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Niu X, Liu W, Zhang Y, Liu J, Zhang J, Li B, Qiu Y, Zhao P, Wang Z, Wang Z. Cancer plasticity in therapy resistance: Mechanisms and novel strategies. Drug Resist Updat 2024; 76:101114. [PMID: 38924995 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2024.101114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Therapy resistance poses a significant obstacle to effective cancer treatment. Recent insights into cell plasticity as a new paradigm for understanding resistance to treatment: as cancer progresses, cancer cells experience phenotypic and molecular alterations, corporately known as cell plasticity. These alterations are caused by microenvironment factors, stochastic genetic and epigenetic changes, and/or selective pressure engendered by treatment, resulting in tumor heterogeneity and therapy resistance. Increasing evidence suggests that cancer cells display remarkable intrinsic plasticity and reversibly adapt to dynamic microenvironment conditions. Dynamic interactions between cell states and with the surrounding microenvironment form a flexible tumor ecosystem, which is able to quickly adapt to external pressure, especially treatment. Here, this review delineates the formation of cancer cell plasticity (CCP) as well as its manipulation of cancer escape from treatment. Furthermore, the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms driving CCP that promote the development of therapy resistance is summarized. Novel treatment strategies, e.g., inhibiting or reversing CCP is also proposed. Moreover, the review discusses the multiple lines of ongoing clinical trials globally aimed at ameliorating therapy resistance. Such advances provide directions for the development of new treatment modalities and combination therapies against CCP in the context of therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Niu
- China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, China; Experimental Center of BIOQGene, YuanDong International Academy Of Life Sciences, 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wenjing Liu
- Medical Oncology Department of Thoracic Cancer (2), Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, China
| | - Yinling Zhang
- Department of Oncology Radiotherapy 1, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266042, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, China
| | - Jianjun Zhang
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 101149, China
| | - Yue Qiu
- Department of Digestive Diseases 1, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Medical Imaging, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, China
| | - Zhongmiao Wang
- Department of Digestive Diseases 1, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, China.
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Digestive Diseases 1, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, China.
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Oraiopoulou ME, Couturier DL, Bunce EV, Cannell IG, Sweeney PW, Naylor H, Golinska M, Hannon GJ, Sakkalis V, Bohndiek SE. The in vitro dynamics of pseudo-vascular network formation. Br J Cancer 2024; 131:457-467. [PMID: 38902534 PMCID: PMC11300916 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02722-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Pseudo-vascular network formation in vitro is considered a key characteristic of vasculogenic mimicry. While many cancer cell lines form pseudo-vascular networks, little is known about the spatiotemporal dynamics of these formations. METHODS Here, we present a framework for monitoring and characterising the dynamic formation and dissolution of pseudo-vascular networks in vitro. The framework combines time-resolved optical microscopy with open-source image analysis for network feature extraction and statistical modelling. The framework is demonstrated by comparing diverse cancer cell lines associated with vasculogenic mimicry, then in detecting response to drug compounds proposed to affect formation of vasculogenic mimics. Dynamic datasets collected were analysed morphometrically and a descriptive statistical analysis model was developed in order to measure stability and dissimilarity characteristics of the pseudo-vascular networks formed. RESULTS Melanoma cells formed the most stable pseudo-vascular networks and were selected to evaluate the response of their pseudo-vascular networks to treatment with axitinib, brucine and tivantinib. Tivantinib has been found to inhibit the formation of the pseudo-vascular networks more effectively, even in dose an order of magnitude less than the two other agents. CONCLUSIONS Our framework is shown to enable quantitative analysis of both the capacity for network formation, linked vasculogenic mimicry, as well as dynamic responses to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam-Eleni Oraiopoulou
- Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute (CRUK CI), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Dominique-Laurent Couturier
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute (CRUK CI), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Medical Research Council Biostatistics Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ellie V Bunce
- Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute (CRUK CI), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ian G Cannell
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute (CRUK CI), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Paul W Sweeney
- Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute (CRUK CI), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Huw Naylor
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute (CRUK CI), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Monika Golinska
- Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute (CRUK CI), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Gregory J Hannon
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute (CRUK CI), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Vangelis Sakkalis
- Institute of Computer Science, Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Sarah E Bohndiek
- Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute (CRUK CI), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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3
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Chen J, Dai SY, Wu S, Wu MK, Yu KK, Liu JC, Chang JY, Liu YQ. COE targets EphA2 to inhibit vasculogenic mimicry formation induced by hypoxia in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1421470. [PMID: 39050762 PMCID: PMC11266089 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1421470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Vasculogenic Mimicry (VM) can reduce the efficacy of anti-angiogenesis and promote distant metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our previous studies have found that Celastrus orbiculatus extract (COE) can inhibit the VM formation in HCC by reducing EphA2 expression. However the underlying mechanism related to EphA2 in VM formation is unclear. Purpose This study aimed to confirm that EphA2 is one of the potential targets of COE, and to explore the effect of EphA2 in VM formation in hypoxia context in HCC. Methods TCM Systems Pharmacology database and proteomics analysis were used to explore the key targets of COE in HCC treatment. CD31-PAS double staining and VE-CAD staining were used to indicate vasculogenic mimicry. The localization of EphA2 and VE-CAD was examined through fluorescent microscopy. CCK8 assay, cell invasion assay, and tube formation assay were used to indicate the formation of VM under hypoxic conditions. The regulatory relationship of EphA2 upstream and downstream molecules were evaluated through COIP and Western Blot. The nude mouse xenograft tumor models were used to observe the VM formation after knocking down or overexpressing EphA2. Results EphA2 is identified to the target of COE, and the driving gene of HCC. In HCC surgical specimens, EphA2 expression is closely associated with the VM formation of HCC. COE-regulated EphA2 is involved in hypoxia-induced VM formation in HCC cells in vitro. EphA2 is regulated by HIF directly or indirectly by C-MYC. Overexpression of EphA2 can promote the VM formation of HCC in nude mice, while knocking down EphA2 can inhibit the VM formation. Conclusion EphA2, as a target of COE, plays a crucial regulatory role in the formation of vasculogenic mimicry in HCC, involving upstream HIF/MYC transcriptional promotion and downstream PI3K/FAK/VE-CAD expression regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jue Chen
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- The Key Laboratory of Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Gastric Cancer of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Geriatric Diseases, Yangzhou, China
| | - Shu-Ying Dai
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Su Wu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Meng-Ke Wu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Ke-Ke Yu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jun-Chi Liu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Yu Chang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yan-Qing Liu
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- The Key Laboratory of Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Gastric Cancer of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Geriatric Diseases, Yangzhou, China
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Shuai Q, Xu X, Liang Y, Halbiyat Z, Lu X, Hu Z, Peng Z, An J, Feng Z, Huang T, Zhao H, Liu Z, Xu J, Xie J. Engineered in vivo and in vitro tumor model recapitulates vasculogenic mimicry signatures in melanoma. Bioeng Transl Med 2024; 9:e10648. [PMID: 39036079 PMCID: PMC11256191 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) describes a process by which tumor cells formed a novel microcirculation pattern in an endothelial cell-free manner. Clinically, VM is associated with aggressive phenotype and poor patient survival. However, the current models for investigating VM include 2D monolayer cultures, Matrigel-based cultures, and animal models, each of which has limitations. Matrigel-based models often exhibit batch-to-batch variations, while in vivo tumor models currently produce insufficient amounts of VM. There is currently no suitable tumor model to discover new therapeutic targets against VM. Herein, we establish an extracellular matrix (ECM)-based engineered tumor model in vivo and in vitro. In this study, we demonstrate that matrix proteins enhanced the VM formation in the engineered xenograft model. Furthermore, we also investigated the role of collagen/fibronectin (FN) in melanoma progression and VM formation. Compared with cells cultured on TCPS plates, the B16F10 cells cultured on collagen/FN coated plates showed increased proliferation and stemness, and significantly enhanced invasion and formation of VM networks. Molecular mechanism analysis showed that Integrin/VE-cadherin/EphA2/PI3K/MMP-2 signaling pathways are responsible for VM formation. Our results indicate that collagen/FN matrix plays an important role in VM formation in melanoma, suggesting that ECM protein is a potential therapeutic target for anti-VM therapy for melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qizhi Shuai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, MOE Key Laboratory of Coal Environmental Pathogenicity and PreventionShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Xinrui Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, MOE Key Laboratory of Coal Environmental Pathogenicity and PreventionShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Tissue‐Orientated Property of Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan ProvinceWest China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yuxiang Liang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, MOE Key Laboratory of Coal Environmental Pathogenicity and PreventionShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
- Experimental Animal Center of Shanxi Medical UniversityShanxi Key Laboratory of Human Disease and Animal ModelsTaiyuanChina
| | - Zulala Halbiyat
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, MOE Key Laboratory of Coal Environmental Pathogenicity and PreventionShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Xin Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, MOE Key Laboratory of Coal Environmental Pathogenicity and PreventionShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Zixuan Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, MOE Key Laboratory of Coal Environmental Pathogenicity and PreventionShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Zhiwei Peng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, MOE Key Laboratory of Coal Environmental Pathogenicity and PreventionShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Jie An
- Department of Nuclear MedicineThe First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Molecular Imaging of Precision Medicine, Shanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Zhiwei Feng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, MOE Key Laboratory of Coal Environmental Pathogenicity and PreventionShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Tingjuan Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, MOE Key Laboratory of Coal Environmental Pathogenicity and PreventionShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Hong Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, MOE Key Laboratory of Coal Environmental Pathogenicity and PreventionShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Zhizhen Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, MOE Key Laboratory of Coal Environmental Pathogenicity and PreventionShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Jun Xu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary SurgeryThe First Hospital of Shanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Jun Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, MOE Key Laboratory of Coal Environmental Pathogenicity and PreventionShanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
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Min P, Li Y, Wang C, Fan J, Liu S, Chen X, Tang Y, Han F, Zhang A, Feng L. Cyclopeptide moroidin inhibits vasculogenic mimicry formed by glioblastoma cells via regulating β-catenin activation and EMT pathways. J Biomed Res 2024; 38:322-333. [PMID: 38807414 PMCID: PMC11300521 DOI: 10.7555/jbr.38.20240015] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly vascularized malignant brain tumor with poor clinical outcomes. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formed by aggressive GBM cells is an alternative approach for tumor blood supply and contributes to the failure of anti-angiogenic therapy. To date, there is still a lack of effective drugs that target VM formation in GBM. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of the plant cyclopeptide moroidin on VM formed by GBM cells and investigated its underlying molecular mechanisms. Moroidin significantly suppressed cell migration, tube formation, and the expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in human GBM cell lines at sublethal concentrations. The RNA sequencing data suggested the involvement of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway in the mechanism of moroidin. Exposure to moroidin led to a concentration-dependent decrease in the expression levels of the EMT markers N-cadherin and vimentin in GBM cells. Moreover, moroidin significantly reduced the level of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (p-ERK) and inhibited the activation of β-catenin. Finally, we demonstrated that the plant cyclopeptide moroidin inhibited VM formation by GBM cells through inhibiting the ERK/β-catenin-mediated EMT. Therefore, our study indicates a potential application of moroidin as an anti-VM agent in the treatment of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengxiang Min
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Yingying Li
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Cuirong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Junting Fan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Shangming Liu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Yamin Tang
- Department of Analysis and Testing Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Feng Han
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
- Institute of Brain Science, the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Aixia Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Lili Feng
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
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Li W, Wu J, Jia Q, Shi Y, Li F, Zhang L, Shi F, Wang X, Wu S. PD-L1 knockdown suppresses vasculogenic mimicry of non-small cell lung cancer by modulating ZEB1-triggered EMT. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:633. [PMID: 38783271 PMCID: PMC11118770 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12390-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND PD-L1 overexpression is commonly observed in various malignancies and is strongly correlated with poor prognoses for cancer patients. Moreover, PD-L1 has been shown to play a significant role in promoting angiogenesis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) processes across different cancer types. METHODS The relationship between PD-L1 and vasculogenic mimicry as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was explored by bioinformatics approach and immunohistochemistry. The functions of PD-L1 in regulating the expression of ZEB1 and the EMT process were assessed by Western blotting and q-PCR assays. The impact of PD-L1 on the migratory and proliferative capabilities of A549 and H1299 cells was evaluated through wound healing, cell invasion, and CCK8 assays following siRNA-mediated PD-L1 knockdown. Tube formation assay was utilized to evaluate the presence of VM structures. RESULTS In this study, increased PD-L1 expression was observed in A549 and H1299 cells compared to normal lung epithelial cells. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a higher prevalence of VM structures in the PD-L1-positive group compared to the PD-L1-negative group. Additionally, high PD-L1 expression was also found to be significantly associated with advanced TNM stage and increased metastasis. Following PD-L1 knockdown, NSCLC cells exhibited a notable reduction in their ability to form tube-like structures. Moreover, the levels of key EMT and VM-related markers, including N-cadherin, MMP9, VE-cadherin, and VEGFA, were significantly decreased, while E-cadherin expression was upregulated. In addition, the migration and proliferation capacities of both cell lines were significantly inhibited after PD-L1 or ZEB1 knockdown. CONCLUSIONS Knockdown PD-L1 can inhibit ZEB1-mediated EMT, thereby hindering the formation of VM in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Li
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Clinical and Preclinical Research in Respiratory Disease, Molecular Diagnosis Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Bengbu Medical University, 287 Changhuai Road, Bengbu, Anhui, 233004, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiatao Wu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Clinical and Preclinical Research in Respiratory Disease, Molecular Diagnosis Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Bengbu Medical University, 287 Changhuai Road, Bengbu, Anhui, 233004, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianhao Jia
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuqi Shi
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Li
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Clinical and Preclinical Research in Respiratory Disease, Molecular Diagnosis Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Bengbu Medical University, 287 Changhuai Road, Bengbu, Anhui, 233004, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Linxiang Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Clinical and Preclinical Research in Respiratory Disease, Molecular Diagnosis Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Bengbu Medical University, 287 Changhuai Road, Bengbu, Anhui, 233004, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Shi
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojing Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Clinical and Preclinical Research in Respiratory Disease, Molecular Diagnosis Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Bengbu Medical University, 287 Changhuai Road, Bengbu, Anhui, 233004, China.
