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Maleki EH, Bahrami AR, Matin MM. Cancer cell cycle heterogeneity as a critical determinant of therapeutic resistance. Genes Dis 2024; 11:189-204. [PMID: 37588236 PMCID: PMC10425754 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Intra-tumor heterogeneity is now arguably one of the most-studied topics in tumor biology, as it represents a major obstacle to effective cancer treatment. Since tumor cells are highly diverse at genetic, epigenetic, and phenotypic levels, intra-tumor heterogeneity can be assumed as an important contributing factor to the nullification of chemotherapeutic effects, and recurrence of the tumor. Based on the role of heterogeneous subpopulations of cancer cells with varying cell-cycle dynamics and behavior during cancer progression and treatment; herein, we aim to establish a comprehensive definition for adaptation of neoplastic cells against therapy. We discuss two parallel and yet distinct subpopulations of tumor cells that play pivotal roles in reducing the effects of chemotherapy: "resistant" and "tolerant" populations. Furthermore, this review also highlights the impact of the quiescent phase of the cell cycle as a survival mechanism for cancer cells. Beyond understanding the mechanisms underlying the quiescence, it provides an insightful perspective on cancer stem cells (CSCs) and their dual and intertwined functions based on their cell cycle state in response to treatment. Moreover, CSCs, epithelial-mesenchymal transformed cells, circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and disseminated tumor cells (DTCs), which are mostly in a quiescent state of the cell cycle are proved to have multiple biological links and can be implicated in our viewpoint of cell cycle heterogeneity in tumors. Overall, increasing our knowledge of cell cycle heterogeneity is a key to identifying new therapeutic solutions, and this emerging concept may provide us with new opportunities to prevent the dreadful cancer recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebrahim H. Maleki
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, 9177948974 Mashhad, Iran
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, 31-007 Krakow, Poland
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, 30-348 Krakow, Poland
| | - Ahmad Reza Bahrami
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, 9177948974 Mashhad, Iran
- Industrial Biotechnology Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, 9177948974 Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maryam M. Matin
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, 9177948974 Mashhad, Iran
- Novel Diagnostics and Therapeutics Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, 9177948974 Mashhad, Iran
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Iranian Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Khorasan Razavi Branch, 917751376 Mashhad, Iran
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2
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Schuhwerk H, Brabletz T. Mutual regulation of TGFβ-induced oncogenic EMT, cell cycle progression and the DDR. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 97:86-103. [PMID: 38029866 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.11.009] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
TGFβ signaling and the DNA damage response (DDR) are two cellular toolboxes with a strong impact on cancer biology. While TGFβ as a pleiotropic cytokine affects essentially all hallmarks of cancer, the multifunctional DDR mostly orchestrates cell cycle progression, DNA repair, chromatin remodeling and cell death. One oncogenic effect of TGFβ is the partial activation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), conferring invasiveness, cellular plasticity and resistance to various noxae. Several reports show that both individual networks as well as their interface affect chemo-/radiotherapies. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly resolved. EMT often correlates with TGFβ-induced slowing of proliferation, yet numerous studies demonstrate that particularly the co-activated EMT transcription factors counteract anti-proliferative signaling in a partially non-redundant manner. Collectively, evidence piled up over decades underscore a multifaceted, reciprocal inter-connection of TGFβ signaling / EMT with the DDR / cell cycle progression, which we will discuss here. Altogether, we conclude that full cell cycle arrest is barely compatible with the propagation of oncogenic EMT traits and further propose that 'EMT-linked DDR plasticity' is a crucial, yet intricate facet of malignancy, decisively affecting metastasis formation and therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Schuhwerk
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
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3
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Bian X, Sun C, Cheng J, Hong B. Targeting DNA Damage Repair and Immune Checkpoint Proteins for Optimizing the Treatment of Endometrial Cancer. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2241. [PMID: 37765210 PMCID: PMC10536053 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15092241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The dependence of cancer cells on the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway for the repair of endogenous- or exogenous-factor-induced DNA damage has been extensively studied in various cancer types, including endometrial cancer (EC). Targeting one or more DNA damage repair protein with small molecules has shown encouraging treatment efficacy in preclinical and clinical models. However, the genes coding for DDR factors are rarely mutated in EC, limiting the utility of DDR inhibitors in this disease. In the current review, we recapitulate the functional role of the DNA repair system in the development and progression of cancer. Importantly, we discuss strategies that target DDR proteins, including PARP, CHK1 and WEE1, as monotherapies or in combination with cytotoxic agents in the treatment of EC and highlight the compounds currently being evaluated for their efficacy in EC in clinic. Recent studies indicate that the application of DNA damage agents in cancer cells leads to the activation of innate and adaptive immune responses; targeting immune checkpoint proteins could overcome the immune suppressive environment in tumors. We further summarize recently revolutionized immunotherapies that have been completed or are now being evaluated for their efficacy in advanced EC and propose future directions for the development of DDR-based cancer therapeutics in the treatment of EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Bian
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Lu’an 237012, China; (X.B.); (C.S.); (J.C.)
| | - Chuanbo Sun
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Lu’an 237012, China; (X.B.); (C.S.); (J.C.)
| | - Jin Cheng
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Lu’an 237012, China; (X.B.); (C.S.); (J.C.)
