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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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Elmasri RA, Rashwan AA, Gaber SH, Rostom MM, Karousi P, Yasser MB, Kontos CK, Youness RA. Puzzling out the role of MIAT LncRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma. Noncoding RNA Res 2024; 9:547-559. [PMID: 38515792 PMCID: PMC10955557 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2024.01.006] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
A non-negligible part of our DNA has been proven to be transcribed into non-protein coding RNA and its intricate involvement in several physiological processes has been highly evidenced. The significant biological role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has been variously reported. In the current review, the authors highlight the multifaceted role of myocardial infarction-associated transcript (MIAT), a well-known lncRNA, in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Since its discovery, MIAT has been described as a regulator of carcinogenesis in several malignant tumors and its overexpression predicts poor prognosis in most of them. At the molecular level, MIAT is closely linked to the initiation of metastasis, invasion, cellular migration, and proliferation, as evidenced by several in-vitro and in-vivo models. Thus, MIAT is considered a possible theranostic agent and therapeutic target in several malignancies. In this review, the authors provide a comprehensive overview of the underlying molecular mechanisms of MIAT in terms of its downstream target genes, interaction with other classes of ncRNAs, and potential clinical implications as a diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarker in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rawan Amr Elmasri
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Biology and Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University (GIU), New Administrative Capital, 11835, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Alaa A. Rashwan
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Biology and Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University (GIU), New Administrative Capital, 11835, Cairo, Egypt
- Biotechnology Graduate Program, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo (AUC), 11835, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sarah Hany Gaber
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Biology and Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University (GIU), New Administrative Capital, 11835, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Monica Mosaad Rostom
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo (GUC), 11835, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Paraskevi Karousi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15701, Athens, Greece
| | - Montaser Bellah Yasser
- Bioinformatics Group, Center for Informatics Sciences (CIS), School of Information Technology and Computer Science (ITCS), Nile University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Christos K. Kontos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15701, Athens, Greece
| | - Rana A. Youness
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Biology and Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University (GIU), New Administrative Capital, 11835, Cairo, Egypt
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3
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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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Hu Y, Zang W, Feng Y, Mao Q, Chen J, Zhu Y, Xue W. mir-605-3p prevents liver premetastatic niche formation by inhibiting angiogenesis via decreasing exosomal nos3 release in gastric cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:184. [PMID: 38802855 PMCID: PMC11131241 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03359-5] [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: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-induced pre-metastatic niches (PMNs) play a decisive role in promoting metastasis by facilitating angiogenesis in distant sites. Evidence accumulates suggesting that microRNAs (miRNAs) exert significant influence on angiogenesis during PMN formation, yet their specific roles and regulatory mechanisms in gastric cancer (GC) remain underexplored. METHODS miR-605-3p was identified through miRNA-seq and validated by qRT-PCR. Its correlation with the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis was analyzed in GC. Functional assays were performed to examine angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. The related molecular mechanisms were elucidated using RNA-seq, immunofluorescence, transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, luciferase reporter assays and bioinformatics analysis. RESULTS miR-605-3p was screened as a candidate miRNA that may regulate angiogenesis in GC. Low expression of miR-605-3p is associated with shorter overall survival and disease-free survival in GC. miR-605-3p-mediated GC-secreted exosomes regulate angiogenesis by regulating exosomal nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3) derived from GC cells. Mechanistically, miR-605-3p reduced the secretion of exosomes by inhibiting vesicle-associated membrane protein 3 (VAMP3) expression and affects the transport of multivesicular bodies to the GC cell membrane. At the same time, miR-605-3p reduces NOS3 levels in exosomes by inhibiting the expression of intracellular NOS3. Upon uptake of GC cell-derived exosomal NOS3, human umbilical vein endothelial cells exhibited increased nitric oxide levels, which induced angiogenesis, established liver PMN and ultimately promoted the occurrence of liver metastasis. Furthermore, a high level of plasma exosomal NOS3 was clinically associated with metastasis in GC patients. CONCLUSIONS miR-605-3p may play a pivotal role in regulating VAMP3-mediated secretion of exosomal NOS3, thereby affecting the formation of GC PMN and thus inhibiting GC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Hu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Affliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Street, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Weijie Zang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Affliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Street, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Ying Feng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Affliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Street, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Qinsheng Mao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Affliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Street, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Junjie Chen
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Yizhun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, 999078, China.
| | - Wanjiang Xue
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Affliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Street, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China.
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Nantong, 226001, 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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Rashwan HH, Taher AM, Hassan HA, Awaji AA, Kiriacos CJ, Assal RA, Youness RA. Harnessing the supremacy of MEG3 LncRNA to defeat gastrointestinal malignancies. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 256:155223. [PMID: 38452587 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a pivotal role in the carcinogenesis and progression of various human malignancies including gastrointestinal malignancies. This comprehensive review reports the functions and mechanisms of the lncRNA maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) involved in gastrointestinal malignancies. It summarizes its roles in mediating the regulation of cellular proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasiveness, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and drug resistance in several gastrointestinal cancers such as colorectal cancer, gall bladder cancer, pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumors and most importantly, hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, the authors briefly highlight its implicated mechanistic role and interactions with different non-coding RNAs and oncogenic signaling cascades. This review presents the rationale for developing non coding RNA-based anticancer therapy via harnessing the power of MEG3 in gastrointestinal malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- H H Rashwan
- Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry Department, Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University (GIU), Cairo 11835, Egypt; Bioinformatics Group, Center for Informatics Science (CIS), School of Information Technology and Computer Science (ITCS), Nile University, 12677, Giza, Egypt
| | - A M Taher
- Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry Department, Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University (GIU), Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - H A Hassan
- Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry Department, Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University (GIU), Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - A A Awaji
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University College of Taymaa, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - C J Kiriacos
- Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry Department, Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University (GIU), Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - R A Assal
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development, Cairo, Egypt
| | - R A Youness
- Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry Department, Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Faculty of Biotechnology, German International University (GIU), Cairo 11835, Egypt.