| | - Shiwu Wu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Pathology, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui, China.
- Department of Pathology, Anhui No.2 Provincial People's Hospital, Hefei, China.
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7
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Zhang R, Zhang D, Han F, Song X, Zhang Y, Zhang J, Zhu Q, Qin Y. The deubiquitinase USP7 and E3 ligase TRIM21 regulate vasculogenic mimicry and malignant progression of RMS by balancing SNAI2 homeostasis. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:135. [PMID: 38702792 PMCID: PMC11069146 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03056-1] [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: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a rare malignancy and the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a novel tumor microcirculation model different from traditional tumor angiogenesis, which does not rely on endothelial cells to provide sufficient blood supply for tumor growth. In recent years, VM has been confirmed to be closely associated with tumor progression. However, the ability of RMS to form VM has not yet been reported. METHODS Immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR and western blot were used to test the expression level of SNAI2 and its clinical significance. The biological function in regulating vasculogenic mimicry and malignant progression of SNAI2 was examined both in vitro and in vivo. Mass spectrometry, co-immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, and ubiquitin assays were performed to explore the regulatory mechanism of SNAI2. RESULTS Our study indicated that SNAI2 was abnormally expressed in patients with RMS and RMS cell lines and promoted the proliferation and metastasis of RMS. Through cell tubule formation experiments, nude mice Matrigel plug experiments, and immunohistochemistry (IHC), we confirmed that RMS can form VM and that SNAI2 promotes the formation of VM. Due to SNAI2 is a transcription factor that is not easily drugged, we used Co-IP combined with mass spectrometry to screen for the SNAI2-binding protein USP7 and TRIM21. USP7 depletion inhibited RMS VM formation, proliferation and metastasis by promoting SNAI2 degradation. We further demonstrated that TRIM21 is expressed at low levels in human RMS tissues and inhibits VM in RMS cells. TRIM21 promotes SNAI2 protein degradation through ubiquitination in the RMS. The deubiquitinase USP7 and E3 ligase TRIM21 function in an antagonistic rather than competitive mode and play a key role in controlling the stability of SNAI2 to determine the VM formation and progression of RMS. CONCLUSION Our findings reveal a previously unknown mechanism by which USP7 and TRIM21 balance the level of SNAI2 ubiquitination, determining RMS vasculogenic mimicry, proliferation, and migration. This new mechanism may provide new targeted therapies to inhibit the development of RMS by restoring TRIM21 expression or inhibiting USP7 expression in RMS patients with high SNAI2 protein levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruyue Zhang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Daidi Zhang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Fugen Han
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Xiaorui Song
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Infection and Critical Care, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yaodong Zhang
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Infection and Critical Care, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck surgery, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing Children's Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, 10045, China.
| | - Qingwen Zhu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
| | - Yanru Qin
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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8
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Kulus M, Farzaneh M, Bryja A, Zehtabi M, Azizidoost S, Abouali Gale Dari M, Golcar-Narenji A, Ziemak H, Chwarzyński M, Piotrowska-Kempisty H, Dzięgiel P, Zabel M, Mozdziak P, Bukowska D, Kempisty B, Antosik P. Phenotypic Transitions the Processes Involved in Regulation of Growth and Proangiogenic Properties of Stem Cells, Cancer Stem Cells and Circulating Tumor Cells. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:967-979. [PMID: 38372877 PMCID: PMC11087301 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10691-w] [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] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a crucial process with significance in the metastasis of malignant tumors. It is through the acquisition of plasticity that cancer cells become more mobile and gain the ability to metastasize to other tissues. The mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) is the return to an epithelial state, which allows for the formation of secondary tumors. Both processes, EMT and MET, are regulated by different pathways and different mediators, which affects the sophistication of the overall tumorigenesis process. Not insignificant are also cancer stem cells and their participation in the angiogenesis, which occur very intensively within tumors. Difficulties in effectively treating cancer are primarily dependent on the potential of cancer cells to rapidly expand and occupy secondarily vital organs. Due to the ability of these cells to spread, the concept of the circulating tumor cell (CTC) has emerged. Interestingly, CTCs exhibit molecular diversity and stem-like and mesenchymal features, even when derived from primary tumor tissue from a single patient. While EMT is necessary for metastasis, MET is required for CTCs to establish a secondary site. A thorough understanding of the processes that govern the balance between EMT and MET in malignancy is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Kulus
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
| | - Maryam Farzaneh
- Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Artur Bryja
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Mojtaba Zehtabi
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shirin Azizidoost
- Atherosclerosis Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mahrokh Abouali Gale Dari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Afsaneh Golcar-Narenji
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Hanna Ziemak
- Veterinary Clinic of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
| | - Mikołaj Chwarzyński
- Veterinary Clinic of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
| | - Hanna Piotrowska-Kempisty
- Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Department of Basic and Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
| | - Piotr Dzięgiel
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
- Department of Physiotherapy, Wroclaw University School of Physical Education, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Zabel
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
- Division of Anatomy and Histology, University of Zielona Góra, Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Paul Mozdziak
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Physiology Graduate Faculty, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Dorota Bukowska
- Department of Diagnostics and Clinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
| | - Bartosz Kempisty
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland.
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland.
- Physiology Graduate Faculty, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Paweł Antosik
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
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Provance OK, Oria VO, Tran TT, Caulfield JI, Zito CR, Aguirre-Ducler A, Schalper KA, Kluger HM, Jilaveanu LB. Vascular mimicry as a facilitator of melanoma brain metastasis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:188. [PMID: 38635031 PMCID: PMC11026261 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05217-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Melanoma has the highest propensity among solid tumors to metastasize to the brain. Melanoma brain metastases (MBM) are a leading cause of death in melanoma and affect 40-60% of patients with late-stage disease. Therefore, uncovering the molecular mechanisms behind MBM is necessary to enhance therapeutic interventions. Vascular mimicry (VM) is a form of neovascularization linked to invasion, increased risk of metastasis, and poor prognosis in many tumor types, but its significance in MBM remains poorly understood. We found that VM density is elevated in MBM compared to paired extracranial specimens and is associated with tumor volume and CNS edema. In addition, our studies indicate a relevant role of YAP and TAZ, two transcriptional co-factors scarcely studied in melanoma, in tumor cell-vasculogenesis and in brain metastasis. We recently demonstrated activation of the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway and increased degradation of its downstream targets YAP and TAZ in a metastasis impaired cell line model. In the current study we establish the utility of anti-YAP/TAZ therapy in mouse models of metastatic melanoma whereby treatment effectively inhibits VM and prolongs survival of mice with MBM. The data presented herein suggest that VM may be an important and targetable mechanism in melanoma and that VM inhibition might be useful for treating MBM, an area of high unmet clinical need, thus having important implications for future treatment regimens for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia K Provance
- Department of Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, SHM234E, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Victor O Oria
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thuy T Tran
- Department of Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, SHM234E, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Jasmine I Caulfield
- Department of Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, SHM234E, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Christopher R Zito
- Department of Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, SHM234E, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Department of Biology, School of Arts, Sciences, Business, and Education, University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Adam Aguirre-Ducler
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kurt A Schalper
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Harriet M Kluger
- Department of Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, SHM234E, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Lucia B Jilaveanu
- Department of Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, SHM234E, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
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10
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Zhu Q, Zhang X, Lu F, Miao S, Zhang C, Liu Z, Gao Z, Qi M, An X, Geng P, Wang S, Ren H, Han F, Zhang R, Zha D. RUNX1-BMP2 promotes vasculogenic mimicry in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma via activation of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:227. [PMID: 38610001 PMCID: PMC11010429 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01605-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the head and neck. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is crucial for tumor growth and metastasis and refers to the formation of fluid channels by invasive tumor cells rather than endothelial cells. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying VM during the malignant progression of LSCC remain largely unknown. METHODS Gene expression and clinical data for LSCC were obtained from the TCGA and Gene GEO (GSE27020) databases. A risk prediction model associated with VM was established using LASSO and Cox regression analyses. Based on their risk scores, patients with LSCC were categorized into high- and low-risk groups. The disparities in immune infiltration, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and functional enrichment between these two groups were examined. The core genes in LSCC were identified using the machine learning (SVM-RFE) and WGCNA algorithms. Subsequently, the involvement of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) in VM and metastasis was investigated both in vitro and in vivo. To elucidate the downstream signaling pathways regulated by BMP2, western blotting was performed. Additionally, ChIP experiments were employed to identify the key transcription factors responsible for modulating the expression of BMP2. RESULTS We established a new precise prognostic model for LSCC related to VM based on three genes: BMP2, EPO, and AGPS. The ROC curves from both TCGA and GSE27020 validation cohorts demonstrated precision survival prediction capabilities, with the nomogram showing some net clinical benefit. Multiple algorithm analyses indicated BMP2 as a potential core gene. Further experiments suggested that BMP2 promotes VM and metastasis in LSCC. The malignant progression of LSCC is promoted by BMP2 via the activation of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, with the high expression of BMP2 in LSCC resulting from its transcriptional activation by runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1). CONCLUSION BMP2 predicts poor prognosis in LSCC, promotes LSCC VM and metastasis through the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, and is transcriptionally regulated by RUNX1. BMP2 may be a novel, precise, diagnostic, and therapeutic biomarker of LSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingwen Zhu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fei Lu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Siyu Miao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chunyang Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhenzhen Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zejun Gao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Meihao Qi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaogang An
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Panling Geng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Sufang Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hongbo Ren
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fugen Han
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ruyue Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - DingJun Zha
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
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Gu Y, Huang Q, Wang Y, Wang H, Xiang Z, Xu Y, Wang X, Liu W, Wang A. The vasculogenic mimicry related signature predicts the prognosis and immunotherapy response in renal clear cell carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:420. [PMID: 38580922 PMCID: PMC10996246 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12107-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clear cell carcinoma of the kidney is a common urological malignancy characterized by poor patient prognosis and treatment outcomes. Modulation of vasculogenic mimicry in tumor cells alters the tumor microenvironment and the influx of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and the combination of its inducers and immune checkpoint inhibitors plays a synergistic role in enhancing antitumor effects. METHODS We downloaded the data from renal clear cell carcinoma samples and vasculogenic mimicry-related genes to establish a new vasculogenic mimicry-related index (VMRI) using a machine learning approach. Based on VMRI, patients with renal clear cell carcinoma were divided into high VMRI and low VMRI groups, and patients' prognosis, clinical features, tumor immune microenvironment, chemotherapeutic response, and immunotherapeutic response were systematically analyzed. Finally, the function of CDH5 was explored in renal clear cell carcinoma cells. RESULTS VMRI can be used for prognostic and immunotherapy efficacy prediction in a variety of cancers, which consists of four vasculogenic mimicry-related genes (CDH5, MMP9, MAPK1, and MMP13), is a reliable predictor of survival and grade in patients with clear cell carcinoma of the kidney and has been validated in multiple external datasets. We found that the high VMRI group presented higher levels of immune cell infiltration, which was validated by pathological sections. We performed molecular docking prediction of vasculogenic mimicry core target proteins and identified natural small molecule drugs with the highest affinity for the target protein. Knockdown of CDH5 inhibited the proliferation and migration of renal clear cell carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS The VMRI identified in this study allows for accurate prognosis assessment of patients with renal clear cell carcinoma and identification of patient populations that will benefit from immunotherapy, providing valuable insights for future precision treatment of patients with renal clear cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuming Gu
- Department of Traditional Chinese medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, 261042, China
- Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, 261042, China
- Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, 261042, China
| | - Qinqin Huang
- Department of Traditional Chinese medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, 261042, China
- Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, 261042, China
- Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, 261042, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, 261042, China
- Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, 261042, China
- Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, 261042, China
| | - Haixia Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, 261042, China
- Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, 261042, China
| | - Zhenhua Xiang
- Department of Traditional Chinese medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, 261042, China
| | - Yu Xu
- Department of Traditional Chinese medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, 261042, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130117, China
| | - Weiguo Liu
- Department of Traditional Chinese medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, 261042, China
| | - Aiju Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, 261042, China.
- Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, 261042, China.
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12
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Liu Y, Li G, Ning J, Zhao Y. Unveiling the experimental proof of the anticancer potential of ginsenoside Rg3 (Review). Oncol Lett 2024; 27:182. [PMID: 38476209 PMCID: PMC10928969 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Ginsenoside Rg3 (GS-Rg3), a sterol molecule isolated from ginseng, has demonstrated various immunological properties, including inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and metastasis, reversal of drug resistance and enhancement of chemotherapy sensitivity. The recent surge in attention towards GS-Rg3 can be attributed to its potential as an antitumor angiogenesis agent and as a therapeutic candidate for immunotherapy. The development of GS-Rg3 as an agent for these purposes has accelerated research on its mechanisms of action. The present review summarizes recent studies investigating the antitumor activity of GS-Rg3 and its underlying mechanisms, as well as providing essential information for future studies on GS-Rg3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongmin Liu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116011, P.R. China
| | - Guanchu Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116011, P.R. China
| | - Jinyue Ning
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116011, P.R. China
| | - Yi Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116011, P.R. China
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Shaw P, Dwivedi SKD, Bhattacharya R, Mukherjee P, Rao G. VEGF signaling: Role in angiogenesis and beyond. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189079. [PMID: 38280470 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189079] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a crucial process for tissue development, repair, and tumor survival. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key driver secreted by cancer cells, promoting neovascularization. While VEGF's role in angiogenesis is well-documented, its influence on the other aspects in tumor microenvironemt is less discussed. This review elaborates on VEGF's impact on intercellular interactions within the tumor microenvironment, including how VEGF affects pericyte proliferation and migration and mediates interactions between tumor-associated macrophages and cancer cells, resulting in PDL-1-mediated immunosuppression and Nrf2-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The review discusses VEGF's involvement in intra-organelle crosstalk, tumor metabolism, stemness, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. It also provides insights into current anti-VEGF therapies and their limitations in cancer treatment. Overall, this review aims to provide a thorough overview of the current state of knowledge concerning VEGF signaling and its impact, not only on angiogenesis but also on various other oncogenic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallab Shaw
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Shailendra Kumar Dhar Dwivedi
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Resham Bhattacharya
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Priyabrata Mukherjee
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Geeta Rao
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
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14
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Meng Y, Liu H, Zhu H, Zhang W, Sun D, Han X, Liu Y, Luo G. RCAd-LTH-shPD-L1, a double-gene recombinant oncolytic adenovirus with enhanced antitumor immunity, increases lymphocyte infiltration and reshapes the tumor microenvironment. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e007171. [PMID: 38212125 PMCID: PMC10806565 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the successful development of modern immunotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are currently considered potential therapeutic options for patients with cancer. However, the therapeutic potential of ICIs in human cancer is mainly limited by their systemic toxicity and low response rate, which suggests the necessity of local drug delivery with an effective vector and reshaping the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) to enhance ICI therapy. Here, we constructed a novel double-gene recombinant oncolytic adenovirus named RCAd-LTH-shPD-L1 based on the RCAd virus platform armed with a DNA fragment encoding an anti-VEGF antibody and shRNA to inhibit PD-L1 expression. METHODS The correct assembly of RCAd-LTH-shPD-L1 was characterized by analyzing its secretion, antigen specificity, and replication using western blotting, ELISA and quantitative PCR, respectively. The in vitro effects of RCAd-LTH-shPD-L1 on cell proliferation, vasculogenic, and cell migration were assessed. Antitumor effects and therapeutic mechanisms were evaluated in vivo using immunodeficient and humanized immune system mouse models. The TME was studied by ELISA, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. RESULTS RCAd-LTH-shPD-L1 cells secreted anti-VEGF antibodies and inhibited the expression of PD-L1 in cancer cells. Moreover, RCAd-LTH-shPD-L1 exerted a specific cytotoxic effect on human cancer cells, but not on murine cancer cells or normal human cells. RCAd-LTH-shPD-L1 elicited a more potent antitumor effect in an immunodeficient mouse model and a humanized immune system mouse model than RCAd-shPD-L1, as demonstrated by the significant decrease in tumor growth. Furthermore, RCAd-LTH-shPD-L1 modulated the TME, which led to lymphocyte infiltration and alteration of their immune phenotype, as characterized by downregulation of anoxic factor HIF-1α and angiogenesis marker CD31, upregulation of cytokine such as IFN-γ, IL-6 and IL-12. CONCLUSIONS In summary, our data demonstrated that the localized delivery of anti-VEGF antibodies and shPD-L1 by engineered RCAd-LTH-shPD-L1 is a highly effective and safe strategy for cancer immunotherapy. Moreover, the data underscore the potential of combining local virotherapy and anti-angiogenic therapy with ICIs as an effective TME therapy for poorly infiltrating tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Meng
- Institute of Health Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Haotian Liu
- Institute of Health Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Haoran Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wanrong Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Dong Sun
- Bionce Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuefei Han
- Bionce Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Guangzuo Luo
- Institute of Health Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Bionce Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Nanjing, China
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Patel S, Singh VR, Suman AK, Jain S, Sen AK. Virtual Screening, Docking, and Designing of New VEGF Inhibitors as Anti-cancer Agents. Curr Drug Discov Technol 2024; 21:e101023222024. [PMID: 38629172 DOI: 10.2174/0115701638255384230920040154] [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: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND VEGFR-2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors are receiving a lot of attention as prospective anticancer medications in the current drug discovery process. OBJECTIVE This work aims to explore the PubChem library for novel VEGFR-2 kinase inhibitors. 1H-Indazole-containing drug AXITINIB, or AG-013736 (FDA approved), is chosen as a rational molecule for drug design. This scaffold proved its efficiency in treating cancer and other diseases as well. METHODS The present study used the virtual screening of the database, protein preparation, grid creation, and molecular docking analyses. RESULTS The protein was validated on different parameters like the Ramachandran plot, the ERRAT score, and the ProSA score. The Ramachandran plot revealed that 92.1% of the amino acid residues were located in the most favorable region; this was complemented by an ERRAT score (overall quality factor) of 96.24 percent and a ProSA (Z score) of -9.24 percent. The Lipinski rule of five was used as an additional filter for screening molecules. The docking results showed values of binding affinity between -14.08 and -12.34 kcal/mol. The molecule C1 showed the highest docking value of -14.08 Kcal/mol with the maximum number of strong H-bonds by -NH of pyridine to amino acid Cys104 (4.22Å), -NH of indazole to Glu108 (4.72), and Glu70 to bridge H of -NH. These interactions are similar to Axitinib docking interactions like Glu70, Cys104, and Glu102. The docking studies revealed that pi-alkyl bonds are formed with unsubstituted pyridine, whereas important H-bonds are observed with different substitutions around -NH. Based on potential findings, we designed new molecules, and molecular docking studies were performed on the same protein along with ADMET studies. The designed molecules (M1-M4) also showed comparable docking results similar to Axitinib, along with a synthetic accessibility score of less than 4.5. CONCLUSION The docking method employed in this work opens up new possibilities for the design and synthesis of novel compounds that can act as VEGFR-2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors and treat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivkant Patel
- Department of Pharmacy, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Piparia, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
| | - Vinay Ranjan Singh
- Department of Pharmacy, Shri Ram Institute of Pharmacy, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Ashok Kumar Suman
- Department of Chemistry, Govt. College, Antah (Baran), Rajasthan, India
| | - Surabhi Jain
- Faculty of Pharmacy, B. Pharmacy College Rampurakakanpur, (Gujarat Technological University), Panchmahals, Gujarat, India
| | - Ashim Kumar Sen
- Department of Pharmacy, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Piparia, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
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Geng B, Liu W, Wang J, Zhang W, Li Z, Zhang N, Hou W, Zhao E, Li X, You B. The categorizations of vasculogenic mimicry in clear cell renal cell carcinoma unveil inherent connections with clinical and immune features. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1333507. [PMID: 38178861 PMCID: PMC10765515 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1333507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) stands as the prevailing variant kidney cancer in humans. Unfortunately, patients with disseminated RCC at diagnosis often have a diminished prognosis. Rapid tumor growth necessitates efficient blood supply for oxygen and nutrients, involving the circulation of blood from vessels to tumor tissues, facilitating tumor cell entry into the extracellular matrix. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) significantly contributes to tumor growth and metastasis. Within this investigation, we identified vasculogenic mimicry-related genes (VMRGs) by analyzing data from 607 cases of kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/). These findings offer insights into ccRCC progression and metastasis. Method: We identified VMRGs-related subtypes using consistent clustering methods. The signature of the VMRGs was created using univariate Cox regression and LASSO Cox regression analyses. To evaluate differences in immune cell infiltration, we employed ssGSEA. Afterwards, we created an innovative risk assessment model, known as the VM index, along with a nomogram to forecast the prognosis of ccRCC. Additionally, we verified the expression of an important gene related to VM, peroxiredoxin 2 (PRDX2), in tissue samples. Furthermore, we assessed the sensitivity to drugs in various groups by utilizing the pRRophetic R package. Results: Significant predictors of survival rates in both high- and low-risk groups of KIRC patients were identified as VMRGs. The independent prognostic factors for RCC were confirmed by both univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, validating VMRG risk signatures. Differences were observed in drug sensitivity, immune checkpoint expression, and responses to immune therapy between patients classified into high- and low-VMRG-risk groups. Our nomograms consistently demonstrated precise predictive capabilities. Finally, we experimentally verified PRDX2 expression levels and their impact on prognosis. Conclusion: The signature predicts patient prognosis and therapy response, laying the groundwork for future clinical strategies in treating ccRCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Enyang Zhao
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xuedong Li
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Bosen You
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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17
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Wu Z, Wei N. METTL3-mediated HOTAIRM1 promotes vasculogenic mimicry icontributionsn glioma via regulating IGFBP2 expression. J Transl Med 2023; 21:855. [PMID: 38012763 PMCID: PMC10680348 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04624-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HOTAIRM1 is revealed to facilitate the malignant progression of glioma. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is critically involved in glioma progression. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism of HOTAIRM1 in regulating glioma VM formation remains elusive. Thus, we attempted to clarify the role and mechanism of HOTAIRM1 in VM formation in glioma. METHODS qRT-PCR and western blot assays were used to evaluate the gene and protein expression levels of HOTAIRM1 in glioma patient tissue samples and cell lines. The role of HOTAIRM1 in glioma cell progression and VM formation was explored using a series of function gain-and-loss experiments. RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA pull-down, and mechanism experiments were conducted to assess the interaction between HOTAIRM1/METTL3/IGFBP2 axis. Furthermore, rescue assays were conducted to explore the regulatory function of HOTAIRM1/METTL3/IGFBP2 in glioma cell cellular processes and VM formation. RESULTS We found that HOTAIRM1 presented up-regulation in glioma tissues and cells and overexpression of HOTAIRM1 facilitated glioma cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and VM formation. Furthermore, overexpression of HOTAIRM1 promoted glioma tumor growth and VM formation capacity in tumor xenograft mouse model. Moreover, HOTAIRM1 was demonstrated to interact with IGFBP2 and positively regulated IGFBP2 expression. IGFBP2 was found to promote glioma cell malignancy and VM formation. Mechanistically, METTL3 was highly expressed in glioma tissues and cells and was bound with HOTAIRM1 which stabilized HOTAIRM1 expression. Rescue assays demonstrated that METTL3 silencing counteracted the impact of HOTAIRM1 on glioma cell malignancy and VM formation capacity. CONCLUSION HOTAIRM1, post-transcriptionally stabilized by METTL3, promotes VM formation in glioma via up-regulating IGFBP2 expression, which provides a new direction for glioma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangyi Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, China
| | - Nan Wei
- Department of Oncology, Zhejiang Hospital, No. 12 Lingyin Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou, 310013, Zhejiang, China.
