT1 and down-regulating HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway. This study suggests that benserazide may have potential as a chemosensitizer in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ming Li
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Tianxiao Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
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Wu Z, Tang Y, Liu Y, Chen Z, Feng Y, Hu H, Liu H, Chen G, Lu Y, Hu Y, Xu R. Co-delivery of fucoxanthin and Twist siRNA using hydroxyethyl starch-cholesterol self-assembled polymer nanoparticles for triple-negative breast cancer synergistic therapy. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00160-7. [PMID: 38636588 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.04.017] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer with an extremely dismal prognosis and few treatment options. As a desmoplastic tumor, TNBC tumor cells are girdled by stroma composed of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and their secreted stromal components. The rapidly proliferating tumor cells, together with the tumor stroma, exert additional solid tissue pressure on tumor vasculature and surrounding tissues, severely obstructing therapeutic agent from deep intratumoral penetration, and resulting in tumor metastasis and treatment resistance. OBJECTIVES Fucoxanthin (FX), a xanthophyll carotenoid abundant in marine algae, has attracted widespread attention as a promising alternative candidate for tumor prevention and treatment. Twist is a pivotal regulator of epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and its depletion has proven to sensitize antitumor drugs, inhibit metastasis, reduce CAFs activation and the following interstitial deposition, and increase tumor perfusion. The nanodrug delivery system co-encapsulating FX and nucleic acid drug Twist siRNA (siTwist) was expected to form a potent anti-TNBC therapeutic cyclical feedback loop. METHODS AND RESULTS Herein, our studies constituted a novel self-assembled polymer nanomedicine (siTwist/FX@HES-CH) based on the amino-modified hydroxyethyl starch (HES-NH2) grafted with hydrophobic segment cholesterol (CH). The MTT assay, flow cytometry apoptosis analysis, transwell assay, western blot, and 3D multicellular tumor spheroids growth inhibition assay all showed that siTwist/FX@HES-CH could kill tumor cells and inhibit their metastasis in a synergistic manner. The in vivo anti-TNBC efficacy was demonstrated that siTwist/FX@HES-CH remodeled tumor microenvironment, facilitated interstitial barrier crossing, killed tumor cells synergistically, drastically reduced TNBC orthotopic tumor burden and inhibited lung metastasis. CONCLUSION Systematic studies revealed that this dual-functional nanomedicine that targets both tumor cells and tumor microenvironment significantly alleviates TNBC orthotopic tumor burden and inhibits lung metastasis, establishing a new paradigm for TNBC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeliang Wu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yuxiang Tang
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Clinical Medical Center of Cell Therapy for Neoplastic Disease, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yuanhui Liu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Zhaozhao Chen
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yuao Feng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Hang Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; The Key Laboratory for Drug Target Researches and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Youming Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Innovation Center for Brain Medical Sciences of the Ministry of Education, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Yu Hu
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Clinical Medical Center of Cell Therapy for Neoplastic Disease, Wuhan 430022, China.
| | - Rong Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; The Key Laboratory for Drug Target Researches and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430030, China; Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
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Dawoud A, Youness RA, Nafea H, Manie T, Bourquin C, Szabo C, Abdel-Kader RM, Gad MZ. Pan-inhibition of the three H 2S synthesizing enzymes restrains tumor progression and immunosuppression in breast cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:136. [PMID: 38627665 PMCID: PMC11020979 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03317-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a significant endogenous mediator that has been implicated in the progression of various forms of cancer including breast cancer (BC). Cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE), and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3MST) are the three principal mammalian enzymes responsible for H2S production. Overexpression of CBS, CSE and 3MST was found to be associated with poor prognosis of BC patients. Moreover, H2S was linked to an immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment in BC. Recently it was observed that BC cells, in response to single or dual inhibition of H2S synthesizing enzymes, develop an escape mechanism by overexpressing alternative sources of H2S generation. Thus, the aim of this work is to escape the H2S compensatory mechanism by pan repressing the three enzymes using microRNAs (miRNAs) and to investigate their impact on the oncogenic and immunogenic profile of BC cells. METHODS BC female patients (n = 25) were recruited. In-silico analysis was used to identify miRNAs targeting CBS, CSE, and 3MST. MDA-MB-231 cells were cultured and transfected using oligonucleotides. Total RNA was extracted using Biazol, reverse transcribed and quantified using qRT-PCR. H2S levels were measured using AzMc assay. BC hallmarks were assessed using trans-well migration, wound healing, MTT, and colony forming assays. RESULTS miR-193a and miR-548c were validated by eight different bioinformatics software to simultaneously target CBS, CSE and 3MST. MiR-193a and miR-548c were significantly downregulated in BC tissues compared to their non-cancerous counterparts. Ectopic expression of miR-193a and miR-548c in MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells resulted in a marked repression of CBS, CSE, and 3MST transcript and protein levels, a significant decrease in H2S levels, reduction in cellular viability, inhibition of migration and colony forming ability, repression of immune-suppressor proteins GAL3 GAL9, and CD155 and upregulation of the immunostimulatory MICA and MICB proteins. CONCLUSION This study sheds the light onto miR-193a and miR-548c as potential pan-repressors of the H2S synthesizing enzymes. and identifies them as novel tumor suppressor and immunomodulatory miRNAs in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyaa Dawoud
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rana A Youness
- Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University (GIU), New Administrative Capital, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Heba Nafea
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Tamer Manie
- Department of Breast Surgery, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Carole Bourquin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, Department of Anaesthesiology, Pharmacology, Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland
| | - Csaba Szabo
- Chair of Pharmacology, Section of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, 1700, Switzerland
| | - Reham M Abdel-Kader
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Z Gad
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt.
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Dong C, Hui P, Wu Z, Li J, Man X. CircRNA LOC729852 promotes bladder cancer progression by regulating macrophage polarization and recruitment via the miR-769-5p/IL-10 axis. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18225. [PMID: 38506082 PMCID: PMC10951884 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18225] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) function as tumour promoters or suppressors in bladder cancer (BLCA) by regulating genes involved in macrophage recruitment and polarization. However, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the biological role of circLOC729852 in BLCA. CircLOC729852 was upregulated in BLCA tissues and correlated with increased proliferation, migration and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of BCLA cells. MiR-769-5p was identified as a target for circLOC729852, which can upregulate IL-10 expression by directly binding to and suppressing miR-769-5p. Furthermore, our results indicated that the circLOC729852/miR-769-5p/IL-10 axis modulates autophagy signalling in BLCA cells and promotes the recruitment and M2 polarization of TAMs by activating the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway. In addition, circLOC729852 also promoted the growth of BLCA xenografts and M2 macrophage infiltration in vivo. Thus, circLOC729852 functions as an oncogene in BLCA by inducing secretion of IL-10 by the M2 TAMs, which then facilitates tumour cell growth and migration. Taken together, circLOC729852 is a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for BLCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changming Dong
- Department of Urology, China Medical UniversityThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
- Department of UrologyThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningPR China
| | - Pengyu Hui
- Department of UrologyThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Zhengqi Wu
- Department of Urology, China Medical UniversityThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Jianfeng Li
- Department of Urology, China Medical UniversityThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Xiaojun Man
- Department of Urology, China Medical UniversityThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
- Department of UrologyThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningPR China
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Dawoud A, Elmasri RA, Mohamed AH, Mahmoud A, Rostom MM, Youness RA. Involvement of CircRNAs in regulating The "New Generation of Cancer Hallmarks": A Special Depiction on Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 196:104312. [PMID: 38428701 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104312] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The concept of 'Hallmarks of Cancer' is an approach of reducing the enormous complexity of cancer to a set of guiding principles. As the underlying mechanism of cancer are portrayed, we find that we gain insight and additional aspects of the disease arise. The understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) brought a new dimension and led to the discovery of novel hallmarks such as senescent cells, non-mutational epigenetic reprogramming, polymorphic microbiomes and unlocked phenotypic plasticity. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are single-stranded, covalently closed RNA molecules that are ubiquitous across all species. Recent studies on the circRNAs have highlighted their crucial function in regulating the formation of human malignancies through a range of biological processes. The primary goal of this review is to clarify the role of circRNAs in the most common form of liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This review also addressed the topic of how circRNAs affect HCC hallmarks, including the new generation hallmarks. Finally, the enormous applications that these rapidly expanding ncRNA molecules serve in the functional and molecular development of effective HCC diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Dawoud
- Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry Department, Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University (GIU), 11835, New Administrative Capital, Egypt; School of Medicine, University of North California, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - R A Elmasri
- Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry Department, Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University (GIU), 11835, New Administrative Capital, Egypt
| | - A H Mohamed
- Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry Department, Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University (GIU), 11835, New Administrative Capital, Egypt; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - A Mahmoud
- Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry Department, Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University (GIU), 11835, New Administrative Capital, Egypt; Biotechnology School, Nile University, Giza 12677, Egypt
| | - M M Rostom
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo (GUC), Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - R A Youness
- Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry Department, Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University (GIU), 11835, New Administrative Capital, Egypt.
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9
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Wang W, Zhen S, Ping Y, Wang L, Zhang Y. Metabolomic biomarkers in liquid biopsy: accurate cancer diagnosis and prognosis monitoring. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1331215. [PMID: 38384814 PMCID: PMC10879439 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1331215] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Liquid biopsy, a novel detection method, has recently become an active research area in clinical cancer owing to its unique advantages. Studies on circulating free DNA, circulating tumor cells, and exosomes obtained by liquid biopsy have shown great advances and they have entered clinical practice as new cancer biomarkers. The metabolism of the body is dynamic as cancer originates and progresses. Metabolic abnormalities caused by cancer can be detected in the blood, sputum, urine, and other biological fluids via systemic or local circulation. A considerable number of recent studies have focused on the roles of metabolic molecules in cancer. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of metabolic markers from various biological fluids in the latest clinical studies, which may contribute to cancer screening and diagnosis, differentiation of cancer typing, grading and staging, and prediction of therapeutic response and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqian Wang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Shanshan Zhen
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yu Ping
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Liping Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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10
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He J, Wang Y, Zhao ZH, He JY, Gao MY, Wang JQ, Wang LB, Zhang Y, Li X. Exosome-specific loading Sox10 for the treatment of Cuprizone-induced demyelinating model. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116128. [PMID: 38218078 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116128] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Demyelination is a pathological feature commonly observed in various central nervous system diseases. It is characterized by the aggregation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) in the lesion area, which face difficulties in differentiating into mature oligodendrocytes (OLGs). The differentiation of OPCs requires the presence of Sox10, but its expression decreases under pathological conditions. Therefore, we propose a therapeutic strategy to regulate OPCs differentiation and achieve myelin repair by endogenously loading Sox10 into exosomes. To accomplish this, we generated a lentivirus-armed Sox10 that could anchor to the inner surface of the exosome membrane. We then infected HEK293 cells to obtain exosomes with high expression of Sox10 (exosomes-Sox10, ExoSs). In vitro, experiments confirmed that both Exos and ExoSs can be uptaken by OPCs, but only ExoSs exhibit a pro-differentiation effect on OPCs. In vivo, we administered PBS, Exos, and ExoSs to cuprizone-induced demyelinating mice. The results demonstrated that ExoSs can regulate the differentiation of PDGFRα+ OPCs into APC+ OLGs and reduce myelin damage in the corpus callosum region of the mouse brain compared to other groups. Further testing suggests that Sox10 may have a reparative effect on the myelin sheath by enhancing the expression of MBP, possibly facilitated by the exosome delivery of the protein into the lesion. This endogenously loaded technology holds promise as a strategy for protein-based drugs in the treatment of demyelinating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin He
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710119, China
| | - Yan Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710119, China
| | - Zhuo-Hua Zhao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710119, China
| | - Jia-Yi He
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710119, China
| | - Meng-Yuan Gao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710119, China
| | - Jia-Qi Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710119, China
| | - Li-Bin Wang
- Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Nanshan Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518052, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710119, China
| | - Xing Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710119, China.