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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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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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9
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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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10
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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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11
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Zhao N, Ni C, Fan S, Che N, Li Y, Wang S, Li Y, Dong X, Guo Y, Zhao X, Liu T. RSRC2 Expression Inhibits Malignant Progression of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer by Transcriptionally Regulating SCIN Expression. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:15. [PMID: 38201443 PMCID: PMC10778392 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010015] [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: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a shorter survival time and higher mortality rate than other molecular subtypes. RSRC2 is a newly discovered tumor suppressor gene. However, the potential functional mechanism of RSRC2 in TNBC remains unknown so far. Multiple bioinformatics databases were used. A Human Transcriptome Array 2.0 analysis, ChIP-seq analysis, ChIP-qPCR, RT-qPCR, Western blot, cell function assays in vitro and a metastatic mouse model in vivo were performed to demonstrate the role of RSRC2 in TNBC. Through the analysis of various databases, RSRC2 expression was the lowest in TNBC tissues compared to other molecular subtypes. The low expression of RSRC2 was associated with a worse prognosis for patients with breast cancer. The transcriptome array, ChIP-seq and bioinformatics analysis identified that GRHL2 and SCIN might have a close relationship with RSRC2. The functional bioinformatics enrichment analysis and functional cell experiments showed that RSRC2 was involved in cell adhesion, cell proliferation, cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, RSRC2 expression suppressed SCIN expression but not GRHL2 expression. SCIN re-expression in the RSRC2 overexpression cells or SCIN knockdown in the RSRC2 knockdown cells reversed the cellular function caused by RSRC2. Mechanistically, RSRC2 transcriptionally inhibited SCIN expression. In summary, our study reveals that RSRC2 acts as a tumor suppressor in TNBC development and progression through negatively regulating SCIN-mediated cell function, thus providing a potential target for TNBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
- Department of Pathology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Chunsheng Ni
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
- Department of Pathology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Shuai Fan
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Cancer Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Na Che
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
- Department of Pathology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Yanlei Li
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
- Department of Pathology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Song Wang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Yongli Li
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Xueyi Dong
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
- Department of Pathology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Yuhong Guo
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Cancer Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Xiulan Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
- Department of Pathology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Tieju Liu
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
- Department of Pathology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300052, China
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12
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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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13
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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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14
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Zhang J, Luo Q, Li X, Guo J, Zhu Q, Lu X, Wei L, Xiang Z, Peng M, Ou C, Zou Y. Novel role of immune-related non-coding RNAs as potential biomarkers regulating tumour immunoresponse via MICA/NKG2D pathway. Biomark Res 2023; 11:86. [PMID: 37784183 PMCID: PMC10546648 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00530-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Major histocompatibility complex class I related chain A (MICA) is an important and stress-induced ligand of the natural killer group 2 member D receptor (NKG2D) that is expressed in various tumour cells. Given that the MICA/NKG2D signalling system is critically embedded in the innate and adaptive immune responses, it is particularly involved in the surveillance of cancer and viral infections. Emerging evidence has revealed the important roles of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) including microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in different cancer types. We searched for all relevant publications in the PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science database using the keywords ncRNA, MICA, NKG2D, cancer, and miRNAs. All relevant studies published from 2008 to the 2023 were retrieved and collated. Notably, we found that miRNAs can target to NKG2D mRNA and MICA mRNA 3'-untranslated regions (3'-UTR), leading to translation inhibition of NKG2D and MICA degradation. Several immune-related MICA/NKG2D pathways may be dysregulated in cancer with aberrant miRNA expressions. At the same time, the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) hypothesis holds that circRNAs, lncRNAs, and mRNAs induce an abnormal MICA expression by directly targeting downstream miRNAs to mediate mRNA suppression in cancer. This review summarizes the novel mechanism of immune escape in the ncRNA-related MICA/NKG2D pathway mediated by NK cells and cancer cells. Moreover, we identified the miRNA-NKG2D, miRNA-MICA and circRNA/lncRNA/mRNA-miRNA-mRNA/MICA axis. Thus, we were particularly concerned with the regulation of mediated immune escape in the MICA/NKG2D pathway by ncRNAs as potential therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers of immunity and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Qizhi Luo
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Junshuang Guo
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Quan Zhu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaofang Lu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Leiyan Wei
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Zhiqing Xiang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Manqing Peng
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Chunlin Ou
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China.
| | - Yizhou Zou
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China.