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18
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Huang J, Wang C, Hou Y, Tian Y, Li Y, Zhang H, Zhang L, Li W. Molecular mechanisms of Thrombospondin-2 modulates tumor vasculogenic mimicry by PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115455. [PMID: 37696083 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) differs from the classical tumor angiogenesis model. VM does not depend on endothelial cells; instead, highly aggressive tumor cells mimic endothelial cells to form a vascular-like channel structure. VM mediated by tumor cells is significantly and positively associated with a poor prognosis and low survival rates in patients with highly aggressive cancer. In the treatment of highly aggressive malignancies, the presence of VM is considered an important reason for the unsatisfactory clinical efficacy of anti-tumor-angiogenesis therapy (e.g., therapy targeting vascular endothelial growth factor A). Many targeted therapeutic drugs based on traditional tumor blood vessels have been used clinically. Although some progress has been made in certain tumors, problems such as drug resistance have restricted the expected therapeutic effects. Thrombospondin 2 (THBS2) is one of the most important genes associated with angiogenesis, and this gene exerts angiogenesis-related functions through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Although the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is closely related to the progression of VM, the mechanism by which the promising biomarker THBS2 participates in and regulates tumor VM by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is unclear. In this review, we analyze the monomer structure and biological activity of THBS2, the structure and potential synthesis mechanisms of VM, and the complex mechanisms between THBS2, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, and VM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, The College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Congcong Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, The College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yixuan Hou
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, The College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yuanyuan Tian
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, The College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yanru Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, The College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Haiying Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, The College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Lihong Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, The College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Wei Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, The College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China.
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19
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Tian X, Si Q, Liu M, Shi J, Zhao R, Xiong Y, Yu L, Cui H, Guan H. Advance in vasculogenic mimicry in ovarian cancer (Review). Oncol Lett 2023; 26:456. [PMID: 37736556 PMCID: PMC10509778 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.14043] [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: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is a common and highly prevalent malignant tumor in women, associated with a high mortality rate, easy recurrence and easy metastasis, which is predominantly at an advanced stage when detected in patients. This renders the cancer more difficult to treat, and consequently it is also associated with a low survival rate, being the malignancy with the highest mortality rate among the various gynecological tumors. As an important factor affecting the development and metastasis of OC, understanding the underlying mechanism(s) through which it is formed and developed is crucial in terms of its treatment. At present, the therapeutic methods of angiogenic mimicry for OC remain in the preliminary stages of exploration and have not been applied in actual clinical practice. In the present review, various signaling pathways and factors affecting angiogenic mimicry in OC were described, and the chemical synthetic drugs, natural compound extracts, small-molecule protein antibodies and their associated targets, and so on, that target angiogenic mimicry in the treatment of OC, were discussed. The purpose of this review was to provide new research ideas and potential theoretical support for the discovery of novel therapeutic targets for OC that may be applied in the clinic, with the aim of effectively reducing its metastasis and recurrence rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyuan Tian
- School of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010107, P.R. China
| | - Qin Si
- Scientific Research Department, Inner Mongolia Cancer Hospital and Affiliated People's Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010020, P.R. China
| | - Menghe Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010107, P.R. China
| | - Jianping Shi
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010107, P.R. China
| | - Rongwei Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010050, P.R. China
| | - Yang Xiong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, General Surgery Department of Ordos Central Hospital, Ordos, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 017000, P.R. China
| | - Lei Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010020, P.R. China
| | - Hongwei Cui
- Scientific Research Department, Peking University Cancer Hospital (Inner Mongolia Campus)/Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010050, P.R. China
| | - Haibin Guan
- School of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010107, P.R. China
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20
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Jung E, Lee YH, Ou S, Kim TY, Shin SY. EGR1 Regulation of Vasculogenic Mimicry in the MDA-MB-231 Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cell Line through the Upregulation of KLF4 Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14375. [PMID: 37762678 PMCID: PMC10532327 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is an intriguing phenomenon observed in tumor masses, in which cancer cells organize themselves into capillary-like channels that closely resemble the structure and function of blood vessels. Although VM is believed to contribute to alternative tumor vascularization, the detailed regulatory mechanisms controlling these cellular processes remain poorly understood. Our study aimed to investigate the role of Early Growth Response 1 (EGR1) in regulating VM in aggressive cancer cells, specifically MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells. Our study revealed that EGR1 promotes the formation of capillary-like tubes by MDA-MB-231 cells in a 3-dimensional Matrigel matrix. EGR1 was observed to upregulate Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) expression, which regulates the formation of the capillary-like tube structure. Additionally, our findings highlight the involvement of the ERK1/2 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways in mediating the expression of EGR1 and KLF4, underscoring their crucial role in VM in MDA-MB-231 cells. Understanding these regulatory mechanisms will provide valuable insights into potential therapeutic targets for preventing VM during the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Euitaek Jung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sanghuh College of Life Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; (E.J.); (Y.H.L.); (S.O.); (T.Y.K.)
| | - Young Han Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sanghuh College of Life Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; (E.J.); (Y.H.L.); (S.O.); (T.Y.K.)
- Cancer and Metabolism Institute, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Sukjin Ou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sanghuh College of Life Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; (E.J.); (Y.H.L.); (S.O.); (T.Y.K.)
| | - Tae Yoon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sanghuh College of Life Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; (E.J.); (Y.H.L.); (S.O.); (T.Y.K.)
| | - Soon Young Shin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sanghuh College of Life Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; (E.J.); (Y.H.L.); (S.O.); (T.Y.K.)
- Cancer and Metabolism Institute, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
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21
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Tatebayashi K, Nakayama N, Sakamoto D, Iida T, Ono S, Matsuda I, Enomoto Y, Tanaka M, Fujita M, Hirota S, Yoshimura S. Clinical Significance of Early Venous Filling Detected via Preoperative Angiography in Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3800. [PMID: 37568616 PMCID: PMC10416945 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Preoperative angiography in glioblastoma (GBM) often shows arteriovenous shunts and early venous filling (EVF). Here, we investigated the clinical implications of EVF in GBM as a prognostic and vascular mimicry biomarker. In this retrospective multicenter study, we consecutively enrolled patients who underwent angiography with a GBM diagnosis between 1 April 2013 and 31 March 2021. The primary and secondary endpoints were the differences in overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), respectively, between cases with and without EVF. Of the 133 initially enrolled patients, 91 newly diagnosed with GBM underwent preoperative angiography and became the study population. The 6-year OS and PFS were significantly worse in the EVF than in the non-EVF group. Moreover, 20 GBM cases (10 with EVF and 10 without EVF) were randomly selected and evaluated for histological vascular mimicry. Except for two cases that were difficult to evaluate, the EVF group had a significantly higher frequency of vascular mimicry than the non-EVF group (0/8 vs. 5/10, p = 0.04). EVF on preoperative angiography is a robust prognostic biomarker for GBM and may help detect cases with a high frequency of histological vascular mimicry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Tatebayashi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya 663-8501, Japan; (K.T.); (D.S.); (T.I.); (S.O.)
| | - Noriyuki Nakayama
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1112, Japan; (N.N.); (Y.E.)
| | - Daisuke Sakamoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya 663-8501, Japan; (K.T.); (D.S.); (T.I.); (S.O.)
| | - Tomoko Iida
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya 663-8501, Japan; (K.T.); (D.S.); (T.I.); (S.O.)
| | - Shun Ono
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya 663-8501, Japan; (K.T.); (D.S.); (T.I.); (S.O.)
| | - Ikuo Matsuda
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya 663-8501, Japan; (I.M.); (S.H.)
| | - Yukiko Enomoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1112, Japan; (N.N.); (Y.E.)
| | - Michihiro Tanaka
- Department of Neuroendovascular Surgery, Kameda Medical Center, Kamogawa 296-0041, Japan;
| | - Mitsugu Fujita
- Department of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kindai University, Higashiosaka 577-8502, Japan;
| | - Seiichi Hirota
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya 663-8501, Japan; (I.M.); (S.H.)
| | - Shinichi Yoshimura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya 663-8501, Japan; (K.T.); (D.S.); (T.I.); (S.O.)
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22
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Wei Y, Jiao Z, Sun T, Lai Z, Wang X. Molecular Mechanisms Behind Vascular Mimicry as the Target for Improved Breast Cancer Management. Int J Womens Health 2023; 15:1027-1038. [PMID: 37465721 PMCID: PMC10350405 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s406327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Breast cancer has a high incidence and mortality rate in women due to metastasis and drug resistance which is associated with vasculogenic mimicry (VM). We purposed to explore VM formulation in breast cancer and mechanism of which is involved in EphA2/PIK3R1/CTNNB1 in the present study. Methods The expression of EphA2/PIK3R1/CTNNB1 and breast cancer patient prognosis was analyzed from TCGA data, both gene and protein expression as well as VM were measured in human breast cancer tissue samples collected in our study. The relationship between EphA2/PIK3R1/CTNNB1 and the formation of VM in breast cancer and its possible regulatory mechanism was explored. Results The results of the bioinformatics analysis based on TCGA showed that the expression of PIK3R1/ CTNNB1/ PECAM1 (CD31) in tumor tissues was significantly lower than that in normal tissues. EphA2 was positively correlated with PIK3R1, PIK3R1 with CTNNB1, and CTNNB1 with PECAM1 expression in breast cancer tissues. The results of detection in breast cancer and adjacent tissues indicated that the expression of EphA2/PIK3R1/CTNNB1 in cancer tissues was significantly lower than that in adjacent tissues. The expression of PIK3R1 was positively correlated with EphA2 and CTNNB1 expression, respectively, as well as EphA2 expression correlated with CTNNB1 expression positively. VM formation was significantly increased in breast cancer tissues compared with adjacent tissues. Conclusion Our results suggested that the formation of VM in breast cancer may be related to the EphA2/PIK3R1/CTNNB1 molecular signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Wei
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zheng Jiao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Youanmen Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tianpei Sun
- Clinical School of Medicine, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiwei Lai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital Fujian Campus, Jinjiang, Fujian Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaochun Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei Province, People’s Republic of China
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23
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Wu J, Zhang L, Li W, Wang L, Jia Q, Shi F, Li K, Liao L, Shi Y, Wu S. The role of TOP2A in immunotherapy and vasculogenic mimicry in non-small cell lung cancer and its potential mechanism. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10906. [PMID: 37407689 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38117-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Type IIA topoisomerase (TOP2A) is significantly associated with malignant tumor development, invasion, treatment and its prognosis, and has been shown to be a therapeutic target against cancer. In contrast, the role of TOP2A in the immunotherapy of non-small cell lung cancer as well as in Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formation and its potential mechanisms are unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of TOP2A in proliferation, skeleton regulation, motility and VM production in non-small cell lung cancer and its mechanisms by using bioinformatics tools and molecular biology experiments. Subgroup analysis showed that the low-risk group had a better prognosis, while the high-risk group was positively correlated with high tumor mutational load, M1-type macrophage infiltration, immune checkpoint molecule expression, and immunotherapy efficacy. As confirmed by further clinical specimens, the presence of TOP2A and VM was significantly and positively correlated with poor prognosis. Our study established a model based on significant co-expression of TOP2A genes, which significantly correlated with mutational load and immunotherapy outcomes in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Further mechanistic exploration suggests that TOP2A plays an important role in immunotherapy and VM formation in NSCLC through upregulation of Wnt3a and PD-L1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiatao Wu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Clinical and Preclinical Research in Respiratory Disease, Molecular Diagnosis Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Bengbu Medical College, 287 Changhuai Road, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Oncology Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233080, Anhui, China
| | - Wenjuan Li
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Clinical and Preclinical Research in Respiratory Disease, Molecular Diagnosis Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Bengbu Medical College, 287 Changhuai Road, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Luyao Wang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianhao Jia
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Shi
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Kairui Li
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingli Liao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233000, Anhui, China
| | - Yuqi Shi
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiwu Wu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Pathology, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui, China.
