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Santos FR, Rossetto IMU, Montico F, de Almeida Lamas C, Cagnon VHA. Differential tempol effects in prostatic cancer: angiogenesis and short- and long-term treatments. J Mol Histol 2024; 55:253-264. [PMID: 38551737 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-024-10187-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second cause of cancer death among men worldwide. Several processes are involved in the development and progression of PCa such as angiogenesis, inflammation and oxidative stress. The present study investigated the effect of short- or long-term Tempol treatment at different stages of prostate adenocarcinoma progression, focusing on angiogenic, proliferative, and stromal remodeling processes in TRAMP mice. The dorsolateral lobe of the prostate of TRAMP mice were evaluated at two different stages of PCa progression; early and late stages. Early stage was again divided into, short- or long-term. 50 mg/kg Tempol dose was administered orally. The results demonstrated that Tempol mitigated the prostate histopathological lesion progressions in the TRAMP mice in all treated groups. However, Tempol increased molecules involved in the angiogenic process such as CD31 and VEGFR2 relative frequencies, particularly in long-term treatment. In addition, Tempol upregulated molecule levels involved in angiogenesis and stromal remodeling process VEGF, TGF-β1, VE-cadherin and vimentin, particularly, in T8-16 group. Thus, it was concluded that Tempol treatment delayed prostatic lesion progression in the dorsolateral lobe of the TRAMP mice. However, Tempol also led to pro-angiogenic effects and glandular stromal microenvironment imbalance, especially, in the long-term treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Rabelo Santos
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology-Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), 255 Monteiro Lobato St, Campinas, SP, 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Isabela Maria Urra Rossetto
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology-Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), 255 Monteiro Lobato St, Campinas, SP, 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Fabio Montico
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology-Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), 255 Monteiro Lobato St, Campinas, SP, 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Celina de Almeida Lamas
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology-Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), 255 Monteiro Lobato St, Campinas, SP, 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Valéria Helena Alves Cagnon
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology-Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), 255 Monteiro Lobato St, Campinas, SP, 13083-862, Brazil.
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Huang J, Wang C, Hou Y, Tian Y, Li Y, Zhang H, Zhang L, Li W. Molecular mechanisms of Thrombospondin-2 modulates tumor vasculogenic mimicry by PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115455. [PMID: 37696083 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) differs from the classical tumor angiogenesis model. VM does not depend on endothelial cells; instead, highly aggressive tumor cells mimic endothelial cells to form a vascular-like channel structure. VM mediated by tumor cells is significantly and positively associated with a poor prognosis and low survival rates in patients with highly aggressive cancer. In the treatment of highly aggressive malignancies, the presence of VM is considered an important reason for the unsatisfactory clinical efficacy of anti-tumor-angiogenesis therapy (e.g., therapy targeting vascular endothelial growth factor A). Many targeted therapeutic drugs based on traditional tumor blood vessels have been used clinically. Although some progress has been made in certain tumors, problems such as drug resistance have restricted the expected therapeutic effects. Thrombospondin 2 (THBS2) is one of the most important genes associated with angiogenesis, and this gene exerts angiogenesis-related functions through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Although the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is closely related to the progression of VM, the mechanism by which the promising biomarker THBS2 participates in and regulates tumor VM by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is unclear. In this review, we analyze the monomer structure and biological activity of THBS2, the structure and potential synthesis mechanisms of VM, and the complex mechanisms between THBS2, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, and VM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, The College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Congcong Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, The College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yixuan Hou
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, The College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yuanyuan Tian
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, The College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yanru Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, The College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Haiying Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, The College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Lihong Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, The College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Wei Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, The College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China.