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15
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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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16
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Kiaei SZF, Nouralishahi A, Ghasemirad M, Barkhordar M, Ghaffari S, Kheradjoo H, Saleh M, Mohammadzadehsaliani S, Molaeipour Z. Advances in natural killer cell therapies for breast cancer. Immunol Cell Biol 2023; 101:705-726. [PMID: 37282729 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cause of cancer death in women. According to the American Cancer Society's yearly cancer statistics, BC constituted almost 15% of all the newly diagnosed cancer cases in 2022 for both sexes. Metastatic disease occurs in 30% of patients with BC. The currently available treatments fail to cure metastatic BC, and the average survival time for patients with metastatic BC is approximately 2 years. Developing a treatment method that terminates cancer stem cells without harming healthy cells is the primary objective of novel therapeutics. Adoptive cell therapy is a branch of cancer immunotherapy that utilizes the immune cells to attack cancer cells. Natural killer (NK) cells are an essential component of innate immunity and are critical in destroying tumor cells without prior stimulation with antigens. With the advent of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), the autologous or allogeneic use of NK/CAR-NK cell therapy has raised new hopes for treating patients with cancer. Here, we describe recent developments in NK and CAR-NK cell immunotherapy, including the biology and function of NK cells, clinical trials, different sources of NK cells and their future perspectives on BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh Zahra Fotook Kiaei
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Ghasemirad
- Department of Periodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Maryam Barkhordar
- Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center (HORCSCT), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sasan Ghaffari
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | - Mahshid Saleh
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin Graduate School, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Zahra Molaeipour
- Hematology Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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17
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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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18
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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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19
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Selem NA, Nafae H, Manie T, Youness RA, Gad MZ. Let-7a/cMyc/CCAT1/miR-17-5p Circuit Re-sensitizes Atezolizumab Resistance in Triple Negative Breast Cancer through Modulating PD-L1. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 248:154579. [PMID: 37301086 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an immunogenically hot tumor. The immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs) have been recently emerged as promising therapeutic candidates for several malignancies including TNBC. Yet, the development of innate and/or adaptive resistance by TNBC patients towards ICBs such as programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors (e.g. Atezolizumab) shed the light on importance of identifying the underlying mechanisms regulating PD-L1 in TNBC. Recently, it was reported that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) perform a fundamental role in regulating PD-L1 expression in TNBC. Hence, this study aims to explore a novel ncRNA axis tuning PD-L1 in TNBC patients and investigate its possible involvement in fighting Atezolizumab resistance. METHODS In-silico screening was executed to identify ncRNAs that could potentially target PD-L1. Screening of PD-L1 and the nominated ncRNAs (miR-17-5p, let-7a and CCAT1 lncRNA) was performed in BC patients and cell lines. Ectopic expression and/or knockdown of respective ncRNAs were performed in MDA-MB-231. Cellular viability, migration and clonogenic capacities were evaluated using MTT, scratch assay and colony-forming assay, respectively. RESULTS PD-L1 was upregulated in BC patients, especially in TNBC patients. PD-L1 is positively associated with lymph node metastasis and high Ki-67 in recruited BC patients. Let-7a and miR-17-5p were nominated as potential regulators of PD-L1. Ectopic expression of let-7a and miR-17-5p caused a noticeable reduction in PD-L1 levels in TNBC cells. In order to investigate the whole ceRNA circuit regulating PD-L1 in TNBC, intensive bioinformatic studies were performed. The lncRNA, Colon Cancer-associated transcript 1 (CCAT1), was reported to target PD-L1 regulating miRNAs. Results showed that CCAT1 is an upregulated oncogenic lncRNA in TNBC patients and cell lines. CCAT1 siRNAs induced a noticeable reduction in PD-L1 levels and a marked increase in miR-17-5p level, building up a novel regulatory axis CCAT1/miR-17-5p/PD-L1 in TNBC cells that was tuned by the let-7a/c-Myc engine. On the functional level, co-treatment of CCAT-1 siRNAs and let-7a mimics efficiently relieved Atezolizumab resistance in MDA-MB-231 cells. CONCLUSION The present study revealed a novel PD-L1 regulatory axis via targeting let-7a/c-Myc/CCAT/miR-17-5p. Additionally, it sheds the light on the potential combinational role of CCAT-1 siRNAs and Let-7a mimics in relieving Atezolizumab resistance in TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha A Selem
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Heba Nafae
- 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
| | - 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.
| | - 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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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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21
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Yadav V, Sharma S, Kumar A, Singh S, Ravichandiran V. Serratiopeptidase Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Vascular Inflammation by Inhibiting the Expression of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:2201-2212. [PMID: 36975512 PMCID: PMC10047379 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45030142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has potent pro-inflammatory properties and acts on many cell types including vascular endothelial cells. The secretion of the cytokines MCP-1 (CCL2), interleukins, and the elevation of oxidative stress by LPS-activated vascular endothelial cells contribute substantially to the pathogenesis of vascular inflammation. However, the mechanism involving LPS-induced MCP-1, interleukins, and oxidative stress together is not well demonstrated. Serratiopeptidase (SRP) has been widely used for its anti-inflammatory effects. In this research study, our intention is to establish a potential drug candidate for vascular inflammation in cardiovascular disorder conditions. We used BALB/c mice because this is the most successful model of vascular inflammation, suggested and validated by previous research findings. Our present investigation examined the involvement of SRP in vascular inflammation caused by lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) in a BALB/c mice model. We analyzed the inflammation and changes in the aorta by H&E staining. SOD, MDA, and GPx levels were determined as per the instructions of the kit protocols. ELISA was used to measure the levels of interleukins, whereas immunohistochemistry was carried out for the evaluation of MCP-1 expression. SRP treatment significantly suppressed vascular inflammation in BALB/c mice. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that SRP significantly inhibited the LPS-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-2, IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α in aortic tissue. Furthermore, it also inhibited LPS-induced oxidative stress in the aortas of mice, whereas the expression and activity of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) decreased after SRP treatment. In conclusion, SRP has the ability to reduce LPS-induced vascular inflammation and damage by modulating MCP-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Yadav
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur 844102, Bihar, India
| | - Satyam Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur 844102, Bihar, India
| | - Ashutosh Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata 700054, West Bengal, India
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar 160062, Punjab, India
| | - Sanjiv Singh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur 844102, Bihar, India
