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Zhang Z, Liu B, Lin Z, Mei L, Chen R, Li Z. SPP1 could be an immunological and prognostic biomarker: From pan-cancer comprehensive analysis to osteosarcoma validation. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23783. [PMID: 39037571 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202400622rr] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1), also known as osteopontin, is a phosphorylated protein. High SPP1 expression levels have been detected in multiple cancers and are associated with poor prognosis and reduced survival rates. However, only a few pan-cancer analyses have targeted SPP1. We conducted a comprehensive analysis using multiple public databases, including TIMER and TCGA, to investigate the expression levels of SPP1 in 33 different tumor types. In addition, we verified the effect of SPP1 on osteosarcoma. To assess the impact of SPP1 on patient outcomes, we employed univariate Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses to analyze overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and progression-free interval (PFI) in these tumor patients. We also explored SPP1 gene alterations in various tumor tissues using cBioPortal. We then examined the relationship between SPP1 and clinical characteristics, TME, immune regulatory genes, immune checkpoints, TMB, and MSI using R language. In addition, we used GSEA to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of SPP1. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that SPP1 was upregulated in 17 tumors. Overexpression of SPP1 results in poor OS, DSS, and PFI in CESC, ESCA, GBM, LGG, LIHC, PAAD, PRAD, and skin cutaneous melanoma. SPP1 expression was positively associated with immunocyte infiltration, immune regulatory genes, immune checkpoints, TMB, MSI, and drug sensitivity in certain cancers. We found that high expression of SPP1 in osteosarcoma was related to drug resistance and metastasis and further demonstrated that SPP1 can stimulate osteosarcoma cell proliferation via CCND1 by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway. These findings strongly suggest that SPP1 is a potential prognostic marker and novel target for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiming Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Binfeng Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhengjun Lin
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lin Mei
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ruiqi Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhihong Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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2
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Huang CG, Liu Q, Zheng ST, Liu T, Tan YY, Peng TY, Chen J, Lu XM. Chemokines and Their Receptors: Predictors of Therapeutic Potential in Tumor Microenvironment on Esophageal Cancer. Dig Dis Sci 2024; 69:1562-1570. [PMID: 38580886 PMCID: PMC11098888 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-024-08392-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Esophageal carcinoma (ESCA) is an aggressive solid tumor. The 5-year survival rate for patients with ESCA is estimated to be less than 20%, mainly due to tumor invasion and metastasis. Therefore, it is urgent to improve early diagnostic tools and effective treatments for ESCA patients. Tumor microenvironment (TME) enhances the ability of tumor cells to proliferate, migrate, and escape from the immune system, thus promoting the occurrence and development of tumor. TME contains chemokines. Chemokines consist of four major families, which are mainly composed of CC and CXC families. The main purpose of this review is to understand the CC and CXC chemokines and their receptors in ESCA, to improve the understanding of tumorigenesis of ESCA and determine new biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of ESCA. We reviewed the literature on CC and CXC chemokines and their receptors in ESCA identified by PubMed database. This article introduces the general structures and functions of CC, CXC chemokines and their receptors in TME, as well as their roles in the progress of ESCA. Chemokines are involved in the development of ESCA, such as cancer cell invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, and radioresistance, and are key determinants of disease progression, which have a great impact on patient prognosis and treatment response. In addition, a full understanding of their mechanism of action is essential to further verify that these chemokines and their receptors may serve as biomarkers or therapeutic targets of ESCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong-Gai Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, People's Republic of China
- Precision Pathology Diagnosis for Serious Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Luzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Shu-Tao Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Tao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yi-Yi Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Tian-Yuan Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jiao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China.