| | - Bo Hong
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
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4
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Petroni M, La Monica V, Fabretti F, Augusto M, Battaglini D, Polonara F, Di Giulio S, Giannini G. The Multiple Faces of the MRN Complex: Roles in Medulloblastoma and Beyond. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3599. [PMID: 37509263 PMCID: PMC10377613 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypomorphic mutations in MRN complex genes are frequently found in cancer, supporting their role as oncosuppressors. However, unlike canonical oncosuppressors, MRN proteins are often overexpressed in tumor tissues, where they actively work to counteract DSBs induced by both oncogene-dependent RS and radio-chemotherapy. Moreover, at the same time, MRN genes are also essential genes, since the constitutive KO of each component leads to embryonic lethality. Therefore, even though it is paradoxical, MRN genes may work as oncosuppressive, oncopromoting, and essential genes. In this review, we discussed how alterations in the MRN complex impact the physiopathology of cancer, in light of our recent discoveries on the gene-dosage-dependent effect of NBS1 in Medulloblastoma. These updates aim to understand whether MRN complex can be realistically used as a prognostic/predictive marker and/or as a therapeutic target for the treatment of cancer patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marialaura Petroni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica La Monica
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Fabretti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Mariaconcetta Augusto
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Damiana Battaglini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Polonara
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Di Giulio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giannini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00161 Rome, Italy
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5
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Li J, Zhou Q, Liu L, He J. Effects of SMC1A on immune microenvironment and cancer stem cells in colon adenocarcinoma. Cancer Med 2023. [PMID: 37096492 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our previous study suggested that SMC1 has significant functions in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, few reports have shown the effects of structural maintenance of chromosomes 1 (SMC1A) on the immune microenvironment and tumor stem cells. METHODS The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, CPTAC database, Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database, the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) and Tumor Immune Single-cell Hub were used. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemical analysis were checked for immune infiltration on MC38 mice model. Human CRC tissues were tested with RT-qPCR. RESULTS The mRNA and protein levels of SMC1A were increased in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) samples. SMC1A was associated with DNA activity. Interestingly, SMC1A was highly expressed in many types of immune cells at single-cell levels. Moreover, the high expression of SMC1A was positively correlated with immune infiltration, and immunohistochemical analysis showed that SMC1A was positively associated with CD45 expression in MC38 mice model. Also, the percentage of IL4+ CD4+ T cells (Th2) and FoxP3+ CD4+ T cells (Tregs) was significantly higher in the SMC1A overexpression group than in control by flow cytometry assay in vivo. SMC1A expression could affect the proliferation of T cells in the mice model. The mutation and somatic cell copy number variation (SCNV) of SMC1A were also associated with immune cell infiltration. In addition to SMC1A in the "hot" T-cell inflammatory microenvironment of colon cancer, SMC1A also positively correlates with the immune checkpoint genes CD274, CTLA4, and PDCD1 in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) samples. Furthermore, we also found that SMC1A plays a positive correlation with the induction of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Our results also showed that miR-23b-3p binds SMC1A. CONCLUSION SMC1A may be a bidirectional target switch that simultaneously regulates the immune microenvironment and tumor stem cells. Moreover, SMC1A may be a biomarker for the prediction of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Li
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Huaian No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, China
| | - Qian Zhou
- The Affiliated Huaian No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, China
| | - Li Liu
- The Affiliated Huaian No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, China
| | - Jingdong He
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Huaian No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, China
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6
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NAD +-Consuming Enzymes in Stem Cell Homeostasis. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2023; 2023:4985726. [PMID: 36819783 PMCID: PMC9931471 DOI: 10.1155/2023/4985726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a coenzyme used in redox reactions, energy metabolism, and mitochondrial biogenesis. NAD+ is also required as a cofactor by nonredox NAD+-dependent enzymes. Hundreds of enzymes that consume NAD+ have been identified. The NAD+-consuming enzymes are involved in a variety of cellular processes such as signal transduction, DNA repair, cellular senescence, and stem cell (SC) homeostasis. In this review, we discussed how different types of NAD+-consuming enzymes regulate SC functions and summarized current research on the roles of the NAD+ consumers in SC homeostasis. We hope to provide a more global and integrative insight to the mechanism and intervention of SC homeostasis via the regulation of the NAD+-consuming enzymes.
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7
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Zheng Y, Wang N, Wang S, Pan B, Yang B, Zhang J, Wang X, Wang Z. Cefoselis enhances breast cancer chemosensitivity by directly targeting GRP78/LRP5 signalling of cancer stem cells. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1119. [PMID: 36808887 PMCID: PMC9939292 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/21/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Zheng
- Integrative Research Laboratory of Breast CancerDiscipline of Integrated Chinese and Western MedicineThe Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese MedicineThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong‐Hong Kong‐Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease ResearchGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Neng Wang
- Integrative Research Laboratory of Breast CancerDiscipline of Integrated Chinese and Western MedicineThe Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese MedicineThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine SyndromeGuangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical SciencesGuangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Guangdong‐Hong Kong‐Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease ResearchGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- The Research Center for Integrative MedicineSchool of Basic Medical SciencesGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Shengqi Wang
- Integrative Research Laboratory of Breast CancerDiscipline of Integrated Chinese and Western MedicineThe Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese MedicineThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine SyndromeGuangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical SciencesGuangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Guangdong‐Hong Kong‐Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease ResearchGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Bo Pan
- Integrative Research Laboratory of Breast CancerDiscipline of Integrated Chinese and Western MedicineThe Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese MedicineThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Bowen Yang
- Integrative Research Laboratory of Breast CancerDiscipline of Integrated Chinese and Western MedicineThe Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese MedicineThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Juping Zhang
- Integrative Research Laboratory of Breast CancerDiscipline of Integrated Chinese and Western MedicineThe Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese MedicineThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong‐Hong Kong‐Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease ResearchGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Xuan Wang
- Integrative Research Laboratory of Breast CancerDiscipline of Integrated Chinese and Western MedicineThe Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese MedicineThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Zhiyu Wang
- Integrative Research Laboratory of Breast CancerDiscipline of Integrated Chinese and Western MedicineThe Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese MedicineThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine SyndromeGuangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical SciencesGuangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- Guangdong‐Hong Kong‐Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease ResearchGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- The Research Center for Integrative MedicineSchool of Basic Medical SciencesGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouGuangdongChina
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8
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Moore PC, Henderson KW, Classon M. The epigenome and the many facets of cancer drug tolerance. Adv Cancer Res 2023; 158:1-39. [PMID: 36990531 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The use of chemotherapeutic agents and the development of new cancer therapies over the past few decades has consequently led to the emergence of myriad therapeutic resistance mechanisms. Once thought to be explicitly driven by genetics, the coupling of reversible sensitivity and absence of pre-existing mutations in some tumors opened the way for discovery of drug-tolerant persisters (DTPs): slow-cycling subpopulations of tumor cells that exhibit reversible sensitivity to therapy. These cells confer multi-drug tolerance, to targeted and chemotherapies alike, until the residual disease can establish a stable, drug-resistant state. The DTP state can exploit a multitude of distinct, yet interlaced, mechanisms to survive otherwise lethal drug exposures. Here, we categorize these multi-faceted defense mechanisms into unique Hallmarks of Cancer Drug Tolerance. At the highest level, these are comprised of heterogeneity, signaling plasticity, differentiation, proliferation/metabolism, stress management, genomic integrity, crosstalk with the tumor microenvironment, immune escape, and epigenetic regulatory mechanisms. Of these, epigenetics was both one of the first proposed means of non-genetic resistance and one of the first discovered. As we describe in this review, epigenetic regulatory factors are involved in most facets of DTP biology, positioning this hallmark as an overarching mediator of drug tolerance and a potential avenue to novel therapies.