| | - V Ravichandiran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur 844102, Bihar, India
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22
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Santos SS, Rodrigues LDOCP, Martins V, Petrosino M, Zuhra K, Ascenção K, Anand A, Abdel-Kader RM, Gad MZ, Bourquin C, Szabo C. Role of Cystathionine β-Synthase and 3-Mercaptopyruvate Sulfurtransferase in the Regulation of Proliferation, Migration, and Bioenergetics of Murine Breast Cancer Cells. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12030647. [PMID: 36978895 PMCID: PMC10045476 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12030647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), CSE (cystathionine γ-lyase) and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST) have emerged as three significant sources of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in various forms of mammalian cancer. Here, we investigated the functional role of CBS’ and 3-MST’s catalytic activity in the murine breast cancer cell line EO771. The CBS/CSE inhibitor aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA) and the 3-MST inhibitor 2-[(4-hydroxy-6-methylpyrimidin-2-yl)sulfanyl]-1-(naphthalen-1-yl)ethan-1-one (HMPSNE) were used to assess the role of endogenous H2S in the modulation of breast cancer cell proliferation, migration, bioenergetics and viability in vitro. Methods included measurements of cell viability (MTT and LDH assays), cell proliferation and in vitro wound healing (IncuCyte) and cellular bioenergetics (Seahorse extracellular flux analysis). CBS and 3-MST, as well as expression were detected by Western blotting; H2S production was measured by the fluorescent dye AzMC. The results show that EO771 cells express CBS, CSE and 3-MST protein, as well as several enzymes involved in H2S degradation (SQR, TST, and ETHE1). Pharmacological inhibition of CBS or 3-MST inhibited H2S production, suppressed cellular bioenergetics and attenuated cell proliferation. Cell migration was only inhibited by the 3-MST inhibitor, but not the CBS/CSE inhibitor. Inhibition of CBS/CSE of 3-MST did not significantly affect basal cell viability; inhibition of 3-MST (but not of CBS/CSE) slightly enhanced the cytotoxic effects of oxidative stress (hydrogen peroxide challenge). From these findings, we conclude that endogenous H2S, generated by 3-MST and to a lower degree by CBS/CSE, significantly contributes to the maintenance of bioenergetics, proliferation and migration in murine breast cancer cells and may also exert a minor role as a cytoprotectant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidneia Sousa Santos
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo (EPM/UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023, Brazil
- Chair of Pharmacology, Section of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Larissa de Oliveira Cavalcanti Peres Rodrigues
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo (EPM/UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023, Brazil
- Chair of Pharmacology, Section of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Vanessa Martins
- Chair of Pharmacology, Section of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Maria Petrosino
- Chair of Pharmacology, Section of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Karim Zuhra
- Chair of Pharmacology, Section of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Kelly Ascenção
- Chair of Pharmacology, Section of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Abhishek Anand
- Chair of Pharmacology, Section of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Reham Mahmoud Abdel-Kader
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11511, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Z. Gad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11511, 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
| | - Csaba Szabo
- Chair of Pharmacology, Section of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
- Correspondence:
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23
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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: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [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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24
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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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25
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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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26
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Zhang Y, Chen Y, Shi X, Bai Y, He W, Guo Z. A sensitive and ratiometric fluorescent probe for imaging cytosolic H 2S generation. NEW J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d2nj04533h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
CouMa responded to H2S within 3 minutes ratiometrically, based on an indol–coumarin fluorophore. The positively-charged probe accumulated in cytosol, and imaged NO-relevant H2S generation increment and depression in cytosol of living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuming Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nantong University, Nantong 226300, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Yuncong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Xiangchao Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Yang Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Weijiang He
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Zijian Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
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Selem NA, Youness RA, Gad MZ. What is beyond LncRNAs in breast cancer: A special focus on colon cancer-associated Transcript-1 (CCAT-1). Noncoding RNA Res 2021; 6:174-186. [PMID: 34938928 PMCID: PMC8666458 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2021.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) play a vital role in the process of malignant transformation. In breast cancer (BC), lncRNAs field is currently under intensive investigations. Yet, the role of lncRNAs as promising diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarkers and as therapeutic target/tool among BC patients still needs a special focus from the biomedical scientists. In BC, triple negative breast cancer patients (TNBC) are the unlucky group as they are always represented with the worst prognosis and the highest mortality rates. For that reason, a special focus on TNBC and associated lncRNAs was addressed in this review. Colon cancer-associated transcript 1 (CCAT-1) is a newly discovered oncogenic lncRNA that has been emerged as a vital biomarker for diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic interventions in multiple malignancies and showed differential expression among TNBC patients. In this review, the authors shed the light onto the general role of lncRNAs in BC and the specific functional activities, molecular mechanisms, competing endogenous ncRNA role of CCAT-1 in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha A. Selem
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rana A. Youness
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Egypt
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted By Global Academic Foundation, New Administrative Capital, 11586, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Z. Gad
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Egypt
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28
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Jing YZ, Li SJ, Sun ZJ. Gas and gas-generating nanoplatforms in cancer therapy. J Mater Chem B 2021; 9:8541-8557. [PMID: 34608920 DOI: 10.1039/d1tb01661j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Gas therapy is the usage of certain gases with special therapeutic effects for the treatment of diseases. Hydrogen (H2), nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) acting as gas signalling molecules are representative gases in cancer therapy. They act directly on mitochondria or nuclei to lead to cell apoptosis. They can also alleviate immuno-suppression in the tumour microenvironment and promote phenotype conversion of tumour-associated macrophages. Moreover, the combination of gas therapy and other traditional therapy methods can reduce side effects and improve therapeutic efficacy. Here, we discuss the roles of NO, CO, H2S and H2 in cancer biology. Considering the rapidly developing nanotechnology, gas-generating nanoplatforms which can achieve targeted delivery and controlled release were also discussed. Finally, we highlight the current challenges and future opportunities of gas-based cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Zhe Jing
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, P. R. China.