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Yan J, Xiao G, Yang C, Liu Q, Lv C, Yu X, Zhou Z, Lin S, Bai Z, Lin H, Zhang R, Liu C. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Promote Lymphatic Metastasis in Cholangiocarcinoma via the PDGF-BB/PDGFR-β Mediated Paracrine Signaling Network. Aging Dis 2024; 15:369-389. [PMID: 37307823 PMCID: PMC10796099 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) with lymph node metastasis (LNM) have the worst prognosis, even after complete resection; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we established CAF-derived PDGF-BB as a regulator of LMN in CCA. Proteomics analysis revealed upregulation of PDGF-BB in CAFs derived from patients with CCA with LMN (LN+CAFs). Clinically, the expression of CAF-PDGF-BB correlated with poor prognosis and increased LMN in patients with CCA, while CAF-secreted PDGF-BB enhanced lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC)-mediated lymphangiogenesis and promoted the trans-LEC migration ability of tumor cells. Co-injection of LN+CAFs and cancer cells increased tumor growth and LMN in vivo. Mechanistically, CAF-derived PDGF-BB activated its receptor PDGFR-β and its downstream ERK1/2-JNK signaling pathways in LECs to promote lymphoangiogenesis, while it also upregulated the PDGFR-β-GSK-P65-mediated tumor cell migration. Finally, targeting PDGF-BB/PDGFR-β or the GSK-P65 signaling axis prohibited CAF-mediated popliteal lymphatic metastasis (PLM) in vivo. Overall, our findings revealed that CAFs promote tumor growth and LMN via a paracrine network, identifying a promising therapeutic target for patients with advanced CCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Yan
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Gang Xiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
- Center for Medical Research on Innovation and Translation, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Caini Yang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Qinqin Liu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Cui Lv
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianhuan Yu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Ziyu Zhou
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Shusheng Lin
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Zhenhua Bai
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Haoming Lin
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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Sacdalan DB, Ul Haq S, Lok BH. Plasma Cell-Free Tumor Methylome as a Biomarker in Solid Tumors: Biology and Applications. Curr Oncol 2024; 31:482-500. [PMID: 38248118 PMCID: PMC10814449 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is a fundamental mechanism of epigenetic control in cells and its dysregulation is strongly implicated in cancer development. Cancers possess an extensively hypomethylated genome with focal regions of hypermethylation at CPG islands. Due to the highly conserved nature of cancer-specific methylation, its detection in cell-free DNA in plasma using liquid biopsies constitutes an area of interest in biomarker research. The advent of next-generation sequencing and newer computational technologies have allowed for the development of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers that utilize methylation profiling to diagnose disease and stratify risk. Methylome-based predictive biomarkers can determine the response to anti-cancer therapy. An additional emerging application of these biomarkers is in minimal residual disease monitoring. Several key challenges need to be addressed before cfDNA-based methylation biomarkers become fully integrated into practice. The first relates to the biology and stability of cfDNA. The second concerns the clinical validity and generalizability of methylation-based assays, many of which are cancer type-specific. The third involves their practicability, which is a stumbling block for translating technologies from bench to clinic. Future work on developing pan-cancer assays with their respective validities confirmed using well-designed, prospective clinical trials is crucial in pushing for the greater use of these tools in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Benedict Sacdalan
- Institute of Medical Science, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Medical Sciences Building, Room 2374, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, 610 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Sami Ul Haq
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, 610 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
- Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Benjamin H. Lok
- Institute of Medical Science, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Medical Sciences Building, Room 2374, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, 610 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 101 College Street, Room 15-701, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
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5