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11
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Zou J, Yuan Z, Chen X, Chen Y, Yao M, Chen Y, Li X, Chen Y, Ding W, Xia C, Zhao Y, Gao F. Hydrogen sulfide responsive nanoplatforms: Novel gas responsive drug delivery carriers for biomedical applications. Asian J Pharm Sci 2024; 19:100858. [PMID: 38362469 PMCID: PMC10867614 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2023.100858] [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: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a toxic, essential gas used in various biological and physical processes and has been the subject of many targeted studies on its role as a new gas transmitter. These studies have mainly focused on the production and pharmacological side effects caused by H2S. Therefore, effective strategies to remove H2S has become a key research topic. Furthermore, the development of novel nanoplatforms has provided new tools for the targeted removal of H2S. This paper was performed to review the association between H2S and disease, related H2S inhibitory drugs, as well as H2S responsive nanoplatforms (HRNs). This review first analyzed the role of H2S in multiple tissues and conditions. Second, common drugs used to eliminate H2S, as well as their potential for combination with anticancer agents, were summarized. Not only the existing studies on HRNs, but also the inhibition H2S combined with different therapeutic methods were both sorted out in this review. Furthermore, this review provided in-depth analysis of the potential of HRNs about treatment or detection in detail. Finally, potential challenges of HRNs were proposed. This study demonstrates the excellent potential of HRNs for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiafeng Zou
- Shanghai Frontier Science Research Base of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Zeting Yuan
- Shanghai Frontier Science Research Base of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xiaojie Chen
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - You Chen
- Shanghai Frontier Science Research Base of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Min Yao
- Shanghai Frontier Science Research Base of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Shanghai Frontier Science Research Base of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Shanghai Frontier Science Research Base of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Shanghai Frontier Science Research Base of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Wenxing Ding
- Shanghai Frontier Science Research Base of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Chuanhe Xia
- Shanghai Frontier Science Research Base of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yuzheng Zhao
- Shanghai Frontier Science Research Base of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Optogenetics and Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Research Unit of New Techniques for Live-cell Metabolic Imaging, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Shanghai Frontier Science Research Base of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Optogenetics and Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
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12
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Youness RA, Habashy DA, Khater N, Elsayed K, Dawoud A, Hakim S, Nafea H, Bourquin C, Abdel-Kader RM, Gad MZ. Role of Hydrogen Sulfide in Oncological and Non-Oncological Disorders and Its Regulation by Non-Coding RNAs: A Comprehensive Review. Noncoding RNA 2024; 10:7. [PMID: 38250807 PMCID: PMC10801522 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna10010007] [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: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, myriad studies have defined the versatile abilities of gasotransmitters and their synthesizing enzymes to play a "Maestro" role in orchestrating several oncological and non-oncological circuits and, thus, nominated them as possible therapeutic targets. Although a significant amount of work has been conducted on the role of nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO) and their inter-relationship in the field of oncology, research about hydrogen sulfide (H2S) remains in its infancy. Recently, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been reported to play a dominating role in the regulation of the endogenous machinery system of H2S in several pathological contexts. A growing list of microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are leading the way as upstream regulators for H2S biosynthesis in different mammalian cells during the development and progression of human diseases; therefore, their targeting can be of great therapeutic benefit. In the current review, the authors shed the light onto the biosynthetic pathways of H2S and their regulation by miRNAs and lncRNAs in various oncological and non-oncological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana A. Youness
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo (GUC), Cairo 11835, Egypt
- Biology and Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University (GIU), New Administrative Capital, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Danira Ashraf Habashy
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo (GUC), Cairo 11835, Egypt
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo (GUC), Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Nour Khater
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo (GUC), Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Kareem Elsayed
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo (GUC), Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Alyaa Dawoud
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo (GUC), Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Sousanna Hakim
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo (GUC), Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Heba Nafea
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo (GUC), Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Carole Bourquin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, Department of Anaesthesiology, Pharmacology, Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland;
| | - Reham M. Abdel-Kader
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo (GUC), Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Z. Gad
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo (GUC), Cairo 11835, Egypt
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13
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Yu D, Huang C, Zhu L, Wei Y, Li M. In-depth analysis of prognostic markers associated with the tumor immune microenvironment and genetic mutations in breast cancer based on an NK cell-related risk model. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23930. [PMID: 38226219 PMCID: PMC10788542 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23930] [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: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The natural killer (NK) cell population is unique because it consists of innate lymphocytes capable of detecting and eliminating tumors and virus-infected cells. This research aims to identify a new prognostic signal in breast cancer (BRCA) based on NK-cell-related genes (NKRGs). A variety of sequencing and gene mutation data, along with clinical information, were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Database (GEO). COX regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analyses were conducted to identify prognostic genes. In addition, the immune-related analysis was performed to evaluate the association between the immune microenvironment and clusters and risk model. The Edu assay, colony assay, wound healing assay, and transwell assay were performed to evaluate the cell proliferative and invasive abilities. A 4-NKRG-based prognostic model was constructed. Patients in high-risk groups were associated with poorer OS in TCGA and GSE42568. Further, a nomogram was constructed for better prediction of the prognosis of patients with BRCA. Finally, it was discovered that the over-expression of IFNE could suppress the proliferative and invasive abilities of BRCA cells, which might be a promising biomarker for patients with BRCA. As a result, we developed a novel 4-NKRG signal and nomogram capable of predicting the prognosis of patients with BRCA. Additionally, this model was closely associated with the immune microenvironment, which opened new therapeutic avenues for the treatment of cancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongmin Yu
- Department of Breast Disease Comprehensive Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Huang
- Nail and Breast Surgery, Suqian First People's Hospital, Suqian, 223800, People's Republic of China
| | - Luochen Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Nantong, 226361, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxi Wei
- First Clinical Medical College of Gannan Medical College, Ganzhou, 341000, People's Republic of China
| | - Meifang Li
- Department of Breast Disease Comprehensive Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, People's Republic of China
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14
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Elemam NM, Mekky RY, Rashid G, Braoudaki M, Youness RA. Pharmacogenomic and epigenomic approaches to untangle the enigma of IL-10 blockade in oncology. Expert Rev Mol Med 2024; 26:e1. [PMID: 38186186 PMCID: PMC10941350 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2023.26] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
The host immune system status remains an unresolved mystery among several malignancies. An immune-compromised state or smart immune-surveillance tactics orchestrated by cancer cells are the primary cause of cancer invasion and metastasis. Taking a closer look at the tumour-immune microenvironment, a complex network and crosstalk between infiltrating immune cells and cancer cells mediated by cytokines, chemokines, exosomal mediators and shed ligands are present. Cytokines such as interleukins can influence all components of the tumour microenvironment (TME), consequently promoting or suppressing tumour invasion based on their secreting source. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an interlocked cytokine that has been associated with several types of malignancies and proved to have paradoxical effects. IL-10 has multiple functions on cellular and non-cellular components within the TME. In this review, the authors shed the light on the regulatory role of IL-10 in the TME of several malignant contexts. Moreover, detailed epigenomic and pharmacogenomic approaches for the regulation of IL-10 were presented and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha M. Elemam
- Research Instiute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Clinical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Radwa Y. Mekky
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA University), Cairo 12622, Egypt
| | - Gowhar Rashid
- Amity Medical School, Amity University, Gurugram (Manesar) 122413, Haryana, India
| | - Maria Braoudaki
- Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK
| | - Rana A. Youness
- Biology and Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University, Cairo 11835, Egypt
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15
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Wang HG, Wang D, Sarfraz M, Afzal A, Jing MR, Zhang YX, Cai CB, Qi HW, Chen HJ, Li T, Hu SJ, Liu HX, Ji XY, Wu DD. Endogenous hydrogen sulfide inhibition suppresses tumor growth by promoting apoptosis and pyroptosis in esophageal cancer cells. Transl Oncol 2023; 38:101770. [PMID: 37716259 PMCID: PMC10514559 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101770] [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: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been identified as the third gaseous signaling molecule. Endogenous H2S plays a key role in the progression of various types of cancer. However, the effect of endogenous H2S on the growth of esophageal cancer (EC) remains unknown. METHODS In this study, three kinds of H2S-producing enzymes inhibitors, DL-propargylglycine (PAG, inhibitor of cystathionine-γ-lyase), aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA, inhibitor of cystathionine-β-synthase), and L-aspartic acid (L-Asp, inhibitor of 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase) were used to determine the role of endogenous H2S in the growth of EC9706 and K450 human EC cells. RESULTS The results indicated that the combination (PAG+AOAA+L-Asp) group showed higher inhibitory effects on the viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion of EC cells than PAG, AOAA, and L-Asp group. Inhibition of endogenous H2S promoted apoptosis via activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in EC cells. Endogenous H2S suppression triggered pyroptosis of EC cells by activating reactive oxygen species-mediated nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway. In addition, the combine group showed its more powerful growth-inhibitory effect on the growth of human EC xenograft tumors in nude mice without obvious toxicity. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that inhibition of endogenous H2S production can significantly inhibit human EC cell growth via promotion of apoptosis and pyroptosis. Endogenous H2S may be a promising therapeutic target in EC cells. Novel inhibitors for H2S-producing enzymes can be designed and developed for EC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Gang Wang
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Di Wang
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Muhammad Sarfraz
- Department of Science, South East Technological University, Main Campus Waterford X91K0EK, Ireland; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore, Lahore 56400, Pakistan
| | - Attia Afzal
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore, Lahore 56400, Pakistan
| | - Mi-Rong Jing
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Yan-Xia Zhang
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Chun-Bo Cai
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Hui-Wen Qi
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Hao-Jie Chen
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China; Kaifeng Municipal Key Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction, Henan Provincial Engineering Centre for Tumor Molecular Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Tao Li
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China; Kaifeng Municipal Key Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction, Henan Provincial Engineering Centre for Tumor Molecular Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China; Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Infection and Biological Safety, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Shui-Juan Hu
- School of Stomatology, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Hong-Xia Liu
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China; School of Stomatology, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China.
| | - Xin-Ying Ji
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China; Kaifeng Municipal Key Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction, Henan Provincial Engineering Centre for Tumor Molecular Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China; Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Infection and Biological Safety, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China.
| | - Dong-Dong Wu
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China; School of Stomatology, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China; Department of Stomatology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475000, China.