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9
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Schuhwerk H, Kleemann J, Gupta P, van Roey R, Armstark I, Kreileder M, Feldker N, Ramesh V, Hajjaj Y, Fuchs K, Mahapatro M, Hribersek M, Volante M, Groenewoud A, Engel FB, Ceppi P, Eckstein M, Hartmann A, Müller F, Kroll T, Stemmler MP, Brabletz S, Brabletz T. The EMT transcription factor ZEB1 governs a fitness-promoting but vulnerable DNA replication stress response. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111819. [PMID: 36516781 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111819] [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: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The DNA damage response (DDR) and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are two crucial cellular programs in cancer biology. While the DDR orchestrates cell-cycle progression, DNA repair, and cell death, EMT promotes invasiveness, cellular plasticity, and intratumor heterogeneity. Therapeutic targeting of EMT transcription factors, such as ZEB1, remains challenging, but tumor-promoting DDR alterations elicit specific vulnerabilities. Using multi-omics, inhibitors, and high-content microscopy, we discover a chemoresistant ZEB1-high-expressing sub-population (ZEB1hi) with co-rewired cell-cycle progression and proficient DDR across tumor entities. ZEB1 stimulates accelerated S-phase entry via CDK6, inflicting endogenous DNA replication stress. However, DDR buildups involving constitutive MRE11-dependent fork resection allow homeostatic cycling and enrichment of ZEB1hi cells during transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)-induced EMT and chemotherapy. Thus, ZEB1 promotes G1/S transition to launch a progressive DDR benefitting stress tolerance, which concurrently manifests a targetable vulnerability in chemoresistant ZEB1hi cells. Our study thus highlights the translationally relevant intercept of the DDR and EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Schuhwerk
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Julia Kleemann
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Pooja Gupta
- Core Unit for Bioinformatics, Data Integration and Analysis, Center for Medical Information and Communication Technology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen Germany
| | - Ruthger van Roey
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Isabell Armstark
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martina Kreileder
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nora Feldker
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Vignesh Ramesh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Yussuf Hajjaj
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Fuchs
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Mousumi Mahapatro
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Mojca Hribersek
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marco Volante
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Arwin Groenewoud
- Experimental Renal and Cardiovascular Research, Department of Nephropathology, Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Felix B Engel
- Experimental Renal and Cardiovascular Research, Department of Nephropathology, Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Paolo Ceppi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Markus Eckstein
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen- Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arndt Hartmann
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen- Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Fabian Müller
- Department of Internal Medicine 5, Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen Germany
| | - Torsten Kroll
- Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz-Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Marc P Stemmler
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Simone Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
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10
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Fushimi A, Morimoto Y, Ishikawa S, Yamashita N, Bhattacharya A, Daimon T, Rajabi H, Jin C, Hagiwara M, Yasumizu Y, Luan Z, Suo W, Wong KK, Withers H, Liu S, Long MD, Kufe D. Dependence on the MUC1-C Oncoprotein in Classic, Variant, and Non-neuroendocrine Small Cell Lung Cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2022; 20:1379-1390. [PMID: 35612556 PMCID: PMC9437561 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-22-0165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a recalcitrant malignancy defined by subtypes on the basis of differential expression of the ASCL1, NEUROD1, and POU2F3 transcription factors. The MUC1-C protein is activated in pulmonary epithelial cells by exposure to environmental carcinogens and promotes oncogenesis; however, there is no known association between MUC1-C and SCLC. We report that MUC1-C is expressed in classic neuroendocrine (NE) SCLC-A, variant NE SCLC-N and non-NE SCLC-P cells and activates the MYC pathway in these subtypes. In SCLC cells characterized by NE differentiation and DNA replication stress, we show that MUC1-C activates the MYC pathway in association with induction of E2F target genes and dysregulation of mitotic progression. Our studies further demonstrate that the MUC1-C→MYC pathway is necessary for induction of (i) NOTCH2, a marker of pulmonary NE stem cells that are the proposed cell of SCLC origin, and (ii) ASCL1 and NEUROD1. We also show that the MUC1-C→MYC→NOTCH2 network is necessary for self-renewal capacity and tumorigenicity of NE and non-NE SCLC cells. Analyses of datasets from SCLC tumors confirmed that MUC1 expression in single SCLC cells significantly associates with activation of the MYC pathway. These findings demonstrate that SCLC cells are addicted to MUC1-C and identify a potential new target for SCLC treatment. IMPLICATIONS This work uncovers addiction of SCLC cells to MUC1-C, which is a druggable target that could provide new opportunities for advancing SCLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Fushimi
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yoshihiro Morimoto
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Satoshi Ishikawa
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nami Yamashita
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Tatsuaki Daimon
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hasan Rajabi
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Caining Jin
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Masayuki Hagiwara
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yota Yasumizu
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Zhou Luan
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Wenhao Suo
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kwok-Kin Wong
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Henry Withers
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Song Liu
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Mark D. Long
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York.,Corresponding Authors: Donald Kufe, Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215. E-mail: ; and Mark D. Long, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Carlton & Elm Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263. E-mail:
| | - Donald Kufe
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Corresponding Authors: Donald Kufe, Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215. E-mail: ; and Mark D. Long, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Carlton & Elm Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263. E-mail:
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11
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Safa AR. Drug and apoptosis resistance in cancer stem cells: a puzzle with many pieces. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2022; 5:850-872. [PMID: 36627897 PMCID: PMC9771762 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2022.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Resistance to anticancer agents and apoptosis results in cancer relapse and is associated with cancer mortality. Substantial data have provided convincing evidence establishing that human cancers emerge from cancer stem cells (CSCs), which display self-renewal and are resistant to anticancer drugs, radiation, and apoptosis, and express enhanced epithelial to mesenchymal progression. CSCs represent a heterogeneous tumor cell population and lack specific cellular targets, which makes it a great challenge to target and eradicate them. Similarly, their close relationship with the tumor microenvironment creates greater complexity in developing novel treatment strategies targeting CSCs. Several mechanisms participate in the drug and apoptosis resistance phenotype in CSCs in various cancers. These include enhanced expression of ATP-binding cassette membrane transporters, activation of various cytoprotective and survival signaling pathways, dysregulation of stemness signaling pathways, aberrant DNA repair mechanisms, increased quiescence, autophagy, increased immune evasion, deficiency of mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis, upregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins including c-FLIP [cellular FLICE (FADD-like IL-1β-converting enzyme)-inhibitory protein], Bcl-2 family members, inhibitors of apoptosis proteins, and PI3K/AKT signaling. Studying such mechanisms not only provides mechanistic insights into these cells that are unresponsive to drugs, but may lead to the development of targeted and effective therapeutics to eradicate CSCs. Several studies have identified promising strategies to target CSCs. These emerging strategies may help target CSC-associated drug resistance and metastasis in clinical settings. This article will review the CSCs drug and apoptosis resistance mechanisms and how to target CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad R. Safa