- Department of pathology, Anhui No.2 Provincial People's Hospital, Bengbu, China.
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24
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Yang W, Li Z, Wang W, Wu J, Li J, Huang X, Zhang X, Ye X. Vasculogenic mimicry score identifies the prognosis and immune landscape of lung adenocarcinoma. Front Genet 2023; 14:1206141. [PMID: 37351348 PMCID: PMC10282128 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1206141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Lung cancer has a high incidence and mortality rate worldwide. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a specific modality of tumor angiogenesis that could potentially be a new target for tumor therapy. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of VM-related genes in assessing the prognosis and immune landscape of lung cancer. Methods: VM-related genes were obtained from previous studies, and the expression data and clinical data of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients were obtained from the TCGA database and GEO database. We performed enrichment analysis of 24 VM-related genes and screened hub genes by constructing a protein-protein interaction network and using Cytoscape software. Subsequently, we developed the VM score based on univariate Cox regression analysis and Lasso analysis and validated the VM score on the GSE72094 dataset. In addition, we constructed a nomogram based on the VM score in the TCGA cohort. Finally, we explored the correlation between the VM score and the tumor microenvironment, immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoints, and drug sensitivity. Results: Enrichment analysis revealed that VM-related genes were associated with the HIF signaling pathway and angiogenic pathway. We developed a VM score based on 3 genes (EPHA2, LAMC2 and LOXL2) in LUAD patients. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the VM score was associated with poor prognosis in LUAD patients. The receiver operating characteristic curve suggested that the VM score and nomogram are valid predictors for the overall survival of LUAD patients. The VM score was significantly correlated with immune cell infiltration, such as naïve B cells, neutrophils, and eosinophils, and there was a difference in the TME between the high VM score group and the low VM score group. LUAD patients in the high VM score group were more sensitive to antitumor drugs. Conclusion: In summary, the VM score developed in this study is a valuable indicator for evaluating the prognosis and immune landscape of LUAD patients. VM may be a potential target for antitumor therapy in lung cancer.
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25
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Nairuz T, Mahmud Z, Manik RK, Kabir Y. Cancer stem cells: an insight into the development of metastatic tumors and therapy resistance. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023:10.1007/s12015-023-10529-x. [PMID: 37129728 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10529-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The term "cancer stem cells" (CSCs) refers to cancer cells that exhibit traits parallel to normal stem cells, namely the potential to give rise to every type of cell identified in a tumor microenvironment. It has been found that CSCs usually develops from other neoplastic cells or non-cancerous somatic cells by acquiring stemness and malignant characteristics through particular genetic modifications. A trivial number of CSCs, identified in solid and liquid cancer, can give rise to an entire tumor population with aggressive anticancer drug resistance, metastasis, and invasiveness. Besides, cancer stem cells manipulate their intrinsic and extrinsic features, regulate the metabolic pattern of the cell, adjust efflux-influx efficiency, modulate different signaling pathways, block apoptotic signals, and cause genetic and epigenetic alterations to retain their pluripotency and ability of self-renewal. Notably, to keep the cancer stem cells' ability to become malignant cells, mesenchymal stem cells, tumor-associated fibroblasts, immune cells, etc., interact with one another. Furthermore, CSCs are characterized by the expression of particular molecular markers that carry significant diagnostic and prognostic significance. Because of this, scientific research on CSCs is becoming increasingly imperative, intending to understand the traits and behavior of cancer stem cells and create more potent anticancer therapeutics to fight cancer at the CSC level. In this review, we aimed to elucidate the critical role of CSCs in the onset and spread of cancer and the characteristics of CSCs that promote severe resistance to targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahsin Nairuz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Zimam Mahmud
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Rasel Khan Manik
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Yearul Kabir
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh.
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Wälchli T, Bisschop J, Carmeliet P, Zadeh G, Monnier PP, De Bock K, Radovanovic I. Shaping the brain vasculature in development and disease in the single-cell era. Nat Rev Neurosci 2023; 24:271-298. [PMID: 36941369 PMCID: PMC10026800 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-023-00684-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
The CNS critically relies on the formation and proper function of its vasculature during development, adult homeostasis and disease. Angiogenesis - the formation of new blood vessels - is highly active during brain development, enters almost complete quiescence in the healthy adult brain and is reactivated in vascular-dependent brain pathologies such as brain vascular malformations and brain tumours. Despite major advances in the understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving angiogenesis in peripheral tissues, developmental signalling pathways orchestrating angiogenic processes in the healthy and the diseased CNS remain incompletely understood. Molecular signalling pathways of the 'neurovascular link' defining common mechanisms of nerve and vessel wiring have emerged as crucial regulators of peripheral vascular growth, but their relevance for angiogenesis in brain development and disease remains largely unexplored. Here we review the current knowledge of general and CNS-specific mechanisms of angiogenesis during brain development and in brain vascular malformations and brain tumours, including how key molecular signalling pathways are reactivated in vascular-dependent diseases. We also discuss how these topics can be studied in the single-cell multi-omics era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Wälchli
- Group of CNS Angiogenesis and Neurovascular Link, Neuroscience Center Zurich, and Division of Neurosurgery, University and University Hospital Zurich, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Division of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Group of Brain Vasculature and Perivascular Niche, Division of Experimental and Translational Neuroscience, Krembil Brain Institute, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Jeroen Bisschop
- Group of CNS Angiogenesis and Neurovascular Link, Neuroscience Center Zurich, and Division of Neurosurgery, University and University Hospital Zurich, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Division of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Group of Brain Vasculature and Perivascular Niche, Division of Experimental and Translational Neuroscience, Krembil Brain Institute, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Peter Carmeliet
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB & Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Heterogeneity, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Gelareh Zadeh
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Philippe P Monnier
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Donald K. Johnson Research Institute, Krembil Research Institute, Krembil Discovery Tower, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Katrien De Bock
- Laboratory of Exercise and Health, Department of Health Science and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ivan Radovanovic
- Group of Brain Vasculature and Perivascular Niche, Division of Experimental and Translational Neuroscience, Krembil Brain Institute, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Lin K, Huang L, Zhang Y, Chen M, Li Z, Yung KKL, Lv S, Pan Q, Zhang W, Fu J, Li W, Deng Q. The Antiangiogenic and Antitumor Effects of Scoparasin B in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2023; 86:368-379. [PMID: 36692021 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.2c00979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) are crucial for the growth and metastasis of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Most tumor angiogenesis inhibitors mainly target endothelial cell-mediated angiogenesis, ignoring tumor-cell-mediated VM and frequently leading to tumor recurrence and metastasis. Thus, development of bioactive molecules interfering with both tumor angiogenesis and VM is necessary. Identifying novel angiogenesis inhibitors from natural products is a promising strategy. Scoparasin B, a pimarane diterpene extracted from a marine-derived fungus, Eutypella sp. F0219, has an antibacterial effect. However, its effect on angiogenesis and VM remains unexplored. In this study, we first certified that scoparasin B showed a strong inhibition effect on angiogenesis and the VM process in vitro and ex vivo. Moreover, scoparasin B prominently impeded tumor growth, angiogenesis, and VM in an NCI-H1299 xenograft model. Further study revealed that scoparasin B restrained tumor angiogenesis and VM by reducing the VEGF-A level and suppressing the VEGF-A/VEGFR2 signaling pathway. This study first demonstrated scoparasin B inhibited tumor angiogenesis, VM, and tumor growth of NSCLC and revealed its underlying mechanism. These new findings further support the potential of scoparasin B as a novel angiogenesis inhibitor and give a hint for further exploring potential angiogenesis inhibitors from natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaili Lin
- School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
- Golden Meditech Center for Neuro Regeneration Sciences, HKBU, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Lijuan Huang
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & The Fifth Affiliated Hospital and The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & The Fifth Affiliated Hospital and The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Minshan Chen
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & The Fifth Affiliated Hospital and The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Zhan Li
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & The Fifth Affiliated Hospital and The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Ken Kin Lam Yung
- Department of Biology & Golden Meditech Center for NeuroRegeneration Sciences (GMCNS), Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sha Lv
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & The Fifth Affiliated Hospital and The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Qianrong Pan
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & The Fifth Affiliated Hospital and The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Weisong Zhang
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & The Fifth Affiliated Hospital and The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Jijun Fu
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & The Fifth Affiliated Hospital and The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Wanshan Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicinal Plant Chemistry of Hainan Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, 571158, China
| | - Qiudi Deng
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
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Kazakova A, Sudarskikh T, Kovalev O, Kzhyshkowska J, Larionova I. Interaction of tumor‑associated macrophages with stromal and immune components in solid tumors: Research progress (Review). Int J Oncol 2023; 62:32. [PMID: 36660926 PMCID: PMC9851132 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2023.5480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor‑associated macrophages (TAMs) are crucial cells of the tumor microenvironment (TME), which belong to the innate immune system and regulate primary tumor growth, immunosuppression, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix remodeling and metastasis. The review discusses current knowledge of essential cell‑cell interactions of TAMs within the TME of solid tumors. It summarizes the mechanisms of stromal cell (including cancer‑associated fibroblasts and endothelial cells)‑mediated monocyte recruitment and regulation of differentiation, as well as pro‑tumor and antitumor polarization of TAMs. Additionally, it focuses on the perivascular TAM subpopulations that regulate angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. It describes the possible mechanisms of reciprocal interactions of TAMs with other immune cells responsible for immunosuppression. Finally, it highlights the perspectives for novel therapeutic approaches to use combined cellular targets that include TAMs and other stromal and immune cells in the TME. The collected data demonstrated the importance of understanding cell‑cell interactions in the TME to prevent distant metastasis and reduce the risk of tumor recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kazakova
- Laboratory of Translational Cellular and Molecular Biomedicine, National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk 634050, Russian Federation
| | - Tatiana Sudarskikh
- Laboratory of Translational Cellular and Molecular Biomedicine, National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk 634050, Russian Federation
| | - Oleg Kovalev
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk 634009, Russian Federation
| | - Julia Kzhyshkowska
- Laboratory of Translational Cellular and Molecular Biomedicine, National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk 634050, Russian Federation
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Immunology, Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, D-68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Irina Larionova
- Laboratory of Translational Cellular and Molecular Biomedicine, National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk 634050, Russian Federation
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk 634009, Russian Federation
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S V, Kajal K, Mondal S, Wahan SK, Das Kurmi B, Das Gupta G, Patel P. Novel VEGFR-2 Kinase Inhibitors as Anticancer Agents: A Review Focusing on SAR and Molecular Docking Studies (2016-2021). Chem Biodivers 2023; 20:e202200847. [PMID: 36721068 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202200847] [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: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Cancer growth, annexation, and metastatic spread are all aided by the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). The commencement of the VEGF pathway leads to signal transduction that enhances endothelial cell survival, relocation, and divergence from pre-existing vasculature. The ability of solid malignancies to bloom and spread depends critically on their ability to establish their independent blood circulation (tumor angiogenesis). VEGFR is a major receptor tyrosine kinase that regulates angiogenesis, cell growth, and metastasis, diminishing apoptosis, cytoskeletal function, and other biological processes VEGFR has proven to be a remarkable focus for a variety of anticancer medicines in clinical studies. This Review explores the development of anti-VEGF-based antiangiogenic therapies having different scaffolds. This review had focused on SAR and docking studies of previously reported molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishakha S
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142001, Punjab, India
| | - Kumari Kajal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142001, Punjab, India
| | - Sitanshu Mondal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142001, Punjab, India
| | - Simranpreet K Wahan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142001, Punjab, India
| | - Balak Das Kurmi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142001, Punjab, India
| | - Ghanshyam Das Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142001, Punjab, India
| | - Preeti Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142001, Punjab, India
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Lapkina EZ, Esimbekova AR, Ruksha TG. [Vasculogenic mimicry]. Arkh Patol 2023; 85:62-69. [PMID: 38010640 DOI: 10.17116/patol20238506162] [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] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Anti-angiogenic drugs are used as an established approach of malignant neoplasms therapy. It has been established that the development of the phenomenon of vasculogenic mimicry - a specific variant of tumor neoangiogenesis, which is formed in highly aggressive solid tumors, is associated with a decrease in the effectiveness of antitumor therapy. This review highlights the mechanisms of development of vasculogenic mimicry in malignant neoplasms, which is one of the alternative options for tumor blood supply. In the formation of vasculogenic mimicry, an important role is assigned to the tumor microenvironment, primarily tumor-associated macrophages and fibroblasts. The signaling pathways that regulate the formation of vasculogenic mimicry channels in tumors have been characterized. The prospects for a targeted impact on molecular targets that initiate and promote vasculogenic mimicry, the impact on which can increase the effectiveness of antitumor therapy, are shown. The review discusses experimental studies of the mechanisms of vasculogenic mimicry formation in malignant neoplasms and the prospects for targeted action on molecules that are components of signaling cascades involved in the development of this model of neoangiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Z Lapkina
