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Kast RE. IC Regimen: Delaying Resistance to Lorlatinib in ALK Driven Cancers by Adding Repurposed Itraconazole and Cilostazol. Cells 2024; 13:1175. [PMID: 39056757 PMCID: PMC11274432 DOI: 10.3390/cells13141175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Lorlatinib is a pharmaceutical ALK kinase inhibitor used to treat ALK driven non-small cell lung cancers. This paper analyses the intersection of past published data on the physiological consequences of two unrelated drugs from general medical practice-itraconazole and cilostazol-with the pathophysiology of ALK positive non-small cell lung cancer. A conclusion from that data analysis is that adding itraconazole and cilostazol may make lorlatinib more effective. Itraconazole, although marketed worldwide as a generic antifungal drug, also inhibits Hedgehog signaling, Wnt signaling, hepatic CYP3A4, and the p-gp efflux pump. Cilostazol, marketed worldwide as a generic thrombosis preventative drug, acts by inhibiting phosphodiesterase 3, and, by so doing, lowers platelets' adhesion, thereby partially depriving malignant cells of the many tumor trophic growth factors supplied by platelets. Itraconazole may enhance lorlatinib effectiveness by (i) reducing or stopping a Hedgehog-ALK amplifying feedback loop, by (ii) increasing lorlatinib's brain levels by p-gp inhibition, and by (iii) inhibiting growth drive from Wnt signaling. Cilostazol, surprisingly, carries minimal bleeding risk, lower than that of aspirin. Risk/benefit assessment of the combination of metastatic ALK positive lung cancer being a low-survival disease with the predicted safety of itraconazole-cilostazol augmentation of lorlatinib favors a trial of this drug trio in ALK positive lung cancer.
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Xue Y, Ruan Y, Wang Y, Xiao P, Xu J. Signaling pathways in liver cancer: pathogenesis and targeted therapy. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2024; 5:20. [PMID: 38816668 PMCID: PMC11139849 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-024-00184-0] [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: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer remains one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide with high incidence and mortality rates. Due to its subtle onset, liver cancer is commonly diagnosed at a late stage when surgical interventions are no longer feasible. This situation highlights the critical role of systemic treatments, including targeted therapies, in bettering patient outcomes. Despite numerous studies on the mechanisms underlying liver cancer, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the only widely used clinical inhibitors, represented by sorafenib, whose clinical application is greatly limited by the phenomenon of drug resistance. Here we show an in-depth discussion of the signaling pathways frequently implicated in liver cancer pathogenesis and the inhibitors targeting these pathways under investigation or already in use in the management of advanced liver cancer. We elucidate the oncogenic roles of these pathways in liver cancer especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as well as the current state of research on inhibitors respectively. Given that TKIs represent the sole class of targeted therapeutics for liver cancer employed in clinical practice, we have particularly focused on TKIs and the mechanisms of the commonly encountered phenomena of its resistance during HCC treatment. This necessitates the imperative development of innovative targeted strategies and the urgency of overcoming the existing limitations. This review endeavors to shed light on the utilization of targeted therapy in advanced liver cancer, with a vision to improve the unsatisfactory prognostic outlook for those patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangtao Xue
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Yeling Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Yali Wang
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Peng Xiao
- Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
| | - Junjie Xu
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
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Berrino C, Omar A. Unravelling the Mysteries of the Sonic Hedgehog Pathway in Cancer Stem Cells: Activity, Crosstalk and Regulation. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:5397-5419. [PMID: 38920995 PMCID: PMC11202538 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46060323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signalling pathway plays a critical role in normal development and tissue homeostasis, guiding cell differentiation, proliferation, and survival. Aberrant activation of this pathway, however, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various cancers, largely due to its role in regulating cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are a subpopulation of cancer cells with the ability to self-renew, differentiate, and initiate tumour growth, contributing significantly to tumorigenesis, recurrence, and resistance to therapy. This review focuses on the intricate activity of the Shh pathway within the context of CSCs, detailing the molecular mechanisms through which Shh signalling influences CSC properties, including self-renewal, differentiation, and survival. It further explores the regulatory crosstalk between the Shh pathway and other signalling pathways in CSCs, highlighting the complexity of this regulatory network. Here, we delve into the upstream regulators and downstream effectors that modulate Shh pathway activity in CSCs. This review aims to cast a specific focus on the role of the Shh pathway in CSCs, provide a detailed exploration of molecular mechanisms and regulatory crosstalk, and discuss current and developing inhibitors. By summarising key findings and insights gained, we wish to emphasise the importance of further elucidating the interplay between the Shh pathway and CSCs to develop more effective cancer therapies.
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Fang S, Zhang B, Xiang W, Zheng L, Wang X, Li S, Zhang T, Feng D, Gong Y, Wu J, Yuan J, Wu Y, Zhu Y, Liu E, Ni Z. Natural products in osteoarthritis treatment: bridging basic research to clinical applications. Chin Med 2024; 19:25. [PMID: 38360724 PMCID: PMC10870578 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-024-00899-w] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent degenerative musculoskeletal disease, severely impacting the function of patients and potentially leading to disability, especially among the elderly population. Natural products (NPs), obtained from components or metabolites of plants, animals, microorganisms etc., have gained significant attention as important conservative treatments for various diseases. Recently, NPs have been well studied in preclinical and clinical researches, showing promising potential in the treatment of OA. In this review, we summed up the main signaling pathways affected by NPs in OA treatment, including NF-κB, MAPKs, PI3K/AKT, SIRT1, and other pathways, which are related to inflammation, anabolism and catabolism, and cell death. In addition, we described the therapeutic effects of NPs in different OA animal models and the current clinical studies in OA patients. At last, we discussed the potential research directions including in-depth analysis of the mechanisms and new application strategies of NPs for the OA treatment, so as to promote the basic research and clinical transformation in the future. We hope that this review may allow us to get a better understanding about the potential bioeffects and mechanisms of NPs in OA therapy, and ultimately improve the effectiveness of NPs-based clinical conservative treatment for OA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunzheng Fang
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Basic Research Innovation Center of Chronic Kidney Disease, Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400022, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Wound Repair and Rehabilitation Medicine, Center of Bone Metabolism and Repair, Laboratory for Prevention and Rehabilitation of Training Injuries, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Trauma Center, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400022, China
- Rehabilitation Center, Key Specialty of Neck and Low Back Pain Rehabilitation, Strategic Support Force Xingcheng Special Duty Sanatorium, Liaoning, 125100, China
| | - Wei Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400022, China
| | - Liujie Zheng
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Wuhan, Wuhan, 430000, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400022, China
| | - Song Li
- Department of Wound Repair and Rehabilitation Medicine, Center of Bone Metabolism and Repair, Laboratory for Prevention and Rehabilitation of Training Injuries, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Trauma Center, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400022, China
| | - Tongyi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400022, China
| | - Daibo Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400022, China
| | - Yunquan Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400022, China
| | - Jinhui Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400022, China
| | - Jing Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400022, China
| | - Yaran Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400022, China
| | - Yizhen Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400022, China
| | - Enli Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Basic Research Innovation Center of Chronic Kidney Disease, Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China.
| | - Zhenhong Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400022, China.
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Doboszewska U, Maret W, Wlaź P. GPR39: An orphan receptor begging for ligands. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:103861. [PMID: 38122967 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103861] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Progress in the understanding of the receptor GPR39 is held up by inconsistent pharmacological data. First, the endogenous ligand(s) remain(s) contentious. Data pointing to zinc ions (Zn2+) and/or eicosanoids as endogenous ligands are a matter of debate. Second, there are uncertainties in the specificity of the widely used synthetic ligand (agonist) TC-G 1008. Third, activation of GPR39 has been often proposed as a novel treatment strategy, but new data also support that inhibition might be beneficial in certain disease contexts. Constitutive activity/promiscuous signaling suggests the need for antagonists/inverse agonists in addition to (biased) agonists. Here, we scrutinize data on the signaling and functions of GPR39 and critically assess factors that might have contributed to divergent outcomes and interpretations of investigations on this important receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Doboszewska
- Department of Pharmacobiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Wolfgang Maret
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Piotr Wlaź
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, PL 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
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Loureiro G, Bahia DM, Lee MLM, de Souza MP, Kimura EYS, Rezende DC, Silva MCDA, Chauffaille MDLLF, Yamamoto M. MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways are activated in adolescent and adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2023; 6:e1912. [PMID: 37867416 PMCID: PMC10728523 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1912] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/ERK signaling cascade and the phosphoinosytol-3 phosphate/Akt (PI3K/Akt) pathways are involved in proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic cells. The frequency of PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathway activation in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) still need to be elucidated. AIMS To assess the activity and prognostic implications of MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways in adult (ALL). METHODS We examined 28 precursor-B-cell ALL and 6 T-cell primary ALL samples. Flow cytometry was employed to analyze the expression levels of phosphorylated ERK and phosphorylated Akt. RESULTS Ten out of 15 (67%) ALL fresh samples (7 B-cell, 3 T-cell) showed constitutive p-ERK expression. The p-ERK mean fluorescent index ratio (MFI (R)) showed a tendency to be higher in ALL than in normal T lymphocytes (1.26 [0.74-3.10] vs. 1.08 [1.02-1.21], respectively [p = .069]) and was significantly lower than in leukemic cell lines (median MFI (R) 3.83 [3.71-5.97] [p < .001]). Expression of p-Akt was found in 35% (12/34) (10 B-cell, 2 T-cell). The median MFI (R) expression for p-Akt in primary blast cell was 1.13 (0.48-9.90) compared to 1.01 (1.00-1.20) in normal T lymphocytes (p = ns) and lower than in leukemic cell lines (median MFI (R) 2.10 [1.77-3.40] [p = .037]). Moreover, expression of p-ERK was negatively associated with the expression of CD34 (1.22 [0.74-1.33] vs. 1.52 [1.15-3.10] for CD34(+) and CD34(-) group, respectively, p = .009). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that both MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt are constitutively activated in adult ALL, indicating a targeted therapy potential for ALL by using inhibitors of these pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Loureiro
- Division of HematologyUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM‐UNIFESP)São PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - Daniella M. Bahia
- Division of HematologyUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM‐UNIFESP)São PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - Maria Lucia M. Lee
- Instituto de Oncologia PediátricaGrupo de Apoio ao Adolescente e a Criança com Câncer (GRAACC)São PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | | | - Eliza Y. S. Kimura
- Division of HematologyUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM‐UNIFESP)São PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - Denise Carvalho Rezende
- Division of HematologyUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM‐UNIFESP)São PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | | | | | - Mihoko Yamamoto
- Division of HematologyUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM‐UNIFESP)São PauloSão PauloBrazil
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7
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Du Y, Sun H, Shi Z, Sui X, Liu B, Zheng Z, Liu Y, Xuan Z, Zhong M, Fu M, Bai Y, Zhang Q, Shao C. Targeting the hedgehog pathway in MET mutation cancers and its effects on cells associated with cancer development. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:313. [PMID: 37919751 PMCID: PMC10623711 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01333-8] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The mutation of MET plays a crucial role in the initiation of cancer, while the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway also plays a significant role in cell differentiation and the maintenance of tumor stem cells. Conventional chemotherapy drugs are primarily designed to target the majority of cell populations within tumors rather than tumor stem cells. Consequently, after a brief period of remission, tumors often relapse. Moreover, the exclusive targeting of tumor stemness cell disregards the potential for other tumor cells to regain stemness and acquire drug resistance. As a result, current drugs that solely target the HGF/c-MET axis and the Hh pathway demonstrate only moderate efficacy in specific types of cancer. Mounting evidence indicates that these two pathways not only play important roles in cancer but also exert significant influence on the development of resistance to single-target therapies through the secretion of their own ligands. In this comprehensive review, we analyze and compare the potential impact of the Hh pathway on the tumor microenvironment (TME) in HGF/c-MET-driven tumor models, as well as the interplay between different cell types. Additionally, we further substantiate the potential and necessity of dual-pathway combination therapy as a critical target in MET addicted cancer treatment. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Du
- Department of Urology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361101, China
| | - Huimin Sun
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361101, China
| | - Zhiyuan Shi
- Department of Urology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361101, China
| | - Xiuyuan Sui
- Department of Urology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361101, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Urology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361101, China
| | - Zeyuan Zheng
- Department of Urology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361101, China
| | - Yankuo Liu
- Department of Urology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361101, China
| | - Zuodong Xuan
- Department of Urology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361101, China
| | - Min Zhong
- Department of Urology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361101, China
| | - Meiling Fu
- Department of Urology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361101, China
| | - Yang Bai
- Department of Urology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361101, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361000, China
| | - Chen Shao
- Department of Urology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361101, China.