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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12
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Azzoni V, Wicinski J, Macario M, Castagné M, Finetti P, Ambrosova K, Rouault CD, Sergé A, Farina A, Agavnian E, Coslet S, Josselin E, Guille A, Adelaide J, Zacharioudakis E, Castellano R, Bertucci F, Birnbaum D, Rodriguez R, Charafe-Jauffret E, Ginestier C. BMI1 nuclear location is critical for RAD51-dependent response to replication stress and drives chemoresistance in breast cancer stem cells. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:96. [PMID: 35110528 PMCID: PMC8811067 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04538-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Replication stress (RS) has a pivotal role in tumor initiation, progression, or therapeutic resistance. In this study, we depicted the mechanism of breast cancer stem cells’ (bCSCs) response to RS and its clinical implication. We demonstrated that bCSCs present a limited level of RS compared with non-bCSCs in patient samples. We described for the first time that the spatial nuclear location of BMI1 protein triggers RS response in breast cancers. Hence, in bCSCs, BMI1 is rapidly located to stalled replication forks to recruit RAD51 and activate homologous-recombination machinery, whereas in non-bCSCs BMI1 is trapped on demethylated 1q12 megasatellites precluding effective RS response. We further demonstrated that BMI1/RAD51 axis activation is necessary to prevent cisplatin-induced DNA damage and that treatment of patient-derived xenografts with a RAD51 inhibitor sensitizes tumor-initiating cells to cisplatin. The comprehensive view of replicative-stress response in bCSC has profound implications for understanding and improving therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violette Azzoni
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Lab, "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Marseille, France
| | - Julien Wicinski
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Lab, "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Marseille, France
| | - Manon Macario
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Lab, "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Marseille, France
| | - Martin Castagné
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Lab, "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Marseille, France
| | - Pascal Finetti
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Predictive Oncology, "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Marseille, France
| | - Katerina Ambrosova
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Lab, "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Marseille, France
| | - Célia D Rouault
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Lab, "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Marseille, France
| | - Arnaud Sergé
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, leuko/stromal interactions in normal and pathological hematopoiesis Lab, Marseille, France
| | - Anne Farina
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Experimental Pathology Platform, Marseille, France
| | - Emilie Agavnian
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Experimental Pathology Platform, Marseille, France
| | - Sergiu Coslet
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Experimental Pathology Platform, Marseille, France
| | - Emmanuelle Josselin
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, TrGET Plateform, Marseille, France
| | - Arnaud Guille
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Predictive Oncology, "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Marseille, France
| | - José Adelaide
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Predictive Oncology, "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Marseille, France
| | - Emmanouil Zacharioudakis
- Institut Curie, CNRS, INSERM, PSL Research University, Chemical Cell Biology Group, Paris, France
| | - Rémy Castellano
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, TrGET Plateform, Marseille, France
| | - Francois Bertucci
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Predictive Oncology, "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Marseille, France
| | - Daniel Birnbaum
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Predictive Oncology, "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Marseille, France
| | - Raphael Rodriguez
- Institut Curie, CNRS, INSERM, PSL Research University, Chemical Cell Biology Group, Paris, France
| | - Emmanuelle Charafe-Jauffret
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Lab, "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Marseille, France.
| | - Christophe Ginestier
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Lab, "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Marseille, France.
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13
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Rizvi A, Merlin MA, Shah GM. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibition in cancer: Potential impact in cancer stem cells and therapeutic implications. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 911:174546. [PMID: 34600907 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) are used in mono- or combination therapies for several malignancies. They are also used as maintenance therapy for some cancers after initial treatment. While the focus of this therapeutic approach is on the effect of PARP inhibition on the bulk tumour cells, in this review, we discuss their effect on the cancer stem cells. We identify key mediators and pathways in cancer stem cells whose response to PARP inhibition is not necessarily the same as the rest of the tumour cells. Since the cancer stem cells are known drivers of growth of tumours and their resistance to therapy, the clinical outcome might be drastically different than what is expected, if the effect of PARP inhibition on the cancer stem cells is not taken into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asim Rizvi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, The Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India; CHU de Québec Université Laval Research Center, Neuroscience Division, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada.
| | - Marine A Merlin
- CHU de Québec Université Laval Research Center, Neuroscience Division, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada; Cancer Research Center, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Girish M Shah
- CHU de Québec Université Laval Research Center, Neuroscience Division, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada; Cancer Research Center, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
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14
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The Immune Privilege of Cancer Stem Cells: A Key to Understanding Tumor Immune Escape and Therapy Failure. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092361. [PMID: 34572009 PMCID: PMC8469208 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are broadly considered immature, multipotent, tumorigenic cells within the tumor mass, endowed with the ability to self-renew and escape immune control. All these features contribute to place CSCs at the pinnacle of tumor aggressiveness and (immune) therapy resistance. The immune privileged status of CSCs is induced and preserved by various mechanisms that directly affect them (e.g., the downregulation of the major histocompatibility complex class I) and indirectly are induced in the host immune cells (e.g., activation of immune suppressive cells). Therefore, deeper insights into the immuno-biology of CSCs are essential in our pursuit to find new therapeutic opportunities that eradicate cancer (stem) cells. Here, we review and discuss the ability of CSCs to evade the innate and adaptive immune system, as we offer a view of the immunotherapeutic strategies adopted to potentiate and address specific subsets of (engineered) immune cells against CSCs.