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16
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Soliman AH, Youness RA, Sebak AA, Handoussa H. Phytochemical-derived tumor-associated macrophage remodeling strategy using Phoenix dactylifera L. boosted photodynamic therapy in melanoma via H19/iNOS/PD-L1 axis. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2023; 44:103792. [PMID: 37689125 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tumor microenvironment (TME) represents a barrier to PDT efficacy among melanoma patients. The aim of this study is to employ a novel muti-tactic TME-remodeling strategy via repolarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), the main TME immune cells in melanoma, from the pro-tumor M2 into the antitumor M1 phenotype using Phoenix dactylifera L. (date palm) in combination with PDT. METHODS Screening of different date cultivars was employed to choose extracts of selective toxicity to melanoma and TAMs, not normal macrophages. Potential extracts were then fractionated and characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Finally, the efficacy and the potential molecular mechanism of the co-treatment were portrayed via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis. RESULTS Initial screening resulted in the selection of the two Phoenix dactylifera L. cultivars Safawi and Sukkari methanolic extracts. Sukkari showed superior capacity to revert TAM phenotype into M1 as well as more prominent upregulation of M1 markers and repression of melanoma immunosuppressive markers relative to positive control (resiquimod). Molecularly, it was shown that PDT of melanoma cells in the presence of the secretome of repolarized TAMs surpassed the monotherapy via the modulation of the H19/iNOS/PD-L1immune-regulatory axis. CONCLUSION This study highlights the potential utilization of nutraceuticals in combination with PDT in the treatment of melanoma to provide a dual activity through alleviating the immune suppressive TME and potentiating the anti-tumor responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya H Soliman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy & Biotechnology, The German University in Cairo, Main Entrance El Tagamoa El Khames, New Cairo 11511, Egypt.
| | - Rana A Youness
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy & Biotechnology, The German University in Cairo, Main Entrance El Tagamoa El Khames, New Cairo 11511, Egypt; Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University, New Administrative Capital, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Aya A Sebak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy & Biotechnology, The German University in Cairo, New Cairo 11511, Egypt.
| | - Heba Handoussa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy & Biotechnology, The German University in Cairo, Main Entrance El Tagamoa El Khames, New Cairo 11511, Egypt
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17
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Abaza T, El-Aziz MKA, Daniel KA, Karousi P, Papatsirou M, Fahmy SA, Hamdy NM, Kontos CK, Youness RA. Emerging Role of Circular RNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16484. [PMID: 38003674 PMCID: PMC10671287 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly fatal malignancy with limited therapeutic options and high recurrence rates. Recently, immunotherapeutic agents such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have emerged as a new paradigm shift in oncology. ICIs, such as programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitors, have provided a new source of hope for patients with advanced HCC. Yet, the eligibility criteria of HCC patients for ICIs are still a missing piece in the puzzle. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have recently emerged as a new class of non-coding RNAs that play a fundamental role in cancer pathogenesis. Structurally, circRNAs are resistant to exonucleolytic degradation and have a longer half-life than their linear counterparts. Functionally, circRNAs possess the capability to influence various facets of the tumor microenvironment, especially at the HCC tumor-immune synapse. Notably, circRNAs have been observed to control the expression of immune checkpoint molecules within tumor cells, potentially impeding the therapeutic effectiveness of ICIs. Therefore, this renders them potential cancer-immune biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic regimen determinants. In this review, the authors shed light on the structure and functional roles of circRNAs and, most importantly, highlight the promising roles of circRNAs in HCC immunomodulation and their potential as promising biomarkers and immunotherapeutic regimen determinants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasneem Abaza
- Biology and Biochemistry Department, Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University (GIU), Cairo 11835, Egypt; (T.A.); (M.K.A.E.-A.); (K.A.D.)
- Biotechnology and Biomolecular Chemistry Program, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Mostafa K. Abd El-Aziz
- Biology and Biochemistry Department, Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University (GIU), Cairo 11835, Egypt; (T.A.); (M.K.A.E.-A.); (K.A.D.)
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut 71631, Egypt
| | - Kerolos Ashraf Daniel
- Biology and Biochemistry Department, Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University (GIU), Cairo 11835, Egypt; (T.A.); (M.K.A.E.-A.); (K.A.D.)
- Biology and Biochemistry Department, Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Paraskevi Karousi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15701 Athens, Greece; (P.K.); (M.P.)
| | - Maria Papatsirou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15701 Athens, Greece; (P.K.); (M.P.)
| | - Sherif Ashraf Fahmy
- Department of Chemistry, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, R5 New Garden City, New Capital, Cairo 11835, Egypt;
| | - Nadia M. Hamdy
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt;
| | - Christos K. Kontos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15701 Athens, Greece; (P.K.); (M.P.)
| | - Rana A. Youness
- Biology and Biochemistry Department, Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University (GIU), Cairo 11835, Egypt; (T.A.); (M.K.A.E.-A.); (K.A.D.)
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Yu X, Huang Y, Zhang N, Zan Q, Wang X, Jin Z, Fan L, Dong C, Zhang Y. A lipid droplet-targeting fluorescent probe for specific H 2S imaging in biosamples and development of smartphone platform. Anal Chim Acta 2023; 1277:341679. [PMID: 37604615 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.341679] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a significant gas signal molecule, is closely related to various physiological/pathological processes. The monitoring of H2S is crucial in understanding the occurrence and development of diseases such as cancers. Emerging evidence suggests that abnormal regulation of Lipid droplets (LDs) is associated with many human diseases. For example, cancer cells are characterized by the abnormal accumulation of LDs. Therefore, understanding the relationship between LDs and cancer is of great significance for developing therapies against cancer. To address this challenge, we designed and developed a LD-targeting and H2S-activated probe (BTDA-DNB) by engineering a 2,4-dinitrophenyl ether (DNBE) as the H2S reactive site. In the presence of H2S, a strongly fluorescent emitter, 3-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-N,N-diethyl-2-imino-2H-chromen-7-amine (BTDA) was obtained with the leaving of DNBE group. BTDA-DNB displayed favorable sensitivity, selectivity and functioning well at physiological pH. The probe features excellent LD-targeting specificity and low cellular toxicity. The practical applications of LD-targeting probe BTDA-DNB as H2S probe in living cells, cancer tissues and Arabidopsis seedling have been evaluated. The excellent imaging performance demonstrates a potential ability for cancer diagnosis. Benefitted from the excellent performance on visual recognition H2S, a robust smartphone-integrated platform for H2S analysis was also successfully established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Yu
- School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Jilin Institute of Chemical Technology, Jilin, 132022, PR China
| | - Yunong Huang
- School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Jilin Institute of Chemical Technology, Jilin, 132022, PR China
| | - Ning Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Jilin Institute of Chemical Technology, Jilin, 132022, PR China; College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, PR China
| | - Qi Zan
- Institute of Environmental Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, PR China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- Institute of Environmental Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, PR China
| | - Zhuping Jin
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, PR China
| | - Li Fan
- Institute of Environmental Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, PR China.
| | - Chuan Dong
- Institute of Environmental Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, PR China
| | - Yuewei Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Jilin Institute of Chemical Technology, Jilin, 132022, PR China.
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Nafea H, Youness RA, Dawoud A, Khater N, Manie T, Abdel-Kader R, Bourquin C, Szabo C, Gad MZ. Dual targeting of H 2S synthesizing enzymes; cystathionine β-synthase and cystathionine γ-lyase by miR-939-5p effectively curbs triple negative breast cancer. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21063. [PMID: 37916110 PMCID: PMC10616356 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been recently scrutinized for its critical role in aggravating breast cancer (BC) tumorigenicity. Several cancers aberrantly express H2S synthesizing enzymes; Cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE). However, their levels and interdependence in BC require further studies. Objectives Firstly, this study aimed to demonstrate a comparative expression profile of H2S synthesizing enzymes in BC vs normal tissue. Moreover, to investigate the reciprocal relationship between CBS and CSE and highlight the importance of dual targeting. Finally, to search for a valid dual repressor of the H2S synthesizing enzymes that could cease H2S production and reduce TNBC pathogenicity. Methods Pairwise analysis of tumor vs. normal tissues of 40 BC patients was carried out. The TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231 was transfected with oligonucleotides to study the H2S mediated molecular mechanisms. In silico screening was performed to identify dual regulator(s) for CBS and CSE. Gene expression analysis was performed using qRT-PCR and was confirmed on protein level using Western blot. TNBC hallmarks were evaluated using MTT, migration, and clonogenicity assays. H2S levels were detected using a AzMc fluorescent probe. Results BC tissues exhibited elevated levels of both CBS and CSE. Interestingly, upon CBS knockdown, CSE levels increased compensating for H2S production in TNBC cells, underlining the importance of dually targeting both enzymes in TNBC. In silico screening suggested miR-939-5p as a regulator of both CBS and CSE with high binding scores. Low expression levels of miR-939-5p were found in BC tissues, especially the aggressive subtypes. Ectopic expression of miR-939-5p significantly repressed CBS and CSE transcript and protein levels, diminished H2S production and attenuated TNBC hallmarks. Moreover, it improved the immune surveillance potency of TNBC cells through up regulating the NKG2D ligands, MICB and ULBP2 and reducing the immune suppressive cytokine IL-10. Conclusion This study sheds light on the reciprocal relationship between CBS and CSE and on the importance of their dual targeting, particularly in TNBC. It also postulates miR-939-5p as a potent dual repressor for CBS and CSE overcoming their redundancy in H2S production, a mechanism that can potentially attenuate TNBC oncogenicity and improves the immunogenic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba Nafea
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rana A. Youness
- Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
- Biology and Biochemistry Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, New Administrative Capital, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Alyaa Dawoud
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nour Khater
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Tamer Manie
- Breast Surgery Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reham Abdel-Kader
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Carole Bourquin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland and Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva 1211, Switzerland
| | - Csaba Szabo
- Chair of Pharmacology, Section of Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Mohamed Z. Gad
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
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20
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El-Aziz MKA, Dawoud A, Kiriacos CJ, Fahmy SA, Hamdy NM, Youness RA. Decoding hepatocarcinogenesis from a noncoding RNAs perspective. J Cell Physiol 2023; 238:1982-2009. [PMID: 37450612 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Being a leading lethal malignancy worldwide, the pathophysiology of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has gained a lot of interest. Yet, underlying mechanistic basis of the liver tumorigenesis is poorly understood. The role of some coding genes and their respective translated proteins, then later on, some noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as microRNAs have been extensively studied in context of HCC pathophysiology; however, the implication of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in HCC is indeed less investigated. As a subclass of the ncRNAs which has been elusive for long time ago, lncRNAs was found to be involved in plentiful cellular functions such as DNA, RNA, and proteins regulation. Hence, it is undisputed that lncRNAs dysregulation profoundly contributes to HCC via diverse etiologies. Accordingly, lncRNAs represent a hot research topic that requires prime focus in HCC. In this review, the authors discuss breakthrough discoveries involving lncRNAs and circRNAs dysregulation that have contributed to the contemporary concepts of HCC pathophysiology and how these concepts could be leveraged as potential novel diagnostic and prognostic HCC biomarkers. Further, this review article sheds light on future trends, thereby discussing the pathological roles of lncRNAs and circRNAs in HCC proliferation, migration, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Along this line of reasoning, future recommendations of how these targets could be exploited to achieve effective HCC-related drug development is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa K Abd El-Aziz
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut, Egypt
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Biology and Biochemistry Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Alyaa Dawoud
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Caroline J Kiriacos
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sherif Ashraf Fahmy
- Chemistry Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nadia M Hamdy
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rana A Youness
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Biology and Biochemistry Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, Cairo, Egypt
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
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21
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Oza PP, Kashfi K. The Triple Crown: NO, CO, and H 2S in cancer cell biology. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 249:108502. [PMID: 37517510 PMCID: PMC10529678 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are three endogenously produced gases with important functions in the vasculature, immune defense, and inflammation. It is increasingly apparent that, far from working in isolation, these three exert many effects by modulating each other's activity. Each gas is produced by three enzymes, which have some tissue specificities and can also be non-enzymatically produced by redox reactions of various substrates. Both NO and CO share similar properties, such as activating soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) to increase cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels. At the same time, H2S both inhibits phosphodiesterase 5A (PDE5A), an enzyme that metabolizes sGC and exerts redox regulation on sGC. The role of NO, CO, and H2S in the setting of cancer has been quite perplexing, as there is evidence for both tumor-promoting and pro-inflammatory effects and anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory activities. Each gasotransmitter has been found to have dual effects on different aspects of cancer biology, including cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis, invasion and metastasis, angiogenesis, and immunomodulation. These seemingly contradictory actions may relate to each gas having a dual effect dependent on its local flux. In this review, we discuss the major roles of NO, CO, and H2S in the context of cancer, with an effort to highlight the dual nature of each gas in different events occurring during cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palak P Oza
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Khosrow Kashfi
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY 10031, USA; Graduate Program in Biology, City University of New York Graduate Center, New York 10091, USA.