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Homayoonfal M, Gilasi H, Asemi Z, Mahabady MK, Asemi R, Yousefi B. Quercetin modulates signal transductions and targets non-coding RNAs against cancer development. Cell Signal 2023; 107:110667. [PMID: 37023996 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110667] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, various investigations have indicated that natural compounds have great potential in the prevention and treatment of different chronic disorders including different types of cancer. As a bioactive flavonoid, Quercetin (Qu) is a dietary ingredient enjoying high pharmacological values and health-promoting effects due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characterization. Conclusive in vitro and in vivo evidence has revealed that Qu has great potential in cancer prevention and development. Qu exerts its anticancer influences by altering various cellular processes such as apoptosis, autophagy, angiogenesis, metastasis, cell cycle, and proliferation. In this way, Qu by targeting numerous signaling pathways as well as non-coding RNAs regulates several cellular mechanisms to suppress cancer occurrence and promotion. This review aimed to summarize the impact of Qu on the molecular pathways and non-coding RNAs in modulating various cancer-associated cellular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Homayoonfal
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Gilasi
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
| | - Zatollah Asemi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
| | - Mahmood Khaksary Mahabady
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Reza Asemi
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Cancer Prevention Research Center, Seyyed Al-Shohada Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Bahman Yousefi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Bardwell AJ, Wu B, Sarin KY, Waterman ML, Atwood SX, Bardwell L. ERK2 MAP kinase regulates SUFU binding by multisite phosphorylation of GLI1. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 5:e202101353. [PMID: 35831023 PMCID: PMC9279676 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202101353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Crosstalk between the Hedgehog and MAPK signaling pathways occurs in several types of cancer and contributes to clinical resistance to Hedgehog pathway inhibitors. Here we show that MAP kinase-mediated phosphorylation weakens the binding of the GLI1 transcription factor to its negative regulator SUFU. ERK2 phosphorylates GLI1 on three evolutionarily conserved target sites (S102, S116, and S130) located near the high-affinity binding site for SUFU; these phosphorylations cooperate to weaken the affinity of GLI1-SUFU binding by over 25-fold. Phosphorylation of any one, or even any two, of the three sites does not result in the level of SUFU release seen when all three sites are phosphorylated. Tumor-derived mutations in R100 and S105, residues bordering S102, also diminish SUFU binding, collectively defining a novel evolutionarily conserved SUFU affinity-modulating region. In cultured mammalian cells, GLI1 variants containing phosphomimetic substitutions of S102, S116, and S130 displayed an increased ability to drive transcription. We conclude that multisite phosphorylation of GLI1 by ERK2 or other MAP kinases weakens GLI1-SUFU binding, thereby facilitating GLI1 activation and contributing to both physiological and pathological crosstalk.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Jane Bardwell
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Beibei Wu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Kavita Y Sarin
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Marian L Waterman
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Scott X Atwood
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Lee Bardwell
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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10
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From mesenchymal niches to engineered in vitro model systems: Exploring and exploiting biomechanical regulation of vertebrate hedgehog signalling. Mater Today Bio 2022; 17:100502. [PMID: 36457847 PMCID: PMC9707069 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue patterning is the result of complex interactions between transcriptional programs and various mechanical cues that modulate cell behaviour and drive morphogenesis. Vertebrate Hedgehog signalling plays key roles in embryogenesis and adult tissue homeostasis, and is central to skeletal development and the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. The expression of several components of the Hedgehog signalling pathway have been reported to be mechanically regulated in mesodermal tissue patterning and osteogenic differentiation in response to external stimulation. Since a number of bone developmental defects and skeletal diseases, such as osteoporosis, are directly linked to aberrant Hedgehog signalling, a better knowledge of the regulation of Hedgehog signalling in the mechanosensitive bone marrow-residing mesenchymal stromal cells will present novel avenues for modelling these diseases and uncover novel opportunities for extracellular matrix-targeted therapies. In this review, we present a brief overview of the key molecular players involved in Hedgehog signalling and the basic concepts of mechanobiology, with a focus on bone development and regeneration. We also highlight the correlation between the activation of the Hedgehog signalling pathway in response to mechanical cues and osteogenesis in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells. Finally, we propose different tissue engineering strategies to apply the expanding knowledge of 3D material-cell interactions in the modulation of Hedgehog signalling in vitro for fundamental and translational research applications.
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11
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Jin Y, Han Y, Yang S, Cao J, Jiang M, Liang J. Endoplasmic reticulum-resident protein Sec62 drives colorectal cancer metastasis via MAPK/ATF2/UCA1 axis. Cell Prolif 2022; 55:e13253. [PMID: 36200182 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Metastasis is responsible for the poor prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), and the role of aberrant expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) receptors in tumour metastasis has not been fully elucidated. The aim of the study is to ensure the role of ER-resident protein Sec62 in CRC metastasis and illuminate associated molecular mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS Bioinformatics analysis, qRT-PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry assays were performed to evaluate the expression level and clinical significance of Sec62 in CRC. The specific role of Sec62 in CRC was identified by a series of functional experiments. We conducted RNA sequencing and rescue experiments to analyse the differentially expressed genes and identified UCA1 as a novel pro-metastasis target of Sec62 in CRC. Besides, the efficacy of MAPK/JNK inhibitor or agonist on Sec62-mediated CRC metastasis was evaluated by trans-well and wound healing assays. Finally, luciferase reporter and ChIP assay were employed to further explore the potential mechanisms. RESULTS The abnormally elevated expression of Sec62 predicted poor prognosis of CRC patients and facilitated malignant metastasis of CRC cells. Mechanistically, Sec62 enhanced UCA1 expression through activating MAPK/JNK signalling pathway. And the p-JNK activating ATF2 could transcriptionally regulate UCA1 expression. Furthermore, blocking or activating MAPK/JNK signalling with JNK inhibitor or agonist potently suppressed or enhanced Sec62 mediated CRC metastatic process. CONCLUSIONS Our study reports for the first time that the Sec62/MAPK/ATF2 /UCA1 axis exists in CRC metastatic process, which could be a potential treatment target of metastatic CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yirong Jin
- State key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuying Han
- State key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. School of Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Suzhen Yang
- State key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Digestive Disease and Gastrointestinal Motility Research Room, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jiayi Cao
- State key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. School of Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Mingzuo Jiang
- State key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Liang
- State key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
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12
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Kurtović M, Piteša N, Bartoniček N, Ozretić P, Musani V, Čonkaš J, Petrić T, King C, Sabol M. RNA-seq and ChIP-seq Identification of Unique and Overlapping Targets of GLI Transcription Factors in Melanoma Cell Lines. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14184540. [PMID: 36139698 PMCID: PMC9497141 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite significant progress in therapy, melanoma still has a rising incidence worldwide, and novel treatment strategies are needed. Recently, researchers have recognized the involvement of the Hedgehog-GLI (HH-GLI) signaling pathway in melanoma and its consistent crosstalk with the MAPK pathway. In order to further investigate the link between the two pathways and to find new target genes that could be considered for combination therapy, we set out to find transcriptional targets of all three GLI proteins in melanoma. METHODS We performed RNA sequencing on three melanoma cell lines (CHL-1, A375, and MEL224) with overexpressed GLI1, GLI2, and GLI3 and combined them with the results of ChIP-sequencing on endogenous GLI1, GLI2, and GLI3 proteins. After combining these results, 21 targets were selected for validation by qPCR. RESULTS RNA-seq revealed a total of 808 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for GLI1, 941 DEGs for GLI2, and 58 DEGs for GLI3. ChIP-seq identified 527 genes that contained GLI1 binding sites in their promoters, 1103 for GLI2 and 553 for GLI3. A total of 15 of these targets were validated in the tested cell lines, 6 of which were detected by both RNA-seq and ChIP-seq. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides insight into the unique and overlapping transcriptional output of the GLI proteins in melanoma. We suggest that our findings could provide new potential targets to consider while designing melanoma-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matea Kurtović
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nikolina Piteša
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nenad Bartoniček
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria St., Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
- The Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics, 370 Victoria St., Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Petar Ozretić
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vesna Musani
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Josipa Čonkaš
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tina Petrić
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Cecile King
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Maja Sabol
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Correspondence:
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13
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Inoue M, Baba T, Takahashi F, Terao M, Yanai S, Shima Y, Saito D, Sugihara K, Miura T, Takada S, Suyama M, Ohkawa Y, Morohashi KI. Tmsb10 triggers fetal Leydig differentiation by suppressing the RAS/ERK pathway. Commun Biol 2022; 5:974. [PMID: 36109592 PMCID: PMC9478096 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03941-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Leydig cells in fetal testes play crucial roles in masculinizing fetuses through androgen production. Gene knockout studies have revealed that growth factors are implicated in fetal Leydig cell (FLC) differentiation, but little is known about the mechanisms regulating this process. We investigate this issue by characterizing FLC progenitor cells using single-cell RNA sequencing. The sequence datasets suggest that thymosin β10 (Tmsb10) is transiently upregulated in the progenitors. While studying the function of Tmsb10, we reveal that platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) regulates ciliogenesis through the RAS/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways, and thereby promotes desert hedgehog (DHH)-dependent FLC differentiation. Tmsb10 expressed in the progenitor cells induces their differentiation into FLCs by suppressing the RAS/ERK pathway. Through characterizing the transiently expressed Tmsb10 in the FLC progenitors, this study unveils the molecular process of FLC differentiation and shows that it is cooperatively induced by DHH and PDGF. Investigation of fetal Leydig progenitors shows that thymosin β10 (Tmsb10) suppresses the RAS/ERK pathway, inducing progenitor differentiation into fetal Leydig cells.
