1
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Zaman SU, Pagare PP, Huang B, Rilee G, Ma Z, Zhang Y, Li J. Novel PROTAC probes targeting FOSL1 degradation to eliminate head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cancer stem cells. Bioorg Chem 2024; 151:107613. [PMID: 39002513 PMCID: PMC11365795 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107613] [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: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Previously, we identified that AP-1 transcription factor FOSL1 is required to maintain cancer stem cells (CSCs) in HNSCC, and an AP-1 inhibitor, T-5224, can eliminate HNSCC CSCs. However, its potency is relatively low, and furthermore, whether T-5224 eradicates CSCs through targeting FOSL1 and whether FOSL1 serves as an effective target for eliminating CSCs in HNSCC, require further validation. We first found that T-5224 can bind to FOSL1 directly. As a proof-of-principle, several cereblon (CRBN)-recruiting PROTACs were designed and synthesized using T-5224 as a warhead for more effective of targeting FOSL1. The top compound can potently degrade FOSL1 in HNSCC, thereby effectively eliminating CSCs to suppress HNSCC tumorigenesis, with around 30 to 100-fold improved potency over T-5224. In summary, our study further validates FOSL1 as an effective target for eliminating CSCs in HNSCC and suggests that PROTACs may provide a unique molecular tool for the development of novel molecules for targeting FOSL1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadid U Zaman
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0540, United States.
| | - Piyusha P Pagare
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0540, United States.
| | - Boshi Huang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0540, United States.
| | - Grace Rilee
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0540, United States.
| | - Zhikun Ma
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0540, United States.
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0540, United States; Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0540, United States.
| | - Jiong Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0540, United States; Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0540, United States; Department of Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0540, United States.
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2
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Acharya SK, Shai S, Choon YF, Gunardi I, Hartanto FK, Kadir K, Roychoudhury A, Amtha R, Vincent-Chong VK. Cancer Stem Cells in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Narrative Review on Experimental Characteristics and Methodological Challenges. Biomedicines 2024; 12:2111. [PMID: 39335624 PMCID: PMC11429394 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12092111] [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: 07/14/2024] [Revised: 09/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subpopulation of cancer cells that are believed to initiate and drive cancer progression. In animal models, xenotransplanted CSCs have demonstrated the ability to produce tumors. Since their initial isolation in blood cancers, CSCs have been identified in various solid human cancers, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). In addition to their tumorigenic properties, dysregulated stem-cell-related signaling pathways-Wnt family member (Wnt), neurogenic locus notch homolog protein (Notch), and hedgehog-have been shown to endow CSCs with characteristics like self-renewal, phenotypic plasticity, and chemoresistance, contributing to recurrence and treatment failure. Consequently, CSCs have become targets for new therapeutic agents, with some currently in different phases of clinical trials. Notably, small molecule inhibitors of the hedgehog signaling pathway, such as vismodegib and glasdegib, have been approved for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma and acute myeloid leukemia, respectively. Other strategies for eradicating CSCs include natural compounds, nano-drug delivery systems, targeting mitochondria and the CSC microenvironment, autophagy, hyperthermia, and immunotherapy. Despite the extensive documentation of CSCs in OSCC since its first demonstration in head and neck (HN) SCC in 2007, none of these novel pharmacological approaches have yet entered clinical trials for OSCC patients. This narrative review summarizes the in vivo and in vitro evidence of CSCs and CSC-related signaling pathways in OSCC, highlighting their role in promoting chemoresistance and immunotherapy resistance. Additionally, it addresses methodological challenges and discusses future research directions to improve experimental systems and advance CSC studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surendra Kumar Acharya
- Department of Oral Medicine, Radiology and Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Lincoln University College, Petaling Jaya 47301, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Saptarsi Shai
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Yee Fan Choon
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, MAHSA University, Jenjarom 42610, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - Indrayadi Gunardi
- Oral Medicine Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Trisakti, Jakarta 11440, Indonesia; (I.G.); (F.K.H.)
| | - Firstine Kelsi Hartanto
- Oral Medicine Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Trisakti, Jakarta 11440, Indonesia; (I.G.); (F.K.H.)
| | - Kathreena Kadir
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Ajoy Roychoudhury
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India;
| | - Rahmi Amtha
- Oral Medicine Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Trisakti, Jakarta 11440, Indonesia; (I.G.); (F.K.H.)
| | - Vui King Vincent-Chong
- Department of Oral Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
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3
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Chen B, Liu J. Advances in ovarian tumor stem cells and therapy. Cell Biochem Biophys 2024; 82:1871-1892. [PMID: 38955927 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-024-01385-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is considered the most lethal among all gynecological malignancies due to its early metastatic dissemination, extensive spread, and malignant ascites. The current standard of care for advanced ovarian cancer involves a combination of cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy utilizing platinum-based and taxane-based agents. Although initial treatment yields clinical remission in 70-80% of patients, the majority eventually develop treatment resistance and tumor recurrence. A growing body of evidence indicates the existence of cancer stem cells within diverse solid tumors, including ovarian cancer, which function as a subpopulation to propel tumor growth and disease advancement by means of drug resistance, recurrence, and metastasis. The presence of ovarian cancer stem cells is widely considered to be a significant contributor to the unfavorable clinical outcomes observed in patients with ovarian cancer, as they play a crucial role in mediating chemotherapy resistance, recurrence, and metastasis. Ovarian cancer stem cells possess the capacity to reassemble within the entirety of the tumor following conventional treatment, thereby instigating the recurrence of ovarian cancer and inducing resistance to treatment. Consequently, the creation of therapeutic approaches aimed at eliminating ovarian cancer stem cells holds great potential for the management of ovarian cancer. These cells are regarded as one of the most auspicious targets and mechanisms for the treatment of ovarian cancer. There is a pressing need for a comprehensive comprehension of the fundamental mechanisms of ovarian cancer's recurrence, metastasis, and drug resistance, alongside the development of effective strategies to overcome chemoresistance, metastasis, and recurrence. The implementation of cancer stem cell therapies may potentially augment the tumor cells' sensitivity to existing chemotherapy protocols, thereby mitigating the risks of tumor metastasis and recurrence, and ultimately improving the survival rates of ovarian cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biqing Chen
- Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
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4
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Li J, Wang Y, Wang Z, Wei Y, Diao P, Wu Y, Wang D, Jiang H, Wang Y, Cheng J. Super-Enhancer Driven LIF/LIFR-STAT3-SOX2 Regulatory Feedback Loop Promotes Cancer Stemness in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2404476. [PMID: 39206755 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202404476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Super-enhancers (SEs) have been recognized as key epigenetic regulators underlying cancer stemness and malignant traits by aberrant transcriptional control and promising therapeutic targets against human cancers. However, the SE landscape and their roles during head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) development especially in cancer stem cells (CSCs) maintenance remain underexplored yet. Here, we identify leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF)-SE as a representative oncogenic SE to activate LIF transcription in HNSCC. LIF secreted from cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts promotes cancer stemness by driving SOX2 transcription in an autocrine/paracrine manner, respectively. Mechanistically, enhancer elements E1, 2, 4 within LIF-SE recruit SOX2/SMAD3/BRD4/EP300 to facilitate LIF transcription; LIF activates downstream LIFR-STAT3 signaling to drive SOX2 transcription, thus forming a previously unknown regulatory feedback loop (LIF-SE-LIF/LIFR-STAT3-SOX2) to maintain LIF overexpression and CSCs stemness. Clinically, increased LIF abundance in clinical samples correlate with malignant clinicopathological features and patient prognosis; higher LIF concentrations in presurgical plasma dramatically diminish following cancer eradication. Therapeutically, pharmacological targeting LIF-SE-LIF/LIFR-STAT3 significantly impairs tumor growth and reduces CSC subpopulations in xenograft and PDX models. Our findings reveal a hitherto uncharacterized LIF-SE-mediated auto-regulatory loop in regulating HNSCC stemness and highlight LIF as a novel noninvasive biomarker and potential therapeutic target for HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, 210029, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, 210029, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Yuhan Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, 210029, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, 210029, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Ziyu Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, 210029, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, 210029, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Yuxiang Wei
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, 210029, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Pengfei Diao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, 210029, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Yaping Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, 210029, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Dongmiao Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Hongbing Jiang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, 210029, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, 210029, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Yanling Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, 210029, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Jie Cheng
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, 210029, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, 210029, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, 210029, China
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5
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Zhang C, Li K, Zhu H, Cheng M, Chen S, Ling R, Wang C, Chen D. ITGB6 modulates resistance to anti-CD276 therapy in head and neck cancer by promoting PF4 + macrophage infiltration. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7077. [PMID: 39152118 PMCID: PMC11329676 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51096-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Enoblituzumab, an immunotherapeutic agent targeting CD276, shows both safety and efficacy in activating T cells and oligodendrocyte-like cells against various cancers. Preclinical studies and mouse models suggest that therapies targeting CD276 may outperform PD1/PD-L1 blockade. However, data from mouse models indicate a significant non-responsive population to anti-CD276 treatment, with the mechanisms of resistance still unclear. In this study, we evaluate the activity of anti-CD276 antibodies in a chemically-induced murine model of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Using models of induced and orthotopic carcinogenesis, we identify ITGB6 as a key gene mediating differential responses to anti-CD276 treatment. Through single-cell RNA sequencing and gene-knockout mouse models, we find that ITGB6 regulates the expression of the tumor-associated chemokine CX3CL1, which recruits and activates PF4+ macrophages that express high levels of CX3CR1. Inhibition of the CX3CL1-CX3CR1 axis suppresses the infiltration and secretion of CXCL16 by PF4+ macrophages, thereby reinvigorating cytotoxic CXCR6+ CD8+ T cells and enhancing sensitivity to anti-CD276 treatment. Further investigations demonstrate that inhibiting ITGB6 restores sensitivity to PD1 antibodies in mice resistant to anti-PD1 treatment. In summary, our research reveals a resistance mechanism associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy and identifies potential targets to overcome resistance in cancer treatment.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Mice
- B7 Antigens/metabolism
- B7 Antigens/genetics
- B7 Antigens/antagonists & inhibitors
- Humans
- Head and Neck Neoplasms/genetics
- Head and Neck Neoplasms/immunology
- Head and Neck Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology
- Mice, Knockout
- CX3C Chemokine Receptor 1/metabolism
- CX3C Chemokine Receptor 1/genetics
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/immunology
- Macrophages/immunology
- Macrophages/metabolism
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/drug therapy
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/immunology
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/genetics
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/pathology
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Female
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/therapeutic use
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Caihua Zhang
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Kang Li
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongzhang Zhu
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Maosheng Cheng
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuang Chen
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Rongsong Ling
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Demeng Chen
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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6