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Zheng W, Ling S, Cao Y, Shao C, Sun X. Combined use of NK cells and radiotherapy in the treatment of solid tumors. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1306534. [PMID: 38264648 PMCID: PMC10803658 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1306534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes possessing potent tumor surveillance and elimination activity. Increasing attention is being focused on the role of NK cells in integral antitumor strategies (especially immunotherapy). Of note, therapeutic efficacy is considerable dependent on two parameters: the infiltration and cytotoxicity of NK cells in tumor microenvironment (TME), both of which are impaired by several obstacles (e.g., chemokines, hypoxia). Strategies to overcome such barriers are needed. Radiotherapy is a conventional modality employed to cure solid tumors. Recent studies suggest that radiotherapy not only damages tumor cells directly, but also enhances tumor recognition by immune cells through altering molecular expression of tumor or immune cells via the in situ or abscopal effect. Thus, radiotherapy may rebuild a NK cells-favored TME, and thus provide a cost-effective approach to improve the infiltration of NK cells into solid tumors, as well as elevate immune-activity. Moreover, the radioresistance of tumor always hampers the response to radiotherapy. Noteworthy, the puissant cytotoxic activity of NK cells not only kills tumor cells directly, but also increases the response of tumors to radiation via activating several radiosensitization pathways. Herein, we review the mechanisms by which NK cells and radiotherapy mutually promote their killing function against solid malignancies. We also discuss potential strategies harnessing such features in combined anticancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Zheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Sunkai Ling
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuandong Cao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chunlin Shao
- Institution of Radiation Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinchen Sun
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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6
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Deng H, Chen Y, Wang L, Zhang Y, Hang Q, Li P, Zhang P, Ji J, Song H, Chen M, Jin Y. PI3K/mTOR inhibitors promote G6PD autophagic degradation and exacerbate oxidative stress damage to radiosensitize small cell lung cancer. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:652. [PMID: 37802999 PMCID: PMC10558571 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06171-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Our previous study revealed that PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling was associated with SCLC radioresistance. SBC2 cells were used as primary radioresistance models, while H446 cells were continuously exposed to ionizing radiation (IR) to develop acquired radioresistance. Cell viability and apoptosis assays were used to investigate synergistic effects of BEZ235/GSK2126458 and IR in vitro, while immunoblotting, metabolite quantitative analysis and bioinformatic analyses were utilized to explore the underlying mechanism. Both genetically engineered mouse models (GEMM) and subcutaneous tumor models were used to confirm the synergistic effect in vivo. Key molecules of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling were upregulated after IR, which was correlated with primary radioresistance, and they were more expressed in acquired radioresistant cells. BEZ235/GSK2126458 effectively enhanced the cytotoxic effects of IR. BEZ235/GSK2126458 plus IR elevated γ-H2AX and p-Nrf2 expression, suggesting DNA and oxidative stress damage were intensified. Mechanistically, BEZ235/GSK2126458 plus IR significantly reduced the expression of G6PD protein, the rate-limiting enzyme of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). In detail, PI3K/mTOR inhibitors reinforced interaction between G6PD and HSPA8/HSC70, and G6PD was degraded by chaperone-mediated autophagy processes. Their metabolites (NADPH and R-5P) were decreased, and ROS levels were indirectly elevated, both of which exacerbated cell death. PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling activator, insulin, enhanced SCLC radioresistance, while the synergistic effect of BEZ235/GSK2126458 and IR can be attenuated by N-acetylcysteine, and enhanced by 6-amino niacinamide. GEMM and allograft transplantation assays further confirmed their synergistic effect in vivo. This study provided insights into the connection between PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling and the PPP underlying radioresistance and provided evidence of mechanisms supporting PI3K/mTOR inhibitors as possible therapeutic strategies to abrogate SCLC radioresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Deng
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Yamei Chen
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Yibi Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 331800, China
| | - Qingqing Hang
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
| | - Peijing Li
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
| | - Jing Ji
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
| | - Hai Song
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
| | - Ming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.
- United Laboratory of Frontier Radiotherapy Technology of Sun Yat-sen University & Chinese Academy of Sciences Ion Medical Technology Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Ying Jin
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China.
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China.