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22
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Jin M, Yuan C, Duan S, Zeng B, Pan L. Downregulation of ACC expression suppresses cell viability and migration in the malignant progression of breast cancer. Exp Ther Med 2023; 26:445. [PMID: 37614434 PMCID: PMC10443050 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12144] [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: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Exploring new diagnostic biomarkers and molecular targets is of great importance in breast cancer treatment. The present study investigated the effects of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) expression interference on the malignant progression of breast cancer cells. ACC expression was knocked down using a lentiviral vector and this was verified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells were randomly allocated into the following groups: Normal breast cancer cells (control), breast cancer cells transduced with a negative control lentiviral vector and breast cancer cells transduced with an ACC knockdown lentiviral vector. Screening for stable transgenic strains was successful. Cell viability, apoptosis and migration were determined using Cell Counting Kit-8, flow cytometry and scratch test, respectively. The protein expression levels of N-cadherin, Vimentin and Bax were detected by western blotting. In addition, a nude mouse model of subcutaneous metastatic tumor was established using MCF-7 breast cancer cells, and tumor volume was assessed. Furthermore, pathological condition and apoptosis were detected using hematoxylin and eosin, and TUNEL staining, respectively. The protein expression levels of N-cadherin, Vimentin and Bax were detected by western blotting. The in vitro experiments showed that knockdown of ACC expression significantly decreased the viability and migration, and increased the apoptosis of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. In vivo experiments revealed that ACC knockdown effectively reduced the tumor volume in nude mice, and promoted tumor cell apoptosis. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that ACC knockdown can reduce the protein expression levels of N-cadherin and Vimentin, and increase Bax expression. These findings suggested that downregulation of ACC expression may significantly reduce the malignant progression of breast cancer, and could be considered a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Jin
- Department of Galactophore, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Chunlei Yuan
- Department of Galactophore Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Sijia Duan
- Department of Galactophore Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Bin Zeng
- Department of General Surgery, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330031, P.R. China
| | - Lingjuan Pan
- Department of General Surgery, Fengcheng People's Hospital, Fengcheng, Jiangxi 331100, P.R. China
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Chen H, Li K, Qin Y, Zhou J, Li T, Qian L, Yang C, Ji X, Wu D. Recent advances in the role of endogenous hydrogen sulphide in cancer cells. Cell Prolif 2023; 56:e13449. [PMID: 36929586 PMCID: PMC10472536 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen sulphide (H2 S) is a gaseous neurotransmitter that can be self-synthesized by living organisms. With the deepening of research, the pathophysiological mechanisms of endogenous H2 S in cancer have been increasingly elucidated: (1) promote angiogenesis, (2) stimulate cell bioenergetics, (3) promote migration and proliferation thereby invasion, (4) inhibit apoptosis and (5) activate abnormal cell cycle. However, the increasing H2 S levels via exogenous sources show the opposite trend. This phenomenon can be explained by the bell-shaped pharmacological model of H2 S, that is, the production of endogenous (low concentration) H2 S promotes tumour growth while the exogenous (high concentration) H2 S inhibits tumour growth. Here, we review the impact of endogenous H2 S synthesis and metabolism on tumour progression, summarize the mechanism of action of H2 S in tumour growth, and discuss the possibility of H2 S as a potential target for tumour treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao‐Jie Chen
- School of Basic Medical SciencesHenan UniversityKaifengHenan475004China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein RegulationHenan UniversityKaifengHenan475004China
| | - Ke Li
- School of Basic Medical SciencesHenan UniversityKaifengHenan475004China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein RegulationHenan UniversityKaifengHenan475004China
| | - Yang‐Zhe Qin
- School of Basic Medical SciencesHenan UniversityKaifengHenan475004China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein RegulationHenan UniversityKaifengHenan475004China
| | - Jing‐Jing Zhou
- School of Basic Medical SciencesHenan UniversityKaifengHenan475004China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein RegulationHenan UniversityKaifengHenan475004China
| | - Tao Li
- School of Basic Medical SciencesHenan UniversityKaifengHenan475004China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein RegulationHenan UniversityKaifengHenan475004China
| | - Lei Qian
- School of Basic Medical SciencesHenan UniversityKaifengHenan475004China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein RegulationHenan UniversityKaifengHenan475004China
| | - Chang‐Yong Yang
- School of Nursing and HealthHenan UniversityKaifengHenan475004China
| | - Xin‐Ying Ji
- School of Basic Medical SciencesHenan UniversityKaifengHenan475004China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein RegulationHenan UniversityKaifengHenan475004China
- Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Infection and Biological Safety, School of Basic Medical SciencesHenan UniversityKaifengHenan475004China
| | - Dong‐Dong Wu
- School of Basic Medical SciencesHenan UniversityKaifengHenan475004China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein RegulationHenan UniversityKaifengHenan475004China
- School of StomatologyHenan UniversityKaifengHenan475004China
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Xiang J, Wu X, Liu W, Wei H, Zhu Z, Liu S, Song C, Gu Q, Wei S, Zhang Y. Bioinformatic analyzes and validation of cystathionine gamma-lyase as a prognostic biomarker and related to immune infiltrates in hepatocellular carcinoma. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16152. [PMID: 37251842 PMCID: PMC10209420 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16152] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The role of cystathionine γ-lyase (CTH) in the prognosis and immune invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains poorly understood. Methods In this study, the clinical data of patients with HCC were analyzed, and the expression level of CTH was compared between HCC and normal tissues using the R package and various databases. Results We found that CTH expression was significantly decreased in HCC compared with normal tissues, and its expression was associated with various clinicopathological factors, including tumor stage, gender, tumor status, residual tumor, histologic stage, race, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), albumin, drinking, and smoking. Our results suggest that CTH might be a protective factor for the survival of patients with HCC. Further functional analysis revealed that high CTH expression was enriched in the Reactome signaling by interleukins and the Reactome neutrophil degranulation. Moreover, CTH expression was closely correlated with a variety of immune cells, including a negative correlation with the CD56 (bright) NK cells and follicular helper T cell (TFH), while a positive correlation with Th17 cells and central memory T cell (Tcm). High expression of CTH in immune cells predicted a better prognosis of HCC. Our findings further indicated Pyridoxal phosphate, l-cysteine, Carboxymethylthio-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazol, 2-[(3-Hydroxy-2-Methyl-5-Phosphonooxymethyl-Pyridin-4-Ylmethyl)-Imino]-5-phosphono-pent-3-enoic acid and L-2-amino-3-butynoic acid as potential target candidate medications for HCC treatment based on CTH. Conclusion Our study suggests that CTH can serve as a biomarker to predict the prognosis and immune infiltration of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Xiang
- Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Xinrui Wu
- Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Wangrui Liu
- Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Huagen Wei
- Dental Materials Science, Applied Oral Sciences and Community Dental Care, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhu Zhu
- Medical School of Nantong University, China
| | - Shifan Liu
- Medical School of Nantong University, China
| | | | - Qiang Gu
- Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, China
| | - Shiyin Wei
- Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, China
| | - Yichi Zhang
- Department of Transplantation, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Mekky RY, Ragab MF, Manie T, Attia AA, Youness RA. MALAT-1: Immunomodulatory lncRNA hampering the innate and the adaptive immune arms in triple negative breast cancer. Transl Oncol 2023; 31:101653. [PMID: 36907052 PMCID: PMC10025146 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is known as hot immunogenic tumor. Yet, it is one of the most aggressive BC subtypes. TNBC evolve several tactics to evade the immune surveillance phenomena, one of which is shedding of natural killer (NK) cells activating immune ligands such as MICA/B and/or by inducing the expression of the immune checkpoints such as PD-L1 and B7-H4. MALAT-1 is an oncogenic lncRNA. MALAT-1 immunogenic profile is not well investigated. AIM The study aims at exploring the immunogenic role of MALAT-1 in TNBC patients and cell lines and to identify its molecular mechanism in altering both innate and adaptive immune cells present at the tumor microenvironment of TNBC METHODS: BC patients (n = 35) were recruited. Primary NK cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes were isolated from normal individuals using the negative selection method. MDA-MB-231 cells were cultured and transfected by several oligonucleotides by lipofection technique. Screening of ncRNAs was performed using q-RT-PCR. Immunological functional analysis experiments were performed upon co-culturing primary natural killer cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes using LDH assay. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify potential microRNAs targeted by MALAT-1. RESULTS MALAT-1 expression was significantly upregulated in BC patinets with a profound expression in TNBC patients compared to their normal counterparts. Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between MALAT-1, tumor size and lymph node metastasis. Knocking down of MALAT-1 in MDA-MB-231 cells resulted in a significant induction of MICA/B, repression of PD-L1 and B7-H4 expression levels. Enhancement of cytotoxic activity of co-cultured NK and CD8+ cells with MALAT-1 siRNAs transfected MDA-MB-231 cells. In silico analysis revealed that miR-34a and miR-17-5p are potential targets to MALAT-1; accordingly, they were found to be downregulated in BC patients. Forcing the expression of miR-34a in MDA-MB-231 cells resulted in a significant induction in MICA/B levels. Ectopic expression of miR-17-5p in MDA-MB-231 cells significantly repressed the expression of PD-L1 and B7-H4 checkpoints. Validations of MALAT-1/miR-34a" and "MALAT-1/miR-17-5p axes were performed by a series of co-transfections and functional assessment of cytotoxic profile of primary immune cells. CONCLUSION This study proposes a novel epigenetic alteration exerted by TNBC cells mainly by inducing the expression of MALAT-1 lncRNA. MALAT-1 mediates innate and adaptive immune suppression events partially via targeting miR-34a/MICA/B and miR-175p/PD-L1/B7-H4 axes in TNBC patients and cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radwa Y Mekky
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA University), Cairo 12622, Egypt
| | - Mai F Ragab
- Pharmacology Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Tamer Manie
- Department of Breast Surgery, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Abdelrahman A Attia
- General Surgery Department, Ain Shams University, Demerdash Hospital, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rana A Youness
- Biology and Biochemistry Department, Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, Cairo 11835, Egypt.