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Kumar P, Lakhera R, Aggarwal S, Gupta S. Unlocking the Therapeutic Potential of Oral Cancer Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1809. [PMID: 39200273 PMCID: PMC11351673 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12081809] [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: 07/18/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Oral cancer (OC) presents a significant global health burden with rising incidence rates. Despite advancements in diagnosis and treatments, the survival rate for OC patients, particularly those with advanced or recurrent disease, remains low at approximately 20%. This poor prognosis is often due to a small population of cancer stem cells (CSCs) that are capable of self-renewal and immune evasion, playing pivotal roles in proliferation, tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Exosomes, which are nano-sized extracellular vesicles (EVs), have emerged as crucial mediators of cell-to-cell communication within the tumor microenvironment (TME). These vesicles carry diverse molecules such as DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids, and metabolites, influencing various cellular processes. Emerging evidence suggests that CSC-derived EVs significantly promote tumor progression and metastasis and maintain the balance between CSCs and non-CSCs, which is vital for intracellular communication within the TME of oral cancer. Recent reports indicate that oral cancer stem cell-derived EVs (OCSC-EVs) influence stemness, immune evasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, tumor reoccurrence, and drug resistance. Understanding OCSC-EVs could significantly improve oral cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. In this mini-review, we explore OCSC-derived exosomes in oral cancer, examining their potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers that reflect CSC characteristics, and delve into their therapeutic implications, emphasizing their roles in tumor progression and therapy resistance. However, despite their promising potential, several challenges remain, including the need to standardize isolation and characterization methods and to elucidate exosome-mediated mechanisms. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of OCSC-EVs could pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies that have the potential to improve clinical outcomes for OC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabhat Kumar
- Stem Cell and Cancer Research Lab, Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine & Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector-125, Noida 201313, India
| | - Rishabh Lakhera
- Stem Cell and Cancer Research Lab, Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine & Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector-125, Noida 201313, India
| | - Sadhna Aggarwal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shilpi Gupta
- Stem Cell and Cancer Research Lab, Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine & Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector-125, Noida 201313, India
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7
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Liu W, Cao H, Wang J, Elmusrati A, Han B, Chen W, Zhou P, Li X, Keysar S, Jimeno A, Wang CY. Histone-methyltransferase KMT2D deficiency impairs the Fanconi anemia/BRCA pathway upon glycolytic inhibition in squamous cell carcinoma. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6755. [PMID: 39117659 PMCID: PMC11310337 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50861-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Histone lysine methyltransferase 2D (KMT2D) is the most frequently mutated epigenetic modifier in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, the role of KMT2D in HNSCC tumorigenesis and whether its mutations confer any therapeutic vulnerabilities remain unknown. Here we show that KMT2D deficiency promotes HNSCC growth through increasing glycolysis. Additionally, KMT2D loss decreases the expression of Fanconi Anemia (FA)/BRCA pathway genes under glycolytic inhibition. Mechanistically, glycolytic inhibition facilitates the occupancy of KMT2D to the promoter/enhancer regions of FA genes. KMT2D loss reprograms the epigenomic landscapes of FA genes by transiting their promoter/enhancer states from active to inactive under glycolytic inhibition. Therefore, combining the glycolysis inhibitor 2-DG with DNA crosslinking agents or poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors preferentially inhibits tumor growth of KMT2D-deficient mouse HNSCC and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) harboring KMT2D-inactivating mutations. These findings provide an epigenomic basis for developing targeted therapies for HNSCC patients with KMT2D-inactivating mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, Division of Oral and Systemic Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hongchao Cao
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, Division of Oral and Systemic Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, Division of Oral and Systemic Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Areeg Elmusrati
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, Division of Oral and Systemic Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bing Han
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, Division of Oral and Systemic Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Wei Chen
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, Division of Oral and Systemic Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ping Zhou
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, Division of Oral and Systemic Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xiyao Li
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, Division of Oral and Systemic Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Stephen Keysar
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Antonio Jimeno
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Cun-Yu Wang
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, Division of Oral and Systemic Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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8
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Acero-Riaguas L, Griso-Acevedo AB, SanLorenzo-Vaquero A, Ibáñez-Herrera B, Fernandez-Diaz SM, Mascaraque M, Sánchez-Siles R, López-García I, Benítez-Buelga C, Bravo-Burguillos ER, Castelo B, Cebrián-Carretero JL, Perona R, Sastre L, Sastre-Perona A. DUSP1 and SOX2 expression determine squamous cell carcinoma of the salivary gland progression. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15007. [PMID: 38951654 PMCID: PMC11217270 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65945-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Salivary gland squamous cell carcinomas (SG-SCCs) constitute a rare type of head and neck cancer which is linked to poor prognosis. Due to their low frequency, the molecular mechanisms responsible for their aggressiveness are poorly understood. In this work we studied the role of the phosphatase DUSP1, a negative regulator of MAPK activity, in controlling SG-SCC progression. We generated DUSP1 KO clones in A253 human cells. These clones showed a reduced ability to grow in 2D, self-renew in ECM matrices and to form tumors in immunodeficient mice. This was caused by an overactivation of the stress and apoptosis kinase JNK1/2 in DUSP1-/+ clones. Interestingly, RNAseq analysis revealed that the expression of SOX2, a well-known self-renewal gene was decreased at the mRNA and protein levels in DUSP1-/+ cells. Unexpectedly, CRISPR-KO of SOX2 did not recapitulate DUSP1-/+ phenotype, and SOX2-null cells had an enhanced ability to self-renew and to form tumors in mice. Gene expression analysis demonstrated that SOX2-null cells have a decreased squamous differentiation profile -losing TP63 expression- and an increased migratory phenotype, with an enhanced epithelial to mesenchymal transition signature. In summary, our data indicates that DUSP1 and SOX2 have opposite functions in SG-SCC, being DUSP1 necessary for tumor growth and SOX2 dispensable showing a tumor suppressor function. Our data suggest that the combined expression of SOX2 and DUSP1 could be a useful biomarker to predict progression in patients with SG-SCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Acero-Riaguas
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Maxillofacial Surgery and Head and Neck Cancer, IdiPAZ, 28046, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas CSIC/UAM and CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Belén Griso-Acevedo
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Maxillofacial Surgery and Head and Neck Cancer, IdiPAZ, 28046, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro SanLorenzo-Vaquero
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Maxillofacial Surgery and Head and Neck Cancer, IdiPAZ, 28046, Madrid, Spain
| | - Blanca Ibáñez-Herrera
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Maxillofacial Surgery and Head and Neck Cancer, IdiPAZ, 28046, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara María Fernandez-Diaz
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Maxillofacial Surgery and Head and Neck Cancer, IdiPAZ, 28046, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Mascaraque
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Maxillofacial Surgery and Head and Neck Cancer, IdiPAZ, 28046, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocío Sánchez-Siles
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Maxillofacial Surgery and Head and Neck Cancer, IdiPAZ, 28046, Madrid, Spain
| | - Iván López-García
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Maxillofacial Surgery and Head and Neck Cancer, IdiPAZ, 28046, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Benítez-Buelga
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas CSIC/UAM and CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Ruiz Bravo-Burguillos
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Maxillofacial Surgery and Head and Neck Cancer, IdiPAZ, 28046, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Castelo
- Medical Oncology Department, University Hospital La Paz, 28046, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Luis Cebrián-Carretero
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Maxillofacial Surgery and Head and Neck Cancer, IdiPAZ, 28046, Madrid, Spain
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, University Hospital La Paz, 28046, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosario Perona
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III and CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Leandro Sastre
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas CSIC/UAM and CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Sastre-Perona
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Maxillofacial Surgery and Head and Neck Cancer, IdiPAZ, 28046, Madrid, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas CSIC/UAM and CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28029, Madrid, Spain.
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9
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Galletti G, Halima A, Gjyrezi A, Zhang J, Zimmerman B, Worroll D, Kallergi G, Barreja R, Ocean A, Saxena A, McGraw TE, Nanus DM, Elemento O, Altorki NK, Tagawa ST, Giannakakou P. Transferrin receptor-based circulating tumor cell enrichment provides a snapshot of the molecular landscape of solid tumors and correlates with clinical outcomes. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.06.16.24309003. [PMID: 38947080 PMCID: PMC11213041 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.16.24309003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) captured from the bloodstream of patients with solid tumors have the potential to accelerate precision oncology by providing insight into tumor biology, disease progression and response to treatment. However, their potential is hampered by the lack of standardized CTC enrichment platforms across tumor types. EpCAM-based CTC enrichment, the most commonly used platform, is limited by EpCAM downregulation during metastasis and the low EpCAM expression in certain tumor types, including the highly prevalent and lethal NSCLC. In this study we demonstrate that Transferrin Receptor (TfR) is a selective, efficient biomarker for CTC identification and capture in patients with prostate, pancreatic and NSCLC. TfR identifies significantly higher CTC counts than EpCAM, and TfR + -CTC enumeration correlates with disease progression in metastatic prostate and pancreatic cancers, and overall survival and osimetrinib-resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Profiling of TfR + -CTCs provides a snapshot of the molecular landscape of each respective tumor type and identifies potential mechanisms underlying treatment response to EGFR TKi and immune checkpoint inhibitors in NSCLC. One sentence summary Transferrin Receptor identifies circulating tumor cells in solid tumors.
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10
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Dhas N, Kudarha R, Tiwari R, Tiwari G, Garg N, Kumar P, Kulkarni S, Kulkarni J, Soman S, Hegde AR, Patel J, Garkal A, Sami A, Datta D, Colaco V, Mehta T, Vora L, Mutalik S. Recent advancements in nanomaterial-mediated ferroptosis-induced cancer therapy: Importance of molecular dynamics and novel strategies. Life Sci 2024; 346:122629. [PMID: 38631667 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122629] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a novel type of controlled cell death resulting from an imbalance between oxidative harm and protective mechanisms, demonstrating significant potential in combating cancer. It differs from other forms of cell death, such as apoptosis and necrosis. Molecular therapeutics have hard time playing the long-acting role of ferroptosis induction due to their limited water solubility, low cell targeting capacity, and quick metabolism in vivo. To this end, small molecule inducers based on biological factors have long been used as strategy to induce cell death. Research into ferroptosis and advancements in nanotechnology have led to the discovery that nanomaterials are superior to biological medications in triggering ferroptosis. Nanomaterials derived from iron can enhance ferroptosis induction by directly releasing large quantities of iron and increasing cell ROS levels. Moreover, utilizing nanomaterials to promote programmed cell death minimizes the probability of unfavorable effects induced by mutations in cancer-associated genes such as RAS and TP53. Taken together, this review summarizes the molecular mechanisms involved in ferroptosis along with the classification of ferroptosis induction. It also emphasized the importance of cell organelles in the control of ferroptosis in cancer therapy. The nanomaterials that trigger ferroptosis are categorized and explained. Iron-based and noniron-based nanomaterials with their characterization at the molecular and cellular levels have been explored, which will be useful for inducing ferroptosis that leads to reduced tumor growth. Within this framework, we offer a synopsis, which traverses the well-established mechanism of ferroptosis and offers practical suggestions for the design and therapeutic use of nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namdev Dhas
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Ritu Kudarha
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Ruchi Tiwari
- Pranveer Singh Institute of Technology (Pharmacy), Kalpi road, Bhauti, Kanpur 208020, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Gaurav Tiwari
- Pranveer Singh Institute of Technology (Pharmacy), Kalpi road, Bhauti, Kanpur 208020, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Neha Garg
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Praveen Kumar
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sanjay Kulkarni
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Jahnavi Kulkarni
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Soji Soman
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Aswathi R Hegde
- Faculty of Pharmacy, M S Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, New BEL Road, MSR Nagar, Bangalore 560054, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Atul Garkal
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382481, India; Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Anam Sami
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382481, India
| | - Deepanjan Datta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Viola Colaco
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Tejal Mehta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382481, India
| | - Lalitkumar Vora
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, United Kingdom
| | - Srinivas Mutalik
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India.