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Li D, Zhang Q, Tang Y, Mao F, Zeng J, Ji A. LncRNAs associated with vascular mimicry establish a novel molecular subtype and prognostic model for pancreatic cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:11571-11584. [PMID: 37400573 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05015-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular mimicry (VM) epitomizes an innovative tumor angiogenesis pathway, potentially serving as an alternate conduit under the assumption of traditional tumor angiogenesis pathway inhibition. The role of VM in pancreatic cancer (PC), however, remains unexplored. METHODS Using differential analysis and Spearman correlation, we identified key long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) signatures in PC from the collected set of VM-associated genes in the literature. We identified optimal clusters using the non-negative matrix decomposition (NMF) algorithm, and then compared clinicopathological features and prognostic differences between clusters. We also assessed tumor microenvironmental (TME) differences between clusters using multiple algorithms. Using univariate Cox regression analyses as well as lasso regression, we constructed and validated new lncRNA prognostic risk models for PC. We used Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) to analyze model-enriched functions and pathways. Nomograms were then developed to predict patient survival in association with clinicopathological factors. In addition, single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis was used to analyze the expression patterns of VM-related genes and lncRNAs in the PC of TME. Finally, we used the Connectivity Map (cMap) database to predict local anaesthetics that could modify the VM of PC. RESULTS In this study, we developed a novel three-cluster molecular subtype using the identified VM-associated lncRNA signatures of PC. The different subtypes have significantly different clinical characteristics and prognostic value, and also show differential treatment response and TME. Following an in-depth analysis, we constructed and validated a novel prognostic risk model for PC based on the VM-associated lncRNA signatures. Enrichment analysis suggested that high riskscores were significantly associated with functions and pathways, including extracellular matrix remodeling, et al. In addition, we predicted eight local anaesthetics that could modulate VM in PC. Finally, we discovered differential expression of VM-related genes and lncRNAs across various cell types within pancreatic cancer. CONCLUSION VM has a critical role in PC. This study pioneers the development of a VM-based molecular subtype that demonstrates substantial differentiation in PC populations. Furthermore, we highlighted the significance of VM within the immune microenvironment of PC. Moreover, VM might contribute to PC tumorigenesis through its mediation of mesenchymal remodeling and endothelial transdifferentiation-related pathways, which offers a new perspective on its role in PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Li
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Yangzhou University Affiliated Hospital, Yangzhou, 225000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yubao Tang
- Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feiyu Mao
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Yangzhou University Affiliated Hospital, Yangzhou, 225000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jia Zeng
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Yangzhou University Affiliated Hospital, Yangzhou, 225000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Anlai Ji
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Yangzhou University Affiliated Hospital, Yangzhou, 225000, Jiangsu, China.
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Han DS, Lee HJ, Lee EO. Resveratrol suppresses serum-induced vasculogenic mimicry through impairing the EphA2/twist-VE-cadherin/AKT pathway in human prostate cancer PC-3 cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20125. [PMID: 36418859 PMCID: PMC9684476 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24414-z] [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: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is closely related to cancer progression and metastasis, contributing to poor prognosis in patients with cancer. Resveratrol (RES) is well known to possess anti-cancer activity. This study explored the new role of RES in VM incidence in human prostate cancer (PCa) PC-3 cells. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, transwell invasion, and three-dimensional culture VM tube formation assays were performed to check the cell viability, invasive ability, and vessel-like networks formation, respectively. VM-related proteins were detected by Western blots. The activity of metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) was identified by gelatin zymography. Vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) mRNA was assessed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Nuclear twist expression was observed by immunofluorescence assay. RES reduced serum-induced invasion and VM formation. Serum-induced phosphorylation of erythropoiethin-producing hepatoceullular A2 (EphA2) and the expression of VE-cadherin at the protein and mRNA levels were decreased after RES treatment. RES inhibited serum-induced expression and nuclear localization of twist. Serum-activated AKT signaling pathway, including MMP-2 and laminin subunit 5 gamma-2, was impaired by RES. These results suggested that RES may have an anti-VM effect through suppressing the EphA2/twist-VE-cadherin/AKT signaling cascade in PCa PC-3 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deok-Soo Han
- grid.289247.20000 0001 2171 7818Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447 Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Jeong Lee
- grid.289247.20000 0001 2171 7818Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447 Republic of Korea ,grid.289247.20000 0001 2171 7818Department of Cancer Preventive Material Development, College of Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447 Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ok Lee
- grid.289247.20000 0001 2171 7818Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447 Republic of Korea ,grid.289247.20000 0001 2171 7818Department of Cancer Preventive Material Development, College of Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447 Republic of Korea
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The Biomarker Like the Correlation between Vasculogenic Mimicry, Vascular Endothelial Cadherin, Sex-DeterminingRegion on Y-Box Transcription Factor 17, and Cyclin D1 in Oesophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:8915503. [PMID: 36072972 PMCID: PMC9444392 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8915503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background This study aimed to explore the relationships between the sex-determining region on Y (SRY) box transcription factor 17 (SOX17), Cyclin D1, vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin), and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) in the occurrence and development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods The expressions of SOX17, Cyclin D1, and VE-cadherin, as well as VM, in tissues, were determined using immunohistochemistry. SOX17, Cyclin D1, and VE-cadherin mRNA in ESCC and their corresponding adjacent normal tissues were quantified using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis. Cell invasion, migration, and proliferation were determined after the silencing of VE-cadherin. SOX17, Cyclin D1, and VE-cadherin protein were quantified using Western blotting. Results The expression levels of SOX17, Cyclin D1, and VE-cadherin significantly correlated with the clinical characteristics of ESCC. After the VE-cadherin silencing, cell invasion, migration, and proliferation decreased, along with the Cyclin D1 levels, while the SOX17 levels increased. Conclusion SOX17, Cyclin D1, and VE-cadherin are involved in the development of ESCC.