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15
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Dias MH, Bernards R. Playing cancer at its own game: activating mitogenic signaling as a paradoxical intervention. Mol Oncol 2021; 15:1975-1985. [PMID: 33955157 PMCID: PMC8333773 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In psychotherapy, paradoxical interventions are characterized by a deliberate reinforcement of the pathological behavior to improve the clinical condition. Such a counter-intuitive approach can be considered when more conventional interventions fail. The development of targeted cancer therapies has enabled the selective inhibition of activated oncogenic signaling pathways. However, in advanced cancers, such therapies, on average, deliver modest benefits due to the development of resistance. Here, we review the perspective of a 'paradoxical intervention' in cancer therapy: rather than attempting to inhibit oncogenic signaling, the proposed therapy would further activate mitogenic signaling to disrupt the labile homeostasis of cancer cells and overload stress response pathways. Such overactivation can potentially be combined with stress-targeted drugs to kill overstressed cancer cells. Although counter-intuitive, such an approach exploits intrinsic and ubiquitous differences between normal and cancer cells. We discuss the background underlying this unconventional approach and how such intervention might address some current challenges in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus Henrique Dias
- Division of Molecular CarcinogenesisOncode InstituteThe Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - René Bernards
- Division of Molecular CarcinogenesisOncode InstituteThe Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
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16
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The Targeting of MRE11 or RAD51 Sensitizes Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells to CHK1 Inhibition. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13081957. [PMID: 33921638 PMCID: PMC8073980 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The ATR-CHK1 axis of the DNA damage response is crucial for the survival of most colorectal cancer stem cells (CRC-SCs), but a significant fraction of primary CRC-SCs either is resistant to ATR or CHK1 inhibitors or survives the abrogation of the ATR-CHK1 cascade despite an initial response. Here, we demonstrate that the targeting of RAD51 or MRE11 improves the sensitivity of primary CRC-SCs to the CHK1/2 inhibitor prexasertib by sequentially inducing replication stress, the abrogation of cell cycle checkpoints, and the emergence of mitotic defects. This results in the induction of mitotic catastrophe and CRC-SC killing via a caspase-dependent apoptosis. Abstract Cancer stem cells (CSCs) drive not only tumor initiation and expansion, but also therapeutic resistance and tumor relapse. Therefore, CSC eradication is required for effective cancer therapy. In preclinical models, CSCs demonstrated high capability to tolerate even extensive genotoxic stress, including replication stress, because they are endowed with a very robust DNA damage response (DDR). This favors the survival of DNA-damaged CSCs instead of their inhibition via apoptosis or senescence. The DDR represents a unique CSC vulnerability, but the abrogation of the DDR through the inhibition of the ATR-CHK1 axis is effective only against some subtypes of CSCs, and resistance often emerges. Here, we analyzed the impact of druggable DDR players in the response of patient-derived colorectal CSCs (CRC-SCs) to CHK1/2 inhibitor prexasertib, identifying RAD51 and MRE11 as sensitizing targets enhancing prexasertib efficacy. We showed that combined inhibition of RAD51 and CHK1 (via B02+prexasertib) or MRE11 and CHK1 (via mirin+prexasertib) kills CSCs by affecting multiple genoprotective processes. In more detail, these two prexasertib-based regimens promote CSC eradication through a sequential mechanism involving the induction of elevated replication stress in a context in which cell cycle checkpoints usually activated during the replication stress response are abrogated. This leads to uncontrolled proliferation and premature entry into mitosis of replication-stressed cells, followed by the induction of mitotic catastrophe. CRC-SCs subjected to RAD51+CHK1 inhibitors or MRE11+CHK1 inhibitors are eventually eliminated, and CRC-SC tumorspheres inhibited or disaggregated, via a caspase-dependent apoptosis. These results support further clinical development of these prexasertib-based regimens in colorectal cancer patients.
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17
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De Conti G, Dias MH, Bernards R. Fighting Drug Resistance through the Targeting of Drug-Tolerant Persister Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1118. [PMID: 33807785 PMCID: PMC7961328 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Designing specific therapies for drug-resistant cancers is arguably the ultimate challenge in cancer therapy. While much emphasis has been put on the study of genetic alterations that give rise to drug resistance, much less is known about the non-genetic adaptation mechanisms that operate during the early stages of drug resistance development. Drug-tolerant persister cells have been suggested to be key players in this process. These cells are thought to have undergone non-genetic adaptations that enable survival in the presence of a drug, from which full-blown resistant cells may emerge. Such initial adaptations often involve engagement of stress response programs to maintain cancer cell viability. In this review, we discuss the nature of drug-tolerant cancer phenotypes, as well as the non-genetic adaptations involved. We also discuss how malignant cells employ homeostatic stress response pathways to mitigate the intrinsic costs of such adaptations. Lastly, we discuss which vulnerabilities are introduced by these adaptations and how these might be exploited therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - René Bernards
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (G.D.C.); (M.H.D.)
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18
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Control of replication stress and mitosis in colorectal cancer stem cells through the interplay of PARP1, MRE11 and RAD51. Cell Death Differ 2021; 28:2060-2082. [PMID: 33531658 PMCID: PMC8257675 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-020-00733-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are tumor subpopulations driving disease development, progression, relapse and therapy resistance, and their targeting ensures tumor eradication. CSCs display heterogeneous replication stress (RS), but the functionality/relevance of the RS response (RSR) centered on the ATR-CHK1 axis is debated. Here, we show that the RSR is efficient in primary CSCs from colorectal cancer (CRC-SCs), and describe unique roles for PARP1 and MRE11/RAD51. First, we demonstrated that PARP1 is upregulated in CRC-SCs resistant to several replication poisons and RSR inhibitors (RSRi). In these cells, PARP1 modulates replication fork speed resulting in low constitutive RS. Second, we showed that MRE11 and RAD51 cooperate in the genoprotection and mitosis execution of PARP1-upregulated CRC-SCs. These roles represent therapeutic vulnerabilities for CSCs. Indeed, PARP1i sensitized CRC-SCs to ATRi/CHK1i, inducing replication catastrophe, and prevented the development of resistance to CHK1i. Also, MRE11i + RAD51i selectively killed PARP1-upregulated CRC-SCs via mitotic catastrophe. These results provide the rationale for biomarker-driven clinical trials in CRC using distinct RSRi combinations.