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7
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Mao P, Wang T, Du CW, Yu X, Wang MD. CXCL5 promotes tumorigenesis and angiogenesis of glioblastoma via JAK-STAT/NF-κb signaling pathways. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:8015-8023. [PMID: 37541997 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08671-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tumor microenvironment contains chemokines that play a crucial role in various processes, such as tumorigenesis, inflammation, and therapy resistance, in different types of cancer. CXCL5 is a significant chemokine that has been shown to promote tumor proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and therapy resistance when overexpressed in various types of cancer. This research aims to investigate the impact of CXCL5 on the biological functions of glioblastoma (GBM). METHODS The TCGA GBM and GEO databases were utilized to perform transcriptome microarray analysis and oncogenic signaling pathway analysis of CXCL5 in GBM. Validation of CXCL5 expression was performed using RT-qPCR and Western Blot. The impact of CXCL5 on cell proliferation, tumorigenesis, and angiogenesis in GBM was assessed through various methods, including cell proliferation assay, cloning assay, intracranial xenograft tumor models, and tube formation assay. Clinical prognosis was evaluated in 59 samples of gliomas with varying degrees of malignancy (grades 2, 3, and 4) and the TCGA GBM database, based on CXCL5 expression levels. The activities of the JAK-STAT and NF-κB signaling pathways were detected using Western Blot. RESULTS The expression of CXCL5 was highly enriched in GBM. Moreover, the inhibition of CXCL5 showed a significant efficacy in suppressing cellular proliferation and angiogenesis, resulting in extended survival rates in xenograft mouse models in comparison to the control group. Notably, pretreatment with dapsone exhibited a reversal of the impact of CXCL5 on the formation of colonies and tubes in GBM cells. Elevated expression of CXCL5 was correlated with poor outcomes in GBM patients. Furthermore, the overexpression of CXCL5 has been associated with the activation of JAK-STAT and NF-κB signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS CXCL5 plays an important role in tumorigenesis and angiogenesis, indicating the potential for novel therapies targeting CXCL5 in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Mao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Tuo Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chang-Wang Du
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Mao-De Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
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Sen C, Koloff CR, Kundu S, Wilkinson DC, Yang JM, Shia DW, Meneses LK, Rickabaugh TM, Gomperts BN. Development of a small cell lung cancer organoid model to study cellular interactions and survival after chemotherapy. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1211026. [PMID: 37608896 PMCID: PMC10441219 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1211026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Small-cell-lung-cancer (SCLC) has the worst prognosis of all lung cancers because of a high incidence of relapse after therapy. While lung cancer is the second most common malignancy in the US, only about 10% of cases of lung cancer are SCLC, therefore, it is categorized as a rare and recalcitrant disease. Therapeutic discovery for SCLC has been challenging and the existing pre-clinical models often fail to recapitulate actual tumor pathophysiology. To address this, we developed a bioengineered 3-dimensional (3D) SCLC co-culture organoid model as a phenotypic tool to study SCLC tumor kinetics and SCLC-fibroblast interactions after chemotherapy. Method: We used functionalized alginate microbeads as a scaffold to mimic lung alveolar architecture and co-cultured SCLC cell lines with primary adult lung fibroblasts (ALF). We found that SCLCs in the model proliferated extensively, invaded the microbead scaffold and formed tumors within just 7 days. We compared the bioengineered tumors with patient tumors and found them to recapitulate the pathology and immunophenotyping of the patient tumors. When treated with standard chemotherapy drugs, etoposide and cisplatin, we observed that some of the cells survived the chemotherapy and reformed the tumor in the organoid model. Result and Discussion: Co-culture of the SCLC cells with ALFs revealed that the fibroblasts play a key role in inducing faster and more robust SCLC cell regrowth in the model. This is likely due to a paracrine effect, as conditioned media from the same fibroblasts could also support this accelerated regrowth. This model can be used to study cell-cell interactions and the response to chemotherapy in SCLC and is also scalable and amenable to high throughput phenotypic or targeted drug screening to find new therapeutics for SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandani Sen
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA Children’s Discovery and Innovation Institute, Mattel Children’s Hospital, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Caroline R. Koloff
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA Children’s Discovery and Innovation Institute, Mattel Children’s Hospital, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | | | - Dan C. Wilkinson
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA Children’s Discovery and Innovation Institute, Mattel Children’s Hospital, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Juliette M. Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA Children’s Discovery and Innovation Institute, Mattel Children’s Hospital, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - David W. Shia
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA Children’s Discovery and Innovation Institute, Mattel Children’s Hospital, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Luisa K. Meneses
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA Children’s Discovery and Innovation Institute, Mattel Children’s Hospital, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Tammy M. Rickabaugh
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA Children’s Discovery and Innovation Institute, Mattel Children’s Hospital, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Brigitte N. Gomperts