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Han DS, Lee EO. Sp1 Plays a Key Role in Vasculogenic Mimicry of Human Prostate Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:1321. [PMID: 35163245 PMCID: PMC8835864 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sp1 transcription factor regulates genes involved in various phenomena of tumor progression. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is the alternative neovascularization by aggressive tumor cells. However, there is no evidence of the relationship between Sp1 and VM. This study investigated whether and how Sp1 plays a crucial role in the process of VM in human prostate cancer (PCa) cell lines, PC-3 and DU145. A cell viability assay and three-dimensional culture VM tube formation assay were performed. Protein and mRNA expression levels were detected by Western blot and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, respectively. The nuclear twist expression was observed by immunofluorescence assay. A co-immunoprecipitation assay was performed. Mithramycin A (MiA) and Sp1 siRNA significantly decreased serum-induced VM, whereas Sp1 overexpression caused a significant induction of VM. Serum-upregulated vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) protein and mRNA expression levels were decreased after MiA treatment or Sp1 silencing. The protein expression and the nuclear localization of twist were increased by serum, which was effectively inhibited after MiA treatment or Sp1 silencing. The interaction between Sp1 and twist was reduced by MiA. On the contrary, Sp1 overexpression enhanced VE-cadherin and twist expressions. Serum phosphorylated AKT and raised matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and laminin subunit 5 gamma-2 (LAMC2) expressions. MiA or Sp1 silencing impaired these effects. However, Sp1 overexpression upregulated phosphor-AKT, MMP-2 and LAMC2 expressions. Serum-upregulated Sp1 was significantly reduced by an AKT inhibitor, wortmannin. These results demonstrate that Sp1 mediates VM formation through interacting with the twist/VE-cadherin/AKT pathway in human PCa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deok-Soo Han
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Graduate School, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea;
| | - Eun-Ok Lee
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Graduate School, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea;
- Department of Cancer Preventive Material Development, Graduate School, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea
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Kawahara R, Simizu S. ErbB4-mediated regulation of vasculogenic mimicry capability in breast cancer cells. Cancer Sci 2021; 113:950-959. [PMID: 34971015 PMCID: PMC8898724 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
ErbB4 is a member of the ErbB receptor tyrosine kinase family. It has both pro- and anti-oncogenic activities in tumors. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM), a phenomenon in which cancer cells form capillary-like structures without endothelial cells, has been recognized to be a cause of malignant phenotypes in some solid tumors. Here, we used an in vitro VM formation assay, and demonstrated that ErbB4 negatively regulated VM formation in human breast cancer cells. By using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene knockout, we verified that the depletion of endogenous ErbB4 improved the VM formation capability. Although treatment with neuregulin 1 (NRG1), a ligand of ErbB4, induced the phosphorylation of ErbB4 and promoted VM formation in a dose-dependent manner, it did not induce such activities in kinase-dead K751M ErbB4-expressing breast cancer cells. Moreover, we examined the effect of the missense mutation E872K of ErbB4, which has been reported in multiple tumors, on VM formation, and found that the mutation enhanced the basal phosphorylation level and ErbB4-mediated VM formation in the absence of NRG1 stimulation. While NRG1 stimulated VM formation, excessive activation of ErbB4 induced a negative effect. In E872K ErbB4-overexpressing cells, but not in wild-type ErbB4-overexpressing cells, the number of VM tubes was significantly decreased by low-dose treatment with the ErbB inhibitor afatinib. Taken together, our findings demonstrated the significance of ErbB4-mediated VM formation, and suggested the possibility of ErbB4 mutations as effective targets in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Kawahara
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Siro Simizu
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, Japan