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14
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Zhu S, Dang J, Shi Y, Feng X, Hu Y, Lin L, Huang J. Sonic hedgehog promotes synovial inflammation and articular damage through p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling in experimental arthritis. J Autoimmun 2022; 132:102902. [PMID: 36088884 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2022.102902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Activated fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) play a pivotal role in synovial inflammation and joint destruction of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The mechanisms by which sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling promotes RA FLS-mediated chronic inflammation and tissue damage are not fully understood. The present study aims to determine the role of SHH signaling in the pathogenesis of RA and to explore the potential mechanism(s). We found that the components of SHH signaling were highly expressed in FLS and synovial tissue from patients with RA and in the joint tissue of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice. Overexpression of SHH aggravated the synovial inflammation and joint destruction of CIA and exacerbated cartilage degradation in the cartilage and RA FLS-engrafted severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) model. Conversely, inhibition of SHH signaling significantly alleviated arthritis severity and reduced cartilage destruction caused by the invasion of RA FLS in vivo. Moreover, we found that p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade was regulated by SHH signaling in RA FLS and the level of phospho-p38 in the joint tissue of CIA was decreased after blockade of SHH signaling. Inhibition of p38 MAPK abolished the effect of SHH overexpression on synovial inflammation and articular destruction of CIA and suppressed the aggressive properties of RA FLS, which were promoted by SHH agonist. In conclusion, our study suggests that SHH signaling aggravates synovial inflammation and joint destruction of experimental arthritis and promotes the abnormal behavior of RA FLS in a p38-dependent manner. SHH-p38 MAPK signaling could be a potential target for the treatment of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangling Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, PR China
| | - Junlong Dang
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, PR China; Department of Clinical Immunology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, PR China
| | - Yiming Shi
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, PR China
| | - Xiaoxue Feng
- Department of Rheumatology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, PR China
| | - Yudan Hu
- Department of Rheumatology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, PR China
| | - Lang Lin
- Department of Rheumatology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, PR China
| | - Jianlin Huang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, PR China.
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15
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El-Kishky AHM, Moussa N, Helmy MW, Haroun M. GANT61/BI-847325 combination: a new hope in lung cancer treatment. MEDICAL ONCOLOGY (NORTHWOOD, LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 39:144. [PMID: 35834029 PMCID: PMC9283175 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01738-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Despite the huge efforts employed to implement novel chemotherapeutic paradigms for lung cancer, the disease still remains a major concern worldwide. Targeting molecular pathways as Hedgehog (Hh) and Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) represent a new hope in lung cancer treatment. This work was undertaken to evaluate the antitumor effects of GANT61 (5 μM), BI-847325(30 μM), and GANT61 (5 μM)/BI-847325(30 μM) combination on A549 adenocarcinoma lung cancer cell line. The growth inhibition 50 (GI50) for both drugs was performed using MTT. The protein levels of Caspase-3, Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), Myeloid cell leukemia sequence 1 (MCL-1), cyclin D1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), p-Akt, and phosphohistone H3 (pHH3) were measured using ELISA. Glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1(Gli1) gene expression was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. The GI50 for GANT61 and BI-8473255 were 5 µM and 30 µM, respectively. Caspase-3 and Bax protein levels were significantly elevated while MCL-1, cyclin D1, VEGF, ERK 1/2, p-Akt, and pHH3 levels were significantly reduced by both drugs and their combination relative to the control group. Gli1 gene expression was down-regulated in all groups relative to the control group. GANT61, BI-847325 and their combination inhibited proliferation and angiogenesis but activated the apoptotic pathway. Both drugs conferred a profound negative impact on the crosstalk between each of Hh and MAPK pathways and Phosphoinositide 3 -kinases (PI3K)/Akt/Mammalian target of Rapamycin (mTOR). To the best of our knowledge, the antitumor effects of BI-847325/GANT61 combination have not been tested before. Further in-vitro and in-vivo studies are warranted to support the findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdel Halim M El-Kishky
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Nermine Moussa
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Maged W Helmy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhur University, Damanhur, Egypt
| | - Medhat Haroun
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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16
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Rah B, Rather RA, Bhat GR, Baba AB, Mushtaq I, Farooq M, Yousuf T, Dar SB, Parveen S, Hassan R, Mohammad F, Qassim I, Bhat A, Ali S, Zargar MH, Afroze D. JAK/STAT Signaling: Molecular Targets, Therapeutic Opportunities, and Limitations of Targeted Inhibitions in Solid Malignancies. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:821344. [PMID: 35401182 PMCID: PMC8987160 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.821344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
JAK/STAT signaling pathway is one of the important regulatory signaling cascades for the myriad of cellular processes initiated by various types of ligands such as growth factors, hormones, and cytokines. The physiological processes regulated by JAK/STAT signaling are immune regulation, cell proliferation, cell survival, apoptosis and hematopoiesis of myeloid and non-myeloid cells. Dysregulation of JAK/STAT signaling is reported in various immunological disorders, hematological and other solid malignancies through various oncogenic activation mutations in receptors, downstream mediators, and associated transcriptional factors such as STATs. STATs typically have a dual role when explored in the context of cancer. While several members of the STAT family are involved in malignancies, however, a few members which include STAT3 and STAT5 are linked to tumor initiation and progression. Other STAT members such as STAT1 and STAT2 are pivotal for antitumor defense and maintenance of an effective and long-term immune response through evolutionarily conserved programs. The effects of JAK/STAT signaling and the persistent activation of STATs in tumor cell survival; proliferation and invasion have made the JAK/STAT pathway an ideal target for drug development and cancer therapy. Therefore, understanding the intricate JAK/STAT signaling in the pathogenesis of solid malignancies needs extensive research. A better understanding of the functionally redundant roles of JAKs and STATs may provide a rationale for improving existing cancer therapies which have deleterious effects on normal cells and to identifying novel targets for therapeutic intervention in solid malignancies.
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17
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Immunosuppressive Signaling Pathways as Targeted Cancer Therapies. Biomedicines 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030682
expr 829797163 + 949875436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune response has been shown to play an important role in defining patient prognosis and response to cancer treatment. Tumor-induced immunosuppression encouraged the recent development of new chemotherapeutic agents that assists in the augmentation of immune responses. Molecular mechanisms that tumors use to evade immunosurveillance are attributed to their ability to alter antigen processing/presentation pathways and the tumor microenvironment. Cancer cells take advantage of normal molecular and immunoregulatory machinery to survive and thrive. Cancer cells constantly adjust their genetic makeup using several mechanisms such as nucleotide excision repair as well as microsatellite and chromosomal instability, thus giving rise to new variants with reduced immunogenicity and the ability to continue to grow without restrictions. This review will focus on the central molecular signaling pathways involved in immunosuppressive cells and briefly discuss how cancer cells evade immunosurveillance by manipulating antigen processing cells and related proteins. Secondly, the review will discuss how these pathways can be utilized for the implementation of precision medicine and deciphering drug resistance.
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18
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Immunosuppressive Signaling Pathways as Targeted Cancer Therapies. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030682. [PMID: 35327484 PMCID: PMC8945019 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune response has been shown to play an important role in defining patient prognosis and response to cancer treatment. Tumor-induced immunosuppression encouraged the recent development of new chemotherapeutic agents that assists in the augmentation of immune responses. Molecular mechanisms that tumors use to evade immunosurveillance are attributed to their ability to alter antigen processing/presentation pathways and the tumor microenvironment. Cancer cells take advantage of normal molecular and immunoregulatory machinery to survive and thrive. Cancer cells constantly adjust their genetic makeup using several mechanisms such as nucleotide excision repair as well as microsatellite and chromosomal instability, thus giving rise to new variants with reduced immunogenicity and the ability to continue to grow without restrictions. This review will focus on the central molecular signaling pathways involved in immunosuppressive cells and briefly discuss how cancer cells evade immunosurveillance by manipulating antigen processing cells and related proteins. Secondly, the review will discuss how these pathways can be utilized for the implementation of precision medicine and deciphering drug resistance.
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19
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Tusa I, Gagliardi S, Tubita A, Pandolfi S, Menconi A, Lulli M, Dello Sbarba P, Stecca B, Rovida E. The Hedgehog-GLI Pathway Regulates MEK5-ERK5 Expression and Activation in Melanoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11259. [PMID: 34681917 PMCID: PMC8538987 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer, with a poor prognosis in advanced stages. We recently showed that the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5), encoded by the MAPK7 gene, plays a pivotal role in melanoma by regulating cell functions necessary for tumour development, such as proliferation. Hedgehog-GLI signalling is constitutively active in melanoma and is required for proliferation. However, no data are available in literature about a possible interplay between Hedgehog-GLI and ERK5 pathways. Here, we show that hyperactivation of the Hedgehog-GLI pathway by genetic inhibition of the negative regulator Patched 1 increases the amount of ERK5 mRNA and protein. Chromatin immunoprecipitation showed that GLI1, the major downstream effector of Hedgehog-GLI signalling, binds to a functional non-canonical GLI consensus sequence at the MAPK7 promoter. Furthermore, we found that ERK5 is required for Hedgehog-GLI-dependent melanoma cell proliferation, and that the combination of GLI and ERK5 inhibitors is more effective than single treatments in reducing cell viability and colony formation ability in melanoma cells. Together, these findings led to the identification of a novel Hedgehog-GLI-ERK5 axis that regulates melanoma cell growth, and shed light on new functions of ERK5, paving the way for new therapeutic options in melanoma and other neoplasms with active Hedgehog-GLI and ERK5 pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignazia Tusa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (I.T.); (A.T.); (A.M.); (M.L.); (P.D.S.)
| | - Sinforosa Gagliardi
- Core Research Laboratory-Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention (ISPRO), 50134 Florence, Italy; (S.G.); (S.P.)
| | - Alessandro Tubita
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (I.T.); (A.T.); (A.M.); (M.L.); (P.D.S.)
| | - Silvia Pandolfi
- Core Research Laboratory-Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention (ISPRO), 50134 Florence, Italy; (S.G.); (S.P.)
| | - Alessio Menconi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (I.T.); (A.T.); (A.M.); (M.L.); (P.D.S.)
| | - Matteo Lulli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (I.T.); (A.T.); (A.M.); (M.L.); (P.D.S.)
| | - Persio Dello Sbarba
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (I.T.); (A.T.); (A.M.); (M.L.); (P.D.S.)
| | - Barbara Stecca
- Core Research Laboratory-Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention (ISPRO), 50134 Florence, Italy; (S.G.); (S.P.)
| | - Elisabetta Rovida
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (I.T.); (A.T.); (A.M.); (M.L.); (P.D.S.)