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19
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Pan G, Liu Y, Shang L, Zhou F, Yang S. EMT-associated microRNAs and their roles in cancer stemness and drug resistance. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2021; 41:199-217. [PMID: 33506604 PMCID: PMC7968884 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is implicated in a wide array of malignant behaviors of cancers, including proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Most notably, previou studies have indicated that both cancer stem‐like properties and drug resistance were associated with EMT. Furthermore, microRNAs (miRNAs) play a pivotal role in the regulation of EMT phenotype, as a result, some miRNAs impact cancer stemness and drug resistance. Therefore, understanding the relationship between EMT‐associated miRNAs and cancer stemness/drug resistance is beneficial to both basic research and clinical treatment. In this review, we preliminarily looked into the various roles that the EMT‐associated miRNAs play in the stem‐like nature of malignant cells. Then, we reviewed the interaction between EMT‐associated miRNAs and the drug‐resistant complex signaling pathways of multiple cancers including lung cancer, gastric cancer, gynecologic cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, esophageal cancer, and nasopharyngeal cancer. We finally discussed the relationship between EMT, cancer stemness, and drug resistance, as well as looked forward to the potential applications of miRNA therapy for malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangtao Pan
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, P. R. China
| | - Yuhan Liu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, P. R. China
| | - Luorui Shang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, P. R. China
| | - Fangyuan Zhou
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, P. R. China
| | - Shenglan Yang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, P. R. China
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20
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Castelli V, Giordano A, Benedetti E, Giansanti F, Quintiliani M, Cimini A, d’Angelo M. The Great Escape: The Power of Cancer Stem Cells to Evade Programmed Cell Death. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:328. [PMID: 33477367 PMCID: PMC7830655 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the primary causes of death worldwide. Tumour malignancy is related to tumor heterogeneity, which has been suggested to be due to a small subpopulation of tumor cells named cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs exert a key role in metastasis development, tumor recurrence, and also epithelial-mesenchymal transition, apoptotic resistance, self-renewal, tumorigenesis, differentiation, and drug resistance. Several current therapies fail to eradicate tumors due to the ability of CSCs to escape different programmed cell deaths. Thus, developing CSC-selective and programmed death-inducing therapeutic approaches appears to be of primary importance. In this review, we discuss the main programmed cell death occurring in cancer and the promising CSC-targeting agents developed in recent years. Even if the reported studies are encouraging, further investigations are necessary to establish a combination of agents able to eradicate CSCs or inhibit their growth and proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Castelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (F.G.); (M.Q.)
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine and Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Elisabetta Benedetti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (F.G.); (M.Q.)
| | - Francesco Giansanti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (F.G.); (M.Q.)
| | - Massimiliano Quintiliani
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (F.G.); (M.Q.)
| | - Annamaria Cimini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (F.G.); (M.Q.)
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine and Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Michele d’Angelo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (F.G.); (M.Q.)
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21
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Tanaka I, Chakraborty A, Saulnier O, Benoit-Pilven C, Vacher S, Labiod D, Lam EWF, Bièche I, Delattre O, Pouzoulet F, Auboeuf D, Vagner S, Dutertre M. ZRANB2 and SYF2-mediated splicing programs converging on ECT2 are involved in breast cancer cell resistance to doxorubicin. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:2676-2693. [PMID: 31943118 PMCID: PMC7049692 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz1213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Besides analyses of specific alternative splicing (AS) variants, little is known about AS regulatory pathways and programs involved in anticancer drug resistance. Doxorubicin is widely used in breast cancer chemotherapy. Here, we identified 1723 AS events and 41 splicing factors regulated in a breast cancer cell model of acquired resistance to doxorubicin. An RNAi screen on splicing factors identified the little studied ZRANB2 and SYF2, whose depletion partially reversed doxorubicin resistance. By RNAi and RNA-seq in resistant cells, we found that the AS programs controlled by ZRANB2 and SYF2 were enriched in resistance-associated AS events, and converged on the ECT2 splice variant including exon 5 (ECT2-Ex5+). Both ZRANB2 and SYF2 were found associated with ECT2 pre-messenger RNA, and ECT2-Ex5+ isoform depletion reduced doxorubicin resistance. Following doxorubicin treatment, resistant cells accumulated in S phase, which partially depended on ZRANB2, SYF2 and the ECT2-Ex5+ isoform. Finally, doxorubicin combination with an oligonucleotide inhibiting ECT2-Ex5 inclusion reduced doxorubicin-resistant tumor growth in mouse xenografts, and high ECT2-Ex5 inclusion levels were associated with bad prognosis in breast cancer treated with chemotherapy. Altogether, our data identify AS programs controlled by ZRANB2 and SYF2 and converging on ECT2, that participate to breast cancer cell resistance to doxorubicin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Tanaka
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR 3348, F-91405 Orsay, France
- Paris Sud University, Paris-Saclay University, CNRS UMR 3348, F-91405 Orsay, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer
| | - Alina Chakraborty
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR 3348, F-91405 Orsay, France
- Paris Sud University, Paris-Saclay University, CNRS UMR 3348, F-91405 Orsay, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer
| | - Olivier Saulnier
- Institut Curie Research Center, SIREDO Oncology Center, Paris-Sciences-Lettres Research University, INSERM U830, Laboratory of Biology and Genetics of Cancers, Paris, France; Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France
| | | | - Sophie Vacher
- Unité de Pharmacogénomique, Service de génétique, Institut Curie, Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Dalila Labiod
- Paris Sud University, Paris-Saclay University, CNRS UMR 3348, F-91405 Orsay, France
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Translational Research Department, Experimental Radiotherapy Platform, Orsay, France
| | | | - Ivan Bièche
- Unité de Pharmacogénomique, Service de génétique, Institut Curie, Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Delattre
- Institut Curie Research Center, SIREDO Oncology Center, Paris-Sciences-Lettres Research University, INSERM U830, Laboratory of Biology and Genetics of Cancers, Paris, France; Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France
| | - Frédéric Pouzoulet
- Paris Sud University, Paris-Saclay University, CNRS UMR 3348, F-91405 Orsay, France
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Translational Research Department, Experimental Radiotherapy Platform, Orsay, France
| | - Didier Auboeuf
- CNRS UMR 5239, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Stéphan Vagner
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR 3348, F-91405 Orsay, France
- Paris Sud University, Paris-Saclay University, CNRS UMR 3348, F-91405 Orsay, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer
| | - Martin Dutertre
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR 3348, F-91405 Orsay, France
- Paris Sud University, Paris-Saclay University, CNRS UMR 3348, F-91405 Orsay, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer
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22
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Physiological and Pathological Roles of RAD52 at DNA Replication Forks. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020402. [PMID: 32050645 PMCID: PMC7072239 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020402] [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: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding basic molecular mechanisms underlying the biology of cancer cells is of outmost importance for identification of novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers for patient stratification and better therapy selection. One of these mechanisms, the response to replication stress, fuels cancer genomic instability. It is also an Achille’s heel of cancer. Thus, identification of pathways used by the cancer cells to respond to replication-stress may assist in the identification of new biomarkers and discovery of new therapeutic targets. Alternative mechanisms that act at perturbed DNA replication forks and involve fork degradation by nucleases emerged as crucial for sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapeutics agents inducing replication stress. Despite its important role in homologous recombination and recombinational repair of DNA double strand breaks in lower eukaryotes, RAD52 protein has been considered dispensable in human cells and the full range of its cellular functions remained unclear. Very recently, however, human RAD52 emerged as an important player in multiple aspects of replication fork metabolism under physiological and pathological conditions. In this review, we describe recent advances on RAD52’s key functions at stalled or collapsed DNA replication forks, in particular, the unexpected role of RAD52 as a gatekeeper, which prevents unscheduled processing of DNA. Last, we will discuss how these functions can be exploited using specific inhibitors in targeted therapy or for an informed therapy selection.