| | - Shu-Jin Li
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, P. R. China.
| | - Zhi-Jun Sun
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, P. R. China. .,Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, P. R. China
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29
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Thakur KK, Kumar A, Banik K, Verma E, Khatoon E, Harsha C, Sethi G, Gupta SC, Kunnumakkara AB. Long noncoding RNAs in triple-negative breast cancer: A new frontier in the regulation of tumorigenesis. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:7938-7965. [PMID: 34105151 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has emerged as the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer and is usually associated with increased mortality worldwide. The severity of TNBC is primarily observed in younger women, with cases ranging from approximately 12%-24% of all breast cancer cases. The existing hormonal therapies offer limited clinical solutions in completely circumventing the TNBC, with chemoresistance and tumor recurrences being the common hurdles in the path of TNBC treatment. Accumulating evidence has correlated the dysregulation of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) with increased cell proliferation, invasion, migration, tumor growth, chemoresistance, and decreased apoptosis in TNBC. Various clinical studies have revealed that aberrant expression of lncRNAs in TNBC tissues is associated with poor prognosis, lower overall survival, and disease-free survival. Due to these specific characteristics, lncRNAs have emerged as novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for TNBC treatment. However, the underlying mechanism through which lncRNAs perform their actions remains unclear, and extensive research is being carried out to reveal it. Therefore, understanding of mechanisms regulating the modulation of lncRNAs will be a substantial breakthrough in effective treatment therapies for TNBC. This review highlights the association of several lncRNAs in TNBC progression and treatment, along with their possible functions and mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishan K Thakur
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Cancer Biology Laboratory, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Aviral Kumar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Cancer Biology Laboratory, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Kishore Banik
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Cancer Biology Laboratory, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Elika Verma
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Cancer Biology Laboratory, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Elina Khatoon
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Cancer Biology Laboratory, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Choudhary Harsha
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Cancer Biology Laboratory, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Subash C Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry, Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ajaikumar B Kunnumakkara
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Cancer Biology Laboratory, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
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30
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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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31
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El Kilany FH, Youness RA, Assal RA, Gad MZ. miR-744/eNOS/NO axis: A novel target to halt triple negative breast cancer progression. Breast Dis 2021; 40:161-169. [PMID: 33749631 DOI: 10.3233/bd-200454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nitric oxide (NO) may have a dual role in cancer. At low concentrations, endogenous NO promotes tumor growth and proliferation. However, at very high concentrations, it mediates cancer cell apoptosis and inhibits cancer growth. High levels of NO have been observed in blood of breast cancer (BC) patients, which increases tumor blood flow and promotes angiogenesis. To date, the regulation of NO-synthesizing enzyme, eNOS, by miRNAs has not been adequately investigated in BC. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to unravel the possible regulation of eNOS by miRNAs in BC and to examine their influence on NO production and BC progression. METHODS Expression profile of eNOS in Egyptian BC patients and MDA-MB-231 cell lines was investigated using qRT-PCR. In-silico analysis was performed to predict a putative upstream regulator of eNOS. miR-744-5p was selected and its expression was quantified in BC tissues using qRT-PCR. MDA-MB-231 cells were cultured and transfected with miR-744-5p using lipofection method. NO levels were determined using Griess Reagent. Cellular viability and colony-forming ability were assessed using MTT and colony-forming assays; respectively. RESULTS eNOS and miR-744-5p were significantly up-regulated in BC tissues compared to paired normal tissues. In-silico analysis revealed that miR-744-5p putatively binds to eNOS transcript with high binding scores. Transfection of MDA-MB-231 cells with miR-744-5p mimics resulted in a significant up-regulation of eNOS and consequently NO levels. In addition, miR-744-5p transfection led to an increase in cellular viability and colony-forming ability of the MDA-MB-231. CONCLUSION miR-744-5p acts as an upstream positive regulator of the NO synthesizing enzyme, eNOS which in turn elevates NO levels. Furthermore, miR-744-5p is a novel oncogenic miRNA in BC. Thus, targeting miR-744/eNOS/NO axis may act as a therapeutic tool in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Hady El Kilany
- Department of Biochemistry, German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rana Ahmed Youness
- Pharmaceutical Biology Department, German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reem Amr Assal
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Zakaria Gad
- Department of Biochemistry, German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, Cairo, Egypt
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A. Youness R, Kamel R, A. Elkasabgy N, Shao P, A. Farag M. Recent Advances in Tannic Acid (Gallotannin) Anticancer Activities and Drug Delivery Systems for Efficacy Improvement; A Comprehensive Review. Molecules 2021; 26:1486. [PMID: 33803294 PMCID: PMC7967207 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26051486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tannic acid is a chief gallo-tannin belonging to the hydrolysable tannins extracted from gall nuts and other plant sources. A myriad of pharmaceutical and biological applications in the medical field has been well recognized to tannic acid. Among these effects, potential anticancer activities against several solid malignancies such as liver, breast, lung, pancreatic, colorectal and ovarian cancers have been reported. Tannic acid was found to play a maestro-role in tuning several oncological signaling pathways including JAK/STAT, RAS/RAF/mTOR, TGF-β1/TGF-β1R axis, VEGF/VEGFR and CXCL12/CXCR4 axes. The combinational beneficial effects of tannic acid with other conventional chemotherapeutic drugs have been clearly demonstrated in literature such as a synergistic anticancer effect and enhancement of the chemo-sensitivity in several resistant cases. Yet, clinical applications of tannic acid have been limited owing to its poor lipid solubility, low bioavailability, off-taste, and short half-life. To overcome such obstacles, novel drug delivery systems have been employed to deliver tannic acid with the aim of improving its applications and/or efficacy against cancer cells. Among these drug delivery systems are several types of organic and metallic nanoparticles. In this review, the authors focus on the molecular mechanisms of tannic acid in tuning several neoplastic diseases as well as novel drug delivery systems that can be used for its clinical applications with an attempt to provide a systemic reference to promote the development of tannic acid as a cheap drug and/or drug delivery system in cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana A. Youness