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11
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Baquero J, Tang XH, Ferrotta A, Zhang T, DiKun KM, Gudas LJ. The transcription factor BMI1 increases hypoxic signaling in oral cavity epithelia. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167161. [PMID: 38599260 PMCID: PMC11370312 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167161] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
The tongue epithelium is maintained by a proliferative basal layer. This layer contains long-lived stem cells (SCs), which produce progeny cells that move up to the surface as they differentiate. B-lymphoma Mo-MLV insertion region 1 (BMI1), a protein in mammalian Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1) and a biomarker of oral squamous cell carcinoma, is expressed in almost all basal epithelial SCs of the tongue, and single, Bmi1-labelled SCs give rise to cells in all epithelial layers. We previously developed a transgenic mouse model (KrTB) containing a doxycycline- (dox) controlled, Tet-responsive element system to selectively overexpress Bmi1 in the tongue basal epithelial SCs. Here, we used this model to assess BMI1 actions in tongue epithelia. Genome-wide transcriptomics revealed increased levels of transcripts involved in the cellular response to hypoxia in Bmi1-overexpressing (KrTB+DOX) oral epithelia even though these mice were not subjected to hypoxia conditions. Ectopic Bmi1 expression in tongue epithelia increased the levels of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF1α) and HIF1α targets linked to metabolic reprogramming during hypoxia. We used chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) to demonstrate that Bmi1 associates with the promoters of HIF1A and HIF1A-activator RELA (p65) in tongue epithelia. We also detected increased SC proliferation and oxidative stress in Bmi1-overexpressing tongue epithelia. Finally, using a human oral keratinocyte line (OKF6-TERT1R), we showed that ectopic BMI1 overexpression decreases the oxygen consumption rate while increasing the extracellular acidification rate, indicative of elevated glycolysis. Thus, our data demonstrate that high BMI1 expression drives hypoxic signaling, including metabolic reprogramming, in normal oral cavity epithelia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Baquero
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA; Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiao-Han Tang
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA; Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Annalisa Ferrotta
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tuo Zhang
- Weill Cornell Genomics Core Facility, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Krysta M DiKun
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lorraine J Gudas
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA; Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, New York, NY, USA.
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12
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Khedri A, Guo S, Ramar V, Hudson B, Liu M. FOSL1's Oncogene Roles in Glioma/Glioma Stem Cells and Tumorigenesis: A Comprehensive Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5362. [PMID: 38791400 PMCID: PMC11121637 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105362] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This review specifically examines the important function of the oncoprotein FOSL1 in the dimeric AP-1 transcription factor, which consists of FOS-related components. FOSL1 is identified as a crucial controller of invasion and metastatic dissemination, making it a potential target for therapeutic treatment in cancer patients. The review offers a thorough examination of the regulatory systems that govern the influence exerted on FOSL1. These include a range of changes that occur throughout the process of transcription and after the translation of proteins. We have discovered that several non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), play a significant role in regulating FOSL1 expression by directly interacting with its mRNA transcripts. Moreover, an investigation into the functional aspects of FOSL1 reveals its involvement in apoptosis, proliferation, and migration. This work involves a comprehensive analysis of the complex signaling pathways that support these diverse activities. Furthermore, particular importance is given to the function of FOSL1 in coordinating the activation of several cytokines, such as TGF-beta, and the commencement of IL-6 and VEGF production in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) that migrate into the tumor microenvironment. There is a specific emphasis on evaluating the predictive consequences linked to FOSL1. Insights are now emerging on the developing roles of FOSL1 in relation to the processes that drive resistance and reliance on specific treatment methods. Targeting FOSL1 has a strong inhibitory effect on the formation and spread of specific types of cancers. Despite extensive endeavors, no drugs targeting AP-1 or FOSL1 for cancer treatment have been approved for clinical use. Hence, it is imperative to implement innovative approaches and conduct additional verifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azam Khedri
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry & Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - Shanchun Guo
- RCMI Cancer Research Center, Department of Chemistry, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
| | - Vanajothi Ramar
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry & Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - BreAnna Hudson
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry & Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - Mingli Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry & Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
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13
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Li K, Nie H, Jin R, Wu X. Mesenchymal stem cells-macrophages crosstalk and myeloid malignancy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1397005. [PMID: 38779660 PMCID: PMC11109455 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1397005] [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: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
As major components of the tumor microenvironment, both mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and macrophages can be remodelled and exhibit different phenotypes and functions during tumor initiation and progression. In recent years, increasing evidence has shown that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a crucial role in the growth, metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance of hematological malignancies, and are associated with poor prognosis. Consequently, TAMs have emerged as promising therapeutic targets. Notably, MSCs exert a profound influence on modulating immune cell functions such as macrophages and granulocytes, thereby playing a crucial role in shaping the immunosuppressive microenvironment surrounding tumors. However, in hematological malignancies, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between MSCs and macrophages have not been clearly elucidated. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of TAMs in various common hematological malignancies, and discuss the latest advances in understanding the interaction between MSCs and macrophages in disease progression. Additionally, potential therapeutic approaches targeting this relationship are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongyan Nie
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Runming Jin
- Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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14
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Loh JJ, Ma S. Hallmarks of cancer stemness. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:617-639. [PMID: 38701757 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.04.004] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stemness is recognized as a key component of tumor development. Previously coined "cancer stem cells" (CSCs) and believed to be a rare population with rigid hierarchical organization, there is good evidence to suggest that these cells exhibit a plastic cellular state influenced by dynamic CSC-niche interplay. This revelation underscores the need to reevaluate the hallmarks of cancer stemness. Herein, we summarize the techniques used to identify and characterize the state of these cells and discuss their defining and emerging hallmarks, along with their enabling and associated features. We also highlight potential future directions in this field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Jian Loh
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Stephanie Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong SAR, China; Centre for Translational and Stem Cell Biology, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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15
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Chen Z, Chen J, Xu X, Li Q, Zhang C, Li S, Liu L, Cao C, Chen D, He Q. METTL3-mediated ALDH m 6A methylation regulates the malignant behavior of BMI1 + HNSCC stem cells. Oral Dis 2024; 30:1061-1071. [PMID: 37249063 DOI: 10.1111/odi.14609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To reveal the effect and mechanism of methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) on cancer stem cells (CSCs) of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS First, we analyzed 14-HNSCC-patients' scRNA-seq dataset and TCGA dataset of HNSCC. Then, Mettl3 knockout or overexpression mice models were studied via tracing and staining technologies. In addition, we took flow cytometry sorting and sphere formation assays to observe tumorigenicity and used cell transfection and western blotting to verify target protein expression levels. Furthermore, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) and MeRIP-quantitative real-time PCR (MeRIP-qPCR) were taken to identify the mechanism of Mettl3 regulating Bmi1+ CSCs in HNSCC. RESULTS Due to SOX4 transcriptional regulation, METTL3 regulated the malignant behavior of BMI1+ HNSCC stem cells through cell division pathway. The progression and malignancy of HNSCC were decreased after Mettl3 knocked-out, while increased after Mettl3 knocked-in in Bmi1+ CSCs in vivo. Knockdown of Mettl3 inhibited stemness properties of CSCs in vitro. Mechanically, Mettl3 mediated the m6A modification of ALDH1A3 and ALDH7A1 mRNA in Bmi1+ HNSCC CSCs. CONCLUSION Regulated by SOX4, METTL3-mediated ALDH m6A methylation regulates the malignant behavior of BMI1+ HNSCC CSCs through cell division pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Chen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohong Xu
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiuli Li
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Caihua Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuai Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lianlian Liu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Congyuan Cao
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Demeng Chen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qianting He
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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16
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Zhang C, Chen Z, Gao N, Xiong G, Chen P, Li H, Chen D, He Q, Peng L. SOX18 meditates the resistance of Bmi1-expressing cells to cetuximab in HNSCC. Oral Dis 2024; 30:1100-1113. [PMID: 37184032 DOI: 10.1111/odi.14596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common type of malignancy in the head and neck region worldwide. The therapeutic strategies for HNSCC remain unsatisfying and limited. Here, we found a population of resistant Bmi1-expressing cells in the presence of cetuximab treatment and reported a novel role of SRY-box transcription factor 18 (SOX18), a member of the SOX family, in promoting HNSCC resistance to cetuximab. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory mechanism of Sox18 in Bmi1-positive cells and to search for better therapeutic targets. METHODS We successfully obtained Bmi1CreER, RosatdTomato, and RosaDTA mice and identified Bmi1-expressing cells through lineage tracing. SOX18 expression in HNSCC and normal tissues was analyzed by immunohistochemistry, colocalization of Sox18, and Bmi1-expressing cells was analyzed by immunofluorescence, and SOX18 expression in SCC9 cell lines was quantified by western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR. The investigation of the mechanism of SOX18-mediated cetuximab resistance in Bmi1-positive cells was based on the analysis of single-cell RNA-seq data obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Western blotting was performed to verify the results obtained from the single-cell RNA-seq analysis. RESULTS In our study, we demonstrated that Bmi1-expressing cells were resistant to cetuximab treatment and that depletion of Bmi1-expressing cells improved cetuximab efficacy in HNSCC. We then discovered that Sox18 mediated the stem cell-like properties of Bmi1-expressing cells and promoted cellular cetuximab resistance through an oxidative phosphorylation pathway. There was a significant downregulation of key genes in the oxidative phosphorylation pathway in Sox18 knockout cell lines. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, the findings of our study suggest that Sox18 mediates the resistance of Bmi1-expressing cells to cetuximab in HNSCC via the oxidative phosphorylation pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caihua Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center for Translational Medicine, Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi Chen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center for Translational Medicine, Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nailin Gao
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center for Translational Medicine, Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gan Xiong
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center for Translational Medicine, Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Oncology Department, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Li
- Stomatology Department, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Demeng Chen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center for Translational Medicine, Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qianting He
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center for Translational Medicine, Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang Peng
- Oncology Department, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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17
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Luo X, Wang J, Chen Y, Zhou X, Shao Z, Liu K, Shang Z. Melatonin inhibits the stemness of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by modulating HA synthesis via the FOSL1/HAS3 axis. J Pineal Res 2024; 76:e12940. [PMID: 38402581 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12940] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan and the main component of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which has been reported to interact with its receptor CD44 to play critical roles in the self-renewal and maintenance of cancer stem cells (CSCs) of multiple malignancies. Melatonin is a neuroendocrine hormone with pleiotropic antitumor properties. However, whether melatonin could regulate HA accumulation in the ECM to modulate the stemness of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains unknown. In this study, we found that melatonin suppressed CSC-related markers, such as CD44, of HNSCC cells and decreased the tumor-initiating frequency of CSCs in vivo. In addition, melatonin modulated HA synthesis of HNSCC cells by downregulating the expression of hyaluronan synthase 3 (HAS3). Further study showed that the Fos-like 1 (FOSL1)/HAS3 axis mediated the inhibitory effects of melatonin on HA accumulation and stemness of HNSCC in a receptor-independent manner. Taken together, melatonin modulated HA synthesis through the FOSL1/HAS3 axis to inhibit the stemness of HNSCC cells, which elucidates the effect of melatonin on the ECM and provides a novel perspective on melatonin in HNSCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaocheng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhe Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck oncology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ke Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck oncology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhengjun Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck oncology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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18