- Professor V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - A R Esimbekova
- Professor V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - T G Ruksha
- Professor V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
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Cheng T, Zhang S, Xia T, Zhang Y, Ji Y, Pan S, Xie H, Ren Q, You Y, You B. EBV promotes vascular mimicry of dormant cancer cells by potentiating stemness and EMT. Exp Cell Res 2022; 421:113403. [PMID: 36336028 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2022.113403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Vascular mimicry (VM) is defined as a vascular channel-like structure composed of tumor cells that correlates with the growth of cancer cells by providing blood circulation. However, whether VM can be formed in dormant cancer cells remains unclear. Our previous research revealed that polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) are specific dormant cells related to the poor prognosis of head and neck cancer. Here, we demonstrated that EBV could promote VM formation by PGCCs in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, we revealed that the activation of the ERK pathway partly mediated by LMP2A is responsible for stemness, and the acquisition of the stemness phenotype is crucial to the malignant biological behavior of PGCCs. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process plays a considerable role in PGCCs, and EMT progression is vital for EBV-positive PGCCs to form VM. This is the first study to reveal that EBV creates plasticity in PGCC-VM and provide a new strategy for targeted anti-tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Cheng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu Province, China. Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Siyu Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu Province, China. Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Tian Xia
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu Province, China. Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yanshu Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yan Ji
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu Province, China. Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Si Pan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu Province, China. Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Haijing Xie
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu Province, China. Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qianqian Ren
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu Province, China. Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yiwen You
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu Province, China. Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Bo You
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu Province, China. Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Zhang J, Han H, Wang L, Wang W, Yang M, Qin Y. Overcoming the therapeutic resistance of hepatomas by targeting the tumor microenvironment. Front Oncol 2022; 12:988956. [DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.988956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for the majority of primary liver cancers and is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Multifactorial drug resistance is regarded as the major cause of treatment failure in HCC. Accumulating evidence shows that the constituents of the tumor microenvironment (TME), including cancer-associated fibroblasts, tumor vasculature, immune cells, physical factors, cytokines, and exosomes may explain the therapeutic resistance mechanisms in HCC. In recent years, anti-angiogenic drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown satisfactory results in HCC patients. However, due to enhanced communication between the tumor and TME, the effect of heterogeneity of the microenvironment on therapeutic resistance is particularly complicated, which suggests a more challenging research direction. In addition, it has been reported that the three-dimensional (3D) organoid model derived from patient biopsies is more intuitive to fully understand the role of the TME in acquired resistance. Therefore, in this review, we have focused not only on the mechanisms and targets of therapeutic resistance related to the contents of the TME in HCC but also provide a comprehensive description of 3D models and how they contribute to the exploration of HCC therapies.
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Huang M, Lin Y, Wang C, Deng L, Chen M, Assaraf YG, Chen ZS, Ye W, Zhang D. New insights into antiangiogenic therapy resistance in cancer: Mechanisms and therapeutic aspects. Drug Resist Updat 2022; 64:100849. [PMID: 35842983 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2022.100849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a hallmark of cancer and is required for tumor growth and progression. Antiangiogenic therapy has been revolutionarily developing and was approved for the treatment of various types of cancer for nearly two decades, among which bevacizumab and sorafenib continue to be the two most frequently used antiangiogenic drugs. Although antiangiogenic therapy has brought substantial survival benefits to many cancer patients, resistance to antiangiogenic drugs frequently occurs during clinical treatment, leading to poor outcomes and treatment failure. Cumulative evidence has demonstrated that the intricate interplay among tumor cells, bone marrow-derived cells, and local stromal cells critically allows for tumor escape from antiangiogenic therapy. Currently, drug resistance has become the main challenge that hinders the therapeutic efficacies of antiangiogenic therapy. In this review, we describe and summarize the cellular and molecular mechanisms conferring tumor drug resistance to antiangiogenic therapy, which was predominantly associated with redundancy in angiogenic signaling molecules (e.g., VEGFs, GM-CSF, G-CSF, and IL17), alterations in biological processes of tumor cells (e.g., tumor invasiveness and metastasis, stemness, autophagy, metabolic reprogramming, vessel co-option, and vasculogenic mimicry), increased recruitment of bone marrow-derived cells (e.g., myeloid-derived suppressive cells, tumor-associated macrophages, and tumor-associated neutrophils), and changes in the biological functions and features of local stromal cells (e.g., pericytes, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and endothelial cells). We also review potential biomarkers to predict the response to antiangiogenic therapy in cancer patients, which mainly consist of imaging biomarkers, cellular and extracellular proteins, a certain type of bone marrow-derived cells, local stromal cell content (e.g., pericyte coverage) as well as serum or plasma biomarkers (e.g., non-coding RNAs). Finally, we highlight the recent advances in combination strategies with the aim of enhancing the response to antiangiogenic therapy in cancer patients and mouse models. This review introduces a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms and biomarkers associated with the evasion of antiangiogenic therapy in cancer, providing an outlook for developing more effective approaches to promote the therapeutic efficacy of antiangiogenic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maohua Huang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Postdoctoral Research Station, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yuning Lin
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Chenran Wang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Lijuan Deng
- Formula-Pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Minfeng Chen
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yehuda G Assaraf
- The Fred Wyszkowski Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Institute for Biotechnology, St. John's University, NY 11439, USA.
| | - Wencai Ye
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Dongmei Zhang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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LINC00339: An emerging major player in cancer and metabolic diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 149:112788. [PMID: 35276468 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a series of RNA molecules without ability to code proteins. LncRNAs have emerged as significant players in almost all aspects of gene function and regulation and play crucial roles in many human diseases. Particular lncRNAs are deemed to be promising molecular biomarkers used for diagnosing diseases and determining patient prognoses and treatment efficacies. LINC00339 is a new budding lncRNA and much of evidence shows that it is abnormally expressed in multifarious diseases, including endometriosis, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, osteoporosis, digestive-system tumors, respiratory-system tumors, nervous-system tumors, and diseases involving other systems. Additionally, LINC00339 is remarkably associated with different clinical features, such as tumor size, TNM stage, and pathological grade. LINC00339 expression has been proved to upregulate in the aforementioned diseases and has been identified to promote disease occurrence and development. It is also reported that LINC00339 is associated with various cellular events, such as tumor cell proliferation, motility and invasiveness, the expression has also been proved that it is closely related to clinical symptoms in cancer patients. This review summarizes the relationships among expression levels, biological features, clinical symptoms, and regulatory mechanisms of LINC00339 in several diseases and discusses the clinical applications of LINC00339 as a cancer diagnostic, prognostic and treatment efficacy biomarker.
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35
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Sestito R, Tocci P, Roman C, Di Castro V, Bagnato A. Functional interaction between endothelin-1 and ZEB1/YAP signaling regulates cellular plasticity and metastasis in high-grade serous ovarian cancer. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2022; 41:157. [PMID: 35477522 PMCID: PMC9047299 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02317-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) encompasses a highly dynamic and complex key process which leads to metastatic progression. In high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HG-SOC), endothelin-1 (ET-1)/endothelin A receptor (ETAR) signaling promotes EMT driving tumor progression. However, the complex nature of intertwined regulatory circuits activated by ET-1 to trigger the metastatic process is not fully elucidated. Methods The capacity of ET-1 pathway to guide a critical transcriptional network that is instrumental for metastatic growth was identified in patient-derived HG-SOC cells and cell lines through immunoblotting, q-RT-PCR, co-immunoprecipitation, in situ proximity ligation, luciferase reporter, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays and publicly available databases. Functional assays in HG-SOC cells and HG-SOC xenografts served to test the inhibitory effects of ET-1 receptors (ET-1R) antagonist in vitro and in vivo. Results We demonstrated that ET-1/ETAR axis promoted the direct physical ZEB1/YAP interaction by inducing their nuclear accumulation in HG-SOC cells. Moreover, ET-1 directed their engagement in a functional transcriptional complex with the potent oncogenic AP-1 factor JUN. This led to the aberrant activation of common target genes, including EDN1 (ET-1) gene, thereby creating a feed-forward loop that sustained a persistent ET-1/ZEB1 signaling activity. Notably, ET-1-induced Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) signaling mediated the activation of YAP/ZEB1 circuit driving cellular plasticity, invasion and EMT. Of therapeutic interest, treatment of HG-SOC cells with the FDA approved ET-1R antagonist macitentan, targeting YAP and ZEB1-driven signaling, suppressed metastasis in vivo in mice. High gene expression of ETAR/ILK/YAP/AP-1/ZEB1 was a strong predictor of poor clinical outcome in serous ovarian cancer patients, indicating the translational relevance of this signature expression. Conclusions This study provides novel mechanistic insights of the ET-1R-driven mediators that support the ability of HG-SOC to acquire metastatic traits which include the cooperation of YAP and ZEB1 regulatory circuit paving the way for innovative treatment of metastatic ovarian cancer. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02317-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Sestito
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Piera Tocci
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Celia Roman
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeriana Di Castro
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Bagnato
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
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Chen Y, Lu X, Gao L, Dean DC, Liu Y. Spheroid-induced heterogeneity and plasticity of uveal melanoma cells. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2022; 45:309-321. [PMID: 35404029 PMCID: PMC9050762 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-022-00671-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The mechanism underlying cancer heterogeneity and plasticity remains elusive, in spite of the fact that multiple hypotheses have been put forward. We intended to clarify this heterogeneity in uveal melanoma (UM) by looking for evidence of cancer stem cell involvement and a potential role of ZEB1 in cancer cell plasticity. METHODS Spheroids derived from human UM cells as well as xenograft tumors in nude mice were dissected for signs of heterogeneity and plasticity. Two human UM cell lines were studied: the epithelioid type C918 cell line and the spindle type OCM1 cell line. We knocked down ZEB1 in both cell lines to investigate its involvement in the regulation of stem-like cell formation and vascularization by qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. RESULTS We found that a small side population (SP) in OCM1 showed stem cell-like properties such as heterogeneity, remote dissemination and nuclear dye exclusion after spheroid formation in vitro. ZEB1 regulated UM stem cell generation indirectly by promoting cell proliferation to form large size tumors in vivo and spheroid in vitro, and directly by binding to stemness genes such as TERT and ABCB1. In addition, we found that ZEB1 participates in vasculogenic mimicry system formation through the regulation of CD34 and VE-cadherin expression. CONCLUSIONS From our data we conclude that cancer stem cells may contribute to UM heterogeneity and plasticity and that ZEB1 may play a regulatory role in it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Chen
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, National Clinical Medical Center for Geriatric Diseases of Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoqin Lu
- Department of Medicine, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, Birth Defects Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY USA
| | - Ling Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Douglas C. Dean
- Department of Medicine, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, Birth Defects Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY USA
| | - Yongqing Liu
- Department of Medicine, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, Birth Defects Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY USA
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Treps L, Ager A, Hida K. Editorial: Tumor Vessels as Directors of the Tumor Microenvironment: New Findings, Current Challenges & Perspectives. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:885670. [PMID: 35425768 PMCID: PMC9002344 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.885670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Treps
- Nantes Université, Inserm UMR 1307, CNRS UMR 6075, Université d’Angers, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France
| | - Ann Ager
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Kyoko Hida
- Vascular Biology and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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38
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Tan LY, Cockshell MP, Moore E, Myo Min KK, Ortiz M, Johan MZ, Ebert B, Ruszkiewicz A, Brown MP, Ebert LM, Bonder CS. Vasculogenic mimicry structures in melanoma support the recruitment of monocytes. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2043673. [PMID: 35295096 PMCID: PMC8920250 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2043673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The progression of cancer is facilitated by infiltrating leukocytes which can either actively kill cancer cells or promote their survival. Our current understanding of leukocyte recruitment into tumors is largely limited to the adhesion molecules and chemokines expressed by conventional blood vessels that are lined by endothelial cells (ECs). However, cancer cells themselves can form their own vascular structures (a process known as vasculogenic mimicry (VM)); but whether they actively participate in the recruitment of leukocytes remains to be elucidated. Herein, we demonstrate that VM-competent human melanoma cell lines express multiple adhesion molecules (e.g. CD44, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and junction adhesion molecules (JAMs)) and chemokines (e.g. CXCL8 and CXCL12) relevant for leukocyte recruitment. Microfluidic-based adhesion assays revealed that similar to ECs, VM-competent melanoma cells facilitate the rolling and adhesion of leukocytes, particularly monocytes, under conditions of shear flow. Moreover, we identified ICAM-1 to be a key participant in this process. Transwell assays showed that, similar to ECs, VM-competent melanoma cells facilitate monocyte transmigration toward a chemotactic gradient. Gene expression profiling of human melanoma patient samples confirmed the expression of numerous leukocyte capture adhesion molecules and chemokines. Finally, immunostaining of patient tissue microarrays revealed that tumors with high VM content also contained higher numbers of leukocytes (including macrophages). Taken together, this study suggests an underappreciated role of VM vessels in solid tumors via their active participation in leukocyte recruitment and begins to identify key adhesion molecules and chemokines that underpin this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lih Y. Tan