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Zhang Q, Gao Y, Zhang Y, Jing M, Wang D, Wang Y, Khattak S, Qi H, Cai C, Zhang J, Ngowi EE, Khan NH, Li T, Ji A, Jiang Q, Ji X, Li Y, Wu D. Cystathionine γ-lyase mediates cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Oncogene 2022; 41:5238-5252. [PMID: 36310322 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02512-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an epithelia-derived malignancy with a distinctive geographic distribution. Cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) is involved in cancer development and progression. Nevertheless, the role of CSE in the growth of NPC is unknown. In this study, we found that CSE levels in human NPC cells were higher than those in normal nasopharyngeal cells. CSE overexpression enhanced the proliferative, migrative, and invasive abilities of NPC cells and CSE downregulation exerted reverse effects. Overexpression of CSE decreased the expressions of cytochrome C, cleaved caspase (cas)-3, cleaved cas-9, and cleaved poly-ADP-ribose polymerase, whereas CSE knockdown exhibited reverse effects. CSE overexpression decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and the expressions of phospho (p)-extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2, p-c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p-p38, but promoted the expressions of p-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), p-AKT, and p-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), whereas CSE knockdown showed oppose effects. In addition, CSE overexpression promoted NPC xenograft tumor growth and CSE knockdown decreased tumor growth by modulating proliferation, angiogenesis, cell cycle, and apoptosis. Furthermore, DL-propargylglycine (an inhibitor of CSE) dose-dependently inhibited NPC cell growth via ROS-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways without significant toxicity. In conclusion, CSE could regulate the growth of NPC cells through ROS-mediated MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR cascades. CSE might be a novel tumor marker for the diagnosis and prognosis of NPC. Novel donors/drugs that inhibit the expression/activity of CSE can be developed in the treatment of NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China.,Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Yingran Gao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China.,Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Yanxia Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China.,Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Mirong Jing
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China.,Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Di Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China.,Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Yizhen Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China.,Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Saadullah Khattak
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China.,School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Huiwen Qi
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China.,Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Chunbo Cai
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China.,Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China.,Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Ebenezeri Erasto Ngowi
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China.,Kaifeng Municipal Key Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction, Henan Provincial Engineering Centre for Tumor Molecular Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China.,Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Dar es Salaam University College of Education, Dar es Salaam, 2329, Tanzania
| | - Nazeer Hussain Khan
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China.,School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Tao Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China.,Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Ailing Ji
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China.,Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Qiying Jiang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China.,Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Xinying Ji
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China. .,Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China. .,Kaifeng Municipal Key Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction, Henan Provincial Engineering Centre for Tumor Molecular Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China.
| | - Yanzhang Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China. .,Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China.
| | - Dongdong Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China. .,Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China. .,School of Stomatology, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China.
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27
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Fan K, Zhang S, Ni X, Shen S, Wang J, Sun W, Suo T, Liu H, Ni X, Liu H. KRAS G12D mutation eliminates reactive oxygen species through the Nrf2/CSE/H 2S axis and contributes to pancreatic cancer growth. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2022; 54:1731-1739. [PMID: 36514219 PMCID: PMC9828102 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2022173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In pancreatic cancer, KRAS G12D can trigger pancreatic cancer initiation and development. Rapid tumor growth is often accompanied by excess intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which is unfavorable to tumor. However, the regulation of intracellular ROS levels in KRAS mutant pancreatic cancer remains unclear. In this study, we establish BxPC3 stable cell strains expressing KRAS wild type (WT) and G12D mutation and find unchanged ROS levels despite higher glycolysis and proliferation viability in KRAS mutant cells than KRAS WT cells. The key hydrogen sulfide (H 2S)-generating enzyme cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) is upregulated in KRAS mutant BxPC3 cells, and its knockdown significantly increases intracellular ROS levels and decreases cell glycolysis and proliferation. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is activated by KRAS mutation to promote CSE transcription. An Nrf2 binding site (‒47/‒39 bp) in the CSE promoter is verified. CSE overexpression and the addition of NaHS after Nrf2 knockdown or inhibition by brusatol decreases ROS levels and rescues cell proliferation. Our study reveals the regulatory mechanism of intracellular ROS levels in KRAS mutant pancreatic cancer cells, which provides a potential target for pancreatic cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Fan
- Department of General SurgeryCentral Hospital of Xuhui DistrictShanghai200032China
- Department of General SurgeryZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Biliary Tract Disease Center of Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Biliary Tract Disease InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Cancer CenterZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Shulong Zhang
- Department of General SurgeryCentral Hospital of Xuhui DistrictShanghai200032China
| | - Xiaojian Ni
- Department of General SurgeryZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Biliary Tract Disease Center of Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Biliary Tract Disease InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Cancer CenterZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Sheng Shen
- Department of General SurgeryCentral Hospital of Xuhui DistrictShanghai200032China
- Department of General SurgeryZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Biliary Tract Disease Center of Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Biliary Tract Disease InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Cancer CenterZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Jiwen Wang
- Department of General SurgeryZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Biliary Tract Disease Center of Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Biliary Tract Disease InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Cancer CenterZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Wentao Sun
- Department of General SurgeryZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Biliary Tract Disease Center of Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Biliary Tract Disease InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Cancer CenterZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Tao Suo
- Department of General SurgeryZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Biliary Tract Disease Center of Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Biliary Tract Disease InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Cancer CenterZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Han Liu
- Department of General SurgeryZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Biliary Tract Disease Center of Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Biliary Tract Disease InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Cancer CenterZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Xiaoling Ni
- Department of General SurgeryZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Biliary Tract Disease Center of Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Biliary Tract Disease InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Cancer CenterZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Houbao Liu
- Department of General SurgeryCentral Hospital of Xuhui DistrictShanghai200032China
- Department of General SurgeryZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Biliary Tract Disease Center of Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Biliary Tract Disease InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Cancer CenterZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
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28
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Czikora Á, Erdélyi K, Ditrói T, Szántó N, Jurányi EP, Szanyi S, Tóvári J, Strausz T, Nagy P. Cystathionine β-synthase overexpression drives metastatic dissemination in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma via inducing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transformation of cancer cells. Redox Biol 2022; 57:102505. [PMID: 36279629 PMCID: PMC9594639 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102505] [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: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest of all cancer types with a constant rise in global incidence. Therefore, better understanding of PDAC biology, in order to design more efficient diagnostic and treatment modalities, is a priority. Here we found that the expression levels of cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), a transsulfuration enzyme, is markedly elevated in metastatic PDAC cells compared to cell lines isolated from non-metastatic primary tumors. On human immunohistochemical samples from PDAC patients we also found higher CBS staining in cancerous ductal cells compared to in non-tumor tissue, which was further elevated in the lymph node metastasis of the same patients. In mice, orthotopically injected CBS-silenced T3M4 cells induced fewer liver metastases compared to control cells indicating important roles for CBS in PDAC cancer cell invasion and malignant transformation. Wound healing and colony formation assays in cell culture confirmed that CBS-deficient metastatic T3M4 and non-metastatic BxPC3 primary tumor cells migrate slower and have impaired anchorage-independent growth capacities compared to control T3M4 cells. CBS silencing in T3M4 cells lowered WNT5a and SNAI1 gene expression down to levels that were observed in BxPC3 cells as well as resulted in an increase in E-cadherin and a decrease in Vimentin signals in mouse tumors when injected orthotopically. These observations suggested a primary role for the epithelial to mesenchymal transformation of cancer cells in CBS-mediated tumor aggressiveness. Under normal conditions, STAT3, an upstream regulator of Wnt signaling pathways, was less phosphorylated and more oxidized in shCBS T3M4 and BxPC3 compared to control T3M4 cells, which is consistent with decreased transcriptional activity at lower CBS levels due to less protection against oxidation. Sulfur metabolome analyses suggested that this CBS-mediated protection against oxidative modifications is likely to be related to persulfide/sulfide producing activities of the enzyme rather than its canonical function to produce cystathionine for cysteine synthesis. Taken together, CBS overexpression through regulation of the EMT plays a significant role in PDAC cancer cell invasion and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ágnes Czikora
- Department of Molecular Immunology and Toxicology and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Erdélyi
- Department of Molecular Immunology and Toxicology and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás Ditrói
- Department of Molecular Immunology and Toxicology and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Noémi Szántó
- Department of Molecular Immunology and Toxicology and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eszter Petra Jurányi
- Department of Molecular Immunology and Toxicology and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Szilárd Szanyi
- Head and Neck Tumors Multidisciplinary Center and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Morphology and Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - József Tóvári
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás Strausz
- Center of Tumor Pathology Department of Surgical and Molecular Pathology and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Nagy
- Department of Molecular Immunology and Toxicology and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Anatomy and Histology, ELKH Laboratory of Redox Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary; Chemistry Institute, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.