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20
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The Role of the Hedgehog Pathway in Cholangiocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194774. [PMID: 34638259 PMCID: PMC8507550 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is one of the most refractory malignancies with a high mortality rate. Among all the pathways involved in CCA development, emerging evidence highlights Hedgehog (HH) signaling as a substantial player in CCA-genesis and development. The pro-tumoral function of HH provides potential therapeutic implications, and recently the use of HH inhibitors has paved the way for clinical application in various solid tumors. Targeting HH members, namely Hedgehog ligands, SMO transmembrane protein and GLI transcription factors may thus confer therapeutic options for the improvement of CCA treatment outcome. Abstract Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a poorly treatable type of cancer and, along with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the predominant type of primitive liver cancer in adults. The lack of understanding of CCA biology has slowed down the identification of novel targets and the development of effective treatments. While tumors share some general characteristics, detailed knowledge of specific features is essential for the development of effectively tailored therapeutic approaches. The Hedgehog (HH) signaling cascade regulates stemness biology, embryonal development, tissue homeostasis, and cell proliferation and differentiation. Its aberrant activation has been associated with a variety of solid and hematological human malignancies. Several HH-inhibiting compounds have been indeed developed as potential anticancer agents in different types of tumors, with Smoothened and GLI inhibitors showing the most promising results. Beside its well-established function in other tumors, findings regarding the HH signaling in CCA are still controversial. Here we will give an overview of the most important clinical and molecular features of cholangiocarcinoma, and we will discuss the available evidence of the crosstalk between the HH signaling pathway and the cholangiocarcinoma cell biology.
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21
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He J, Liu T, Li Y, Mi X, Han D, Yang N, Chen L, Li Y, Hong J, Kuang C, Yuan Y, Cao Y, Han Y, Shi C, Li Z, Guo X. JNK inhibition alleviates delayed neurocognitive recovery after surgery by limiting microglia pyroptosis. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 99:107962. [PMID: 34298396 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Delayed neurocognitive recovery (dNCR) is a prevalent complication after surgery in older adults. Neuroinflammation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of dNCR. Recently,compelling evidence suggests that theinvolvement of microglia pyroptosis in the regulation of neuroinflammation in neurologicaldiseases. Nevertheless, the exact role of microglia pyroptosis in dNCR remains elusive. In the study, in vitro and in vivo models of dNCR were used to examine the potential effects of the mitogen‑activated protein kinase signaling pathway on Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-mediated microglia pyroptosis and cognitive deficits following surgery. In vivo, we observed surgery-induced upregulation of phosphorylated (p)-c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) in microglia and subsequently NLRP3 inflammasome activation, pyroptosis, and inflammatory cytokines release in mice hippocampus. Interestingly, JNK inhibitor SP600125 significantly attenuated surgery-induced cognitive impairments through inhibiting pyroptosis, inflammatory responses, and reducing immunoreactivity of NLRP3 and gasdermin D N terminus (GSDMD-N) in hippocampal microglia. In vitro, NLRP3 inflammasome- and pyroptosis-associated proteins and immunoreactivity of NLRP3, GSDMD-N, and interleukin-1β were activated in BV2 microglial cells following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. These effects were significantly suppressed in BV2 cells by SP600125 treatment. Furthermore, treatment with NLRP3 specific inhibitor, MCC950, attenuated microglia pyroptosis induced by LPS, but did not rescue LPS-induced increased expression of p-JNK. These results indicate that the JNK pathway is largely upstream of the NLRP3 inflammasome, which exerts a crucial regulatory impact on microglia pyroptosis and inflammatory responses, thus providing a promising avenue to prevent dNCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jindan He
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Taotao Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xinning Mi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Dengyang Han
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ning Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yitong Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jingshu Hong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Chongshen Kuang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yi Yuan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing 100035, China
| | - Yiyun Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital East Affiliated with Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Yongzheng Han
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Chengmei Shi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhengqian Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Xiangyang Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.
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22
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Hedgehog/GLI Signaling Pathway: Transduction, Regulation, and Implications for Disease. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143410. [PMID: 34298625 PMCID: PMC8304605 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The Hedgehog/GLI (Hh/GLI) pathway plays a major role during development and it is commonly dysregulated in many diseases, including cancer. This highly concerted series of ligands, receptors, cytoplasmic signaling molecules, transcription factors, and co-regulators is involved in regulating the biological functions controlled by this pathway. Activation of Hh/GLI in cancer is most often through a non-canonical method of activation, independent of ligand binding. This review is intended to summarize our current understanding of the Hh/GLI signaling, non-canonical mechanisms of pathway activation, its implication in disease, and the current therapeutic strategies targeting this cascade. Abstract The Hh/GLI signaling pathway was originally discovered in Drosophila as a major regulator of segment patterning in development. This pathway consists of a series of ligands (Shh, Ihh, and Dhh), transmembrane receptors (Ptch1 and Ptch2), transcription factors (GLI1–3), and signaling regulators (SMO, HHIP, SUFU, PKA, CK1, GSK3β, etc.) that work in concert to repress (Ptch1, Ptch2, SUFU, PKA, CK1, GSK3β) or activate (Shh, Ihh, Dhh, SMO, GLI1–3) the signaling cascade. Not long after the initial discovery, dysregulation of the Hh/GLI signaling pathway was implicated in human disease. Activation of this signaling pathway is observed in many types of cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, medulloblastoma, colorectal, prostate, pancreatic, and many more. Most often, the activation of the Hh/GLI pathway in cancer occurs through a ligand-independent mechanism. However, in benign disease, this activation is mostly ligand-dependent. The upstream signaling component of the receptor complex, SMO, is bypassed, and the GLI family of transcription factors can be activated regardless of ligand binding. Additional mechanisms of pathway activation exist whereby the entirety of the downstream signaling pathway is bypassed, and PTCH1 promotes cell cycle progression and prevents caspase-mediated apoptosis. Throughout this review, we summarize each component of the signaling cascade, non-canonical modes of pathway activation, and the implications in human disease, including cancer.
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Avery JT, Zhang R, Boohaker RJ. GLI1: A Therapeutic Target for Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:673154. [PMID: 34113570 PMCID: PMC8186314 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.673154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
GLI1 is a transcriptional effector at the terminal end of the Hedgehog signaling (Hh) pathway and is tightly regulated during embryonic development and tissue patterning/differentiation. GLI1 has low-level expression in differentiated tissues, however, in certain cancers, aberrant activation of GLI1 has been linked to the promotion of numerous hallmarks of cancer, such as proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, metastasis, metabolic rewiring, and chemotherapeutic resistance. All of these are driven, in part, by GLI1’s role in regulating cell cycle, DNA replication and DNA damage repair processes. The consequences of GLI1 oncogenic activity, specifically the activity surrounding DNA damage repair proteins, such as NBS1, and cell cycle proteins, such as CDK1, can be linked to tumorigenesis and chemoresistance. Therefore, understanding the underlying mechanisms driving GLI1 dysregulation can provide prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers to identify a patient population that would derive therapeutic benefit from either direct inhibition of GLI1 or targeted therapy towards proteins downstream of GLI1 regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin T Avery
- Oncology Department, Drug Discovery Division, Southern Research, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Ruowen Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Rebecca J Boohaker
- Oncology Department, Drug Discovery Division, Southern Research, Birmingham, AL, United States
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Activation of c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase, a Potential Therapeutic Target in Autoimmune Arthritis. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112466. [PMID: 33198301 PMCID: PMC7696795 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) is a critical mediator involved in various physiological processes, such as immune responses, and the pathogenesis of various diseases, including autoimmune disorders. JNK is one of the crucial downstream signaling molecules of various immune triggers, mainly proinflammatory cytokines, in autoimmune arthritic conditions, mainly including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis. The activation of JNK is regulated in a complex manner by upstream kinases and phosphatases. Noticeably, different subtypes of JNKs behave differentially in immune responses. Furthermore, aside from biologics targeting proinflammatory cytokines, small-molecule inhibitors targeting signaling molecules such as Janus kinases can act as very powerful therapeutics in autoimmune arthritis patients unresponsiveness to conventional synthetic antirheumatic drugs. Nevertheless, despite these encouraging therapies, a population of patients with an inadequate therapeutic response to all currently available medications still remains. These findings identify the critical signaling molecule JNK as an attractive target for investigation of the immunopathogenesis of autoimmune disorders and for consideration as a potential therapeutic target for patients with autoimmune arthritis to achieve better disease control. This review provides a useful overview of the roles of JNK, how JNK is regulated in immunopathogenic responses, and the potential of therapeutically targeting JNK in patients with autoimmune arthritis.