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Wang X, Ling R, Peng Y, Qiu W, Chen D. RNPS1 stabilizes NAT10 protein to facilitate translation in cancer via tRNA ac 4C modification. Int J Oral Sci 2024; 16:6. [PMID: 38246918 PMCID: PMC10800354 DOI: 10.1038/s41368-023-00276-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Existing studies have underscored the pivotal role of N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) in various cancers. However, the outcomes of protein-protein interactions between NAT10 and its protein partners in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remain unexplored. In this study, we identified a significant upregulation of RNA-binding protein with serine-rich domain 1 (RNPS1) in HNSCC, where RNPS1 inhibits the ubiquitination degradation of NAT10 by E3 ubiquitin ligase, zinc finger SWIM domain-containing protein 6 (ZSWIM6), through direct protein interaction, thereby promoting high NAT10 expression in HNSCC. This upregulated NAT10 stability mediates the enhancement of specific tRNA ac4C modifications, subsequently boosting the translation process of genes involved in pathways such as IL-6 signaling, IL-8 signaling, and PTEN signaling that play roles in regulating HNSCC malignant progression, ultimately influencing the survival and prognosis of HNSCC patients. Additionally, we pioneered the development of TRMC-seq, leading to the discovery of novel tRNA-ac4C modification sites, thereby providing a potent sequencing tool for tRNA-ac4C research. Our findings expand the repertoire of tRNA ac4C modifications and identify a role of tRNA ac4C in the regulation of mRNA translation in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Wang
- Center For Translational Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongsong Ling
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yurong Peng
- Center For Translational Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiqiong Qiu
- Center For Translational Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Demeng Chen
- Center For Translational Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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19
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Wang W, Yun B, Hoyle RG, Ma Z, Zaman SU, Xiong G, Yi C, Xie N, Zhang M, Liu X, Bandyopadhyay D, Li J, Wang C. CYTOR Facilitates Formation of FOSL1 Phase Separation and Super Enhancers to Drive Metastasis of Tumor Budding Cells in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2305002. [PMID: 38032139 PMCID: PMC10811474 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Tumor budding (TB) is a small tumor cell cluster with highly aggressive behavior located ahead of the invasive tumor front. However, the molecular and biological characteristics of TB and the regulatory mechanisms governing TB phenotypes remain unclear. This study reveals that TB exhibits a particular dynamic gene signature with stemness and partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (p-EMT). Importantly, nuclear expression of CYTOR is identified to be the key regulator governing stemness and the p-EMT phenotype of TB cells, and targeting CYTOR significantly inhibits TB formation, tumor growth and lymph node metastasis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Mechanistically, CYTOR promotes tumorigenicity and metastasis of TB cells by facilitating the formation of FOSL1 phase-separated condensates to establish FOSL1-dependent super enhancers (SEs). Depletion of CYTOR leads to the disruption of FOSL1-dependent SEs, which results in the inactivation of cancer stemness and pro-metastatic genes. In turn, activation of FOSL1 promotes the transcription of CYTOR. These findings indicate that CYTOR is a super-lncRNA that controls the stemness and metastasis of TB cells through facilitating the formation of FOSL1 phase separation and SEs, which may be an attractive target for therapeutic interventions in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjin Wang
- Hospital of StomatologySun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510055China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of StomatologyGuangzhou510080China
- Guanghua School of StomatologySun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510055China
| | - Bokai Yun
- Hospital of StomatologySun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510055China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of StomatologyGuangzhou510080China
- Guanghua School of StomatologySun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510055China
| | - Rosalie G Hoyle
- Department of Medicinal ChemistrySchool of PharmacyVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVA23298‐0540USA
| | - Zhikun Ma
- Department of Medicinal ChemistrySchool of PharmacyVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVA23298‐0540USA
| | - Shadid Uz Zaman
- Department of Medicinal ChemistrySchool of PharmacyVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVA23298‐0540USA
| | - Gan Xiong
- Hospital of StomatologySun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510055China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of StomatologyGuangzhou510080China
- Guanghua School of StomatologySun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510055China
| | - Chen Yi
- Hospital of StomatologySun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510055China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of StomatologyGuangzhou510080China
- Guanghua School of StomatologySun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510055China
| | - Nan Xie
- Hospital of StomatologySun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510055China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of StomatologyGuangzhou510080China
- Guanghua School of StomatologySun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510055China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Hospital of StomatologySun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510055China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of StomatologyGuangzhou510080China
- Guanghua School of StomatologySun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510055China
| | - Xiqiang Liu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryNanfang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Dipankar Bandyopadhyay
- Department of BiostatisticsSchool of MedicineVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVA23298‐0540USA
- Massey Cancer CenterVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVA23298‐0540USA
| | - Jiong Li
- Department of Medicinal ChemistrySchool of PharmacyVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVA23298‐0540USA
- Massey Cancer CenterVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVA23298‐0540USA
- Department of Oral and Craniofacial Molecular BiologySchool of DentistryVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVA23298‐0540USA
- Philips Institute for Oral Health ResearchSchool of DentistryVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVA23298‐0540USA
| | - Cheng Wang
- Hospital of StomatologySun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510055China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of StomatologyGuangzhou510080China
- Guanghua School of StomatologySun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510055China
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20
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Liu S, Qin Z, Mao Y, Wang N, Zhang W, Wang Y, Chen Y, Jia L, Peng X. Pharmacological inhibition of MYC to mitigate chemoresistance in preclinical models of squamous cell carcinoma. Theranostics 2024; 14:622-639. [PMID: 38169606 PMCID: PMC10758066 DOI: 10.7150/thno.88759] [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: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Cisplatin-based chemotherapy is the first-line treatment for late-stage head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, resistance to cisplatin has become a major obstacle for effective therapy. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are critical for tumor initiation, growth, metastasis, and chemoresistance. How to effectively eliminate CSCs and overcome chemoresistance remains a key challenge. Herein, we confirmed that MYC plays critical roles in chemoresistance, and explored targeting MYC to overcome cisplatin resistance in preclinical models. Methods: The roles of MYC in HNSCC cisplatin resistance and cancer stemness were tested in vitro and in vivo. The combined therapeutic efficiency of MYC targeting using the small molecule MYC inhibitor MYCi975 and cisplatin was assessed in a 4‑nitroquinoline 1-oxide-induced model and in a patient-derived xenograft model. Results: MYC was highly-expressed in cisplatin-resistant HNSCC. Targeting MYC using MYCi975 eliminated CSCs, prevented metastasis, and overcame cisplatin resistance. MYCi975 also induced tumor cell-intrinsic immune responses, and promoted CD8+ T cell infiltration. Mechanistically, MYCi975 induced the DNA damage response and activated the cGAS-STING-IRF3 signaling pathway to increase CD8+ T cell-recruiting chemokines. Conclusions: Our findings suggested that targeting MYC might eliminate CSCs, prevent metastasis, and activate antitumor immunity to overcome cisplatin resistance in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lingfei Jia
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China. National Center of Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xin Peng
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China. National Center of Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China
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21
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Zhang S, Yang R, Ouyang Y, Shen Y, Hu L, Xu C. Cancer stem cells: a target for overcoming therapeutic resistance and relapse. Cancer Biol Med 2023; 20:j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0333. [PMID: 38164743 PMCID: PMC10845928 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0333] [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: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subset of cells in cancers that are thought to initiate tumorous transformation and promote metastasis, recurrence, and resistance to treatment. Growing evidence has revealed the existence of CSCs in various types of cancers and suggested that CSCs differentiate into diverse lineage cells that contribute to tumor progression. We may be able to overcome the limitations of cancer treatment with a comprehensive understanding of the biological features and mechanisms underlying therapeutic resistance in CSCs. This review provides an overview of the properties, biomarkers, and mechanisms of resistance shown by CSCs. Recent findings on metabolic features, especially fatty acid metabolism and ferroptosis in CSCs, are highlighted, along with promising targeting strategies. Targeting CSCs is a potential treatment plan to conquer cancer and prevent resistance and relapse in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610042, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Chengdu Wenjiang District People’s Hospital, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yujie Ouyang
- Acupuncture and Massage College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yang Shen
- Department of Oncology & Cancer Institute, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau SAR 999078, China
| | - Lanlin Hu
- Department of Oncology & Cancer Institute, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Yu-Yue Pathology Scientific Research Center, Chongqing 400039, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing 401329, China
| | - Chuan Xu
- Department of Oncology & Cancer Institute, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Yu-Yue Pathology Scientific Research Center, Chongqing 400039, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing 401329, China
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22
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Zhu M, Fan H, Deng J, Jiang K, Liao J, Zhang X, Chen Y, Yu M, Peng Z. BMI1 Silencing Liposomes Suppress Postradiotherapy Cancer Stemness against Radioresistant Hepatocellular Carcinoma. ACS NANO 2023; 17:23405-23421. [PMID: 37988576 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c04636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Radiotherapy causes DNA damage by direct ionization and indirect generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) thereby destroying cancer cells. However, ionizing radiation (IR) unexpectedly elicits metastasis and invasion of cancer cells by inducing cancer stem cells' (CSCs) properties. As BMI1 is a crucial gene that causes radioresistance and an unfavorable prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), BMI1 inhibitor PTC-209 has been encapsulated in a ROS-responsive liposome (LP(PTC-209)) to be temporally and spatially delivered to radioresistant HCC tissue. The ROS generated during IR was not only considered to directly cause tumor cell death but also be used as a stimulator to trigger ROS-responsive drug release from LP(PTC-209). The PTC-209 released into resistant HCC tissue under radiotherapy further led to cancer stem cell (CSC) differentiation and then recovered radiosensitivity of HCC tumor. The suppression of the radioresistant performance of LP(PTC-209) has been proved on radiosensitive and radioresistant Hepa1-6 CSC tumor models, respectively. Our study clarified the relationship between radiotherapy and cancer stemness and provided insights to achieve complete suppression of radioresistant HCC tumor by inhibiting cancer stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiyan Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Haonan Fan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Junlin Deng
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ke Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Junbin Liao
- Department of Liver Surgery, Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xiaoyue Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Meng Yu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China
| | - Zhenwei Peng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
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23
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Cai J, Huang F, Gao W, Gong T, Chen H, Liu Z. Androgen Receptor/AP-1 Activates UGT2B15 Transcription to Promote Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Invasion. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5719. [PMID: 38136265 PMCID: PMC10741602 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245719] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is an aggressive epithelial malignancy with poor prognosis. Interestingly, ESCC is strongly characterized by a male-predominant propensity. Our previous study showed that androgen receptor (AR) orchestrated a transcriptional repression program to promote ESCC growth, but it remains unclear whether AR can also activate oncogenic signaling during ESCC progression. In this study, by analyzing our previous AR cistromes and androgen-regulated transcriptomes, we identified uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase family 2 member B15 (UGT2B15) as a bona fide target gene of AR. Mechanistically, AP-1 cofactors played important and collaborative roles in AR-mediated UGT2B15 upregulation. Functional studies have revealed that UGT2B15 promoted invasiveness in vitro and lymph node metastasis in vivo. UGT2B15 was partially responsible for the AR-induced invasive phenotype in ESCC cells. Importantly, simultaneous blocking of AP-1 and AR resulted in stronger inhibition of cell invasiveness compared to inhibiting AP-1 or AR alone. In conclusion, our study reveals the molecular mechanisms underlying the AR-driven ESCC invasion and suggests that the AR/AP1/UGT2B15 transcriptional axis can be potentially targeted in suppressing metastasis in male ESCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China (F.H.); (W.G.); (T.G.)
| | - Furong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China (F.H.); (W.G.); (T.G.)
| | - Wenyan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China (F.H.); (W.G.); (T.G.)
| | - Tongyang Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China (F.H.); (W.G.); (T.G.)
| | - Hongyan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China (F.H.); (W.G.); (T.G.)