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA Children’s Discovery and Innovation Institute, Mattel Children’s Hospital, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Pulmonary Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Eli and Edythe Broad Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Yang L, Zhang Z, Dong J, Zhang Y, Yang Z, Guo Y, Sun X, Li J, Xing P, Ying J, Zhou M. Multi-dimensional characterization of immunological profiles in small cell lung cancer uncovers clinically relevant immune subtypes with distinct prognoses and therapeutic vulnerabilities. Pharmacol Res 2023; 194:106844. [PMID: 37392900 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is generally considered a 'homogenous' disease, with little documented inter-tumor heterogeneity in treatment guidance or prognosis evaluation. The precise identification of clinically relevant molecular subtypes remains incomplete and their translation into clinical practice is limited. In this retrospective cohort study, we comprehensively characterized the immune microenvironment in SCLC by integrating transcriptional and protein profiling of formalin-fixation-and-paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples from 29 patients. We identified two distinct disease subtypes: immune-enriched (IE-subtype) and immune-deprived (ID-subtype), displaying heterogeneity in immunological, biological, and clinical features. The IE-subtype was characterized by abundant immune infiltrate and elevated levels of interferon-alpha/gamma (IFNα/IFNγ) and inflammatory response, while the ID-subtype featured a complete lack of immune infiltration and a more proliferative phenotype. These two immune subtypes are associated with clinical benefits in SCLC patients treated with adjuvant therapy, with the IE-subtype exhibiting a more favorable response leading to improved survival and reduced disease recurrence risk. Additionally, we identified and validated a personalized prognosticator of immunophenotyping, the CCL5/CXCL9 chemokine index (CCI), using machine learning. The CCI demonstrated superior predictive abilities for prognosis and clinical benefits in SCLC patients, validated in our institute immunohistochemistry cohort and multicenter bulk transcriptomic data cohorts. In conclusion, our study provides a comprehensive and multi-dimensional characterization of the immune architecture of SCLC using clinical FFPE samples and proposes a new immune subtyping conceptual framework enabling risk stratification and the appropriate selection of individualized therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Yang
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, PR China
| | - Zicheng Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, PR China
| | - Jiyan Dong
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, PR China
| | - Yibo Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, PR China
| | - Zijian Yang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, PR China
| | - Yiying Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, PR China
| | - Xujie Sun
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, PR China
| | - Junling Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, PR China
| | - Puyuan Xing
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, PR China.
| | - Jianming Ying
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, PR China.
| | - Meng Zhou
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, PR China.
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10
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Khan MA, Khan P, Ahmad A, Fatima M, Nasser MW. FOXM1: A small fox that makes more tracks for cancer progression and metastasis. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 92:1-15. [PMID: 36958703 PMCID: PMC10199453 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) are indispensable for the modulation of various signaling pathways associated with normal cell homeostasis and disease conditions. Among cancer-related TFs, FOXM1 is a critical molecule that regulates multiple aspects of cancer cells, including growth, metastasis, recurrence, and stem cell features. FOXM1 also impact the outcomes of targeted therapies, chemotherapies, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in various cancer types. Recent advances in cancer research strengthen the cancer-specific role of FOXM1, providing a rationale to target FOXM1 for developing targeted therapies. This review compiles the recent studies describing the pivotal role of FOXM1 in promoting metastasis of various cancer types. It also implicates the contribution of FOXM1 in the modulation of chemotherapeutic resistance, antitumor immune response/immunotherapies, and the potential of small molecule inhibitors of FOXM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Arafat Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Parvez Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Aatiya Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Mahek Fatima
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Mohd Wasim Nasser
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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11
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Jin J, Cong J, Lei S, Zhang Q, Zhong X, Su Y, Lu M, Ma Y, Li Z, Wang L, Zhu N, Yang J. Cracking the code: Deciphering the role of the tumor microenvironment in osteosarcoma metastasis. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 121:110422. [PMID: 37302370 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common malignant bone tumor in children and adolescents. It is characterized by a rapid progression, poor prognosis, and early pulmonary metastasis. Over the past 30 years, approximately 85% of patients with osteosarcoma have experienced metastasis. The five-year survival of patients with lung metastasis during the early stages of treatment is less than 20%. The tumor microenvironment (TME) not only provides conditions for tumor cell growth but also releases a variety of substances that can promote the metastasis of tumor cells to other tissues and organs. Currently, there is limited research on the role of the TME in osteosarcoma metastasis. Therefore, to explore methods for regulating osteosarcoma metastasis, further investigations must be conducted from the perspective of the TME. This will help to identify new potential biomarkers for predicting osteosarcoma metastasis and assist in the discovery of new drugs that target regulatory mechanisms for clinical diagnosis and treatment. This paper reviews the research progress on the mechanism of osteosarcoma metastasis based on TME theory, which will provide guidance for the clinical treatment of osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiamin Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guangxi, Guilin 541001, China; Department of Immunology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Jiacheng Cong
- Department of Immunology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Shangbo Lei
- Department of Immunology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Qiujin Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Xinyi Zhong
- Department of Immunology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Yingying Su
- Department of Immunology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Mingchuan Lu
- Department of Immunology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Yifen Ma
- Department of Immunology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Zihe Li
- Department of Immunology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Liyan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guangxi, Guilin 541001, China
| | - Ningxia Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China.