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Dusek CO, Hadden MK. Targeting the GLI family of transcription factors for the development of anti-cancer drugs. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 16:289-302. [PMID: 33006903 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2021.1832078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION GLI1 is a transcription factor that has been identified as a downstream effector for multiple tumorigenic signaling pathways. These include the Hedgehog, RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK, and PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathways, which have all been separately validated as individual anti-cancer drug targets. The identification of GLI1 as a key transcriptional regulator for each of these pathways highlights its promise as a therapeutic target. Small molecule GLI1 inhibitors are potentially efficacious against human malignancies arising from multiple oncogenic mechanisms. AREAS COVERED This review provides an overview of the key oncogenic cellular pathways that regulate GLI1 transcriptional activity. It also provides a detailed account of small molecule GLI1 inhibitors that are currently under development as potential anti-cancer chemotherapeutics. EXPERT OPINION Interest in developing inhibitors of GLI1-mediated transcription has significantly increased as its role in multiple oncogenic signaling pathways has been elucidated. To date, it has proven difficult to directly target GLI1 with small molecules, and the majority of compounds that inhibit GLI1 activity function through indirect mechanisms. To date, no direct-acting GLI1 inhibitor has entered clinical trials. The identification and development of new scaffolds that can bind and directly inhibit GLI1 are essential to further advance this class of chemotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher O Dusek
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - M Kyle Hadden
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
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Arasu UT, Deen AJ, Pasonen-Seppänen S, Heikkinen S, Lalowski M, Kärnä R, Härkönen K, Mäkinen P, Lázaro-Ibáñez E, Siljander PRM, Oikari S, Levonen AL, Rilla K. HAS3-induced extracellular vesicles from melanoma cells stimulate IHH mediated c-Myc upregulation via the hedgehog signaling pathway in target cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:4093-4115. [PMID: 31820036 PMCID: PMC7532973 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03399-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Intercellular communication is fundamental to the survival and maintenance of all multicellular systems, whereas dysregulation of communication pathways can drive cancer progression. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are mediators of cell-to-cell communication that regulate a variety of cellular processes involved in tumor progression. Overexpression of a specific plasma membrane enzyme, hyaluronan synthase 3 (HAS3), is one of the factors that can induce EV shedding. HAS3, and particularly its product hyaluronan (HA), are carried by EVs and are known to be associated with the tumorigenic properties of cancer cells. To elucidate the specific effects of cancerous, HAS3-induced EVs on target cells, normal human keratinocytes and melanoma cells were treated with EVs derived from GFP-HAS3 expressing metastatic melanoma cells. We found that the HA receptor CD44 participated in the regulation of EV binding to target cells. Furthermore, GFP-HAS3-positive EVs induced HA secretion, proliferation and invasion of target cells. Our results suggest that HAS3-EVs contains increased quantities of IHH, which activates the target cell hedgehog signaling cascade and leads to the activation of c-Myc and regulation of claspin expression. This signaling of IHH in HAS3-EVs resulted in increased cell proliferation. Claspin immunostaining correlated with HA content in human cutaneous melanocytic lesions, supporting our in vitro findings and suggesting a reciprocal regulation between claspin expression and HA synthesis. This study shows for the first time that EVs originating from HAS3 overexpressing cells carry mitogenic signals that induce proliferation and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in target cells. The study also identifies a novel feedback regulation between the hedgehog signaling pathway and HA metabolism in melanoma, mediated by EVs carrying HA and IHH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uma Thanigai Arasu
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Ashik Jawahar Deen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Sami Heikkinen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Maciej Lalowski
- Faculty of Medicine, Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, Meilahti Clinical Proteomics Core Facility, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Riikka Kärnä
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kai Härkönen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Petri Mäkinen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Elisa Lázaro-Ibáñez
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Centre for Drug Research, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pia R-M Siljander
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Centre for Drug Research, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- EV Group and EV Core, Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sanna Oikari
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anna-Liisa Levonen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kirsi Rilla
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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Zhou C, Huang Y, Chen Y, Xie Y, Wen H, Tan W, Wang C. miR-602 Mediates the RASSF1A/JNK Pathway, Thereby Promoting Postoperative Recurrence in Nude Mice with Liver Cancer. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:6767-6776. [PMID: 32764964 PMCID: PMC7368130 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s243651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose At present, there are few studies on the mechanisms underlying postoperative recurrence of liver cancer, and the mechanism of action of miR-602 in postoperative recurrence of liver tumors is not clear. Our goals were to investigate the effects of miR-602 on the expression of the Ras-associated domain family 1A (RASSF1A) gene and the regulation of primary and recurrent hepatic tumors to clarify the molecular mechanisms of miR-602 in postoperative hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods We constructed a mouse liver orthotopic tumor model and a mouse liver recurrent tumor model. We measured the expression levels of the RASSF1A gene and then analyzed the effects of miR-602 on the regulation of RASSF1A. We transiently transfected the miR-602 gene into cells that stably overexpressed RASSF1A and examined relevant indicators to elucidate the mechanisms by which miR-602 regulates the RASSF1A/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway in recurrence and dormancy in liver cancer. Results RASSF1A expression was inversely related to that of JNK, activating transcription factor 2 (ATF-2), and c-Jun in SMMC7721 cells stably transfected with the RASSF1A gene and in recurrent mouse tumor tissues. After transient transfection of cells with miR-602 mimic or miR-602 inhibitor, the expression of miR-602 was inversely related to that of RASSF1A. Conclusion MiR-602 might inhibit the JNK signaling pathway by inhibiting the expression of RASSF1A, thereby promoting recurrence of liver cancer after surgery. The low expression levels of miR-602 in liver cancer tissues were closely related to postoperative recurrence; they could be used as a marker to judge the prognosis of patients with liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhou
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Geriatric Institute, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yajing Huang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongxu Chen
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Geriatric Institute, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingjie Xie
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Huihong Wen
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Tan
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Geriatric Institute, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Changjun Wang
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Geriatric Institute, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
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Zhu S, Ye Y, Shi Y, Dang J, Feng X, Chen Y, Liu F, Olsen N, Huang J, Zheng SG. Sonic Hedgehog Regulates Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of Synoviocytes in Rheumatoid Arthritis via JNK Signaling. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1300. [PMID: 32670287 PMCID: PMC7326768 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Activated fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) play a central role in the formation of synovial pannus and joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Targeting FLSs could be a potential therapeutic strategy. The objective of this study is to explore the role of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in proliferation, migration and invasion of FLSs promoted by the sonic hedeghog (SHH) signaling pathway in patients with RA. Activation of SHH signaling was evaluated by real-time PCR and Western Blot. Levels of phosphorylation of JNK and c-Jun were detected by Western Blot. FLSs proliferation was quantified by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometry. Cell migration and invasion were assessed by wound healing assay and Transwell chamber assay. Invasiveness of FLSs in vivo was evaluated using a humanized synovitis animal model. We observed that treatment of SHH agonist (SAG) significantly increased the levels of phosphorylation of JNK and c-Jun, while SHH antagonist (cyclopamine) significantly decreased the expression of phospho-JNK and phospho-c-Jun in FLSs. The elevated level of phospho-c-Jun stimulated by SAG was decreased in the presence of JNK inhibitor (SP600125) (P < 0.001). FLSs proliferation, migration and invasion were promoted by SHH agonist (P < 0.05). However, the enhanced aggressiveness of FLSs was abolished in the presence of JNK inhibitor (P < 0.05). In vivo study showed that the invasion of FLSs into cartilage was increased by SHH overexpression and the excessive invasiveness was inhibited by blockade of JNK signaling (P < 0.01). These results suggest that JNK is one of the downstream molecules mediating the effect of SHH signaling in FLSs. These findings indicate that SHH-JNK signaling could be a potential therapeutic target to suppress the aggressiveness of FLSs and prevent articular damage of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangling Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanmei Ye
- Department of Rheumatology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiming Shi
- Department of Internal Care Unit, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junlong Dang
- Department of Clinical Immunology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxue Feng
- Department of Rheumatology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingdi Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nancy Olsen
- Department of Medicine, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Jianlin Huang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Song Guo Zheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ohio State University College of Medicine and Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
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Scheidt T, Alka O, Gonczarowska-Jorge H, Gruber W, Rathje F, Dell’Aica M, Rurik M, Kohlbacher O, Zahedi RP, Aberger F, Huber CG. Phosphoproteomics of short-term hedgehog signaling in human medulloblastoma cells. Cell Commun Signal 2020; 18:99. [PMID: 32576205 PMCID: PMC7310537 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-020-00591-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aberrant hedgehog (HH) signaling is implicated in the development of various cancer entities such as medulloblastoma. Activation of GLI transcription factors was revealed as the driving force upon pathway activation. Increased phosphorylation of essential effectors such as Smoothened (SMO) and GLI proteins by kinases including Protein Kinase A, Casein Kinase 1, and Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 β controls effector activity, stability and processing. However, a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of phosphorylation in the signal transduction remains unclear, particularly during early response processes involved in SMO activation and preceding GLI target gene regulation. METHODS We applied temporal quantitative phosphoproteomics to reveal phosphorylation dynamics underlying the short-term chemical activation and inhibition of early hedgehog signaling in HH responsive human medulloblastoma cells. Medulloblastoma cells were treated for 5.0 and 15 min with Smoothened Agonist (SAG) to induce and with vismodegib to inhibit the HH pathway. RESULTS Our phosphoproteomic profiling resulted in the quantification of 7700 and 10,000 phosphosites after 5.0 and 15 min treatment, respectively. The data suggest a central role of phosphorylation in the regulation of ciliary assembly, trafficking, and signal transduction already after 5.0 min treatment. ERK/MAPK signaling, besides Protein Kinase A signaling and mTOR signaling, were differentially regulated after short-term treatment. Activation of Polo-like Kinase 1 and inhibition of Casein Kinase 2A1 were characteristic for vismodegib treatment, while SAG treatment induced Aurora Kinase A activity. Distinctive phosphorylation of central players of HH signaling such as SMO, SUFU, GLI2 and GLI3 was observed only after 15 min treatment. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence that phosphorylation triggered in response to SMO modulation dictates the localization of hedgehog pathway components within the primary cilium and affects the regulation of the SMO-SUFU-GLI axis. The data are relevant for the development of targeted therapies of HH-associated cancers including sonic HH-type medulloblastoma. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms of action of SMO inhibitors such as vismodegib may lead to the development of compounds causing fewer adverse effects and lower frequencies of drug resistance. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Scheidt
- Department of Biosciences, Bioanalytical Research Laboratories and Molecular Cancer Research and Tumor Immunology, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Oliver Alka
- Institute for Bioinformatics and Medical Informatics, University of Tübingen, Sand 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Humberto Gonczarowska-Jorge
- Leibniz-Institute of Analytical Sciences- ISAS - e.V, Dortmund, Germany
- Present address: CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasília, DF 70040-020 Brazil
| | - Wolfgang Gruber
- Department of Biosciences, Bioanalytical Research Laboratories and Molecular Cancer Research and Tumor Immunology, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Present address: EVER Valinject GmbH, 4866 Unterach am Attersee, Austria
| | - Florian Rathje
- Department of Biosciences, Bioanalytical Research Laboratories and Molecular Cancer Research and Tumor Immunology, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Marc Rurik
- Institute for Bioinformatics and Medical Informatics, University of Tübingen, Sand 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Oliver Kohlbacher
- Institute for Bioinformatics and Medical Informatics, University of Tübingen, Sand 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Biomolecular Interactions, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Max-Planck-Ring 5, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Institute for Translational Bioinformatics, University Hospital Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 9, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Applied Bioinformatics, Center for Bioinformatics, University of Tübingen, Sand 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - René P. Zahedi
- Leibniz-Institute of Analytical Sciences- ISAS - e.V, Dortmund, Germany
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Segal Cancer Proteomics Centre, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Fritz Aberger
- Department of Biosciences, Bioanalytical Research Laboratories and Molecular Cancer Research and Tumor Immunology, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Christian G. Huber
- Department of Biosciences, Bioanalytical Research Laboratories and Molecular Cancer Research and Tumor Immunology, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
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Zhang X, Zhang Y, Lin F, Shi X, Xiang L, Li L. Shh Overexpression Is Correlated with GRP78 and AR Expression in Primary Prostate Cancer: Clinicopathological Features and Outcomes in a Chinese Cohort. Cancer Manag Res 2020; 12:1569-1578. [PMID: 32184660 PMCID: PMC7060775 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s231218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Shh plays an important role in prostate cancer progression, but its correlation with GRP78 and AR is elusive. Methods The study included 539 patients in total, of which 443 had primary prostate carcinoma and 96 patients had benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The clinicopathologic features, histologic scores of protein expression, and correlations between protein and disease state were studied in this cohort. Kaplan–Meier and Pearson correlation analyses were used to compare measures between groups. We performed immunohistochemistry to evaluate the expression of the Shh protein in benign prostatic hyperplasia (n=96) and prostate cancer (Gleason scores ≤6 [n=399] or ≥7 [n=44]). We quantified the expression of Shh, AR, and GRP78 using the weighted histoscore method, studied the correlation between Shh expression and AR and GRP78, and evaluated the impact of Shh protein expression on patient survival. Results Shh expression was significantly higher in prostate cancer with Gleason scores ≥7 than in cancer with lower Gleason scores or benign hyperplasia and was much higher in AR-positive cancer than in AR-negative cancer. Shh is overexpressed in high-grade prostate cancer and is positively correlated with the expression of both GRP78 and AR. Conclusion Therefore, Shh may be a useful prognostic marker and therapeutic target for prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Jining First People's Hospital, Jining Medical University, Jining 272000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanmin Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Gaomi People's Hospital, Gaomi 261500, People's Republic of China
| | - Fanzhong Lin
- Department of Pathology, Jining First People's Hospital, Jining Medical University, Jining 272000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Shi
- Department of Pathology, Jining First People's Hospital, Jining Medical University, Jining 272000, People's Republic of China
| | - Longquan Xiang
- Department of Pathology, Jining First People's Hospital, Jining Medical University, Jining 272000, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Li
- Department of Pathology, Jining First People's Hospital, Jining Medical University, Jining 272000, People's Republic of China
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Phase 1 trial of Vismodegib and Erlotinib combination in metastatic pancreatic cancer. Pancreatology 2020; 20:101-109. [PMID: 31787526 PMCID: PMC7195700 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2019.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Interplay between the Hedgehog (HH) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathways modulating the outcome of their signaling activity have been reported in various cancers including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Therefore, simultaneous targeting of these pathways may be clinically beneficial. This Phase I study combined HH and EGFR inhibition in metastatic PDAC patients. METHODS Combined effects of HH and EGFR inhibition using Vismodegib and Erlotinib with or without gemcitabine in metastatic solid tumors were assessed by CT. Another cohort of patients with metastatic PDAC was evaluated by FDG-PET and tumor biopsies-derived biomarkers. RESULTS Treatment was well tolerated with the maximum tolerated dose cohort experiencing no grade 4 toxicities though 25% experienced grade 3 adverse effects. Recommended phase II dose of Vismodegib and Erlotinib were each 150 mg daily. No tumor responses were observed although 16 patients achieved stable disease for 2-7 cycles. Paired biopsy analysis before and after first cycle of therapy in PDAC patients showed reduced GLI1 mRNA, phospho-GLI1 and associated HH target genes in all cases. However, only half of the cases showed reduced levels of desmoplasia or changes in fibroblast markers. Most patients had decreased phospho-EGFR levels. CONCLUSIONS Vismodegib and Erlotinib combination was well-tolerated although overall outcome in patients with metastatic PDAC was not significantly impacted by combination treatment. Biomarker analysis suggests direct targets inhibition without significantly affecting the stromal compartment. These findings conflict with pre-clinical mouse models, and thus warrant further investigation into how upstream inhibition of these pathways is circumvented in PDAC.