- Key Laboratory of Cancer and Microbiome, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Zhihua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China (F.H.); (W.G.); (T.G.)
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24
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Coeli-Lacchini FB, da Silva G, Belentani M, Alves JSF, Ushida TR, Lunardelli GT, Garcia CB, Silva TA, Lopes NP, Leopoldino AM. Spermidine Suppresses Oral Carcinogenesis through Autophagy Induction, DNA Damage Repair, and Oxidative Stress Reduction. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 193:2172-2181. [PMID: 37741450 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2023.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy has been proposed to play a dual role in cancer-as a tumor suppressor in early stages and oncogenic in late stages of tumorigenesis. This study investigated the role of autophagy in oral carcinogenesis using the model of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) induced by carcinogen 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO), mimicking molecular and histopathologic aspects of human OSCC. The induction of autophagy by spermidine (SPD) treatment reduced the severity of lesions and the incidence of OSCC in mice exposed to 4NQO. On the other hand, autophagy inhibition by chloroquine treatment had no protection. The comet assay indicated that SPD reduced 4NQO-induced DNA damage, likely related to the activation of DNA repair and the decrease of reactive oxygen species. As sphingolipid alterations have been reported in OSCC, sphingolipids in the tongue and plasma of animals were analyzed and plasma C16 ceramide levels were shown to increase proportionally to lesion severity, indicating its potential as a biomarker. Mice exposed to 4NQO plus SPD had lower levels of C16 ceramide than the 4NQO group, which indicated SPD's ability to prevent the 4NQO-induced carcinogenesis. Together, these data indicate that activation of autophagy has a tumor suppressor role during the early stages of oral carcinogenesis. Because of its ability to induce autophagy accompanied by reduced oxidative stress and DNA damage, SPD may have a protective action against chemically induced oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda B Coeli-Lacchini
- Departments of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology, and Food Sciences, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte
| | - Gabriel da Silva
- Departments of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology, and Food Sciences, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte
| | - Monica Belentani
- Departments of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology, and Food Sciences, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte
| | - Jovelina S F Alves
- Departments of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology, and Food Sciences, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte
| | - Tatiane R Ushida
- Departments of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology, and Food Sciences, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte
| | - Glauce T Lunardelli
- Departments of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology, and Food Sciences, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte
| | - Cristiana B Garcia
- Departments of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology, and Food Sciences, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte
| | - Tarcília A Silva
- Department of Oral Surgery and Pathology, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Norberto P Lopes
- Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andréia M Leopoldino
- Departments of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology, and Food Sciences, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte.
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25
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Yao Y, Zhao Z, He J, Ali B, Wang M, Liao F, Zhuang J, Zheng Y, Guo W, Zhang DY. Iridium nanozyme-mediated photoacoustic imaging-guided NIR-II photothermal therapy and tumor microenvironment regulation for targeted eradication of cancer stem cells. Acta Biomater 2023; 172:369-381. [PMID: 37852456 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.10.018] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are found in many solid tumors, which play decisive roles in the occurrence, recurrence and metastasis of tumors. However, drugs are difficult to kill CSCs due to their limited number and location in oxygen-deprived tissue far from the blood vessels. Meanwhile, the survival and stemness maintenance of CSCs strongly depend on the tumor microenvironment (TME). Herein, we developed a CD44 antibody modified iridium nanosheet with enzyme-like activity (defined as Ir Nts-Ab) that effectively eradicates CSCs for cancer therapy. We observe that Ir Nts-Ab can enrich tumor tissues to remove excessive reactive oxygen species and produce oxygen, thus alleviating hypoxia and the inflammatory TME to reduce the proportion of CSCs and inhibit metastasis. In addition, Ir Nts-Ab targets CSCs and normal cancer cells with near infrared II-region photothermal therapy (NIR-II PTT), and is easily taken up by CSCs due to recognition of the CD44 proteins. Moreover, photoacoustic imaging helps monitor drug accumulation and hypoxic TME improvement in tumor tissue. Importantly, Ir Nts-Ab has good biological safety, making it suitable for biomedical applications. This iridium nanozyme based on TME regulation as well as NIR-II PTT will be a promising strategy for the treatment of cancer. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are key factors that make tumors difficult to eradicate, and strongly depend on the hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME), which plays a crucial role in the occurrence and metastasis of tumors. Herein, an antibody modified iridium nanosheet (definition as Ir Nts-Ab) was developed for targeted eradication of CSCs by photoacoustic imaging guided photothermal therapy (PTT) and TME regulation. Ir Nts-Ab with catalase-like activity could inhibit HIF-1α by producing oxygen, thus effectively reducing the proportion of CSCs and inhibiting tumor metastasis. Additionally, Ir Nts-Ab achieved the eradication of CSCs by PTT, and eliminated reactive oxygen species to decrease the inflammatory response, resulting in reduced tumor metastasis, which was promising for the cure of solid tumors in the clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Yao
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Zhuangzhuang Zhao
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Jinzhen He
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Barkat Ali
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China; PARC Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Mingcheng Wang
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Fangling Liao
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Jiani Zhuang
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Yue Zheng
- Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
| | - Weisheng Guo
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China.
| | - Dong-Yang Zhang
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China.
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26
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Islam M, Jones S, Ellis I. Role of Akt/Protein Kinase B in Cancer Metastasis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3001. [PMID: 38002001 PMCID: PMC10669635 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11113001] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is a critical step in the process of carcinogenesis and a vast majority of cancer-related mortalities result from metastatic disease that is resistant to current therapies. Cell migration and invasion are the first steps of the metastasis process, which mainly occurs by two important biological mechanisms, i.e., cytoskeletal remodelling and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Akt (also known as protein kinase B) is a central signalling molecule of the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway. Aberrant activation of this pathway has been identified in a wide range of cancers. Several studies have revealed that Akt actively engages with the migratory process in motile cells, including metastatic cancer cells. The downstream signalling mechanism of Akt in cell migration depends upon the tumour type, sites, and intracellular localisation of activated Akt. In this review, we focus on the role of Akt in the regulation of two events that control cell migration and invasion in various cancers including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and the status of PI3K-Akt pathway inhibitors in clinical trials in metastatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Islam
- Unit of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Dentistry, University of Dundee, Park Place, Dundee DD1 4HR, UK; (S.J.); (I.E.)
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Hu S, Duan H, Lu Y, Huang S. The genes regulating sensitivity of tumor cells to T cell-mediated killing: could they be potential personalized immunotherapeutic targets in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma? Discov Oncol 2023; 14:199. [PMID: 37926766 PMCID: PMC10625926 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00806-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the pivotal genes, specifically the STTK genes, that govern the sensitivity of tumor cells to T cell-mediated killing in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSC). METHODS The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in HNSC and STTK genes were overlapped to obtain the DE-STTK genes. Univariate and LASSO regression analyses were conducted to identify the pivotal DE-STTK genes that serve as hubs in HNSC (i.e., hub DE-STTK genes). The risk model was established to divide HNSC tumor samples into high- and low-risk groups based on the hub DE-STTK genes. Further investigations were carried out by examing the expression level, prognostic values, diagnostic values, enriched signaling pathways, correlation with tumor mutation burden (TMB), and association with tumor immune infiltration cells (TIICs). RESULTS A total of 71 genes were found to be overlapped between DEGs in HNSC and STTK genes. Lasso regression analysis identified 9 hub genes which were MYF6, AATF, AURKA, CXCL9, DPM2, MYO1B, NCBP2, TNFRSF12A, and TRAF1. The network analysis of hub DE-STTK genes-pathway reveals that these 9 hub genes exhibit enrichment in multiple signaling pathways, including toll-like receptor signaling, TNF signaling, NF-kappa B signaling, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, spliceosome, mRNA surveillance pathway, nucleocytoplasmic transport, GPI-anchor biosynthesis, as well as N-Glycan biosynthesis. The Pearson correlation analysis showed that the majority of correlations between 9 hub DE-STTK genes and immune cells were positive. CONCLUSION The 9 identified hub DE-STTK genes (MYF6, AATF, AURKA, CXCL9, DPM2, MYO1B, NCBP2, TNFRSF12A, and TRAF1) are presumptively implicated in the modulation of tumor immunity in HNSC. These genes, along with their enriched pathways, hold promise as potential personalized immunotherapeutic targets for the treatment of HNSC, thereby offering novel avenues for therapeutic intervention in this malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaonan Hu
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, 366 Jiangnan South Avenue, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Heng Duan
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, 366 Jiangnan South Avenue, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Yongtao Lu
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, 366 Jiangnan South Avenue, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China.
| | - Shaohong Huang
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, 366 Jiangnan South Avenue, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China.