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Dong S, Chen Z, Wang L, Liu Y, Stagos D, Lin X, Liu M. Marine Bromophenol Bis(2,3,6-Tribromo-4,5-Dihydroxybenzyl)ether Inhibits Angiogenesis in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells and Reduces Vasculogenic Mimicry in Human Lung Cancer A549 Cells. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:641. [PMID: 34822512 PMCID: PMC8617710 DOI: 10.3390/md19110641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis, including the growth of new capillary blood vessels from existing ones and the malignant tumors cells formed vasculogenic mimicry, is quite important for the tumor metastasis. Anti-angiogenesis is one of the significant therapies in tumor treatment, while the clinical angiogenesis inhibitors usually exhibit endothelial cells dysfunction and drug resistance. Bis(2,3,6-tribromo-4,5-dihydroxybenzyl)ether (BTDE), a marine algae-derived bromophenol compound, has shown various biological activities, however, its anti-angiogenesis function remains unknown. The present study illustrated that BTDE had anti-angiogenesis effect in vitro through inhibiting human umbilical vein endothelial cells migration, invasion, tube formation, and the activity of matrix metalloproteinases 9 (MMP9), and in vivo BTDE also blocked intersegmental vessel formation in zebrafish embryos. Moreover, BTDE inhibited the migration, invasion, and vasculogenic mimicry formation of lung cancer cell A549. All these results indicated that BTDE could be used as a potential candidate in anti-angiogenesis for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songtao Dong
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; (S.D.); (Z.C.); (L.W.); (Y.L.)
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Zhongyuan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; (S.D.); (Z.C.); (L.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Li Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; (S.D.); (Z.C.); (L.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yankai Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; (S.D.); (Z.C.); (L.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Dimitrios Stagos
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece;
| | - Xiukun Lin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, 319 Zhongshan Road, Jiangyang, Luzhou 646000, China;
| | - Ming Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; (S.D.); (Z.C.); (L.W.); (Y.L.)
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
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Chu Z, Shi X, Chen G, He X, Qian Y, Wang H, Tao L, Liu Y, Jiang W, Chen J. COE Inhibits Vasculogenic Mimicry by Targeting EphA2 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma, a Research Based on Proteomics Analysis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:619732. [PMID: 33867982 PMCID: PMC8044863 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.619732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
New strategies and drugs are urgently needed to improve the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) has been elucidated being associated with the progression of HCC and anti-VM could be a promising strategy. Celastrus orbiculatus extract (COE), a mixture of 26 compounds isolated from the Chinese Herb Celastrus Orbiculatus Vine, has been elucidated to be able to disrupt VM formation in HCC. This study aims to dissect and identify the potential targets of COE on anti-VM formation both in vitro and in vivo that are distinct from our previous study. Proteomics analysis was used to identify differential proteins in HCC cells treated with or without COE (Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD022203). Cells invasion was examined using Transwell. Matrigel was used to establish a 3-D culture condition for VM formation in vitro. RT-PCR and Western Blot were used to examine changes of mRNA and protein respectively. Clinical resected samples were applied to confirm association between VM formation and identified targets. Subcutaneous xenograft tumor model was established to observe tumor growth and VM formation in vivo. PAS-CD34 dual staining was used to detect VM in vivo. A total of 194 proteins were identified to be differentially expressed in HCC cells treated with or without COE. In the 93 down-regulated proteins EphA2 stood out to be regulated on both RNA and protein level. Disruption EphA2 using COE or NVP inhibited VM formation and decreased VM associated biomarkers. In xenograft mouse model, COE inhibited tumor growth and VM formation via down-regulating EphA2. Taken together, our results indicate that COE could be used in HCC treatment because of its promising anti-VM effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zewen Chu
- Department of Oncology, The Second People's Hospital of Taizhou Affiliated to Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,The Key of Cancer Prevention and Treatment of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xin Shi
- Department of Oncology, The Second People's Hospital of Taizhou Affiliated to Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Gaoyang Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Second People's Hospital of Taizhou Affiliated to Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xuejun He