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Bulut G, Atmaca H, Karaca B. Trastuzumab in combination with AT-101 induces cytotoxicity and apoptosis in Her2 positive breast cancer cells. Future Oncol 2019; 16:4485-4495. [PMID: 31829029 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2019-0521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: AT-101 is a polyphenolic compound with potent anti-apoptotic effects in various cancers. In this study, the possible synergistic cytotoxic and apoptotic effect of trastuzumab/AT-101 combination was investigated in HER2-positive breast cancer cell lines. Materials & methods: SKBR-3, MDA-MB-453 and MCF-10A cell lines were treated with a trastuzumab/AT-101 combination. Synergistic cytotoxicity and apoptosis effects were shown and then PI3K and Akt protein levels were studied. Result: The trastuzumab/AT-101 combination induced synergistic cytotoxicity and apoptosis in both breast cancer cells but not in MCF-10A cells. Combination treatment induced cytotoxicity via inhibiting PI3K/AKT but not the MAPK/ERK pathway. Conclusion: The trastuzumab/AT-101 combination may be a good candidate for patients with trastuzumab-resistant Her2-positive breast cancer and inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway may be one of the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulcan Bulut
- Division of Medical Oncology, Tulay Aktas Oncology Hospital, School of Medicine, Ege University, 35100, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Harika Atmaca
- Section of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science & Letters, Celal Bayar University, 45140, Muradiye, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Burcak Karaca
- Division of Medical Oncology, Tulay Aktas Oncology Hospital, School of Medicine, Ege University, 35100, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey
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Zhang CY, Jiang ZM, Ma XF, Li Y, Liu XZ, Li LL, Wu WH, Wang T. Saikosaponin-d Inhibits the Hepatoma Cells and Enhances Chemosensitivity Through SENP5-Dependent Inhibition of Gli1 SUMOylation Under Hypoxia. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1039. [PMID: 31616295 PMCID: PMC6764240 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemosensitivity is one of the key factors affecting the therapeutic effect on cancer, but the clinical application of corresponding drugs is rare. Hypoxia, a common feature of many solid tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), has been associated with resistance to chemotherapy in part through the activation of the Sonic Hedgehog (SHh) pathway. Hypoxia has also been associated with the increased SUMOylation of multiple proteins, including GLI family proteins, which are key mediators of SHh signaling, and has become a promising target to develop drug-resistant drugs for cancer treatment. However, there are few target drugs to abrogate chemotherapy resistance. Saikosaponin-d (Ssd), one of the main bioactive components of Radix bupleuri, has been reported to exert multiple biological effects, including anticancer activity. Here, we first found that Ssd inhibits the malignant phenotype of HCC cells while increasing their sensitivity to the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase/ganciclovir (HSVtk/GCV) drug system under hypoxia in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we had explored that GLI family activation and extensive protein SUMOylation were characteristics of HCC cells, and hypoxia could activate the SHh pathway and promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion, and chemosensitivity in HCC cells. SUMOylation is required for hypoxia-dependent activation of GLI proteins. Finally, we found that Ssd could reverse the effects promoted by hypoxia, specifically active sentrin/small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO)-specific protease 5 (SENP5), a SUMO-specific protease, in a time- and dose-dependent manner while inhibiting the expression of SUMO1 and GLI proteins. Together, these findings confirm the important role of Ssd in the chemoresistance of liver cancer, provide some data support for further understanding the molecular mechanisms of Ssd inhibition of malignant transformation of HCC cells, and provide a new perspective for the application of traditional Chinese medicine in the chemical resistance of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Tianjin Binhai New Area Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhong-Min Jiang
- Department of Pathology, The Fifth Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiao-Fang Ma
- Central Laboratory, The Fifth Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Tianjin Binhai New Area Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiao-Zhi Liu
- Central Laboratory, The Fifth Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin, China
| | - Li-Li Li
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Wen-Han Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of General Surgery, The Fifth Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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Liu X, Chen L, Fan Y, Hong Y, Yang X, Li Y, Lu J, Lv J, Pan X, Qu F, Cui X, Gao Y, Xu D. IFITM3 promotes bone metastasis of prostate cancer cells by mediating activation of the TGF-β signaling pathway. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:517. [PMID: 31273201 PMCID: PMC6609682 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1750-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 06/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Advanced-stage prostate cancer (PCa) is often diagnosed with bone metastasis, for which there are limited therapies. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is known to induce epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and abundance of TGF-β in the bone matrix is one of the important growth factors contributing to bone metastasis. TGF-β is reported as a key mediator of bone metastasis, but the underlying mechanism has not been elucidated. It was found in our study that Interferon-inducible Transmembrane Protein 3 (IFITM3) played a key role in the regulation of malignant tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and bone migration by binding to Smad4, thus activating the TGF-β-Smads Signaling Pathway. Lentivirus-mediated short hairpin RNA (shRNA) knockdown of IFITM3 inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation, induced apoptosis and inhibited migration by reversing EMT and downregulating the expression of metastasis-related molecules including FGFs and PTHrP. Microarray analysis showed that IFITM3 knockdown could alter the MAPK pathway associated with TGF-β-Smads signaling. By knocking down and overexpressing IFITM3, we demonstrated that IFITM3 expression level had an effect on MAPK pathway activation, and this change was more pronounced upon exogenous TGF-β stimulation. These results suggest that IFITM3 played an oncogenic role in PCa progression and bone metastasis via a novel TGF-β-Smads-MAPK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Liu
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Chen
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinghui Fan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Hong
- Department of Urology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoqun Yang
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Li
- Department of Urology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianlei Lu
- Department of Urology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianmin Lv
- Department of Urology, Third Affiliated Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiuwu Pan
- Department of Urology, Third Affiliated Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fajun Qu
- Department of Urology, Third Affiliated Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingang Cui
- Department of Urology, Third Affiliated Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Gao
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Danfeng Xu
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China.
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Chi B, Fan X, Li Z, Liu G, Zhang G, Xu H, Li Z, Lian Q, Xing L, Tian F. Identification of Gli1-interacting proteins during simvastatin-stimulated osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:18979-18994. [PMID: 31245876 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Simvastatin has been shown to promote osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Our study aimed to illuminate the underlying mechanism, with a specific focus on the role of Hedgehog signaling in this process. BMSCs cultured with or without 10-7 mol/L simvastatin were subjected to evaluation of osteogenic differentiation capacity. Osteogenic markers such as type 1 collagen (COL1) and osteocalcin (OCN), as well as key molecules of Hedgehog signaling molecules, were examined by Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry assays were applied to screen for Gli1-interacting proteins. Cyclopamine (Cpn) was used as a Hedgehog signaling inhibitor. Our results indicated that simvastatin increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity; mineralization of extracellular matrix; mRNA expression of ALP, COL1, and OCN; and expression and nuclear translocation of Gli1. Contrasting effects were observed in Cpn-exposed groups, but were partially rescued by the simvastatin treatment. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses indicated that Gli1-interacting proteins were primarily associated with mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) (P = 7.04E-04 ), hippo, insulin, and glucagon signaling. Further, hub genes identified by protein-protein interaction network analysis included Gli1-interacting proteins such as Ppp2r1a, Rac1, Etf1, and XPO1/CRM1. In summary, the current study showed that the mechanism by which simvastatin stimulates osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs involves activation of Hedgehog signaling, as indicated by interactions with Gli1 and, most notably, the MAPK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bojing Chi
- Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China.,Department of Geriatrics, Affiliated Hospital of North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Xinhao Fan
- Department of Stomatology, Kailuan General Hospital, Tangshan, China
| | - Zhengxiao Li
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Guangyuan Liu
- Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Guobin Zhang
- Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Zhiguo Li
- Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Qiangqiang Lian
- Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Lei Xing
- Department of Geriatrics, Affiliated Hospital of North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Faming Tian
- Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
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Hoppstädter J, Ammit AJ. Role of Dual-Specificity Phosphatase 1 in Glucocorticoid-Driven Anti-inflammatory Responses. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1446. [PMID: 31316508 PMCID: PMC6611420 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) potently inhibit pro-inflammatory responses and are widely used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, such as allergies, autoimmune disorders, and asthma. Dual-specificity phosphatase 1 (DUSP1), also known as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphatase-1 (MKP-1), exerts its effects by dephosphorylation of MAPKs, i.e., extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Endogenous DUSP1 expression is tightly regulated at multiple levels, involving both transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. DUSP1 has emerged as a central mediator in the resolution of inflammation, and upregulation of DUSP1 by GCs has been suggested to be a key mechanism of GC actions. In this review, we discuss the impact of DUSP1 on the efficacy of GC-mediated suppression of inflammation and address the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Hoppstädter
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biology, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Alaina J Ammit
- Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Woolcock Emphysema Centre, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Pietrobono S, Gagliardi S, Stecca B. Non-canonical Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Cancer: Activation of GLI Transcription Factors Beyond Smoothened. Front Genet 2019; 10:556. [PMID: 31244888 PMCID: PMC6581679 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog-GLI (HH-GLI) pathway is a highly conserved signaling that plays a critical role in controlling cell specification, cell–cell interaction and tissue patterning during embryonic development. Canonical activation of HH-GLI signaling occurs through binding of HH ligands to the twelve-pass transmembrane receptor Patched 1 (PTCH1), which derepresses the seven-pass transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor Smoothened (SMO). Thus, active SMO initiates a complex intracellular cascade that leads to the activation of the three GLI transcription factors, the final effectors of the HH-GLI pathway. Aberrant activation of this signaling has been implicated in a wide variety of tumors, such as those of the brain, skin, breast, gastrointestinal, lung, pancreas, prostate and ovary. In several of these cases, activation of HH-GLI signaling is mediated by overproduction of HH ligands (e.g., prostate cancer), loss-of-function mutations in PTCH1 or gain-of-function mutations in SMO, which occur in the majority of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), SHH-subtype medulloblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. Besides the classical canonical ligand-PTCH1-SMO route, mounting evidence points toward additional, non-canonical ways of GLI activation in cancer. By non-canonical we refer to all those mechanisms of activation of the GLI transcription factors occurring independently of SMO. Often, in a given cancer type canonical and non-canonical activation of HH-GLI signaling co-exist, and in some cancer types, more than one mechanism of non-canonical activation may occur. Tumors harboring non-canonical HH-GLI signaling are less sensitive to SMO inhibition, posing a threat for therapeutic efficacy of these antagonists. Here we will review the most recent findings on the involvement of alternative signaling pathways in inducing GLI activity in cancer and stem cells. We will also discuss the rationale of targeting these oncogenic pathways in combination with HH-GLI inhibitors as a promising anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pietrobono
- Tumor Cell Biology Unit - Core Research Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Sinforosa Gagliardi
- Tumor Cell Biology Unit - Core Research Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Barbara Stecca
- Tumor Cell Biology Unit - Core Research Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
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Montagnani V, Stecca B. Role of Protein Kinases in Hedgehog Pathway Control and Implications for Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11040449. [PMID: 30934935 PMCID: PMC6520855 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11040449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (HH) signaling is an evolutionarily conserved pathway that is crucial for growth and tissue patterning during embryonic development. It is mostly quiescent in the adult, where it regulates tissue homeostasis and stem cell behavior. Aberrant reactivation of HH signaling has been associated to several types of cancer, including those in the skin, brain, prostate, breast and hematological malignancies. Activation of the canonical HH signaling is triggered by binding of HH ligand to the twelve-transmembrane protein PATCHED. The binding releases the inhibition of the seven-transmembrane protein SMOOTHENED (SMO), leading to its phosphorylation and activation. Hence, SMO activates the transcriptional effectors of the HH signaling, that belong to the GLI family of transcription factors, acting through a not completely elucidated intracellular signaling cascade. Work from the last few years has shown that protein kinases phosphorylate several core components of the HH signaling, including SMO and the three GLI proteins, acting as powerful regulatory mechanisms to fine tune HH signaling activities. In this review, we will focus on the mechanistic influence of protein kinases on HH signaling transduction. We will also discuss the functional consequences of this regulation and the possible implications for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Montagnani
- Core Research Laboratory⁻Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy.