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Xu LB, Qin YF, Su L, Huang C, Xu Q, Zhang R, Shi XD, Sun R, Chen J, Song Z, Jiang X, Shang L, Xiao G, Kong X, Liu C, Wong PP. Cathepsin-facilitated invasion of BMI1-high hepatocellular carcinoma cells drives bile duct tumor thrombi formation. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7033. [PMID: 37923799 PMCID: PMC10624910 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42930-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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bile duct tumor thrombosis (BDTT) is a complication mostly observed in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), causing jaundice and associated with poor clinical outcome. However, its underlying molecular mechanism is unclear. Here, we develop spontaneous preclinical HCC animal models with BDTT to identify the role of BMI1 expressing tumor initiating cells (BMI1high TICs) in inducing BDTT. BMI1 overexpression transforms liver progenitor cells into BMI1high TICs, which possess strong tumorigenicity and increased trans-intrahepatic biliary epithelial migration ability by secreting lysosomal cathepsin B (CTSB). Orthotopic liver implantation of BMI1high TICs into mice generates tumors and triggers CTSB mediated bile duct invasion to form tumor thrombus, while CTSB inhibitor treatment prohibits BDTT and extends mouse survival. Clinically, the elevated serum CTSB level determines BDTT incidence in HCC patients. Mechanistically, BMI1 epigenetically up-regulates CTSB secretion in TICs by repressing miR-218-1-3p expression. These findings identify a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for HCC patients with BDTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei-Bo Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Biliary Tract Cancer, Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Yu-Fei Qin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Biliary Tract Cancer, Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Liangping Su
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Qiuping Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Biliary Tract Cancer, Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Xiang-De Shi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Biliary Tract Cancer, Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Ruipu Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Jiali Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Zhixiao Song
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Biliary Tract Cancer, Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Xue Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Lihuan Shang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Gang Xiao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Biliary Tract Cancer, Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Xiangzhan Kong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Biliary Tract Cancer, Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
| | - Ping-Pui Wong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
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Dorna D, Paluszczak J. Targeting cancer stem cells as a strategy for reducing chemotherapy resistance in head and neck cancers. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:13417-13435. [PMID: 37453969 PMCID: PMC10587253 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05136-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy is the primary cause of a poor prognosis in oncological patients. Researchers identified many possible mechanisms involved in gaining a therapy-resistant phenotype by cancer cells, including alterations in intracellular drug accumulation, detoxification, and enhanced DNA damage repair. All these features are characteristic of stem cells, making them the major culprit of chemoresistance. This paper reviews the most recent evidence regarding the association between the stemness phenotype and chemoresistance in head and neck cancers. It also investigates the impact of pharmacologically targeting cancer stem cell populations in this subset of malignancies. METHODS This narrative review was prepared based on the search of the PubMed database for relevant papers. RESULTS Head and neck cancer cells belonging to the stem cell population are distinguished by the high expression of certain surface proteins (e.g., CD10, CD44, CD133), pluripotency-related transcription factors (SOX2, OCT4, NANOG), and increased activity of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). Chemotherapy itself increases the percentage of stem-like cells. Importantly, the intratumor heterogeneity of stem cell subpopulations reflects cell plasticity which has great importance for chemoresistance induction. CONCLUSIONS Evidence points to the advantage of combining classical chemotherapeutics with stemness modulators thanks to the joint targeting of the bulk of proliferating tumor cells and chemoresistant cancer stem cells, which could cause recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawid Dorna
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Ul. Święcickiego 4, 60-781 Poznan, Poland
| | - Jarosław Paluszczak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Ul. Święcickiego 4, 60-781 Poznan, Poland
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Gutkind JS, Faraji F, Ramirez S, Clubb L, Sato K, Quiroz PA, Galloway W, Mikulski Z, Hoang T, Medetgul-Ernar K, Marangoni P, Jones K, Officer A, Molinolo A, Kim K, Sakaguchi K, Califano J, Smith Q, Klein O, Tamayo P. YAP-Driven Malignant Reprogramming of Epithelial Stem Cells at Single Cell Resolution. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3426301. [PMID: 37961717 PMCID: PMC10635308 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3426301/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Tumor initiation represents the first step in tumorigenesis during which normal progenitor cells undergo cell fate transition to cancer. Capturing this process as it occurs in vivo, however, remains elusive. Here we employ cell tracing approaches with spatiotemporally controlled oncogene activation and tumor suppressor inhibition to unveil the processes underlying oral epithelial progenitor cell reprogramming into cancer stem cells (CSCs) at single cell resolution. This revealed the rapid emergence of a distinct stem-like cell state, defined by aberrant proliferative, hypoxic, squamous differentiation, and partial epithelial to mesenchymal (pEMT) invasive gene programs. Interestingly, CSCs harbor limited cell autonomous invasive capacity, but instead recruit myeloid cells to remodel the basement membrane and ultimately initiate tumor invasion. CSC transcriptional programs are conserved in human carcinomas and associated with poor patient survival. These findings illuminate the process of cancer initiation at single cell resolution, thus identifying candidate targets for early cancer detection and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Farhoud Faraji
- University of California San Diego Health Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Moores Cancer Center
| | | | - Lauren Clubb
- University of California San Diego Health Moores Cancer Center
| | - Kuniaki Sato
- University of California San Diego Health Moores Cancer Center
| | | | - William Galloway
- University of California Irvine Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
| | | | - Thomas Hoang
- University of California San Diego Health Moores Cancer Center
| | | | - Pauline Marangoni
- Craniofacial Biology and Department of Orofacial Sciences, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Kyle Jones
- University of California San Francisco (UCSF)
| | - Adam Officer
- University of California San Diego Health Moores Cancer Center
| | | | | | | | | | - Quinton Smith
- University of California Irvine Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
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Sun Q, Chen X, Luo H, Meng C, Zhu D. Cancer stem cells of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma; distance towards clinical application; a systematic review of literature. Am J Cancer Res 2023; 13:4315-4345. [PMID: 37818051 PMCID: PMC10560931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the major pathological type of head and neck cancer (HNC). The disease ranks sixth among the most common malignancies worldwide, with an increasing incidence rate yearly. Despite the development of therapy, the prognosis of HNSCC remains unsatisfactory, which may be attributed to the resistance to traditional radio-chemotherapy, relapse, and metastasis. To improve the diagnosis and treatment, the targeted therapy for HNSCC may be successful as that for some other tumors. Nanocarriers are the most effective system to deliver the anti-cancerous agent at the site of interest using passive or active targeting approaches. The system enhances the drug concentration in HCN target cells, increases retention, and reduces toxicity to normal cells. Among the different techniques in nanotechnology, quantum dots (QDs) possess multiple fluorescent colors emissions under single-source excitation and size-tunable light emission. Dendrimers are the most attractive nanocarriers, which possess the desired properties of drug retention, release, unaffecting by the immune system, blood circulation time enhancing, and cells or organs specific targeting properties. In this review, we have discussed the up-to-date knowledge of the Cancer Stem Cells of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Although a lot of data is available, still much more efforts remain to be made to improve the treatment of HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingjia Sun
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin UniversityXiantai Street 126, Changchun 130033, Jilin, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin UniversityXiantai Street 126, Changchun 130033, Jilin, China
| | - Hong Luo
- Department of Hematology, The First Hospital of QiqiharQiqihar 161005, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Cuida Meng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin UniversityXiantai Street 126, Changchun 130033, Jilin, China
| | - Dongdong Zhu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin UniversityXiantai Street 126, Changchun 130033, Jilin, China
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Dolina JS, Lee J, Brightman SE, McArdle S, Hall SM, Thota RR, Zavala KS, Lanka M, Ramamoorthy Premlal AL, Greenbaum JA, Cohen EEW, Peters B, Schoenberger SP. Linked CD4+/CD8+ T cell neoantigen vaccination overcomes immune checkpoint blockade resistance and enables tumor regression. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e164258. [PMID: 37655661 PMCID: PMC10471175 DOI: 10.1172/jci164258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic benefit to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is currently limited to the subset of cancers thought to possess a sufficient tumor mutational burden (TMB) to allow for the spontaneous recognition of neoantigens (NeoAg) by autologous T cells. We explored whether the response to ICB of an aggressive low-TMB squamous cell tumor could be improved through combination immunotherapy using functionally defined NeoAg as targets for endogenous CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. We found that, whereas vaccination with CD4+ or CD8+ NeoAg alone did not offer prophylactic or therapeutic immunity, vaccines containing NeoAg recognized by both subsets overcame ICB resistance and led to the eradication of large established tumors that contained a subset of PD-L1+ tumor-initiating cancer stem cells (tCSC), provided the relevant epitopes were physically linked. Therapeutic CD4+/CD8+ T cell NeoAg vaccination produced a modified tumor microenvironment (TME) with increased numbers of NeoAg-specific CD8+ T cells existing in progenitor and intermediate exhausted states enabled by combination ICB-mediated intermolecular epitope spreading. We believe that the concepts explored herein should be exploited for the development of more potent personalized cancer vaccines that can expand the range of tumors treatable with ICB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph S. Dolina
- Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA
- Cancer Immunology Discovery, Pfizer, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Joey Lee
- Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Spencer E. Brightman
- Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | - Samantha M. Hall
- Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Rukman R. Thota
- Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Karla S. Zavala
- Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Manasa Lanka
- Division of Vaccine Discovery, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | - Jason A. Greenbaum
- Bioinformatics Core, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Ezra E. W. Cohen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Bjoern Peters
- Division of Vaccine Discovery, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Stephen P. Schoenberger
- Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, California, USA
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Faraji F, Ramirez SI, Clubb LM, Sato K, Quiroz PYA, Galloway WMG, Mikulski Z, Hoang TS, Medetgul-Ernar K, Marangoni P, Jones KB, Officer A, Molinolo AA, Kim K, Sakaguchi K, Califano JA, Smith Q, Klein OD, Tamayo P, Gutkind JS. Direct reprogramming of oral epithelial progenitor cells to cancer stem cells at single cell resolution in vivo. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.24.550427. [PMID: 37546810 PMCID: PMC10402053 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.24.550427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Tumor initiation represents the initial step in tumorigenesis during which normal progenitor cells undergo cell fate transition to cancer. Most studies investigating cancer-driving mechanisms in solid tumors rely on analyses of established malignant lesions, and thus cannot directly capture processes underlying the reprogramming of normal progenitor cells into cancer cells. Here, using spatiotemporally controlled oncogene expression in a genetically engineered system we demonstrate that concomitant YAP activation and HPV E6-E7 -mediated inhibition of tumor suppressive pathways is sufficient to rapidly reprogram oral epithelial progenitor cells (OEPCs) into cancer stem cells (CSCs). Single cell analyses of these nascent CSCs revealed hallmark transcriptional programs driving tumor initiation. Importantly, these CSC-enriched expression signatures distinguish normal tissue from malignant head and neck tumors and are associated with poor patient survival. Elucidating mechanisms underlying OEPC to CSC reprogramming may offer new insights to halt the conversion of premalignant cells into invasive carcinoma. HIGHLIGHTS YAP and HPV E6-E7 reprogram oral epithelial progenitor cells into cancer stem cells. Single cell analyses reveal the transcriptional architecture of tumor initiation.CSC transcriptional programs distinguish normal tissue from carcinoma.CSC signatures are associated with poor head and neck cancer survival. Abstract Figure
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Hu X, Zhao M, Hu S, Liu Q, Liao W, Wan L, Wei F, Su F, Guo Y, Zeng J. LINC00853 contributes to tumor stemness of gastric cancer through FOXP3-mediated transcription of PDZK1IP1. Biol Proced Online 2023; 25:20. [PMID: 37403034 DOI: 10.1186/s12575-023-00213-2] [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: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence and mortality of gastric cancer (GC) are high worldwide. Tumor stemness is a major contributor to tumorigenesis and development of GC, in which long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are deeply involved. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influences and mechanisms of LINC00853 in the progression and stemness of GC. METHODS The level of LINC00853 was assessed based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and GC cell lines by RT-PCR and in situ hybridization. An evaluation of biological functions of LINC00853 including cell proliferation, migration, and tumor stemness was conducted via gain-and loss-of-function experiments. Furthermore, RNA pull-down and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were utilized to validate the connection between LINC00853 and the transcription factor Forkhead Box P3 (FOXP3). Nude mouse xenograft model was used to identify the impacts of LINC00853 on tumor development. RESULTS We identified the up-regulated levels of lncRNA-LINC00853 in GC, and its overexpression correlates with poor prognosis in GC patients. Further study indicated that LINC00853 promoted cell proliferation, migration and cancer stemness while suppressed cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, LINC00853 directly bind to FOXP3 and promoted FOXP3-mediated transcription of PDZK1 interacting protein 1(PDZK1IP1). Alterations of FOXP3 or PDZK1IP1 reversed the LINC00853-induced biological effects on cell proliferation, migration and stemness. Moreover, xenograft tumor assay was used to investigate the function of LINC00853 in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these findings revealed the tumor-promoting activity of LINC00853 in GC, expanding our understanding of lncRNAs regulation on GC pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Hu
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Maoyuan Zhao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 100029, Beijing, China
| | - Shuangyuan Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Qingsong Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Wenhao Liao
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Lina Wan
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Feng Wei
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Fangting Su
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Yu Guo
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Jinhao Zeng
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China.