- Department of Oncology, The Second People's Hospital of Taizhou Affiliated to Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yayun Qian
- Institution of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Haibo Wang
- Institution of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Li Tao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Marine Science and Technology Institute, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yanqing Liu
- Institution of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Marine Science and Technology Institute, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jue Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Second People's Hospital of Taizhou Affiliated to Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Institution of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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Wechman SL, Emdad L, Sarkar D, Das SK, Fisher PB. Vascular mimicry: Triggers, molecular interactions and in vivo models. Adv Cancer Res 2020; 148:27-67. [PMID: 32723566 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2020.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Vascular mimicry is induced by a wide array of genes with functions related to cancer stemness, hypoxia, angiogenesis and autophagy. Vascular mimicry competent (VM-competent) cells that form de novo blood vessels are common in solid tumors facilitating tumor cell survival and metastasis. VM-competent cells display increased levels of vascular mimicry selecting for stem-like cells in an O2-gradient-dependent manner in deeply hypoxic tumor regions, while also aiding in maintaining tumor cell metabolism and stemness. Three of the principal drivers of vascular mimicry are EphA2, Nodal and HIF-1α, however, directly or indirectly many of these molecules affect VE-Cadherin (VE-Cad), which forms gap-junctions to bind angiogenic blood vessels together. During vascular mimicry, the endothelial-like functions of VM-competent cancer stem cells co-opt VE-Cad to bind cancer cells together to create cancer cell-derived blood conducting vessels. This process potentially compensates for the lack of access to blood and nutrient in avascular tumors, simultaneously providing nutrients and enhancing cancer invasion and metastasis. Current evidence also supports that vascular mimicry promotes cancer malignancy and metastasis due to the cooperation of oncogenic signaling molecules driving cancer stemness and autophagy. While a number of currently used cancer therapeutics are effective inhibitors of vascular mimicry, developing a new class of vascular mimicry specific inhibitors could allow for the treatment of angiogenesis-resistant tumors, inhibit cancer metastasis and improve patient survival. In this review, we describe the principal vascular mimicry pathways in addition to emphasizing the roles of hypoxia, autophagy and select proangiogenic oncogenes in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen L Wechman
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Luni Emdad
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Devanand Sarkar
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Swadesh K Das
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Paul B Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
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The PABPC5/HCG15/ZNF331 Feedback Loop Regulates Vasculogenic Mimicry of Glioma via STAU1-Mediated mRNA Decay. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2020; 17:216-231. [PMID: 32346611 PMCID: PMC7183103 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2020.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Glioma is the most common primary malignancy in the brain, and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is one of the blood supply methods. Here we investigated the possibility that lncRNAs regulate the stability of transcription factors through the SMD pathway, which affects proliferation, migration, invasion, and the ability to form VMs in glioma. Expression of PABPC5, HCG15, and ZNF331 was detected by real-time qPCR or western blot in glioma. Cell Counting Kit-8, Transwell assays, and in vitro VM tube formation were used to investigate PABPC5, HCG15, and ZNF331 function in cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and VM, respectively. ChIP assays were used to ascertain the interaction betweenZNF331 and LAMC2 or PABPC5. PABPC5 and HCG15 were highly expressed in glioma cells. ZNF331 was lowly expressed. PABPC5 bound HCG15 to increase its stability. Knockdown HCG15 reduced the degradation of ZNF331 mRNA by the SMD pathway. ZNF331 inhibited transcription through binding to the promoter region of LAMC2 and PABPC5 and inhibited the ability to form VMs in glioma cells. The PABPC5/HCG15/ZNF331 feedback loop plays an important role in regulating VM formation in glioma and provides new targets for glioma treatment.