| | - Barbara Stecca
- Core Research Laboratory⁻Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy.
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Salaritabar A, Berindan-Neagoe I, Darvish B, Hadjiakhoondi F, Manayi A, Devi KP, Barreca D, Orhan IE, Süntar I, Farooqi AA, Gulei D, Nabavi SF, Sureda A, Daglia M, Dehpour AR, Nabavi SM, Shirooie S. Targeting Hedgehog signaling pathway: Paving the road for cancer therapy. Pharmacol Res 2019; 141:466-480. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 11/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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40
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Xu Y, Wang L, Cao L, Chen L, Liu Q. Involvement of NYD-SP15 in growth and oxidative-stress responses of ARPE-19. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:1362-1375. [PMID: 30368880 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the role of NYD-SP15 in the growth and oxidative-stress responses of ARPE-19 cells. ARPE-19 cell lines overexpressing wild type or RNA interference against NYD-SP15 were established via lentivirus transfection. Cell growth and proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and cell cycle progression were monitored using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, the wound scratch assay, and flow cytometry, respectively. Caspase-3/8/9 activity was examined using the caspase-3/8/9 assay kit. An hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 )-induced oxidative-stress damage model was used to study the effect of NYD-SP15 knockdown by examining the activity of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Expressions of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap-1)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and Akt were detected by Western blot analysis. The mRNA chip of NYD-SP15 overexpressed ARPE-19 cells as well as controls were performed by one array plus process. Overexpression (OE) of NYD-SP15 inhibited the proliferation and migration of ARPE-19 cells, and led to apoptosis and caspase-3/9 activation. OE of NYD-SP15 inhibited MAPKs and Akt signaling. Downregulation of NYD-SP15 had no effect on the growth of normally cultured ARP19 cells with 10% fetal bovine serum, but promoted the growth of ARP19 cells in the presence of starvation challenge. Gene chip showed that OE of NYD-SP15 led to downregulation of 254 genes and upregulation of 57 genes. Downregulation of NYD-SP15 also exerted a protective effect on H 2 O 2 -induced cell apoptosis and ROS. NYD-SP15 downregulation led to increments in the expression of Nrf2, Keap-1, and HO-1 in response to 200 μM H 2 O 2 . NYD-SP15 might inhibit the growth, proliferation, and migration and promote apoptosis of ARPE-19 cells via MAPK and Akt signaling. Downregulation of NYD-SP15 could protect ARPE-19 cells from H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative damage by active Keap-1/HO-1/Nrf2, Akt, and MAPK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yidan Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Linnong Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liu Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lixun Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qinghuai Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The first affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu, China
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Guo P, He Y, Chen L, Qi L, Liu D, Chen Z, Xiao M, Chen L, Luo Y, Zhang N, Guo H. Cytosolic phospholipase A2α modulates cell-matrix adhesion via the FAK/paxillin pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Biol Med 2019; 16:377-390. [PMID: 31516757 PMCID: PMC6713643 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2018.0386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To explore the effect of cytosolic phospholipase A2α (cPLA2α) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell adhesion and the underlying mechanisms. Methods Cell adhesion, detachment, and hanging-drop assays were utilized to examine the effect of cPLA2α on the cell-matrix and cell-cell adhesion. Downstream substrates and effectors of cPLA2α were screened via a phospho-antibody microarray. Associated signaling pathways were identified by the functional annotation tool DAVID. Candidate proteins were verified using Western blot and colocalization was investigated via immunofluorescence. Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to detect protein expression in HCC tissues. Prognosis evaluation was conducted using Kaplan-Meier and Cox-proportional hazards regression analyses.
Results Our findings showed that cPLA2α knockdown decreases cell-matrix adhesion but increases cell-cell adhesion in HepG2 cells. Microarray analysis revealed that phosphorylation of multiple proteins at specific sites were regulated by cPLA2α. These phosphorylated proteins were involved in various biological processes. In addition, our results indicated that the focal adhesion pathway was highly enriched in the cPLA2α-relevant signaling pathway. Furthermore, cPLA2α was found to elevate phosphorylation levels of FAK and paxillin, two crucial components of focal adhesion. Moreover, localization of p-FAK to focal adhesions in the plasma membrane was significantly reduced with the downregulation of cPLA2α. Clinically, cPLA2α expression was positively correlated with p-FAK levels. Additionally, high expression of both cPLA2α and p-FAK predicted the worst prognoses for HCC patients. Conclusions Our study indicated that cPLA2α may promote cell-matrix adhesion via the FAK/paxillin pathway, which partly explains the malignant cPLA2α phenotype seen in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piao Guo
- Department of Tumor Cell Biology
| | | | - Lu Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Cancer
| | - Lisha Qi
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | | | | | | | | | - Yi Luo
- Department of Tumor Cell Biology
| | | | - Hua Guo
- Department of Tumor Cell Biology
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42
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Zeng X, Ju D. Hedgehog Signaling Pathway and Autophagy in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E2279. [PMID: 30081498 PMCID: PMC6121518 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19082279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 07/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) pathway controls complex developmental processes in vertebrates. Abnormal activation of Hh pathway is responsible for tumorigenesis and maintenance of multiple cancers, and thus addressing this represents promising therapeutic opportunities. In recent years, two Hh inhibitors have been approved for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) treatment and show extraordinary clinical outcomes. Meanwhile, a series of novel agents are being developed for the treatment of several cancers, including lung cancer, leukemia, and pancreatic cancer. Unfortunately, Hh inhibition fails to show satisfactory benefits in these cancer types compared with the success stories in BCC, highlighting the need for better understanding of Hh signaling in cancer. Autophagy, a conserved biological process for cellular component elimination, plays critical roles in the initiation, progression, and drug resistance of cancer, and therefore, implied potential to be targeted. Recent evidence demonstrated that Hh signaling interplays with autophagy in multiple cancers. Importantly, modulating this crosstalk exhibited noteworthy capability to sensitize primary and drug-resistant cancer cells to Hh inhibitors, representing an emerging opportunity to reboot the efficacy of Hh inhibition in those insensitive tumors, and to tackle drug resistance challenges. This review will highlight recent advances of Hh pathway and autophagy in cancers, and focus on their crosstalk and the implied therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Zeng
- Department of Microbiological and Biochemical Pharmacy & The Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery MOE, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China.
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore.
| | - Dianwen Ju
- Department of Microbiological and Biochemical Pharmacy & The Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery MOE, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China.
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Zhu J, Sun Y, Lu Y, Jiang X, Ma B, Yu L, Zhang J, Dong X, Zhang Q. Glaucocalyxin A exerts anticancer effect on osteosarcoma by inhibiting GLI1 nuclear translocation via regulating PI3K/Akt pathway. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:708. [PMID: 29899333 PMCID: PMC5999605 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0684-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma, the most common malignant bone tumor with recurring disease or lung metastases, has become one of the leading causes of death in humans. In the current study, we made an investigation on the anticancer effect of glaucocalyxin A, a bioactive ent-kauranoid diterpenoid isolated from Rabdosia japonica var., and unraveled the underlying mechanisms. Here, we found that Glaucocalyxin A inhibited the cell viability of numerous osteosarcoma cells. Our results showed that Glaucocalyxin A exerted the pro-apoptotic effect on human osteosarcoma cells, MG-63 and HOS cells. Glaucocalyxin A induced apoptosis by mitochondrial apoptotic pathway through several steps including increasing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, triggering the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, reducing mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and inducing cleavage of caspase-9 and caspase-3. We demonstrated that Glaucocalyxin A induced apoptosis via inhibiting Five-zinc finger Glis 1 (GLI1) activation by overexpression and knockdown of GLI1 in vitro. We also found that Glaucocalyxin A inhibited GLI1 activation via regulating phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway. We further confirmed our findings by using PI3K activator and inhibitor to verify the inhibitory effect of Glaucocalyxin A on PI3K/Akt/GLI1 pathway. Moreover, our in vivo study revealed that glaucocalyxin A possessed a remarkable antitumor effect with no toxicity in the xenograft model inoculated with HOS tumor through the same mechanisms as in vitro. In conclusion, our results suggested that Glaucocalyxin A induced apoptosis in osteosarcoma by inhibiting nuclear translocation of GLI1 via regulating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Thus, Glaucocalyxin A might be a potential candidate for human osteosarcoma in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianwei Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Yang Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing, 211816, China.
| | - Ying Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Xiubo Jiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Bo Ma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Lisha Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Xiaochen Dong
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (KLOFE) & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing, 211816, China.