- The Molecular Genetics Research Team, Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy andBiotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 12622, Egypt;
| | - Rabab Kamel
- Pharmaceutical Technology Department, National Research Centre, Cairo 12622, Egypt;
| | - Nermeen A. Elkasabgy
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini Street, Cairo 11562, Egypt;
| | - Ping Shao
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China;
| | - Mohamed A. Farag
- Pharmacognosy Department, College of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El Aini St., Cairo 11562, Egypt
- Chemistry Department, School of Sciences & Engineering, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
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33
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Angiogenesis regulation by microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs in human breast cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2021; 219:153326. [PMID: 33601152 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2020.153326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are capable of regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally. Since the past decade, a number of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies reported the roles of these non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in regulating angiogenesis, an important cancer hallmark that is associated with metastases and poor prognosis. The specific roles of various miRNAs and lncRNAs in regulating angiogenesis in breast cancer, with particular focus on the downstream targets and signalling pathways regulated by these ncRNAs will be discussed in this review. In light of the recent trend in exploiting ncRNAs as cancer therapeutics, the potential use of miRNAs and lncRNAs as biomarkers and novel therapeutic agent against angiogenesis was also discussed.
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34
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Ngowi EE, Afzal A, Sarfraz M, Khattak S, Zaman SU, Khan NH, Li T, Jiang QY, Zhang X, Duan SF, Ji XY, Wu DD. Role of hydrogen sulfide donors in cancer development and progression. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:73-88. [PMID: 33390834 PMCID: PMC7757040 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.47850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, a vast number of potential cancer therapeutic targets have emerged. However, developing efficient and effective drugs for the targets is of major concern. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), one of the three known gasotransmitters, is involved in the regulation of various cellular activities such as autophagy, apoptosis, migration, and proliferation. Low production of H2S has been identified in numerous cancer types. Treating cancer cells with H2S donors is the common experimental technique used to improve H2S levels; however, the outcome depends on the concentration/dose, time, cell type, and sometimes the drug used. Both natural and synthesized donors are available for this purpose, although their effects vary independently ranging from strong cancer suppressors to promoters. Nonetheless, numerous signaling pathways have been reported to be altered following the treatments with H2S donors which suggest their potential in cancer treatment. This review will analyze the potential of H2S donors in cancer therapy by summarizing key cellular processes and mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebenezeri Erasto Ngowi
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, 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
- Kaifeng Municipal Key Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction, Henan Provincial Engineering Centre for Tumor Molecular Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Attia Afzal
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Punjab 56400, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Sarfraz
- 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
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Punjab 56400, Pakistan
| | - Saadullah Khattak
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
- School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Shams Uz Zaman
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
- School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Nazeer Hussain Khan
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
- School of Life Sciences, 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
| | - Qi-Ying Jiang
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Institute for Innovative Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Shao-Feng Duan
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
- Institute for Innovative Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, 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 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
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35
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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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36
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Zhang W, Guan X, Tang J. The long non-coding RNA landscape in triple-negative breast cancer. Cell Prolif 2020; 54:e12966. [PMID: 33314471 PMCID: PMC7848969 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a type of breast cancer that has a higher risk of distant recurrence and metastasis, leading to a relatively aggressive biological behaviour and poor outcome. So far, the clinical management of TNBC is challenging because of its heterogeneity and paucity of specific targeted therapy. Recently, various studies have identified a lot of differently expressed long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in TNBC. Those lncRNAs have been reported to play important roles in the multistep process of TNBC tumorigenesis. Here, we review the biological characteristics of lncRNAs, and present the current state of knowledge concerning the expression, function and regulation of lncRNAs in TNBC. Accumulating studies explored the potential lncRNAs‐based therapeutics in TNBC, including the techniques of genetic modification using antisense oligonucleotides, locked nucleic acid and RNA nanotechnology. In current review, we also discuss the future prospects of studies about lncRNAs in TNBC and development of lncRNA‐based strategies for clinical TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoxiang Guan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinhai Tang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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37
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Abdel-Latif M, Youness RA. Why natural killer cells in triple negative breast cancer? World J Clin Oncol 2020; 11:464-476. [PMID: 32821652 PMCID: PMC7407924 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v11.i7.464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The triple-negative subtype of breast cancer (TNBC) has the bleakest prognosis, owing to its lack of either hormone receptor as well as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. Henceforth, immunotherapy has emerged as the front-runner for TNBC treatment, which avoids potentially damaging chemotherapeutics. However, despite its documented association with aggressive side effects and developed resistance, immune checkpoint blockade continues to dominate the TNBC immunotherapy scene. These immune checkpoint blockade drawbacks necessitate the exploration of other immunotherapeutic methods that would expand options for TNBC patients. One such method is the exploitation and recruitment of natural killer cells, which by harnessing the innate rather than adaptive immune system could potentially circumvent the downsides of immune checkpoint blockade. In this review, the authors will elucidate the advantageousness of natural killer cell-based immuno-oncology in TNBC as well as demonstrate the need to more extensively research such therapies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Abdel-Latif