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23
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Garcia-Mayea Y, Mir C, Masson F, Paciucci R, LLeonart ME. Insights into new mechanisms and models of cancer stem cell multidrug resistance. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 60:166-180. [PMID: 31369817 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The acquisition of genetic alterations, clonal evolution, and the tumor microenvironment promote cancer progression, metastasis and therapy resistance. These events correspond to the establishment of the great phenotypic heterogeneity and plasticity of cancer cells that contribute to tumor progression and resistant disease. Targeting resistant cancers is a major challenge in oncology; however, the underlying processes are not yet fully understood. Even though current treatments can reduce tumor size and increase life expectancy, relapse and multidrug resistance (MDR) ultimately remain the second cause of death in developed countries. Recent evidence points toward stem-like phenotypes in cancer cells, promoted by cancer stem cells (CSCs), as the main culprit of cancer relapse, resistance (radiotherapy, hormone therapy, and/or chemotherapy) and metastasis. Many mechanisms have been proposed for CSC resistance, such as drug efflux through ABC transporters, overactivation of the DNA damage response (DDR), apoptosis evasion, prosurvival pathways activation, cell cycle promotion and/or cell metabolic alterations. Nonetheless, targeted therapy toward these specific CSC mechanisms is only partially effective to prevent or abolish resistance, suggesting underlying additional causes for CSC resilience. This article aims to provide an integrated picture of the MDR mechanisms that operate in CSCs' behavior and to propose a novel model of tumor evolution during chemotherapy. Targeting the pathways mentioned here might hold promise and reveal new strategies for future clinical therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Garcia-Mayea
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells, Vall d´Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Passeig Vall d´Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - C Mir
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells, Vall d´Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Passeig Vall d´Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - F Masson
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells, Vall d´Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Passeig Vall d´Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - R Paciucci
- Clinical Biochemistry Group, Vall d'Hebron Hospital and Vall d´Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Passeig Vall d´Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - M E LLeonart
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells, Vall d´Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Passeig Vall d´Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Network Centre in Oncology, CIBERONC, Spain.
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24
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Abstract
The extracellular matrix is part of the microenvironment and its functions are associated with the physical and chemical properties of the tissue. Among the extracellular components, the glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan is a key component, defining both the physical and biochemical characteristics of the healthy matrices. The hyaluronan metabolism is strictly regulated in physiological conditions, but in the tumoral tissues, its expression, size and binding proteins interaction are dysregulated. Hyaluronan from the tumor microenvironment promotes tumor cell proliferation, invasion, immune evasion, stemness alterations as well as drug resistance. This chapter describes data regarding novel concepts of hyaluronan functions in the tumor. Additionally, we discuss potential clinical applications of targeting HA metabolism in cancer therapy.
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25
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Wang Y, Yang J, Hong T, Chen X, Cui L. SIRT2: Controversy and multiple roles in disease and physiology. Ageing Res Rev 2019; 55:100961. [PMID: 31505260 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2019.100961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) is an NAD+-dependent deacetylase that was under studied compared to other sirtuin family members. SIRT2 is the only sirtuin protein which is predominantly found in the cytoplasm but is also found in the mitochondria and in the nucleus. Recently, accumulating evidence has uncovered a growing number of substrates and additional detailed functions of SIRT2 in a wide range of biological processes, marking its crucial role. Here, we give a comprehensive profile of the crucial physiological functions of SIRT2 and its role in neurological diseases, cancers, and other diseases. This review summarizes the functions of SIRT2 in the nervous system, mitosis regulation, genome integrity, cell differentiation, cell homeostasis, aging, infection, inflammation, oxidative stress, and autophagy. SIRT2 inhibition rescues neurodegenerative disease symptoms and hence SIRT2 is a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative disease. SIRT2 is undoubtedly dysfunctional in cancers and plays a dual-faced role in different types of cancers, and although its mechanism is unresolved, SIRT2 remains a promising therapeutic target for certain cancers. In future, the continued rapid growth in SIRT2 research will help clarify its role in human health and disease, and promote the progress of this target in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Age-Related Cardiac and Cerebral Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China; Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jingqi Yang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Age-Related Cardiac and Cerebral Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Tingting Hong
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Age-Related Cardiac and Cerebral Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Xiongjin Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Age-Related Cardiac and Cerebral Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Lili Cui
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Age-Related Cardiac and Cerebral Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China.
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26
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Targeting DNA Replication Stress and DNA Double-Strand Break Repair for Optimizing SCLC Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11091289. [PMID: 31480716 PMCID: PMC6770306 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11091289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC), accounting for about 15% of all cases of lung cancer worldwide, is the most lethal form of lung cancer. Despite an initially high response rate of SCLC to standard treatment, almost all patients are invariably relapsed within one year. Effective therapeutic strategies are urgently needed to improve clinical outcomes. Replication stress is a hallmark of SCLC due to several intrinsic factors. As a consequence, constitutive activation of the replication stress response (RSR) pathway and DNA damage repair system is involved in counteracting this genotoxic stress. Therefore, therapeutic targeting of such RSR and DNA damage repair pathways will be likely to kill SCLC cells preferentially and may be exploited in improving chemotherapeutic efficiency through interfering with DNA replication to exert their functions. Here, we summarize potentially valuable targets involved in the RSR and DNA damage repair pathways, rationales for targeting them in SCLC treatment and ongoing clinical trials, as well as possible predictive biomarkers for patient selection in the management of SCLC.