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29
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Fahmy SA, Dawoud A, Zeinelabdeen YA, Kiriacos CJ, Daniel KA, Eltahtawy O, Abdelhalim MM, Braoudaki M, Youness RA. Molecular Engines, Therapeutic Targets, and Challenges in Pediatric Brain Tumors: A Special Emphasis on Hydrogen Sulfide and RNA-Based Nano-Delivery. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5244. [PMID: 36358663 PMCID: PMC9657918 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric primary brain tumors represent a real challenge in the oncology arena. Besides the psychosocial burden, brain tumors are considered one of the most difficult-to-treat malignancies due to their sophisticated cellular and molecular pathophysiology. Notwithstanding the advances in research and the substantial efforts to develop a suitable therapy, a full understanding of the molecular pathways involved in primary brain tumors is still demanded. On the other hand, the physiological nature of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) limits the efficiency of many available treatments, including molecular therapeutic approaches. Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), as a member of the gasotransmitters family, and its synthesizing machinery have represented promising molecular targets for plentiful cancer types. However, its role in primary brain tumors, generally, and pediatric types, particularly, is barely investigated. In this review, the authors shed the light on the novel role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) as a prominent player in pediatric brain tumor pathophysiology and its potential as a therapeutic avenue for brain tumors. In addition, the review also focuses on the challenges and opportunities of several molecular targeting approaches and proposes promising brain-delivery strategies for the sake of achieving better therapeutic results for brain tumor patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherif Ashraf Fahmy
- Chemistry Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, R5 New Capital City, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Alyaa Dawoud
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Yousra Ahmed Zeinelabdeen
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
- Faculty of Medical Sciences/UMCG, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline Joseph Kiriacos
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Kerolos Ashraf Daniel
- Biology and Biochemistry Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Omar Eltahtawy
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Miriam Mokhtar Abdelhalim
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Maria Braoudaki
- Clinical, Pharmaceutical, and Biological Science Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK
| | - Rana A. Youness
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
- Biology and Biochemistry Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, Cairo 11835, Egypt
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30
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Zhao J, Wang J, Liu J, Li S, Liu P, Zhang X. Effect and mechanisms of kaempferol against endometriosis based on network pharmacology and in vitro experiments. BMC Complement Med Ther 2022; 22:254. [PMID: 36184634 PMCID: PMC9528065 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-022-03729-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease, and its underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Patients are at a higher risk of recurrence after surgery or drug withdrawal. In this study, to identify a potentially effective and safe therapy for endometriosis, we screened potential target genes of kaempferol on endometriosis using network pharmacology and further validation. Network pharmacology showed kaempferol may suppress migratory and invasive properties by modulating the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway and its downstream target matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)9. Furthermore, in vitro experiments showed that kaempferol repressed the migration and invasion of endometrial cells, and this effect may be involved in mediating the PI3K-related genes, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and MMP9. Network pharmacology and in vitro experiments showed that kaempferol, repressed the implantation of endometrial cells and formation of ectopic lesions by inhibiting migration and invasion and regulating PTEN and MMP9, which may be associated with the PI3K pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junde Zhao
- grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 China ,grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Laboratory of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 China ,grid.464402.00000 0000 9459 9325First College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250011 China
| | - Juntao Wang
- grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Division of Hand and Foot Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 China
| | - Jinxing Liu
- grid.464402.00000 0000 9459 9325First College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250011 China
| | - Shuling Li
- grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 China
| | - Pengfei Liu
- grid.464402.00000 0000 9459 9325First College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250011 China
| | - Xiaodan Zhang
- grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 China
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31
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The Chemical and Pharmacological Research Progress on a Kind of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Fructus Malvae. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27175678. [PMID: 36080446 PMCID: PMC9458057 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175678] [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: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, traditional Chinese medicine has played an important role in the treatment process. Furthermore, the discovery of artemisinin in Artemisia annua has reduced the incidence of malaria all over the world. Therefore, it is becoming urgent and important to establish a novel method of conducting systematic research on Chinese herbal medicine, improving the medicinal utilization value of traditional Chinese medicine and bringing great benefits to human health all over the world. Fructus Malvae, a kind of Chinese herbal medicine which has been recorded in the “Chinese Pharmacopoeia” (2020 edition), refers to the dry, ripe fruits of Malva verticillata L. Recently, some studies have shown that Fructus Malvae exhibits some special pharmacological activities; for example, it has diuretic, anti-diabetes, antioxidant and anti-tumor properties, and it alleviates hair loss. Furthermore, according to the reports, the active ingredients separated and identified from Fructus Malvae contain some very novel compounds such as nortangeretin-8-O-β-d-glucuronopyranoside and 1-O-(6-deoxy-6-sulfo)-glucopyranosyl-2-O-linolenoyl-3-O-palmitoyl glyceride, which could be screened as important candidate compounds for diabetes- or tumor-treatment drugs, respectively. Therefore, in this research, we take Fructus Malvae as an example and systematically summarize the chemical constituents and pharmacological activity research progress of it. This review will be helpful in promoting the development and application of Fructus Malvae and will also provide an example for other investigations of traditional Chinese medicine.
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32
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Cancer stem cell markers interplay with chemoresistance in triple negative breast cancer: A therapeutic perspective. Bull Cancer 2022; 109:960-971. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2022.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Zuhra K, Petrosino M, Gupta B, Panagaki T, Cecconi M, Myrianthopoulos V, Schneiter R, Mikros E, Majtan T, Szabo C. Epigallocatechin gallate is a potent inhibitor of cystathionine beta-synthase: Structure-activity relationship and mechanism of action. Nitric Oxide 2022; 128:12-24. [PMID: 35973674 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2022.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the main bioactive component of green tea. Through screening of a small library of natural compounds, we discovered that EGCG inhibits cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), a major H2S-generating enzyme. Here we characterize EGCG's mechanism of action in the context of CBS-derived H2S production. In the current project, biochemical, pharmacological and cell biology approaches were used to characterize the effect of EGCG on CBS in cellular models of cancer and Down syndrome (DS). The results show that EGCG binds to CBS and inhibits H2S-producing CBS activity almost 30-times more efficiently than the canonical cystathionine formation (IC50 0.12 versus 3.3 μM). Through screening structural analogs and building blocks, we identified that gallate moiety of EGCG represents the pharmacophore responsible for CBS inhibition. EGCG is a mixed-mode, CBS-specific inhibitor with no effect on the other two major enzymatic sources of H2S, CSE and 3-MST. Unlike the prototypical CBS inhibitor aminooxyacetate, EGCG does not bind the catalytic cofactor of CBS pyridoxal-5'-phosphate. Molecular modeling suggests that EGCG blocks a substrate access channel to pyridoxal-5'-phosphate. EGCG inhibits cellular H2S production in HCT-116 colon cancer cells and in DS fibroblasts. It also exerts effects that are consistent with the functional role of CBS in these cells: in HCT-116 cells it decreases, while in DS cells it improves viability and proliferation. In conclusion, EGCG is a potent inhibitor of CBS-derived H2S production. This effect may contribute to its pharmacological effects in various pathophysiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Zuhra
- Chair of Pharmacology, University of Fribourg, Faculty of Science and Medicine, Chemin du Musee 18, Fribourg, 1700, Switzerland
| | - Maria Petrosino
- Chair of Pharmacology, University of Fribourg, Faculty of Science and Medicine, Chemin du Musee 18, Fribourg, 1700, Switzerland
| | - Barkha Gupta
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Faculty of Science and Medicine, Chemin du Musee 10, Fribourg, 1700, Switzerland
| | - Theodora Panagaki
- Chair of Pharmacology, University of Fribourg, Faculty of Science and Medicine, Chemin du Musee 18, Fribourg, 1700, Switzerland
| | - Marco Cecconi
- Chair of Pharmacology, University of Fribourg, Faculty of Science and Medicine, Chemin du Musee 18, Fribourg, 1700, Switzerland
| | - Vassilios Myrianthopoulos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Athens, Athens, 15772, Greece
| | - Roger Schneiter
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Faculty of Science and Medicine, Chemin du Musee 10, Fribourg, 1700, Switzerland
| | - Emmanuel Mikros
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Athens, Athens, 15772, Greece
| | - Tomas Majtan
- Chair of Pharmacology, University of Fribourg, Faculty of Science and Medicine, Chemin du Musee 18, Fribourg, 1700, Switzerland.
| | - Csaba Szabo
- Chair of Pharmacology, University of Fribourg, Faculty of Science and Medicine, Chemin du Musee 18, Fribourg, 1700, Switzerland.
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34
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Kiriacos CJ, Khedr MR, Tadros M, Youness RA. Prospective Medicinal Plants and Their Phytochemicals Shielding Autoimmune and Cancer Patients Against the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Special Focus on Matcha. Front Oncol 2022; 12:837408. [PMID: 35664773 PMCID: PMC9157490 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.837408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Being "positive" has been one of the most frustrating words anyone could hear since the end of 2019. This word had been overused globally due to the high infectious nature of SARS-CoV-2. All citizens are at risk of being infected with SARS-CoV-2, but a red warning sign has been directed towards cancer and immune-compromised patients in particular. These groups of patients are not only more prone to catch the virus but also more predisposed to its deadly consequences, something that urged the research community to seek other effective and safe solutions that could be used as a protective measurement for cancer and autoimmune patients during the pandemic. Aim The authors aimed to turn the spotlight on specific herbal remedies that showed potential anticancer activity, immuno-modulatory roles, and promising anti-SARS-CoV-2 actions. Methodology To attain the purpose of the review, the research was conducted at the States National Library of Medicine (PubMed). To search databases, the descriptors used were as follows: "COVID-19"/"SARS-CoV-2", "Herbal Drugs", "Autoimmune diseases", "Rheumatoid Arthritis", "Asthma", "Multiple Sclerosis", "Systemic Lupus Erythematosus" "Nutraceuticals", "Matcha", "EGCG", "Quercetin", "Cancer", and key molecular pathways. Results This manuscript reviewed most of the herbal drugs that showed a triple action concerning anticancer, immunomodulation, and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities. Special attention was directed towards "matcha" as a novel potential protective and therapeutic agent for cancer and immunocompromised patients during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Conclusion This review sheds light on the pivotal role of "matcha" as a tri-acting herbal tea having a potent antitumorigenic effect, immunomodulatory role, and proven anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity, thus providing a powerful shield for high-risk patients such as cancer and autoimmune patients during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Joseph Kiriacos
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Monika Rafik Khedr
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Miray Tadros
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rana A. Youness
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
- Biology and Biochemistry Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, Cairo, Egypt
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Ascenção K, Szabo C. Emerging roles of cystathionine β-synthase in various forms of cancer. Redox Biol 2022; 53:102331. [PMID: 35618601 PMCID: PMC9168780 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression of the reverse transsulfuration enzyme cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) is markedly increased in many forms of cancer, including colorectal, ovarian, lung, breast and kidney, while in other cancers (liver cancer and glioma) it becomes downregulated. According to the clinical database data in high-CBS-expressor cancers (e.g. colon or ovarian cancer), high CBS expression typically predicts lower survival, while in the low-CBS-expressor cancers (e.g. liver cancer), low CBS expression is associated with lower survival. In the high-CBS expressing tumor cells, CBS, and its product hydrogen sulfide (H2S) serves as a bioenergetic, proliferative, cytoprotective and stemness factor; it also supports angiogenesis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in the cancer microenvironment. The current article reviews the various tumor-cell-supporting roles of the CBS/H2S axis in high-CBS expressor cancers and overviews the anticancer effects of CBS silencing and pharmacological CBS inhibition in various cancer models in vitro and in vivo; it also outlines potential approaches for biomarker identification, to support future targeted cancer therapies based on pharmacological CBS inhibition.
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Application of a fluorescent H 2S probe based on excited-state intramolecular proton transfer for detecting latent mechanism of H 2S-induced MCF-7 apoptosis. Future Med Chem 2022; 14:647-663. [PMID: 35383482 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2021-0309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: H2S is the third gas transmitter affecting the growth, reproduction and survival of cancer cells. However, the H2S anticancer and antitumor mechanism still needs to be further studied. Methods: Here, FHS-1 was synthesized utilizing excited-state intramolecular proton transfer to detect H2S in MCF-7 cells, and investigated the effects of varying concentrations NaHS on apoptosis. Results: The study found that FHS-1 detects H2S levels with high selectivity and pH stability and that H2S may regulate apoptosis in MCF-7 cells through the p53/mTOR/STAT3 pathway. Conclusion: Researching the influence of H2S on apoptosis can serve as a theoretical foundation for future research into H2S-related anticancer medicines, and the H2S probe can be used as an effective cancer screening tool.