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12
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Kong L, Cai FY, Yao XM, Jing M, Fu M, Liu JJ, He SY, Zhang L, Liu XZ, Ju RJ, Li XT. RPV-modified epirubicin and dioscin co-delivery liposomes suppress non-small cell lung cancer growth by limiting nutrition supply. Cancer Sci 2020; 111:621-636. [PMID: 31777993 PMCID: PMC7004549 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy for non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is far from satisfactory, mainly due to poor targeting of antitumor drugs and self‐adaptations of the tumors. Angiogenesis, vasculogenic mimicry (VM) channels, migration, and invasion are the main ways for tumors to obtain nutrition. Herein, RPV‐modified epirubicin and dioscin co‐delivery liposomes were successfully prepared. These liposomes showed ideal physicochemical properties, enhanced tumor targeting and accumulation in tumor sites, and inhibited VM channel formation, tumor angiogenesis, migration and invasion. The liposomes also downregulated VM‐related and angiogenesis‐related proteins in vitro. Furthermore, when tested in vivo, the targeted co‐delivery liposomes increased selective accumulation of drugs in tumor sites and showed extended stability in blood circulation. In conclusion, RPV‐modified epirubicin and dioscin co‐delivery liposomes showed strong antitumor efficacy in vivo and could thus be considered a promising strategy for NSCLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Kong
- School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, China
| | - Fu-Yi Cai
- School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, China
| | - Xue-Min Yao
- School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, China
| | - Ming Jing
- School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, China
| | - Min Fu
- School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, China
| | - Jing-Jing Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, China
| | - Si-Yu He
- School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, China
| | - Xin-Ze Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, China
| | - Rui-Jun Ju
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Xue-Tao Li
- School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, China
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13
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Hernández de la Cruz ON, López-González JS, García-Vázquez R, Salinas-Vera YM, Muñiz-Lino MA, Aguilar-Cazares D, López-Camarillo C, Carlos-Reyes Á. Regulation Networks Driving Vasculogenic Mimicry in Solid Tumors. Front Oncol 2020; 9:1419. [PMID: 31993365 PMCID: PMC6970938 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a mechanism whereby cancer cells form microvascular structures similar to three-dimensional channels to provide nutrients and oxygen to tumors. Unlike angiogenesis, VM is characterized by the development of new patterned three-dimensional vascular-like structures independent of endothelial cells. This phenomenon has been observed in many types of highly aggressive solid tumors. The presence of VM has also been associated with increased resistance to chemotherapy, low survival, and poor prognosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level through different pathways. In recent years, these tiny RNAs have been shown to be expressed aberrantly in different human malignancies, thus contributing to the hallmarks of cancer. In this context, miRNAs and lncRNAs can be excellent biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and the prediction of response to therapy. In this review, we discuss the role that the tumor microenvironment and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition have in VM. We include an overview of the mechanisms of VM with examples of diverse types of tumors. Finally, we describe the regulation networks of lncRNAs-miRNAs and their clinical impact with the VM. Knowing the key genes that regulate and promote the development of VM in tumors with invasive, aggressive, and therapy-resistant phenotypes will facilitate the discovery of novel biomarker therapeutics against cancer as well as tools in the diagnosis and prognosis of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - José Sullivan López-González
- Laboratorio de Cáncer de Pulmón, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias "Ismael Cosío Villegas", Mexico, Mexico
| | - Raúl García-Vázquez
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, Mexico, Mexico
| | - Yarely M Salinas-Vera
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, Mexico, Mexico
| | - Marcos A Muñiz-Lino
- Laboratorio de Patología y Medicina Bucal, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco, Mexico, Mexico
| | - Dolores Aguilar-Cazares
- Laboratorio de Cáncer de Pulmón, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias "Ismael Cosío Villegas", Mexico, Mexico
| | - César López-Camarillo
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, Mexico, Mexico
| | - Ángeles Carlos-Reyes
- Laboratorio de Cáncer de Pulmón, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias "Ismael Cosío Villegas", Mexico, Mexico
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14
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Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Suppresses Vasculogenic Mimicry through Inhibiting the Twist/VE-Cadherin/AKT Pathway in Human Prostate Cancer PC-3 Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020439. [PMID: 31936664 PMCID: PMC7013924 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is the alternative process of forming vessel-like networks by aggressive tumor cells, and it has an important role in tumor survival, growth, and metastasis. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is well known to have diverse bioactivities including anti-cancer effects. However, the efficacy of EGCG on VM is elusive. In this study, we explored whether and how EGCG affects VM in human prostate cancer (PCa) PC-3 cells. Cell viability was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Invasive and VM formation abilities were assessed by an invasion assay and a three-dimensional (3D) culture VM tube formation assay, respectively. Western blots were carried out. An immunofluorescence assay was performed to detect nuclear twist expression. EGCG effectively inhibited the invasive ability, as well as tubular channel formation, without affecting cell viability. EGCG significantly downregulated the expression of vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) and its transcription factor, twist, N-cadherin, vimentin, phosphor-AKT, and AKT, but not phospho-erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptor A2 (EphA2) and EphA2. In addition, EGCG diminished the nuclear localization of twist. Treatment with SC79, an AKT activator, effectively rescued EGCG-inhibited VM formation. These results demonstrated for the first time that EGCG causes marked suppression of VM through inhibiting the twist/VE-cadherin/AKT pathway in human PCa PC-3 cells.