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Michaelia P. Cockshell
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Eli Moore
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Kay K. Myo Min
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Michael Ortiz
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, Australia
| | - M. Zahied Johan
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Brenton Ebert
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Andrew Ruszkiewicz
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Michael P. Brown
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Lisa M. Ebert
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Claudine S. Bonder
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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39
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Del Bufalo D, Di Martile M, Valentini E, Manni I, Masi I, D'Amore A, Filippini A, Nicoletti C, Zaccarini M, Cota C, Castro MV, Quezada MJ, Rosanò L, Lopez-Bergami P, D'Aguanno S. Bcl-2-like protein-10 increases aggressive features of melanoma cells. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2022; 3:11-26. [PMID: 36046354 PMCID: PMC9400776 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2022.00068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)-like protein-10 (Bcl2L10) is the less studied
member of Bcl-2 family proteins, with the controversial role in different
cancer histotypes. Very recently, Bcl2L10 expression in melanoma tumor
specimens and its role in melanoma response to therapy have been
demonstrated. Here, the involvement of Bcl2L10 on the in
vitro and in vivo properties associated with
melanoma aggressive features has been investigated. Methods: Endogenous Bcl2L10 protein expression was detected by western blotting
analysis in a panel of patient-derived and commercially available human
melanoma cells. In vitro assays to evaluate clonogenicity,
cell proliferation, cell migration, cell invasion, and in
vitro capillary-like structure formation [vasculogenic
mimicry (VM)] have been performed by using human melanoma cells
stably overexpressing Bcl2L10 or transiently transfected for loss/gain
function of Bcl2L10, grown under two- or three-dimensional (3D) conditions
Xenograft melanoma model was employed to evaluate in vivo
tumor growth and angiogenesis. Results: Results demonstrated that Bcl2L10 acts as an inducer of in
vitro cell migration, invasion, and VM, while in
vitro cell proliferation, in vivo tumor
growth, as well as colony formation properties were not affected. Dissecting
different signaling pathways, it was found that Bcl2L10 positively affects
the phosphorylation of extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and the
expression of markers of cell invasion, such as urokinase plasminogen
activator receptor (uPAR) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Of note,
Bcl2L10-dependent in vitro migration, invasion, and VM are
linked to uPAR. Bcl2L10 also negatively regulates the intracellular calcium
level. Finally, reduced invasion capability in 3D spheroid invasion assay of
melanoma cells transiently overexpressing Bcl2L10 was observed after
treatment with inhibitors of MMPs and uPAR. Conclusions: Overall, data reported in this paper provide evidence supporting a positive
role of Bcl2L10 in melanoma aggressive features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Del Bufalo
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Di Martile
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Valentini
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Manni
- SAFU Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilenia Masi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella D'Amore
- Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Filippini
- Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Carmine Nicoletti
- Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Zaccarini
- Genetic Research, Dermatological Molecular Biology and Dermatopathology Unit, IRCCS San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Cota
- Genetic Research, Dermatological Molecular Biology and Dermatopathology Unit, IRCCS San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Victoria Castro
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos, Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo, Universidad Maimónides, Buenos Aires C1405BCK, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires C1405BCK, Argentina
| | - María Josefina Quezada
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos, Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo, Universidad Maimónides, Buenos Aires C1405BCK, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires C1405BCK, Argentina
| | - Laura Rosanò
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Pablo Lopez-Bergami
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos, Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo, Universidad Maimónides, Buenos Aires C1405BCK, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires C1405BCK, Argentina
| | - Simona D'Aguanno
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy
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40
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Cocola C, Magnaghi V, Abeni E, Pelucchi P, Martino V, Vilardo L, Piscitelli E, Consiglio A, Grillo G, Mosca E, Gualtierotti R, Mazzaccaro D, La Sala G, Di Pietro C, Palizban M, Liuni S, DePedro G, Morara S, Nano G, Kehler J, Greve B, Noghero A, Marazziti D, Bussolino F, Bellipanni G, D'Agnano I, Götte M, Zucchi I, Reinbold R. Transmembrane Protein TMEM230, a Target of Glioblastoma Therapy. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:703431. [PMID: 34867197 PMCID: PMC8636015 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.703431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastomas (GBM) are the most aggressive tumors originating in the brain. Histopathologic features include circuitous, disorganized, and highly permeable blood vessels with intermittent blood flow. These features contribute to the inability to direct therapeutic agents to tumor cells. Known targets for anti-angiogenic therapies provide minimal or no effect in overall survival of 12–15 months following diagnosis. Identification of novel targets therefore remains an important goal for effective treatment of highly vascularized tumors such as GBM. We previously demonstrated in zebrafish that a balanced level of expression of the transmembrane protein TMEM230/C20ORF30 was required to maintain normal blood vessel structural integrity and promote proper vessel network formation. To investigate whether TMEM230 has a role in the pathogenesis of GBM, we analyzed its prognostic value in patient tumor gene expression datasets and performed cell functional analysis. TMEM230 was found necessary for growth of U87-MG cells, a model of human GBM. Downregulation of TMEM230 resulted in loss of U87 migration, substratum adhesion, and re-passaging capacity. Conditioned media from U87 expressing endogenous TMEM230 induced sprouting and tubule-like structure formation of HUVECs. Moreover, TMEM230 promoted vascular mimicry-like behavior of U87 cells. Gene expression analysis of 702 patients identified that TMEM230 expression levels distinguished high from low grade gliomas. Transcriptomic analysis of patients with gliomas revealed molecular pathways consistent with properties observed in U87 cell assays. Within low grade gliomas, elevated TMEM230 expression levels correlated with reduced overall survival independent from tumor subtype. Highest level of TMEM230 correlated with glioblastoma and ATP-dependent microtubule kinesin motor activity, providing a direction for future therapeutic intervention. Our studies support that TMEM230 has both glial tumor and endothelial cell intracellular and extracellular functions. Elevated levels of TMEM230 promote glial tumor cell migration, extracellular scaffold remodeling, and hypervascularization and abnormal formation of blood vessels. Downregulation of TMEM230 expression may inhibit both low grade glioma and glioblastoma tumor progression and promote normalization of abnormally formed blood vessels. TMEM230 therefore is both a promising anticancer and antiangiogenic therapeutic target for inhibiting GBM tumor cells and tumor-driven angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Cocola
- Institute for Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Milan, Italy.,Consorzio Italbiotec, Milan, Italy
| | - Valerio Magnaghi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Edoardo Abeni
- Institute for Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
| | - Paride Pelucchi
- Institute for Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Martino
- Institute for Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Vilardo
- Institute for Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Piscitelli
- Institute for Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
| | - Arianna Consiglio
- Institute for Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio Grillo
- Institute for Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
| | - Ettore Mosca
- Institute for Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Gualtierotti
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Mazzaccaro
- Operative Unit of Vascular Surgery, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Italy
| | - Gina La Sala
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Italian National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Di Pietro
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Italian National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Mira Palizban
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sabino Liuni
- Institute for Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppina DePedro
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Nano
- Operative Unit of Vascular Surgery, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - James Kehler
- National Institutes of Health, NIDDK, Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Burkhard Greve
- Department of Radiation Therapy and Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Alessio Noghero
- Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, United States.,Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Daniela Marazziti
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Italian National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Bussolino
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Orbassano, Italy.,Laboratory of Vascular Oncology Candiolo Cancer Institute - IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Bellipanni
- Department of Biology, Center for Biotechnology, Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Igea D'Agnano
- Institute for Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
| | - Martin Götte
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Ileana Zucchi
- Institute for Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
| | - Rolland Reinbold
- Institute for Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
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41
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Song X, An Y, Chen D, Zhang W, Wu X, Li C, Wang S, Dong W, Wang B, Liu T, Zhong W, Sun T, Cao H. Microbial metabolite deoxycholic acid promotes vasculogenic mimicry formation in intestinal carcinogenesis. Cancer Sci 2021; 113:459-477. [PMID: 34811848 PMCID: PMC8819290 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A high-fat diet (HFD) leads to long-term exposure to gut microbial metabolite secondary bile acids, such as deoxycholic acid (DCA), in the intestine, which is closely linked to colorectal cancer (CRC). Evidence reveals that vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a critical event for the malignant transformation of cancer. Therefore, this study investigated the crucial roles of DCA in the regulation of VM and the progression of intestinal carcinogenesis. The effects of an HFD on VM formation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in human CRC tissues were investigated. The fecal DCA level was detected in HFD-treated Apcmin/+ mice. Then the effects of DCA on VM formation, EMT, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) signaling were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Here we demonstrated that compared with a normal diet, an HFD exacerbated VM formation and EMT in CRC patients. An HFD could alter the composition of the gut microbiota and significantly increase the fecal DCA level in Apcmin/+ mice. More importantly, DCA promoted tumor cell proliferation, induced EMT, increased VM formation, and activated VEGFR2, which led to intestinal carcinogenesis. In addition, DCA enhanced the proliferation and migration of HCT-116 cells, and induced EMT process and vitro tube formation. Furthermore, the silence of VEGFR2 reduced DCA-induced EMT, VM formation, and migration. Collectively, our results indicated that microbial metabolite DCA promoted VM formation and EMT through VEGFR2 activation, which further exacerbated intestinal carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueli Song
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yaping An
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Danfeng Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wanru Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xuemei Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chuqiao Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Sinan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenxiao Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Bangmao Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Tianyu Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Weilong Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hailong Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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42
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Matias M, Pinho JO, Penetra MJ, Campos G, Reis CP, Gaspar MM. The Challenging Melanoma Landscape: From Early Drug Discovery to Clinical Approval. Cells 2021; 10:3088. [PMID: 34831311 PMCID: PMC8621991 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is recognized as the most dangerous type of skin cancer, with high mortality and resistance to currently used treatments. To overcome the limitations of the available therapeutic options, the discovery and development of new, more effective, and safer therapies is required. In this review, the different research steps involved in the process of antimelanoma drug evaluation and selection are explored, including information regarding in silico, in vitro, and in vivo experiments, as well as clinical trial phases. Details are given about the most used cell lines and assays to perform both two- and three-dimensional in vitro screening of drug candidates towards melanoma. For in vivo studies, murine models are, undoubtedly, the most widely used for assessing the therapeutic potential of new compounds and to study the underlying mechanisms of action. Here, the main melanoma murine models are described as well as other animal species. A section is dedicated to ongoing clinical studies, demonstrating the wide interest and successful efforts devoted to melanoma therapy, in particular at advanced stages of the disease, and a final section includes some considerations regarding approval for marketing by regulatory agencies. Overall, considerable commitment is being directed to the continuous development of optimized experimental models, important for the understanding of melanoma biology and for the evaluation and validation of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Matias
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jacinta O Pinho
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria João Penetra
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo Campos
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Catarina Pinto Reis
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria Manuela Gaspar
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
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Pagano C, Navarra G, Pastorino O, Avilia G, Coppola L, Della Monica R, Chiariotti L, Florio T, Corsaro A, Torelli G, Caiazzo P, Gazzerro P, Bifulco M, Laezza C. N6-Isopentenyladenosine Hinders the Vasculogenic Mimicry in Human Glioblastoma Cells through Src-120 Catenin Pathway Modulation and RhoA Activity Inhibition. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910530. [PMID: 34638872 PMCID: PMC8508824 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a functional microcirculation pattern formed by aggressive tumor cells. Thus far, no effective drugs have been developed to target VM. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant form of brain cancer and is a highly vascularized tumor. Vasculogenic mimicry represents a means whereby GBM can escape anti-angiogenic therapies. METHODS Here, using an in vitro tube formation assay on Matrigel, we evaluated the ability of N6-isopentenyladenosine (iPA) to interfere with vasculogenic mimicry (VM). RhoA activity was assessed using a pull-down assay, while the modulation of the adherens junctions proteins was analyzed by Western blot analysis. RESULTS We found that iPA at sublethal doses inhibited the formation of capillary-like structures suppressing cell migration and invasion of U87MG, U343MG, and U251MG cells, of patient-derived human GBM cells and GBM stem cells. iPA reduces the vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) expression levels in a dose-dependent manner, impairs the vasculogenic mimicry network by modulation of the Src/p120-catenin pathway and inhibition of RhoA-GTPase activity. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our results revealed iPA as a promising novel anti-VM drug in GBM clinical therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Pagano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80145 Naples, Italy; (C.P.); (G.N.); (O.P.); (G.A.); (L.C.); (R.D.M.); (L.C.)