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Abdel-Latif M, Riad A, Soliman RA, Elkhouly AM, Nafae H, Gad MZ, Motaal AA, Youness RA. MALAT-1/p53/miR-155/miR-146a ceRNA circuit tuned by methoxylated quercitin glycoside alters immunogenic and oncogenic profiles of breast cancer. Mol Cell Biochem 2022; 477:1281-1293. [PMID: 35129780 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04378-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive and hot BC subtypes. Our research group has recently shed the light on the utility of natural compounds as effective immunotherapeutic agents. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of a methoxylated quercetin glycoside (MQG) isolated from Cleome droserifolia in harnessing TNBC progression and tuning the tumor microenvironment and natural killer cells cytotoxicity. Results showed that MQG showed the highest potency (IC50 = 12 µM) in repressing cellular proliferation, colony-forming ability, migration, and invasion capacities. Mechanistically, MQG was found to modulate a circuit of competing endogenous RNAs where it was found to reduce the oncogenic MALAT-1 lncRNA and induce TP53 and its downstream miRNAs; miR-155 and miR-146a. Accordingly, this leads to alteration in several downstream signaling pathways such as nitric oxide synthesizing machinery, natural killer cells' cytotoxicity through inducing the expression of its activating ligands such as MICA/B, ULBP2, CD155, and ICAM-1 and trimming of the immune-suppressive cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-10. In conclusion, this study shows that MQG act as a compelling anti-cancer agent repressing TNBC hallmarks, activating immune cell recognition, and alleviating the immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment experienced by TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Abdel-Latif
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Biotechnology Program, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt.,Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Riad
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Biotechnology Program, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt.,Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Raghda A Soliman
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Aisha M Elkhouly
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt.,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Heba Nafae
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt.,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Z Gad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amira Abdel Motaal
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rana A Youness
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt. .,Department of Biology and Biochemistry, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, New Administrative Capital, Cairo, 11578, Egypt.
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Pozzi G, Gobbi G, Masselli E, Carubbi C, Presta V, Ambrosini L, Vitale M, Mirandola P. Buffering Adaptive Immunity by Hydrogen Sulfide. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030325. [PMID: 35159135 PMCID: PMC8834412 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell-mediated adaptive immunity is designed to respond to non-self antigens and pathogens through the activation and proliferation of various T cell populations. T helper 1 (Th1), Th2, Th17 and Treg cells finely orchestrate cellular responses through a plethora of paracrine and autocrine stimuli that include cytokines, autacoids, and hormones. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is one of these mediators able to induce/inhibit immunological responses, playing a role in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, asthma, acute pancreatitis, and sepsis. Both endogenous and exogenous H2S modulate numerous important cell signaling pathways. In monocytes, polymorphonuclear, and T cells H2S impacts on activation, survival, proliferation, polarization, adhesion pathways, and modulates cytokine production and sensitivity to chemokines. Here, we offer a comprehensive review on the role of H2S as a natural buffer able to maintain over time a functional balance between Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg immunological responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Pozzi
- Anatomy Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (G.P.); (G.G.); (C.C.); (V.P.); (L.A.); (M.V.)
| | - Giuliana Gobbi
- Anatomy Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (G.P.); (G.G.); (C.C.); (V.P.); (L.A.); (M.V.)
| | - Elena Masselli
- Anatomy Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (G.P.); (G.G.); (C.C.); (V.P.); (L.A.); (M.V.)
- University Hospital of Parma, AOU-PR, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
- Correspondence: (E.M.); (P.M.)
| | - Cecilia Carubbi
- Anatomy Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (G.P.); (G.G.); (C.C.); (V.P.); (L.A.); (M.V.)
| | - Valentina Presta
- Anatomy Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (G.P.); (G.G.); (C.C.); (V.P.); (L.A.); (M.V.)
| | - Luca Ambrosini
- Anatomy Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (G.P.); (G.G.); (C.C.); (V.P.); (L.A.); (M.V.)
| | - Marco Vitale
- Anatomy Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (G.P.); (G.G.); (C.C.); (V.P.); (L.A.); (M.V.)
- University Hospital of Parma, AOU-PR, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
- Italian Foundation for the Research in Balneology, Via Po 22, 00198 Rome, Italy
| | - Prisco Mirandola
- Anatomy Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (G.P.); (G.G.); (C.C.); (V.P.); (L.A.); (M.V.)
- Correspondence: (E.M.); (P.M.)
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In Situ Detection of Hydrogen Sulfide in 3D-Cultured, Live Prostate Cancer Cells Using a Paper-Integrated Analytical Device. CHEMOSENSORS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/chemosensors10010027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In this study, a paper-integrated analytical device that combined a paper-based colorimetric assay with a paper-based cell culture platform was developed for the in situ detection of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in three-dimensional (3D)-cultured, live prostate cancer cells. Two kinds of paper substrates were fabricated using a simple wax-printing methodology to form the cell culture and detection zones, respectively. LNCaP cells were seeded directly on the paper substrate and grown in the paper-integrated analytical device. The cell viability and H2S production of LNCaP cells were assessed using a simple water-soluble tetrazolium salt colorimetric assay and H2S-sensing paper, respectively. The H2S-sensing paper showed good sensitivity (sensitivity: 6.12 blue channel intensity/μM H2S, R2 = 0.994) and a limit of quantification of 1.08 μM. As a result, we successfully measured changes in endogenous H2S production in 3D-cultured, live LNCaP cells within the paper-integrated analytical device while varying the duration of incubation and substrate concentration (L-cysteine). This paper-integrated analytical device can provide a simple and effective method to investigate H2S signaling pathways and drug screening in a 3D culture model.
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Liu Y, Liu Y, Zhang HL, Yu FF, Yin XR, Zhao YF, Ye F, Wu XQ. Amelioratory effect of neoandrographolide on myocardial ischemic-reperfusion injury by its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2021; 36:2367-2379. [PMID: 34397165 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23350] [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: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the cardioprotective effect of neoandrographolide (Neo) on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/R) models and explore its possible mechanism. We randomly and equally divided male mice into sham-operation, I/R, and I/R + Neo groups. H9C2 cell line and primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were induced into the simulated I/R's status and used to further validate the Neo's role in vitro. Heart systolic function, indexes of myocardial injury (IMI), infarct size, pathological change, cell apoptosis, inflammatory cytokines, and indexes related to apoptotic and NF-κB signaling pathways were analyzed in vivo or in vitro after the Neo treatment. Compared to the I/R group, Neo significantly suppressed IMI, infarct size, inflammatory cell infiltration, cell apoptosis, inflammatory cytokines, bax, cleaved caspase-3, P-IKBa, and P-NF-κB protein expressions, and the translocation of NF-kB subunit p65 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus in vivo or in vitro. Still, ejected fraction, fractional shortening, and the bcl-2 protein expression were notably increased after the Neo treatment. Neo could be developed into a new drug for treating myocardial I/R by inhibiting myocardial inflammation and apoptosis, which was closely related to suppressing the activation of bax/bcl-2 and NF-κB signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Department of Cardiology, the Eighty-first Hospital of PLA Affiliated with Anhui Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yun Liu
- Department of Cardiology, the Eighty-first Hospital of PLA Affiliated with Anhui Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong-Li Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, the Eighty-first Hospital of PLA Affiliated with Anhui Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fen-Fang Yu
- Department of Respiratory, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiao-Rui Yin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan-Fang Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, the Eighty-first Hospital of PLA Affiliated with Anhui Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fei Ye
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiang-Qi Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Analytical Methods for Detection of Gasotransmitter Hydrogen Sulfide Released from Live Cells. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:5473965. [PMID: 34497847 PMCID: PMC8419496 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5473965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) plays an important role in mammals as a signaling molecule. Recently, abnormal H2S concentration has been associated with several pathophysiological states, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. As regulating H2S concentration can be a very prominent way of developing new drugs, many researchers have paid great attention to H2S research. To understand the role of H2S in pathophysiology and develop H2S-based therapies, it is necessary to measure the exact concentration of H2S within biological systems. But, H2S is volatile and can be easily oxidized. Besides, the active sites for several biological effects of H2S are inside the cell. Therefore, there is a need for the development of new methods for the accurate and reliable detection of H2S within live cells. This review provides a summary of recent developments in H2S detection methods for live cell analysis.
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MUNTEANU C, MUNTEANU D, ONOSE G. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) - therapeutic relevance in rehabilitation and balneotherapy Systematic literature review and meta-analysis based on the PRISMA paradig. BALNEO AND PRM RESEARCH JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.12680/balneo.2021.438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. An active molecule in sulfurous mineral - therapeutic waters and also in sapropelic mud is H2S, a hormetic gaseous molecule that can actively penetrate the skin. While high levels of H2S are extremely toxic, low levels are tolerated and have potential cytoprotective effects, with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant applications.
Objective. This systematic review aims to rigorously select related articles and identify within their content the main possible uses of hydrogen sulfide from balneary sources and to explain its physiological mechanisms and therapeutic properties.
Methods. To elaborate our systematic review, we have searched for relevant open access articles in 6 international databases: Cochrane , Elsevier , NCBI/PubMed , NCBI/PMC , PEDro , and ISI Web of Knowledge/Science , published from January 2016 until July 2021. The contextually quested keywords combinations/ syntaxes used are specified on this page. The eligible articles were analyzed in detail regarding pathologies addressed by hydrogen sulfide. All articles with any design (reviews, randomized controlled trials, non-randomized controlled trials, case-control studies, cross-sectional studies), if eligible according to the above-mentioned selection methodology, containing in the title the selected combinations, were included in the analysis. Articles were excluded in the second phase if they did not reach the relevance criterion.
Results. Our search identified, first, 291 articles. After eliminating the duplicates and non-ISI articles, remained 121 papers. In the second phase, we applied a PEDro selection filter, resulting in 108 articles that passed the relevance criterion and were included in this systematic review.