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China.
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Yu X, Du Y, Liang S, Zhang N, Jing S, Sui L, Kong Y, Dong M, Kong H. OPN up-regulated proliferation and invasion of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma through the p38MAPK signaling pathway. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2023; 136:70-79. [PMID: 37286411 DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Osteopontin (OPN) is aberrantly expressed in various tumors. However, its role and detailed mechanisms in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have not been extensively described. STUDY DESIGN Expression of OPN in HNSCC was examined at the gene and protein levels. The effect of cell proliferation ability was examined by Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation assay, cell invasiveness by Transwell assay, the effect of OPN on protein expression of Capase-3 and Bcl2 by Western blotting, and the expression of p38MAPK signaling pathway by p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580. RESULTS We found that OPN expression was higher in human HNSCC tissues than in adjacent tissues. Osteopontin may regulate the proliferation and invasion of HNSCC cells through the p38-MAPK signaling pathway. DISCUSSION Our study identifies an important role for OPN in HNSCC and further demonstrates that it may regulate the proliferation and invasion of HNSCC cells by activating the p38-MAPK signaling pathway. Osteopontin may be a promising prognostic and diagnostic indicator and a potential target for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Yu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China; Core Lab Glycobiol & Glycoengn, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Yanling Du
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Shumin Liang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Na Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Sun Jing
- Rocket Force University of Engineering Clinic Affiliated to 986 Hospital of Air Force, Xian, Shanxi, China
| | - Linlin Sui
- Core Lab Glycobiol & Glycoengn, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Ying Kong
- Core Lab Glycobiol & Glycoengn, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China.
| | - Ming Dong
- Core Lab Glycobiol & Glycoengn, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China.
| | - Hui Kong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China.
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Kumar HA, Desai A, Mohiddin G, Mishra P, Bhattacharyya A, Nishat R. Cancer Stem Cells in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND BIOALLIED SCIENCES 2023; 15:S826-S830. [PMID: 37694019 PMCID: PMC10485429 DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_81_23] [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: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small sub-population of cells within a tumor mass proficient of tumor initiation and progression. Distinguishing features possessed by CSCs encompass self-renewal, regeneration and capacity to differentiate. These cells are attributed to the phenomenon of aggression, recurrence and metastasis in neoplasms. Due to their cancer initiating and contributing features, a proper understanding of these CSCs and its microenvironment would aid in better understanding of cancer and designing better targeted therapeutic strategies for improved clinical outcome, thus improving the prognosis. This article dispenses a narrative review of CSCs in the context of head and neck carcinoma under the sub headings of overview of cancer stem cells, methods of isolation of these cells, putative CSC markers of head and neck cancer, signaling pathways used by these cells and their therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harish A. Kumar
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneshwar, Odhisa, India
| | - Anupama Desai
- Department of Periodontology and Oral Implantology, A.M.E’S Dental College, Raichur, Karnataka, India
| | - Gouse Mohiddin
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneshwar, Odhisa, India
| | - Pallavi Mishra
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneshwar, Odhisa, India
| | - Arnab Bhattacharyya
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneshwar, Odhisa, India
| | - Roquaiya Nishat
- Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Private Practitioner, Shri Balaji Dental Clinic, Patia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
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Sahara S, Warner KA, Herzog AE, Zhang Z, Nör JE. Therapeutic inhibition of Bmi-1 ablates chemoresistant cancer stem cells in adenoid cystic carcinoma. Oral Oncol 2023; 142:106437. [PMID: 37267716 PMCID: PMC10960194 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2023.106437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Adenoid Cystic Carcinomas (ACC) typically show modest responseto cytotoxic therapy. Cancer stem cells (CSC) have been implicated in chemoresistance and tumor relapse. However, their role in ACC remains unknown. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the impact of targeting ACC CSCs with Bmi-1 inhibitors on resistance to cytotoxic therapy and tumor relapse. MATERIALS AND METHODS Therapeutic efficacy of a small molecule inhibitor of Bmi-1 (PTC596; Unesbulin) and/or Cisplatin on ACC stemness was evaluated in immunodeficient mice harboring PDX ACC tumors (UM-PDX-HACC-5) and in human ACC cell-lines (UM-HACC-2A,-14) or low passage primary human ACC cells (UM-HACC-6). The effect of therapy on stemness was examined by salisphere assays, flow cytometry for ALDH activity and CD44 expression, and Western blots for Bmi-1 (self-renewal marker) and Oct4 (embryonic stem cell marker) expression. RESULTS Platinum-based agents (Cisplatin, Carboplatin) induced Bmi-1 and Oct4 expression, increased salisphere formation and the CSC fraction in vitro and in vivo. In contrast, PTC596 inhibited expression of Bmi-1, Oct4 and pro-survival proteins Mcl-1 and Claspin; decreased the number of salispheres, and the fraction of ACC CSCs in vitro. Silencing Claspin decreased salisphere formation and CSC fraction. Both, single agent PTC596 and PTC596/Cisplatin combination decreased the CSC fraction in PDX ACC tumors. Notably, short-term combination therapy (2 weeks) with PTC596/Cisplatin prevented tumor relapse for 150 days in a preclinical trial in mice. CONCLUSION Therapeutic inhibition of Bmi-1 ablates chemoresistant CSCs and prevents ACC tumor relapse. Collectively, these results suggest that ACC patients might benefit from Bmi-1-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sosuke Sahara
- Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Kristy A Warner
- Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Alexandra E Herzog
- Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Zhaocheng Zhang
- Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jacques E Nör
- Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan College of Engineering, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Liu Y, Li S, Wang S, Yang Q, Wu Z, Zhang M, Chen L, Sun Z. LIMP-2 enhances cancer stem-like cell properties by promoting autophagy-induced GSK3β degradation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Int J Oral Sci 2023; 15:24. [PMID: 37291150 DOI: 10.1038/s41368-023-00229-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cell-like cells (CSCs) play an integral role in the heterogeneity, metastasis, and treatment resistance of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) due to their high tumor initiation capacity and plasticity. Here, we identified a candidate gene named LIMP-2 as a novel therapeutic target regulating HNSCC progression and CSC properties. The high expression of LIMP-2 in HNSCC patients suggested a poor prognosis and potential immunotherapy resistance. Functionally, LIMP-2 can facilitate autolysosome formation to promote autophagic flux. LIMP-2 knockdown inhibits autophagic flux and reduces the tumorigenic ability of HNSCC. Further mechanistic studies suggest that enhanced autophagy helps HNSCC maintain stemness and promotes degradation of GSK3β, which in turn facilitates nuclear translocation of β-catenin and transcription of downstream target genes. In conclusion, this study reveals LIMP-2 as a novel prospective therapeutic target for HNSCC and provides evidence for a link between autophagy, CSC, and immunotherapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuantong Liu
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory for Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shujin Li
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory for Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory for Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qichao Yang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory for Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhizhong Wu
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory for Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengjie Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory for Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Chen
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory for Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhijun Sun
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory for Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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Lei Y, Shen HF, Li QW, Yang S, Xie HT, Li XF, Chen ML, Xia JW, Wang SC, Dai GQ, Zhou Y, Li YC, Huang SH, He DH, Zhou ZH, Cong JG, Lin XL, Lin TY, Wu AB, Xiao D, Xiao SJ, Zhang XK, Jia JS. Hairy gene homolog increases nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell stemness by upregulating Bmi-1. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:204742. [PMID: 37219449 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
B-cell-specific Moloney murine leukemia virus integration site 1 (Bmi-1) is overexpressed in various cancer types. We found that Bmi-1 mRNA levels were elevated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell lines. In immunohistochemical analyses, high Bmi-1 levels were observed in not only 5 of 38 non-cancerous nasopharyngeal squamous epithelial biopsies, but also in 66 of 98 NPC specimens (67.3%). High Bmi-1 levels were detected more frequently in T3-T4, N2-N3 and stage III-IV NPC biopsies than in T1-T2, N0-N1 and stage I-II NPC samples, indicating that Bmi-1 is upregulated in advanced NPC. In 5-8F and SUNE1 NPC cells, stable depletion of Bmi-1 using lentiviral RNA interference greatly suppressed cell proliferation, induced G1-phase cell cycle arrest, reduced cell stemness and suppressed cell migration and invasion. Likewise, knocking down Bmi-1 inhibited NPC cell growth in nude mice. Both chromatin immunoprecipitation and Western blotting assays demonstrated that Hairy gene homolog (HRY) upregulated Bmi-1 by binding to its promoter, thereby increasing the stemness of NPC cells. Immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR analyses revealed that HRY expression correlated positively with Bmi-1 expression in a cohort of NPC biopsies. These findings suggested that HRY promotes NPC cell stemness by upregulating Bmi-1, and that silencing Bmi-1 can suppress NPC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Lei
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Laboratory Animal Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangzhou Southern Medical Laboratory Animal Sci and Tech Co. Ltd., Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Hong-Fen Shen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Qi-Wen Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Sheng Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Hong-Ting Xie
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xu-Feng Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530000, China
| | - Mei-Ling Chen
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jia-Wei Xia
- The Third People’s Hospital of Kunming (The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Dali University), Kunming 650041, China
| | - Sheng-Chun Wang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Guan-Qi Dai
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ying-Chun Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Shi-Hao Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Dan-Hua He
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zhi-Hao Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jin-Ge Cong
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Laboratory Animal Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangzhou Southern Medical Laboratory Animal Sci and Tech Co. Ltd., Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Lin
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510315, China
| | - Tao-Yan Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ai-Bing Wu
- Central People’s Hospital of Zhanjiang, Zhanjiang 524000, China
| | - Dong Xiao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Laboratory Animal Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangzhou Southern Medical Laboratory Animal Sci and Tech Co. Ltd., Guangzhou 510515, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Education of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Sheng-Jun Xiao
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Xin-Ke Zhang
- Department of Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Jun-Shuang Jia
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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Dolina JS, Lee J, Brightman SE, McArdle S, Hall SM, Thota RR, Lanka M, Premlal ALR, Greenbaum JA, Cohen EEW, Peters B, Schoenberger SP. Linked CD4 + /CD8 + T cell neoantigen vaccination overcomes immune checkpoint blockade resistance and enables tumor regression. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.06.539290. [PMID: 37205330 PMCID: PMC10187312 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.06.539290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic benefit to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is currently limited to the subset of cancers thought to possess a sufficient tumor mutational burden (TMB) to allow for the spontaneous recognition of neoantigens (NeoAg) by autologous T cells. We explored whether the response of an aggressive low TMB squamous cell tumor to ICB could be improved through combination immunotherapy using functionally defined NeoAg as targets for endogenous CD4 + and CD8 + T cells. We found that, whereas vaccination with CD4 + or CD8 + NeoAg alone did not offer prophylactic or therapeutic immunity, vaccines containing NeoAg recognized by both subsets overcame ICB resistance and led to the eradication of large established tumors that contained a subset of PD-L1 + tumor-initiating cancer stem cells (tCSC), provided the relevant epitopes were physically linked. Therapeutic CD4 + /CD8 + T cell NeoAg vaccination produced a modified tumor microenvironment (TME) with increased numbers of NeoAg-specific CD8 + T cells existing in progenitor and intermediate exhausted states enabled by combination ICB-mediated intermolecular epitope spreading. The concepts explored herein should be exploited for the development of more potent personalized cancer vaccines that can expand the range of tumors treatable with ICB.