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing, 211816, China.
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Antitumor Efficacy of Dual Blockade of EGFR Signaling by Osimertinib in Combination With Selumetinib or Cetuximab in Activated EGFR Human NCLC Tumor Models. J Thorac Oncol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2018.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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45
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Stramucci L, Pranteda A, Bossi G. Insights of Crosstalk between p53 Protein and the MKK3/MKK6/p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10050131. [PMID: 29751559 PMCID: PMC5977104 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10050131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
TP53 is universally recognized as a pivotal protein in cell-cycle fate and apoptotic induction and, unsurprisingly, it is one of the most commonly hijacked control mechanisms in cancer. Recently, the kinase MKK3 emerged as a potential therapeutic target in different types of solid tumor being linked to mutant p53 gain-of-function. In this review, we summarize the delicate relationship among p53 mutational status, MKK3/MKK6 and the downstream activated master kinase p38MAPK, dissecting a finely-tuned crosstalk, in a potentially cell-context dependent scenario that urges towards a deeper characterization of the different molecular players involved in this signaling cascade and their interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Stramucci
- Laboratory of Medical Physics and Expert Systems, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy.
| | - Angelina Pranteda
- Laboratory of Medical Physics and Expert Systems, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy.
| | - Gianluca Bossi
- Laboratory of Medical Physics and Expert Systems, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy.
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Jimenez-Caliani AJ, Pillich R, Yang W, Diaferia GR, Meda P, Crisa L, Cirulli V. αE-Catenin Is a Positive Regulator of Pancreatic Islet Cell Lineage Differentiation. Cell Rep 2018; 20:1295-1306. [PMID: 28793255 PMCID: PMC5611824 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.07.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Revised: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The development and function of epithelia depend on the establishment and maintenance of cell-cell adhesion and intercellular junctions, which operate as mechanosensor hubs for the transduction of biochemical signals regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and regeneration. Here, we show that αE-catenin, a key component of adherens junctions, functions as a positive regulator of pancreatic islet cell lineage differentiation by repressing the sonic hedgehog pathway (SHH). Thus, deletion of αE-catenin in multipotent pancreatic progenitors resulted in (1) loss of adherens junctions, (2) constitutive activation of SHH, (3) decrease in islet cell lineage differentiation, and (4) accumulation of immature Sox9+ progenitors. Pharmacological blockade of SHH signaling in pancreatic organ cultures and in vivo rescued this defect, allowing αE-catenin-null Sox9+ pancreatic progenitors to differentiate into endocrine cells. The results uncover crucial functions of αE-catenin in pancreatic islet development and harbor significant implications for the design of β cell replacement and regeneration therapies in diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio J Jimenez-Caliani
- Department of Medicine, UW Diabetes Institute, Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Dermatology, Rheumatology, Diabetology, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Rudolf Pillich
- Department of Medicine, UW Diabetes Institute, Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Wendy Yang
- Department of Medicine, UW Diabetes Institute, Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Giuseppe R Diaferia
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Meda
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laura Crisa
- Department of Medicine, UW Diabetes Institute, Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Vincenzo Cirulli
- Department of Medicine, UW Diabetes Institute, Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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47
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Silva LM, Jacobs DT, Allard BA, Fields TA, Sharma M, Wallace DP, Tran PV. Inhibition of Hedgehog signaling suppresses proliferation and microcyst formation of human Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:4985. [PMID: 29563577 PMCID: PMC5862907 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23341-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is caused by mutation of PKD1 or PKD2, which encode polycystin 1 and 2, respectively. The polycystins localize to primary cilia and the functional loss of the polycystin complex leads to the formation and progressive growth of fluid-filled cysts in the kidney. The pathogenesis of ADPKD is complex and molecular mechanisms connecting ciliary dysfunction to renal cystogenesis are unclear. Primary cilia mediate Hedgehog signaling, which modulates cell proliferation and differentiation in a tissue-dependent manner. Previously, we showed that Hedgehog signaling was increased in cystic kidneys of several PKD mouse models and that Hedgehog inhibition prevented cyst formation in embryonic PKD mouse kidneys treated with cAMP. Here, we show that in human ADPKD tissue, Hedgehog target and activator, Glioma 1, was elevated and localized to cyst-lining epithelial cells and to interstitial cells, suggesting increased autocrine and paracrine Hedgehog signaling in ADPKD, respectively. Further, Hedgehog inhibitors reduced basal and cAMP-induced proliferation of ADPKD cells and cyst formation in vitro. These data suggest that Hedgehog signaling is increased in human ADPKD and that suppression of Hedgehog signaling can counter cellular processes that promote cyst growth in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciane M Silva
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Damon T Jacobs
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Bailey A Allard
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Timothy A Fields
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Madhulika Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Darren P Wallace
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Pamela V Tran
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA. .,Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
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48
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Mishra RR, Belder N, Ansari SA, Kayhan M, Bal H, Raza U, Ersan PG, Tokat ÜM, Eyüpoğlu E, Saatci Ö, Jandaghi P, Wiemann S, Üner A, Cekic C, Riazalhosseini Y, Şahin Ö. Reactivation of cAMP Pathway by PDE4D Inhibition Represents a Novel Druggable Axis for Overcoming Tamoxifen Resistance in ER-positive Breast Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 24:1987-2001. [PMID: 29386221 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-2776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2017] [Revised: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Tamoxifen remains an important hormonal therapy for ER-positive breast cancer; however, development of resistance is a major obstacle in clinics. Here, we aimed to identify novel mechanisms of tamoxifen resistance and provide actionable drug targets overcoming resistance.Experimental Design: Whole-transcriptome sequencing, downstream pathway analysis, and drug repositioning approaches were used to identify novel modulators [here: phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D)] of tamoxifen resistance. Clinical data involving tamoxifen-treated patients with ER-positive breast cancer were used to assess the impact of PDE4D in tamoxifen resistance. Tamoxifen sensitization role of PDE4D was tested in vitro and in vivo Cytobiology, biochemistry, and functional genomics tools were used to elucidate the mechanisms of PDE4D-mediated tamoxifen resistance.Results: PDE4D, which hydrolyzes cyclic AMP (cAMP), was significantly overexpressed in both MCF-7 and T47D tamoxifen-resistant (TamR) cells. Higher PDE4D expression predicted worse survival in tamoxifen-treated patients with breast cancer (n = 469, P = 0.0036 for DMFS; n = 561, P = 0.0229 for RFS) and remained an independent prognostic factor for RFS in multivariate analysis (n = 132, P = 0.049). Inhibition of PDE4D by either siRNAs or pharmacologic inhibitors (dipyridamole and Gebr-7b) restored tamoxifen sensitivity. Sensitization to tamoxifen is achieved via cAMP-mediated induction of unfolded protein response/ER stress pathway leading to activation of p38/JNK signaling and apoptosis. Remarkably, acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) was predicted to be a tamoxifen sensitizer using a drug repositioning approach and was shown to reverse resistance by targeting PDE4D/cAMP/ER stress axis. Finally, combining PDE4D inhibitors and tamoxifen suppressed tumor growth better than individual groups in vivoConclusions: PDE4D plays a pivotal role in acquired tamoxifen resistance via blocking cAMP/ER stress/p38-JNK signaling and apoptosis. Clin Cancer Res; 24(8); 1987-2001. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasmi R Mishra
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nevin Belder
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Suhail A Ansari
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Merve Kayhan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hilal Bal
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Umar Raza
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Pelin G Ersan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ünal M Tokat
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Erol Eyüpoğlu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Özge Saatci
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Pouria Jandaghi
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill University and Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Stefan Wiemann
- Division of Molecular Genome Analysis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ayşegül Üner
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Caglar Cekic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yasser Riazalhosseini
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill University and Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Özgür Şahin
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey.
- National Nanotechnology Research Center (UNAM), Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
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Bao C, Kramata P, Lee HJ, Suh N. Regulation of Hedgehog Signaling in Cancer by Natural and Dietary Compounds. Mol Nutr Food Res 2017; 62. [PMID: 29164817 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201700621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The aberrant Hedgehog (Hh) signaling induced by mutations or overexpression of the signaling mediators has been implicated in cancer, associated with processes including inflammation, tumor cell growth, invasion, and metastasis, as well as cancer stemness. Small molecules targeting the regulatory components of the Hh signaling pathway, especially Smoothened (Smo), have been developed for the treatment of cancer. However, acquired resistance to a Smo inhibitor vismodegib observed in clinical trials suggests that other Hh signaling components need to be explored as potential anticancer targets. Natural and dietary compounds provide a resource for the development of potent agents affecting intracellular signaling cascades, and numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of natural products in targeting the Hh signaling pathway. In this review, we summarize the role of Hh signaling in tumorigenesis, discuss results from recent studies investigating the effect of natural products and dietary components on Hh signaling in cancer, and provide insight on novel small molecules as potential Hh signaling inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Bao
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, South Korea
| | - Pavel Kramata
- Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Hong Jin Lee
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, South Korea
| | - Nanjoo Suh
- Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA.,Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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50
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Parascandolo A, Laukkanen MO, De Rosa N, Ugolini C, Cantisani MC, Cirafici AM, Basolo F, Santoro M, Castellone MD. A dual mechanism of activation of the Sonic Hedgehog pathway in anaplastic thyroid cancer: crosstalk with RAS-BRAF-MEK pathway and ligand secretion by tumor stroma. Oncotarget 2017; 9:4496-4510. [PMID: 29435119 PMCID: PMC5796990 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) pathway regulates embryonic development of different organs including the thyroid gland. The aberrant activation of Shh signaling has been found in several types of cancer and according to recent evidences it represents an important regulator of tumor-stroma interaction. In this study, we have analyzed expression, activation and molecular mechanisms regulating the Shh pathway and its involvement in the modulation of tumor stroma interaction in anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) cells. Our results suggest that Shh signaling undergoes a dual mechanism of induction in ATC cells: 1) a basal non-canonical Smo-dependent activation of Gli transcription factor that is partly caused by interaction with the RAS/BRAF/MEK oncogenic pathway and is characterized by the absence of Shh ligand expression in thyroid cancer cells and 2) a paracrine response of cancer cells to Shh ligand secreted by tumor stroma (fibroblasts and mesenchymal stromal cells, MSCs) inducing cancer cell migration and in vitro tumorigenesis. Our data therefore suggest Shh as a potential novel therapeutic target in aggressive thyroid cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nancy De Rosa
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Clara Ugolini
- Department of Laboratory Medicine Section of Pathology Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Carmela Cantisani
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Cirafici
- Istitute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "G. Salvatore" (IEOS), C.N.R., Naples, Italy
| | - Fulvio Basolo
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Santoro
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
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