| | - Giovanna Navarra
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80145 Naples, Italy; (C.P.); (G.N.); (O.P.); (G.A.); (L.C.); (R.D.M.); (L.C.)
| | - Olga Pastorino
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80145 Naples, Italy; (C.P.); (G.N.); (O.P.); (G.A.); (L.C.); (R.D.M.); (L.C.)
| | - Giorgio Avilia
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80145 Naples, Italy; (C.P.); (G.N.); (O.P.); (G.A.); (L.C.); (R.D.M.); (L.C.)
| | - Laura Coppola
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80145 Naples, Italy; (C.P.); (G.N.); (O.P.); (G.A.); (L.C.); (R.D.M.); (L.C.)
| | - Rosa Della Monica
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80145 Naples, Italy; (C.P.); (G.N.); (O.P.); (G.A.); (L.C.); (R.D.M.); (L.C.)
- CEINGE—Biotecnologie Avanzate, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Chiariotti
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80145 Naples, Italy; (C.P.); (G.N.); (O.P.); (G.A.); (L.C.); (R.D.M.); (L.C.)
- CEINGE—Biotecnologie Avanzate, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Tullio Florio
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 2, 16136 Genova, Italy; (T.F.); (A.C.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Corsaro
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 2, 16136 Genova, Italy; (T.F.); (A.C.)
| | - Giovanni Torelli
- Neurosurgery Unit A.O. San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d’Aragona—Salerno’s School of Medicine Largo Città di Ippocrate, 84131 Salerno, Italy;
- Neurosurgery, Unit A.O. “A.Cardarelli”, 80145 Naples, Italy;
| | | | - Patrizia Gazzerro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, 84084 Salerno, Italy;
| | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80145 Naples, Italy; (C.P.); (G.N.); (O.P.); (G.A.); (L.C.); (R.D.M.); (L.C.)
- Correspondence: (M.B.); or (C.L.)
| | - Chiara Laezza
- Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80145 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.B.); or (C.L.)
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Tang F, Tie Y, Wei YQ, Tu CQ, Wei XW. Targeted and immuno-based therapies in sarcoma: mechanisms and advances in clinical trials. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1876:188606. [PMID: 34371128 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Sarcomas represent a distinct group of rare malignant tumors with high heterogeneity. Limited options with clinical efficacy for the metastatic or local advanced sarcoma existed despite standard therapy. Recently, targeted therapy according to the molecular and genetic phenotype of individual sarcoma is a promising option. Among these drugs, anti-angiogenesis therapy achieved favorable efficacy in sarcomas. Inhibitors targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6, poly-ADP-ribose polymerase, insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor, mTOR, NTRK, metabolisms, and epigenetic drugs are under clinical evaluation for sarcomas bearing the corresponding signals. Immunotherapy represents a promising and favorable method in advanced solid tumors. However, most sarcomas are immune "cold" tumors, with only alveolar soft part sarcoma and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Cellular therapies with TCR-engineered T cells, chimeric antigen receptor T cells, tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, and nature killer cells transfer show therapeutic potential. Identifying tumor-specific antigens and exploring immune modulation factors arguing the efficacy of these immunotherapies are the current challenges. This review focuses on the mechanisms, advances, and potential strategies of targeted and immune-based therapies in sarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Tang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Orthopeadics, Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Tie
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu-Quan Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chong-Qi Tu
- Department of Orthopeadics, Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Xia-Wei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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Andreucci E, Laurenzana A, Peppicelli S, Biagioni A, Margheri F, Ruzzolini J, Bianchini F, Fibbi G, Del Rosso M, Nediani C, Serratì S, Fucci L, Guida M, Calorini L. uPAR controls vasculogenic mimicry ability expressed by drug-resistant melanoma cells. Oncol Res 2021; 28:873-884. [PMID: 34315564 PMCID: PMC8790129 DOI: 10.3727/096504021x16273798026651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is a highly aggressive skin cancer characterized by an elevated grade of tumor cell plasticity. Such plasticity allows melanoma cells adaptation to different hostile conditions and guarantees tumor survival and disease progression, including aggressive features such as drug resistance. Indeed, almost 50% of melanoma rapidly develop resistance to the BRAFV600E inhibitor vemurafenib, with fast tumor dissemination, a devastating consequence for patients' outcomes. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM), the ability of cancer cells to organize themselves in perfused vascular-like channels, might sustain tumor spread by providing vemurafenib-resistant cancer cells with supplementary ways to enter into circulation and disseminate. Thus, this research aims to determine if vemurafenib resistance goes with the acquisition of VM ability by aggressive melanoma cells, and identify a driving molecule for both vemurafenib resistance and VM. We used two independent experimental models of drug-resistant melanoma cells, the first one represented by a chronic adaptation of melanoma cells to extracellular acidosis, known to drive a particularly aggressive and vemurafenib-resistant phenotype, the second one generated with chronic vemurafenib exposure. By performing in vitro tube formation assay and evaluating the expression levels of the VM markers EphA2 and VE-cadherin by western blotting and flow cytometer analyses, we demonstrated that vemurafenib-resistant cells obtained by both models are characterized by an increased ability to perform VM. Moreover, by exploiting the CRISPR-Cas9 technique and using the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) inhibitor M25, we identified uPAR as a driver of VM expressed by vemurafenib-resistant melanoma cells. Thus, uPAR targeting may be successfully leveraged as a new complementary therapy to inhibit VM in drug-resistant melanoma patients, to counteract the rapid progression and dissemination of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Andreucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Anna Laurenzana
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Peppicelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessio Biagioni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Margheri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Jessica Ruzzolini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Bianchini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Gabriella Fibbi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Del Rosso
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Research, Transfer and High Education DenoTHE University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Nediani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Simona Serratì
- Laboratory of Nanotecnology, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Livia Fucci
- Pathology Department, IRCCS IstitutoTumori "Giovanni Paolo II", 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Michele Guida
- Rare tumors and Melnaoma Unit, IRCCS IstitutoTumori "Giovanni Paolo II", 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Lido Calorini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Research, Transfer and High Education DenoTHE University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
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Vandyck HHLD, Hillen LM, Bosisio FM, van den Oord J, zur Hausen A, Winnepenninckx V. Rethinking the biology of metastatic melanoma: a holistic approach. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 40:603-624. [PMID: 33870460 PMCID: PMC8213587 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-021-09960-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decades, melanoma-related mortality has remained nearly stable. The main reason is treatment failure of metastatic disease and the inherently linked knowledge gap regarding metastasis formation. In order to elicit invasion, melanoma cells manipulate the tumor microenvironment, gain motility, and adhere to the extracellular matrix and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Melanoma cells thereby express different cell adhesion molecules like laminins, integrins, N-cadherin, and others. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is physiological during embryologic development, but reactivated during malignancy. Despite not being truly epithelial, neural crest-derived malignancies like melanoma share similar biological programs that enable tumorigenesis, invasion, and metastasis. This complex phenomenon is termed phenotype switching and is intertwined with oncometabolism as well as dormancy escape. Additionally, it has been shown that primary melanoma shed exosomes that create a favorable premetastatic niche in the microenvironment of secondary organs and lymph nodes. Although the growing body of literature describes the aforementioned concepts separately, an integrative holistic approach is missing. Using melanoma as a tumor model, this review will shed light on these complex biological principles in an attempt to clarify the mechanistic metastatic pathways that dictate tumor and patient fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik HLD Vandyck
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, MUMC+, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lisa M Hillen
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, MUMC+, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Francesca M Bosisio
- Laboratory of Translational Cell and Tissue Research (TCTR), Department of Pathology, KU Leuven and UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joost van den Oord
- Laboratory of Translational Cell and Tissue Research (TCTR), Department of Pathology, KU Leuven and UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Axel zur Hausen
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, MUMC+, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Véronique Winnepenninckx
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, MUMC+, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Delprat V, Michiels C. A bi-directional dialog between vascular cells and monocytes/macrophages regulates tumor progression. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 40:477-500. [PMID: 33783686 PMCID: PMC8213675 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-021-09958-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer progression largely depends on tumor blood vessels as well on immune cell infiltration. In various tumors, vascular cells, namely endothelial cells (ECs) and pericytes, strongly regulate leukocyte infiltration into tumors and immune cell activation, hence the immune response to cancers. Recently, a lot of compelling studies unraveled the molecular mechanisms by which tumor vascular cells regulate monocyte and tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) recruitment and phenotype, and consequently tumor progression. Reciprocally, TAMs and monocytes strongly modulate tumor blood vessel and tumor lymphatic vessel formation by exerting pro-angiogenic and lymphangiogenic effects, respectively. Finally, the interaction between monocytes/TAMs and vascular cells is also impacting several steps of the spread of cancer cells throughout the body, a process called metastasis. In this review, the impact of the bi-directional dialog between blood vascular cells and monocytes/TAMs in the regulation of tumor progression is discussed. All together, these data led to the design of combinations of anti-angiogenic and immunotherapy targeting TAMs/monocyte whose effects are briefly discussed in the last part of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Delprat
- Biochemistry and Cellular Biology Research Unit (URBC), Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur (UNamur), 61 Rue de Bruxelles, B-5000, Namur, Belgium
| | - Carine Michiels
- Biochemistry and Cellular Biology Research Unit (URBC), Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur (UNamur), 61 Rue de Bruxelles, B-5000, Namur, Belgium.
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