Conclusions. H2S biology and medical relevance are not fully understood and used adequately for sanogenic or medical purposes. More research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and importance of this therapeutic gase. The link between balneotherapy and medical rehabilitation regarding the usage of hydrogen sulfide emphasises the unity for this medical speciality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantin MUNTEANU
- 1 University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa, 16 University Street, Iasi, Romania
| | - Diana MUNTEANU
- National Institute of Rehabilitation, Physical Medicine and Balneoclimatology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gelu ONOSE
- Teaching Emergency Hospital ”Bagdasar-Arseni”, Bucharest, Romania , Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy ”Carol Davila”, Bucharest,
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Zhao J, Zhao Y, Ding S, Liu T, Meng F. Low CBS expression can identify patients who benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy in gastric cancer. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2021; 21:1287-1298. [PMID: 34320879 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2021.1962298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Aim: To explore the clinical significance of Cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) expression in gastric cancer (GC).Research design and methods: CBS expression and clinicopathological/follow-up information of patients with gastric cancer undergoing operation were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The association of CBS expression with patients' overall survival (OS) was determined in the entire cohort and different subgroups. Validation was performed in two external cohorts from NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The estimated drug response of the tumors with different CBS expressions was characterized. The potential CBS-related cellular pathways in chemoresistance were explored.Results: High CBS was associated with poor OS in patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) but not those without ACT. And ACT was associated with favorable OS in patients with low CBS expression but not those with high CBS expression. The results were verified in two external cohorts. Drug response prediction suggested that patients with low CBS expression showed high sensitivity to 5-Fluorouracil. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) suggested that CBS might contribute to GC chemoresistance via modulating many cellular pathways, including down-regulating apoptosis and P53 pathways while up-regulating DNA repair pathway.Conclusion: Low CBS expression can predict the benefit from ACT in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinsheng Zhao
- Department of Famous Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yusheng Zhao
- Department of Rehabilitation, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of TCM, Tianjin, China
| | - Shasha Ding
- Department of Acupuncture and Tuina, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Fanzheng Meng
- Department of Acupuncture and Tuina, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin, China
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Shadbad MA, Safaei S, Brunetti O, Derakhshani A, Lotfinejad P, Mokhtarzadeh A, Hemmat N, Racanelli V, Solimando AG, Argentiero A, Silvestris N, Baradaran B. A Systematic Review on the Therapeutic Potentiality of PD-L1-Inhibiting MicroRNAs for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Toward Single-Cell Sequencing-Guided Biomimetic Delivery. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12081206. [PMID: 34440380 PMCID: PMC8391239 DOI: 10.3390/genes12081206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)/programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) is a well-established inhibitory immune checkpoint axis in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Growing evidence indicates that tumoral PD-L1 can lead to TNBC development. Although conventional immune checkpoint inhibitors have improved TNBC patients’ prognosis, their effect is mainly focused on improving anti-tumoral immune responses without substantially regulating oncogenic signaling pathways in tumoral cells. Moreover, the conventional immune checkpoint inhibitors cannot impede the de novo expression of oncoproteins, like PD-L1, in tumoral cells. Accumulating evidence has indicated that the restoration of specific microRNAs (miRs) can downregulate tumoral PD-L1 and inhibit TNBC development. Since miRs can target multiple mRNAs, miR-based gene therapy can be an appealing approach to inhibit the de novo expression of oncoproteins, like PD-L1, restore anti-tumoral immune responses, and regulate various intracellular singling pathways in TNBC. Therefore, we conducted the current systematic review based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) to provide a comprehensive and unbiased synthesis of currently available evidence regarding the effect of PD-L1-inhibiting miRs restoration on TNBC development and tumor microenvironment. For this purpose, we systematically searched the Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest, Web of Science, Ovid, and IranDoc databases to obtain the relevant peer-reviewed studies published before 25 May 2021. Based on the current evidence, the restoration of miR-424-5p, miR-138-5p, miR-570-3p, miR-200c-3p, miR-383-5p, miR-34a-5p, miR-3609, miR-195-5p, and miR-497-5p can inhibit tumoral PD-L1 expression, transform immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment into the pro-inflammatory tumor microenvironment, inhibit tumor proliferation, suppress tumor migration, enhance chemosensitivity of tumoral cells, stimulate tumor apoptosis, arrest cell cycle, repress the clonogenicity of tumoral cells, and regulate various oncogenic signaling pathways in TNBC cells. Concerning the biocompatibility of biomimetic carriers and the valuable insights provided by the single-cell sequencing technologies, single-cell sequencing-guided biomimetic delivery of these PD-L1-inhibiting miRs can decrease the toxicity of traditional approaches, increase the specificity of miR-delivery, enhance the efficacy of miR delivery, and provide the affected patients with personalized cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Abdoli Shadbad
- Research Center for Evidence-Based Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166614766, Iran; (M.A.S.); (P.L.)
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5165665811, Iran; (S.S.); (A.D.); (N.H.); (A.M.)
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5165665811, Iran
| | - Sahar Safaei
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5165665811, Iran; (S.S.); (A.D.); (N.H.); (A.M.)
| | - Oronzo Brunetti
- Medical Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, 70124 Bari, Italy; (O.B.); (A.G.S.); (A.A.)
| | - Afshin Derakhshani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5165665811, Iran; (S.S.); (A.D.); (N.H.); (A.M.)
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology, IRCCS Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Parisa Lotfinejad
- Research Center for Evidence-Based Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166614766, Iran; (M.A.S.); (P.L.)
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5165665811, Iran; (S.S.); (A.D.); (N.H.); (A.M.)
| | - Ahad Mokhtarzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5165665811, Iran; (S.S.); (A.D.); (N.H.); (A.M.)
| | - Nima Hemmat
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5165665811, Iran; (S.S.); (A.D.); (N.H.); (A.M.)
| | - Vito Racanelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Unit of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Antonio Giovanni Solimando
- Medical Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, 70124 Bari, Italy; (O.B.); (A.G.S.); (A.A.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Unit of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Antonella Argentiero
- Medical Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, 70124 Bari, Italy; (O.B.); (A.G.S.); (A.A.)
| | - Nicola Silvestris
- Medical Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, 70124 Bari, Italy; (O.B.); (A.G.S.); (A.A.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Unit of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy;
- Correspondence: (N.S.); (B.B.)
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5165665811, Iran; (S.S.); (A.D.); (N.H.); (A.M.)
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166614766, Iran
- Correspondence: (N.S.); (B.B.)
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Ge C, Li J, Liu L, Liu HK, Qian Y. A self-immolated fluorogenic agent triggered by H 2S exhibiting potential anti-glioblastoma activity. Analyst 2021; 146:3510-3515. [PMID: 33908968 DOI: 10.1039/d1an00457c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive type of malignant brain tumor with poor survival and limited therapeutic options. Theranostic anticancer agents with dual functions of diagnosis and therapy are highly attractive. Self-immolation reaction is a promising approach for theranostic prodrugs triggered by the tumor microenvironment. Overexpression of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in glioma cells becomes a potential stimulus for activating prodrugs. Herein, a novel H2S responsive agent (SNF) containing amonafide (ANF), a self-immolative linker and a trigger group has been developed for imaging and chemotherapy in living cells. SNF exhibited high selectivity and sensitivity towards H2S and also showed excellent lysosome-targeted capability. The activated SNF could translocate to the nucleus, causing DNA damage and blocking the cell cycle. More mechanistic studies indicated that SNF altered the mitochondrial membrane potential and induced autophagy in human glioblastoma-astrocytoma (U87MG). In addition, 3D multicellular U87MG tumor spheroids were used to further confirm the active drug release and high anti-proliferative activity of SNF. This approach may provide a general strategy for developing H2S-triggered prodrugs for synergic cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Ge
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biofunctional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China.
| | - Ji Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biofunctional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China.
| | - Lu Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biofunctional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China.
| | - Hong-Ke Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biofunctional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China.
| | - Yong Qian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biofunctional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China.
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Abdallah RM, Elkhouly AM, Soliman RA, El Meckawy N, El Sebaei A, Motaal AA, El-Askary H, Youness RA, Assal RA. Hindering The Synchronization Between Mir-486-5p And H19 Lncrna By Hesperetin Halts Breast Cancer Aggressiveness Through Tuning ICAM-1. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 22:586-595. [PMID: 33882812 DOI: 10.2174/1871520621666210419093652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, a novel crosstalk between non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) has been casted. However, this has been seldomly investigated in metastatic BC (mBC). H19 and miR-486-5p role in mBC is controversial. ICAM-1 is a recently recognized metastatic engine in mBC. Natural compounds were recently found to alter ncRNAs/target circuits. Yet, Hesperitin modulatory role in altering such circuits has never been investigated in mBC. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of hesperitin on miR-486-5p/H19/ICAM-1 axis Methodology: BC patients (n=20) were recruited in the study. Bioinformatic analysis was performed using different prediction softwares. MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells were cultured and transfected using several oligonucleotides or treated with serial dilutions of hesperitin. RNA was extracted and gene expression analysis was performed using q-RT-PCR. ICAM-1 protein levels were assessed using human ICAM-1 Elisa Kit. Cytotoxic potential of hesperitin against normal cells was assessed by LDH assay. Several functional analysis experiments were performed such as MTT, colony forming and migration assays. RESULTS The study showed that miR-486-5p and H19 has a paradoxical expression profiles in mBC patients. miR-486-5p mimics and H19 siRNAs repressed ICAM-1 and halted mBC hallmarks. A novel crosstalk between miR-486-5p and H19 was observed highlighting a bi-directional relationship between them. Hesperetin restored the expression of miR-486-5p, inhibited H19 lncRNA and ICAM-1 expression and selectively regressed mBC cell aggressiveness. CONCLUSION miR-486-5p and H19 are inter-connected upstream regulators for ICAM-1 building up miR-486-5p/H19/ICAM-1 axis that has been successfully tuned in mBC cells by hesperitin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramah M Abdallah
- Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Egypt
| | - Aisha M Elkhouly
- Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Egypt
| | - Raghda A Soliman
- Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Ahmed El Sebaei
- Pathology Department International Medical center, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amira A Motaal
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Rana A Youness
- Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reem A Assal
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Egypt
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Szabo C. Hydrogen Sulfide, an Endogenous Stimulator of Mitochondrial Function in Cancer Cells. Cells 2021; 10:cells10020220. [PMID: 33499368 PMCID: PMC7911547 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has a long history as toxic gas and environmental hazard; inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase (mitochondrial Complex IV) is viewed as a primary mode of its cytotoxic action. However, studies conducted over the last two decades unveiled multiple biological regulatory roles of H2S as an endogenously produced mammalian gaseous transmitter. Cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST) are currently viewed as the principal mammalian H2S-generating enzymes. In contrast to its inhibitory (toxicological) mitochondrial effects, at lower (physiological) concentrations, H2S serves as a stimulator of electron transport in mammalian mitochondria, by acting as an electron donor—with sulfide:quinone oxidoreductase (SQR) being the immediate electron acceptor. The mitochondrial roles of H2S are significant in various cancer cells, many of which exhibit high expression and partial mitochondrial localization of various H2S producing enzymes. In addition to the stimulation of mitochondrial ATP production, the roles of endogenous H2S in cancer cells include the maintenance of mitochondrial organization (protection against mitochondrial fission) and the maintenance of mitochondrial DNA repair (via the stimulation of the assembly of mitochondrial DNA repair complexes). The current article overviews the state-of-the-art knowledge regarding the mitochondrial functions of endogenously produced H2S in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Csaba Szabo
- Chair of Pharmacology, Section of Medicine, University of Fribourg, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
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Nafea H, Youness RA, Abou-Aisha K, Gad MZ. LncRNA HEIH/miR-939-5p interplay modulates triple-negative breast cancer progression through NOS2-induced nitric oxide production. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:5362-5372. [PMID: 33368266 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to unravel the regulatory role of noncoding RNAs (ncRNA) on the nitric oxide (NO) machinery system in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients and to further assess the influence of NO-modulating ncRNAs on TNBC progression, immunogenic profile, and the tumor microenvironment (TME). The results revealed miR-939-5p and lncRNA HEIH as novel ncRNAs modulating NO machinery in TNBC. MiR-939-5p, an underexpressed microRNA (miRNA) in BC patients, showed an inhibitory effect on NOS2 and NOS3 transcript levels on TNBC cells. In contrast, HEIH was found to be markedly upregulated in TNBC patients and showed a modulatory role on miR-939-5p/NOS2/NO axis. Functionally, miR-939-5p was characterized as a tumor suppressor miRNA while HEIH was categorized as a novel oncogenic lncRNA in TNBC. Finally, knocking down of HEIH resulted in improvement of immunogenic profile of TNBC cells through inducing MICA/B and suppressing the immune checkpoint inhibitor PDL1. In the same context, knockdown of HEIH resulted in the alleviation of the immune-suppressive TME by repressing interleukin-10 and tumor necrosis factor-α levels. In conclusion, this study identifies miR-939-5p as a tumor suppressor miRNA while HEIH as an oncogenic lncRNA exhibiting its effect through miR-939-5p/NOS2/NO axis. Therefore, repressing BC hallmarks, improving TNBC immunogenic profile, and trimming TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba Nafea
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, Egypt
| | - Rana A Youness
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, Egypt
| | - Khaled Abou-Aisha
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Z Gad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, Egypt
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