| | - Jinfeng Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guangxi, Guilin 541001, China; Department of Immunology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China.
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12
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Dragon J, Hoaglund M, Badireddy AR, Nielsen G, Schlezinger J, Shukla A. Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Affect Inflammation in Lung Cells and Tissues. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:8539. [PMID: 37239886 PMCID: PMC10218140 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108539] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Adverse lung outcomes from exposure to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are known; however, the mechanism of action is poorly understood. To explore this, human bronchial epithelial cells were grown and exposed to varied concentrations of short-chain (perfluorobutanoic acid, perflurobutane sulfonic acid and GenX) or long-chain (PFOA and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS)) PFAS, alone or in a mixture to identify cytotoxic concentrations. Non-cytotoxic concentrations of PFAS from this experiment were selected to assess NLRP3 inflammasome activation and priming. We found that PFOA and PFOS alone or in a mixture primed and activated the inflammasome compared with vehicle control. Atomic force microscopy showed that PFOA but not PFOS significantly altered the membrane properties of cells. RNA sequencing was performed on the lungs of mice that had consumed PFOA in drinking water for 14 weeks. Wild type (WT), PPARα knock-out (KO) and humanized PPARα (KI) were exposed to PFOA. We found that multiple inflammation- and immune-related genes were affected. Taken together, our study demonstrated that PFAS exposure could alter lung biology in a significant manner and may contribute to asthma/airway hyper-responsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Dragon
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA; (J.D.); (M.H.); (A.R.B.); (G.N.); (J.S.)
| | - Michael Hoaglund
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA; (J.D.); (M.H.); (A.R.B.); (G.N.); (J.S.)
| | - Appala Raju Badireddy
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA; (J.D.); (M.H.); (A.R.B.); (G.N.); (J.S.)
| | - Greylin Nielsen
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Jennifer Schlezinger
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Arti Shukla
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA; (J.D.); (M.H.); (A.R.B.); (G.N.); (J.S.)
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13
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Siddiqui JA, Nasser MW. Editorial: Role of chemokines in tumor heterogeneity. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 92:128-129. [PMID: 37028577 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
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14
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Sen C, Koloff C, Kundu S, Wilkinson DC, Yang J, Shia DW, Meneses LK, Rickabaugh TM, Gomperts BN. Small cell lung cancer co-culture organoids provide insights into cancer cell survival after chemotherapy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.03.522668. [PMID: 36711908 PMCID: PMC9881945 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.03.522668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Small-cell-lung-cancer (SCLC) has the worst prognosis of all lung cancers because of a high incidence of relapse after therapy. We developed a bioengineered 3-dimensional (3D) SCLC co-culture organoid as a phenotypic tool to study SCLC tumor kinetics and SCLC-fibroblast interactions during relapse. We used functionalized alginate microbeads as a scaffold to mimic lung alveolar architecture and co-cultured SCLC cell lines with primary adult lung fibroblasts (ALF). We found that SCLCs in the model proliferated extensively, invaded the microbead scaffold and formed tumors within just 7 days. We compared the bioengineered tumors with patient tumors and found them to recapitulate the pathology and immunophenotyping of the patient tumors better than the PDX model developed from the same SCLC cell line. When treated with standard chemotherapy drugs, etoposide and cisplatin, the organoid recapitulated relapse after chemotherapy. Co-culture of the SCLC cells with ALFs revealed that the fibroblasts play a key role in inducing faster and more robust SCLC cell regrowth in the model. This was a paracrine effect as conditioned medium from the same fibroblasts was responsible for this accelerated cell regrowth. This model is also amenable to high throughput phenotypic or targeted drug screening to find new therapeutics for SCLC.