- Biotechnology Program, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Rana Ahmed Youness
- Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
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Youness RA, Gad AZ, Sanber K, Ahn YJ, Lee GJ, Khallaf E, Hafez HM, Motaal AA, Ahmed N, Gad MZ. Targeting hydrogen sulphide signaling in breast cancer. J Adv Res 2020; 27:177-190. [PMID: 33318876 PMCID: PMC7728592 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2020.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) has been established as a key member of the gasotransmitters family that recently showed a pivotal role in various pathological conditions including cancer. Objectives This study investigated the role of H2S in breast cancer (BC) pathogenesis, on BC immune recognition capacity and the consequence of targeting H2S using non-coding RNAs. Methods Eighty BC patients have been recruited for the study. BC cell lines were cultured and transfected using validated oligonucleotide delivery system. Gene and protein expression analysis was performed using qRT-PCR, western blot and flow-cytometry. In-vitro analysis for BC hallmarks was performed using MTT, BrdU, Modified Boyden chamber, migration and colony forming assays. H2S and nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured spectrophotometrically. Primary natural killer cells (NK cells) and T cell isolation and chimeric antigen receptor transduction (CAR T cells) were performed using appropriate kits. NK and T cells cytotoxicity was measured. Finally, computational target prediction analysis and binding confirmation analyses were performed using different software and dual luciferase assay kit, respectively. Results The H2S synthesizing enzymes, cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), exhibited elevated levels in the clinical samples that correlated with tumor proliferation index. Knock-down of CBS and CSE in the HER2+ BC and triple negative BC (TNBC) cells resulted in significant attenuation of BC malignancy. In addition to increased susceptibility of HER2+ BC and TNBC to the cytotoxic activity of HER2 targeting CAR T cells and NK cells, respectively. Transcriptomic and phosphoprotein analysis revealed that H2S signaling is mediated through Akt in MCF7, STAT3 in MDA-MB-231 and miR-155/ NOS2/NO signaling in both cell lines. Lastly, miR-4317 was found to function as an upstream regulator of CBS and CSE synergistically abrogates the malignancy of BC cells. Conclusion These findings demonstrate the potential role of H2S signaling in BC pathogenesis and the potential of its targeting for disease mitigation.
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Key Words
- 41BBL, 41BB Ligand
- 51Cr-release, Chromium release assay
- BC, Breast Cancer
- Breast cancer
- CAR T cells
- CAR, Chimeric antigen receptor
- CBS, Cystathionine β-synthase
- CD80, Cluster of differentiation 80
- CD86, Cluster of differentiation 86
- CSE, Cystathionine γ-lyase
- CTL, Cytotoxic T lymphocyte
- H2S, Hydrogen sulphide
- HCC, Hepatocellular carcinoma
- HLA-DR, Human Leukocytic antigen DR
- Hydrogen sulphide
- IFN-γ, Interferon gamma
- KD, Knock down
- LDH, Lactate dehydrogenase Assay
- MICA/B, MHC class I polypeptide-related sequence A/B
- NK, Natural killer
- NKG2D, Natural Killer Group 2D
- NO, Nitric oxide
- NOS2, Inducible nitric oxide synthase-2
- NOS3, Endothelial nitric oxide synthase-3
- Natural killer cells
- Nitric oxide
- PD-L1, Programmed death-ligand 1
- PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
- Scr-miRNAs, Scrambled microRNAs
- Scr-siRNAs, Scrambled siRNAs
- TNBC, Triple negative breast cancer
- TNF-α, Tumor necrosis factor-α
- ULBP2/5/6, UL16 binding protein 2/5/6
- miR-155/NOS2/NO signaling pathway
- miR-4317
- miRNA, MicroRNA
- ncRNAs, Non-coding RNAs
- siRNAs, Small interfering RNAs
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Ahmed Youness
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Zakaria Gad
- Interdepartmental Program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston Methodist Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Khaled Sanber
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston Methodist Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yong Jin Ahn
- Department of Medical Engineering, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi-Ja Lee
- Department of Medical Engineering, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Emad Khallaf
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, 12613 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hafez Mohamed Hafez
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, 12613 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, Egypt
| | - Nabil Ahmed
- Interdepartmental Program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston Methodist Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mohamed Zakaria Gad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Egypt
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Li H, Xu F, Gao G, Gao X, Wu B, Zheng C, Wang P, Li Z, Hua H, Li D. Hydrogen sulfide and its donors: Novel antitumor and antimetastatic therapies for triple-negative breast cancer. Redox Biol 2020; 34:101564. [PMID: 32403079 PMCID: PMC7218030 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is considered as a novel second-messenger molecule associated with the modulation of various physiological and pathological processes. In the field of antitumor research, endogenous H2S induces angiogenesis, accelerates the cell cycle and inhibits apoptosis, which results in promoting oncogenesis eventually. Interestingly, high concentrations of exogenous H2S liberated from donors suppress the growth of various tumors via inducing cellular acidification and modulating several signaling pathways involved in cell cycle regulation, proliferation, apoptosis and metastasis. The selective release of certain concentrations of H2S from H2S donors in the target has been considered as an alternative tumor therapy strategy. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive subtype with less than one year median survival time, is known to account for approximately 15–20% of all breast cancers. Due to the lack of approved targeted therapy, the clinical treatment of TNBC is still hindered by metastasis as well as recurrence. Significant efforts have been spent on developing novel treatments of TNBC, and remarkable progress in the control of TNBC by H2S donors and their derivatives have been made in recent years. This review summarizes various pathways involved in antitumor and anti-metastasis effects of H2S donors and their derivatives on TNBC, which provides novel insights for TNBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haonan Li
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016, PR China
| | - Fanxing Xu
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016, PR China
| | - Gang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016, PR China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016, PR China
| | - Bo Wu
- Molecular Imaging Laboratory, MGH/MIT/HMS Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Building 75, Charlestown, MA, 02129, United States
| | - Chao Zheng
- PET Center, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, United States
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Zhanlin Li
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016, PR China
| | - Huiming Hua
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016, PR China
| | - Dahong Li
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016, PR China.