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Kaempferol Promotes Apoptosis While Inhibiting Cell Proliferation via Androgen-Dependent Pathway and Suppressing Vasculogenic Mimicry and Invasion in Prostate Cancer. Anal Cell Pathol (Amst) 2019; 2019:1907698. [PMID: 31871879 PMCID: PMC6913338 DOI: 10.1155/2019/1907698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Kaempferol is a well-known natural flavonol reported to be a potential treatment for multiple cancers. In this study, we demonstrated that cell growth of androgen-sensitive LNCaP cells could be inhibited 33% by 5 μM kaempferol, around 60% by 10 μM kaempferol, and almost 100% by 15 μM kaempferol. Also, kaempferol showed relatively limited effect on PC-3 cells and nonmalignant RWPE-1 cells. In the presence of DHT, the IC50 for kaempferol was 28.8 ± 1.5 μM in LNCaP cells, 58.3 ± 3.5 μM in PC-3 cells, and 69.1 ± 1.2 μM in RWPE-1 cells, respectively. Kaempferol promotes apoptosis of LNCaP cells in a dose-dependent manner in the presence of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Then, luciferase assay data showed that kaempferol could inhibit the activation of androgen receptors induced by DHT significantly. The downstream targets of androgen receptors, such as PSA, TMPRSS2, and TMEPA1, were found decreased in the presence of kaempferol in qPCR data. It was then confirmed that the protein level of PSA was decreased. Kaempferol inhibits AR protein expression and nuclear accumulation. Kaempferol suppressed vasculogenic mimicry of PC-3 cells in an in vitro study. In conclusion, kaempferol is a promising therapeutic candidate for treatment of prostate cancer, where the androgen signaling pathway as well as vasculogenic mimicry are involved.
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Zhang X, Zhang J, Zhou H, Fan G, Li Q. Molecular Mechanisms and Anticancer Therapeutic Strategies in Vasculogenic Mimicry. J Cancer 2019; 10:6327-6340. [PMID: 31772665 PMCID: PMC6856738 DOI: 10.7150/jca.34171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a vascular formation mechanism used by aggressive tumor cells. VM provides an alternative pathway for adequate blood perfusion and challenges the traditional angiogenesis mechanism that depends only on endothelial cells (ECs), as VM-forming tumor cells express a mixed endothelial/tumor phenotype. VM is closely correlated with tumor invasion, migration, and progression. Hence, anticancer therapeutic strategies targeting VM biogenesis are essential. It is widely acknowledged that the VM formation mechanism involves multiple pathways. The purpose of this review is to describe the potential molecular mechanisms related to different pathways and discuss the involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in VM formation. Moreover, we discuss the significance of VM in clinical practice and present new anticancer therapeutic strategies that target VM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of medicine, No.100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, P.R. China
| | - Jigang Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of medicine, No.100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, P.R. China
| | - Heming Zhou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of medicine, No.100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, P.R. China
| | - Guorong Fan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of medicine, No.100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, P.R. China
| | - Qin Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of medicine, No.100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, P.R. China
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Cao W, Xu C, Li X, Yang X. Twist1 promotes astrocytoma development by stimulating vasculogenic mimicry. Oncol Lett 2019; 18:846-855. [PMID: 31289562 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytomas are one of the most vascularized types tumor in human cancers. Micro-vascular proliferation is an important factor for the classification of astrocytoma. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a novel tumor vascular model that develops independently of endothelial cells, and serves an important role in astrocytoma. Twist family bHLH transcription factor 1 (Twist1) is able to regulate the formation of VM; thus in the present study, the expression and importance of Twist1 was studied in astrocytoma tissues. The present study confirmed that the expression of Twist1 was associated with the grade of astrocytoma. Twist1 promotes the formation of VM and the development of astrocytomas, and may also regulate the formation of VM via vascular endothelial-cadherin and matrix metalloproteinase-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cao
- Department of Pathology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Can Xu
- Department of Pathology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Xinxing Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Xianghong Yang
- Department of Pathology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
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