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15
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Khan P, Siddiqui JA, Kshirsagar PG, Venkata RC, Maurya SK, Mirzapoiazova T, Perumal N, Chaudhary S, Kanchan RK, Fatima M, Khan MA, Rehman AU, Lakshmanan I, Mahapatra S, Talmon GA, Kulkarni P, Ganti AK, Jain M, Salgia R, Batra SK, Nasser MW. MicroRNA-1 attenuates the growth and metastasis of small cell lung cancer through CXCR4/FOXM1/RRM2 axis. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:1. [PMID: 36597126 PMCID: PMC9811802 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01695-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive lung cancer subtype that is associated with high recurrence and poor prognosis. Due to lack of potential drug targets, SCLC patients have few therapeutic options. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) provide an interesting repertoire of therapeutic molecules; however, the identification of miRNAs regulating SCLC growth and metastasis and their precise regulatory mechanisms are not well understood. METHODS To identify novel miRNAs regulating SCLC, we performed miRNA-sequencing from donor/patient serum samples and analyzed the bulk RNA-sequencing data from the tumors of SCLC patients. Further, we developed a nanotechnology-based, highly sensitive method to detect microRNA-1 (miR-1, identified miRNA) in patient serum samples and SCLC cell lines. To assess the therapeutic potential of miR-1, we developed various in vitro models, including miR-1 sponge (miR-1Zip) and DOX-On-miR-1 (Tet-ON) inducible stable overexpression systems. Mouse models derived from intracardiac injection of SCLC cells (miR-1Zip and DOX-On-miR-1) were established to delineate the role of miR-1 in SCLC metastasis. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze the expression of miR-1 and target proteins (mouse and human tumor specimens), respectively. Dual-luciferase assay was used to validate the target of miR-1, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay was used to investigate the protein-gene interactions. RESULTS A consistent downregulation of miR-1 was observed in tumor tissues and serum samples of SCLC patients compared to their matched normal controls, and these results were recapitulated in SCLC cell lines. Gain of function studies of miR-1 in SCLC cell lines showed decreased cell growth and oncogenic signaling, whereas loss of function studies of miR-1 rescued this effect. Intracardiac injection of gain of function of miR-1 SCLC cell lines in the mouse models showed a decrease in distant organ metastasis, whereas loss of function of miR-1 potentiated growth and metastasis. Mechanistic studies revealed that CXCR4 is a direct target of miR-1 in SCLC. Using unbiased transcriptomic analysis, we identified CXCR4/FOXM1/RRM2 as a unique axis that regulates SCLC growth and metastasis. Our results further showed that FOXM1 directly binds to the RRM2 promoter and regulates its activity in SCLC. CONCLUSIONS Our findings revealed that miR-1 is a critical regulator for decreasing SCLC growth and metastasis. It targets the CXCR4/FOXM1/RRM2 axis and has a high potential for the development of novel SCLC therapies. MicroRNA-1 (miR-1) downregulation in the tumor tissues and serum samples of SCLC patients is an important hallmark of tumor growth and metastasis. The introduction of miR-1 in SCLC cell lines decreases cell growth and metastasis. Mechanistically, miR-1 directly targets CXCR4, which further prevents FOXM1 binding to the RRM2 promoter and decreases SCLC growth and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parvez Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Jawed Akhtar Siddiqui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Prakash G Kshirsagar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | | | - Shailendra Kumar Maurya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Tamara Mirzapoiazova
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Naveenkumar Perumal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Sanjib Chaudhary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Ranjana Kumari Kanchan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Mahek Fatima
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Md Arafat Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Asad Ur Rehman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Imayavaramban Lakshmanan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Sidharth Mahapatra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Geoffrey A Talmon
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Prakash Kulkarni
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Apar K Ganti
- Division of Oncology-Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, VA-Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Maneesh Jain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Surinder Kumar Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Mohd Wasim Nasser
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
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