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27
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Luongo F, Colonna F, Calapà F, Vitale S, Fiori ME, De Maria R. PTEN Tumor-Suppressor: The Dam of Stemness in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1076. [PMID: 31366089 PMCID: PMC6721423 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11081076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PTEN is one of the most frequently inactivated tumor suppressor genes in cancer. Loss or variation in PTEN gene/protein levels is commonly observed in a broad spectrum of human cancers, while germline PTEN mutations cause inherited syndromes that lead to increased risk of tumors. PTEN restrains tumorigenesis through different mechanisms ranging from phosphatase-dependent and independent activities, subcellular localization and protein interaction, modulating a broad array of cellular functions including growth, proliferation, survival, DNA repair, and cell motility. The main target of PTEN phosphatase activity is one of the most significant cell growth and pro-survival signaling pathway in cancer: PI3K/AKT/mTOR. Several shreds of evidence shed light on the critical role of PTEN in normal and cancer stem cells (CSCs) homeostasis, with its loss fostering the CSC compartment in both solid and hematologic malignancies. CSCs are responsible for tumor propagation, metastatic spread, resistance to therapy, and relapse. Thus, understanding how alterations of PTEN levels affect CSC hallmarks could be crucial for the development of successful therapeutic approaches. Here, we discuss the most significant findings on PTEN-mediated control of CSC state. We aim to unravel the role of PTEN in the regulation of key mechanisms specific for CSCs, such as self-renewal, quiescence/cell cycle, Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal-Transition (EMT), with a particular focus on PTEN-based therapy resistance mechanisms and their exploitation for novel therapeutic approaches in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Luongo
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Colonna
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Calapà
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Vitale
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Micol E Fiori
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Ruggero De Maria
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy.
- Scientific Vice-Direction, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli"-I.R.C.C.S., Largo Francesco Vito 1-8, 00168 Rome, Italy.
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28
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Berardinelli F, Tanori M, Muoio D, Buccarelli M, di Masi A, Leone S, Ricci-Vitiani L, Pallini R, Mancuso M, Antoccia A. G-quadruplex ligand RHPS4 radiosensitizes glioblastoma xenograft in vivo through a differential targeting of bulky differentiated- and stem-cancer cells. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2019; 38:311. [PMID: 31311580 PMCID: PMC6636127 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1293-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma is the most aggressive and most lethal primary brain tumor in the adulthood. Current standard therapies are not curative and novel therapeutic options are urgently required. Present knowledge suggests that the continued glioblastoma growth and recurrence is determined by glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSCs), which display self-renewal, tumorigenic potential, and increased radio- and chemo-resistance. The G-quadruplex ligand RHPS4 displays in vitro radiosensitizing effect in GBM radioresistant cells through the targeting and dysfunctionalization of telomeres but RHPS4 and Ionizing Radiation (IR) combined treatment efficacy in vivo has not been explored so far. METHODS RHPS4 and IR combined effects were tested in vivo in a heterotopic mice xenograft model and in vitro in stem-like cells derived from U251MG and from four GBM patients. Cell growth assays, cytogenetic analysis, immunoblotting, gene expression and cytofluorimetric analysis were performed in order to characterize the response of differentiated and stem-like cells to RHPS4 and IR in single and combined treatments. RESULTS RHPS4 administration and IR exposure is very effective in blocking tumor growth in vivo up to 65 days. The tumor volume reduction and the long-term tumor control suggested the targeting of the stem cell compartment. Interestingly, RHPS4 treatment was able to strongly reduce cell proliferation in GSCs but, unexpectedly, did not synergize with IR. Lack of radiosensitization was supported by the GSCs telomeric-resistance observed as the total absence of telomere-involving chromosomal aberrations. Remarkably, RHPS4 treatment determined a strong reduction of CHK1 and RAD51 proteins and transcript levels suggesting that the inhibition of GSCs growth is determined by the impairment of the replication stress (RS) response and DNA repair. CONCLUSIONS We propose that the potent antiproliferative effect of RHPS4 in GSCs is not determined by telomeric dysfunction but is achieved by the induction of RS and by the concomitant depletion of CHK1 and RAD51, leading to DNA damage and cell death. These data open to novel therapeutic options for the targeting of GSCs, indicating that the combined inhibition of cell-cycle checkpoints and DNA repair proteins provides the most effective means to overcome resistance of GSC to genotoxic insults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M. Tanori
- Laboratory of Biomedical Technologies, Agenzia Nazionale per le Nuove Tecnologie, l’Energia e lo Sviluppo Economico Sostenibile (ENEA), Rome, Italy
| | - D. Muoio
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - M. Buccarelli
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - A. di Masi
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - S. Leone
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - L. Ricci-Vitiani
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - R. Pallini
- Institute of Neurosurgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - M. Mancuso
- Laboratory of Biomedical Technologies, Agenzia Nazionale per le Nuove Tecnologie, l’Energia e lo Sviluppo Economico Sostenibile (ENEA), Rome, Italy
| | - A. Antoccia
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
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29
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Ma Z, Zhang X, Xu L, Liu D, Di S, Li W, Zhang J, Zhang H, Li X, Han J, Yan X. Pterostilbene: Mechanisms of its action as oncostatic agent in cell models and in vivo studies. Pharmacol Res 2019; 145:104265. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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30
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Zeniou M, Nguekeu-Zebaze L, Dantzer F. Therapeutic considerations of PARP in stem cell biology: Relevance in cancer and beyond. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 167:107-115. [PMID: 31202733 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are of fundamental importance in tumor progression because of their tumor-initiating properties, their resistance to radio- and chemotherapy, their invasive properties and their propensity to escape immune responses that together contribute to tumor relapse. These highly aggressive features underscore the importance of constantly identifying new and innovative therapeutic solutions to eradicate these cells. In this narrative review we discuss recent findings on the involvement of PARP family members in cancer stem cell biology and the benefit of their inhibition. Nonetheless, an important limitation in the use of PARP inhibitors is the emergence of a prominent function of PARP1 in non-cancer stem cell biology including stem cell maintenance and differentiation during development, neurogenesis or adipogenesis. Thus, we also summarize the dominant discoveries revealing the importance of PARP1 in normal stem cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Zeniou
- Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation and Genome Integrity, Laboratoire d'Excellence Medalis, UMR7242, Centre Nationale de la Recherche Scientifique/Université de Strasbourg, Institut de Recherche de l'Ecole de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg, 300 bld. S. Brant, CS10413, 67412 Illkirch, France
| | - L Nguekeu-Zebaze
- Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation and Genome Integrity, Laboratoire d'Excellence Medalis, UMR7242, Centre Nationale de la Recherche Scientifique/Université de Strasbourg, Institut de Recherche de l'Ecole de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg, 300 bld. S. Brant, CS10413, 67412 Illkirch, France
| | - F Dantzer
- Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation and Genome Integrity, Laboratoire d'Excellence Medalis, UMR7242, Centre Nationale de la Recherche Scientifique/Université de Strasbourg, Institut de Recherche de l'Ecole de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg, 300 bld. S. Brant, CS10413, 67412 Illkirch, France.
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