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ElKhouly AM, Youness RA, Gad MZ. MicroRNA-486-5p and microRNA-486-3p: Multifaceted pleiotropic mediators in oncological and non-oncological conditions. Noncoding RNA Res 2020; 5:11-21. [PMID: 31993547 PMCID: PMC6971376 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2020.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite historically known as "junk" DNA, nowadays non-coding RNA transcripts (ncRNAs) are considered as fundamental players in various physiological and pathological conditions. Nonetheless, any alteration in their expression level has been reported to be directly associated with the incidence and aggressiveness of several diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are the well-studied members of the ncRNAs family. Several reports have highlighted their crucial roles in the post-transcriptional manipulation of several signaling pathways in different pathological conditions. In this review, our main focus is the multifaceted microRNA-486 (miR-486). miR-486-5p and miR-486-3p have been reported to have central roles in several types oncological and non-oncological conditions such as lung, liver, breast cancers and autism, intervertebral disc degeneration and metabolic syndrome, respectively. Moreover, we spotted the light onto the pleiotropic role of miR-486-5p in acting as competing endogenous RNA with other members of ncRNAs family such as long non-coding RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisha M ElKhouly
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - R A Youness
- Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - M Z Gad
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
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Youness RA, Hafez HM, Khallaf E, Assal RA, Abdel Motaal A, Gad MZ. The long noncoding RNA sONE represses triple-negative breast cancer aggressiveness through inducing the expression of miR-34a, miR-15a, miR-16, and let-7a. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:20286-20297. [PMID: 30968427 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents an aggressive breast cancer subtype. Among young females, TNBC is the leading cause of cancer-related mortalities. Recently, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are representing a promising pool of regulators for tuning the aggressiveness of several solid malignancies. However, this still needs further investigations in TNBC. The main aim of this study is to unravel the expression pattern of sONE lncRNA and its mechanistic role in TNBC. Results showed that sONE is restrictedly expressed in TNBC patients; its expression level is inversely correlated with the aggressiveness of the disease. sONE acts as a posttranscriptional regulator to endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and thus affecting eNOS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production from TNBC cells measured by Greiss reagent. Mechanistically, sONE is a potential tumor suppressor lncRNA in TNBC cells; repressing cellular viability, proliferation, colony-forming ability, migration, and invasion capacities of MDA-MB-231. Furthermore, sONE effects were found to be extended to affect the maestro tumor suppressor TP53 and the oncogenic transcription factor c-Myc. Knocking down of sONE resulted in a marked decrease in TP53 and increase in c-Myc and consequently altering the expression status of their downstream tumor suppressor microRNAs (miRNAs) such as miR-34a, miR-15, miR-16, and let-7a. In conclusion, this study highlights sONE as a downregulated tumor suppressor lncRNA in TNBC cells acting through repressing eNOS-induced NO production, affecting TP53 and c-Myc proteins levels and finally altering the levels of a panel of tumor suppressor miRNAs downstream TP53/c-Myc proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana A Youness
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hafez M Hafez
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Kasr Al-Ainy, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Emad Khallaf
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Kasr Al-Ainy, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reem A Assal
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, 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
| | - Mohamed Z Gad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, Cairo, Egypt
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Youness RA, Gad MZ. Long non-coding RNAs: Functional regulatory players in breast cancer. Noncoding RNA Res 2019; 4:36-44. [PMID: 30891536 PMCID: PMC6404363 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2019.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Historically, the long-held protein-centered bias has denoted 98% of the human genome as 'Junk' DNA. However, the current work has shifted the perception of such 'junk' transcriptional products to functional regulatory molecules. The recent surveillance of the human transcriptome has highlighted the pivotal role of such non-coding RNA (ncRNA) molecules in diverse physiological and pathological conditions. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is a recent class of ncRNA molecules that is still in its infancy stage. The main focus of this review is to unravel the importance of lncRNAs in the most prevalent malignancy among females which is Breast Cancer (BC). A specific focus on lncRNAs as prognostic markers among BC patients showing molecular subtype heterogeneity was also tackled in this review. Finally, the functional and the mechanistic roles of such booming ncRNA molecules in shaping the fate of the BC progression have been highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Ahmed Youness
- Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, Main Entrance Al Tagamoa Al Khames, 11835, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Zakaria Gad
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, Main Entrance Al Tagamoa Al Khames, 11835, Cairo, Egypt
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