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41
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The role of BMI1 in endometrial cancer and other cancers. Gene 2023; 856:147129. [PMID: 36563713 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.147129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is the third leading gynecological malignancy, and its treatment remains challenging. B cell-specific Moloney murine leukemia virus integration site-1 (BMI1) is one of the core members of the polycomb group (PcG) family, which plays a promoting role in the occurrence and development of various tumors. Notably, BMI1 has been found to be frequently upregulated in endometrial cancer (EC) and promote the occurrence of EC through promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and AKT/PI3K pathways. This review summarizes the structure and upstream regulatory mechanisms of BMI1 and its role in EC. In addition, we focused on the role of BMI1 in chemoradiotherapy resistance and summarized the current drugs that target BMI1.
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PVT1 inhibition stimulates anti-tumor immunity, prevents metastasis, and depletes cancer stem cells in squamous cell carcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:187. [PMID: 36894542 PMCID: PMC9998619 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05710-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) cause tumor metastasis and immune evasion by as-yet-unknown molecular mechanisms. In the present study, we identify a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), termed PVT1, which is highly expressed in CSCs and correlated closely with lymph node metastasis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). PVT1 inhibition eliminates CSCs, prevents metastasis, and stimulates anti-tumor immunity, while inhibiting HNSCC growth. Moreover, PVT1 inhibition promotes the infiltration of CD8+ T cells into the tumor microenvironment, thereby enhancing immunotherapy by PD1 blockade. Mechanistically, PVT1 inhibition stimulates the DNA damage response, which induces CD8+ T cell-recruiting chemokines, while preventing CSCs and metastasis via regulating the miR-375/YAP1 axis. In conclusion, targeting PVT1 might potentiate the elimination of CSCs via immune checkpoint blockade, prevent metastasis, and inhibit HNSCC growth.
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Oral Submucous Fibrosis: Etiological Mechanism, Malignant Transformation, Therapeutic Approaches and Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054992. [PMID: 36902423 PMCID: PMC10003551 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral submucosal fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic, progressive and potentially malignant oral disorder with a high regional incidence and malignant rate. With the development of the disease, the normal oral function and social life of patients are seriously affected. This review mainly introduces the various pathogenic factors and mechanisms of OSF, the mechanism of malignant transformation into oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and the existing treatment methods and new therapeutic targets and drugs. This paper summarizes the key molecules in the pathogenic and malignant mechanism of OSF, the miRNAs and lncRNAs with abnormal changes, and the natural compounds with therapeutic effects, which provides new molecular targets and further research directions for the prevention and treatment of OSF.
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Wu Y, Chang X, Yang G, Chen L, Wu Q, Gao J, Tian R, Mu W, Gooding JJ, Chen X, Sun S. A Physiologically Responsive Nanocomposite Hydrogel for Treatment of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma via Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras Enhanced Immunotherapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2210787. [PMID: 36656993 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202210787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Although immunotherapy has revolutionized oncotherapy, only ≈15% of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients benefit from the current therapies. An immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and dysregulation of the polycomb ring finger oncogene BMI1 are potential reasons for the failure. Herein, to promote immunotherapeutic efficacy against HNSCC, an injectable nanocomposite hydrogel is developed with a polymer framework (PLGA-PEG-PLGA) that is loaded with both imiquimod encapsulated CaCO3 nanoparticles (RC) and cancer cell membrane (CCM)-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles containing a peptide-based proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTAC) for BMI1 and paclitaxel (PepM@PacC). Upon injection, this nanocomposite hydrogel undergoes in situ gelation, after which it degrades in the TME over time, releasing RC and PepM@PacC nanoparticles to respectively perform immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Specifically, the RC particles selectively manipulate tumor-associated macrophages and dendritic cells to activate a T-cell immune response, while CCM-mediated homologous targeting and endocytosis delivers the PepM@PacC particles into cancer cells, where endogenous glutathione promotes disulfide bond cleavage to release the PROTAC peptide for BMI1 degradation and frees the paclitaxel from the particle pores to elicit apoptosis meanwhile enhance immunotherapy. Thus, the nanocomposite hydrogel, which is designed to exploit multiple known vulnerabilities of HNSCC, succeeds in suppressing both growth and metastasis of HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Wu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, P. R. China
| | - Xiaowei Chang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Energy Chemical Process Intensification, Institute of Polymer Science in Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Guizhu Yang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, P. R. China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Energy Chemical Process Intensification, Institute of Polymer Science in Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Qi Wu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, P. R. China
| | - Jiamin Gao
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, P. R. China
| | - Ran Tian
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Energy Chemical Process Intensification, Institute of Polymer Science in Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Wenyun Mu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Energy Chemical Process Intensification, Institute of Polymer Science in Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
| | - John Justin Gooding
- School of Chemistry, Australian Centre for Nano-Medicine and ARC Australian Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Energy Chemical Process Intensification, Institute of Polymer Science in Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Shuyang Sun
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, P. R. China
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Silveira FM, Schmidt TR, Neumann B, Rosset C, Zanella VG, Maahs GS, Martins MAT, Arany P, Wagner VP, Lopes MA, Santos-Silva AR, Martins MD. Impact of photobiomodulation in a patient-derived xenograft model of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Dis 2023; 29:547-556. [PMID: 34273227 DOI: 10.1111/odi.13967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is an effective method for the prevention of oral mucositis. However, the effects of PBMT on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) have not yet been fully elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of PBMT in an OSCC-patient-derived xenograft (OSCC-PDX) model. METHODS BALB/c nude mice with OSCC-PDX models were divided into Control, without PBMT (n = 8); Immediate irradiation, PBMT since one week after tumor implantation (n = 6); and Late irradiation, PBMT after tumors reached 200 mm3 (n = 6). OSCC-PDX were daily irradiated (660 nm; 100 mW; 6 J/cm2 ; 0,2 J/point) for 12 weeks. The tumors were collected and submitted to volumetric, histological, immunohistochemistry, and cell cycle analysis. RESULTS No significant differences in the volumetric measurements (p = 0.89) and in the histopathological grade (p > 0.05) were detected between the groups. The immunohistochemical analysis of Ki-67 (p = 0.9661); H3K9ac (p = 0.3794); and BMI1 (p = 0.5182), and the evaluation of the cell cycle phases (p > 0.05) by flow cytometry also did not demonstrate significant differences between the irradiated and non-irradiated groups. CONCLUSION In this study, PBMT did not impact the behavior of OSCC-PDX models. This is an important preclinical outcome regarding safety concerns of the use of PBMT in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Martins Silveira
- Oral Diagnosis Department, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.,Experimental Pathology Unit, Porto Alegre Clinics Hospital, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Tuany Rafaeli Schmidt
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Bruna Neumann
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Clévia Rosset
- Laboratory Research Unit, Experimental Research Center, Porto Alegre Clinics Hospital, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Virgilio Gonzales Zanella
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Head and Neck Surgery Department, Santa Rita Hospital, Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Gerson Schulz Maahs
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology, Porto Alegre Clinics Hospital, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marco Antonio Trevizani Martins
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Oral Medicine, Porto Alegre Clinics Hospital, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Praveen Arany
- Departments of Oral Biology and Biomedical Engineering, Schools of Dental Medicine, Engineering and Applied Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Vivian Petersen Wagner
- Oral Diagnosis Department, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Márcio Ajudarte Lopes
- Oral Diagnosis Department, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Alan Roger Santos-Silva
- Oral Diagnosis Department, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Manoela Domingues Martins
- Oral Diagnosis Department, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.,Experimental Pathology Unit, Porto Alegre Clinics Hospital, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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46
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Identity matters: cancer stem cells and tumour plasticity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Expert Rev Mol Med 2023; 25:e8. [PMID: 36740973 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2023.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents frequent yet aggressive tumours that encompass complex ecosystems of stromal and neoplastic components including a dynamic population of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Recently, research in the field of CSCs has gained increased momentum owing in part to their role in tumourigenicity, metastasis, therapy resistance and relapse. We provide herein a comprehensive assessment of the latest progress in comprehending CSC plasticity, including newly discovered influencing factors and their possible application in HNSCC. We further discuss the dynamic interplay of CSCs within tumour microenvironment considering our evolving appreciation of the contribution of oral microbiota and the pressing need for relevant models depicting their features. In sum, CSCs and tumour plasticity represent an exciting and expanding battleground with great implications for cancer therapy that are only beginning to be appreciated in head and neck oncology.
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47
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Herzog AE, Somayaji R, Nör JE. Bmi-1: A master regulator of head and neck cancer stemness. FRONTIERS IN ORAL HEALTH 2023; 4:1080255. [PMID: 36726797 PMCID: PMC9884974 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2023.1080255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancers are composed of a diverse group of malignancies, many of which exhibit an unacceptably low patient survival, high morbidity and poor treatment outcomes. The cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis provides an explanation for the substantial patient morbidity associated with treatment resistance and the high frequency of tumor recurrence/metastasis. Stem cells are a unique population of cells capable of recapitulating a heterogenous organ from a single cell, due to their capacity to self-renew and differentiate into progenitor cells. CSCs share these attributes, in addition to playing a pivotal role in cancer initiation and progression by means of their high tumorigenic potential. CSCs constitute only a small fraction of tumor cells but play a major role in tumor initiation and therapeutic evasion. The shift towards stem-like phenotype fuels many malignant features of a cancer cell and mediates resistance to conventional chemotherapy. Bmi-1 is a master regulator of stem cell self-renewal as part of the polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) and has emerged as a prominent player in cancer stem cell biology. Bmi-1 expression is upregulated in CSCs, which is augmented by tumor-promoting factors and various conventional chemotherapies. Bmi-1+ CSCs mediate chemoresistance and metastasis. On the other hand, inhibiting Bmi-1 rescinds CSC function and re-sensitizes cancer cells to chemotherapy. Therefore, elucidating the functional role of Bmi-1 in CSC-mediated cancer progression may unveil an attractive target for mechanism-based, developmental therapeutics. In this review, we discuss the parallels in the role of Bmi-1 in stem cell biology of health and disease and explore how this can be leveraged to advance clinical treatment strategies for head and neck cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra E. Herzog
- Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, Endodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Ritu Somayaji
- Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, Endodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jacques E. Nör
- Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, Endodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, United States,Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School; Ann Arbor, MI, United States,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan College of Engineering, Ann Arbor, MI, United States,Universityof Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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48
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Siqueira JM, Heguedusch D, Rodini CO, Nunes FD, Rodrigues MFSD. Mechanisms involved in cancer stem cell resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2023; 6:116-137. [PMID: 37065869 PMCID: PMC10099599 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2022.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Despite scientific advances in the Oncology field, cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide. Molecular and cellular heterogeneity of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a significant contributor to the unpredictability of the clinical response and failure in cancer treatment. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are recognized as a subpopulation of tumor cells that can drive and maintain tumorigenesis and metastasis, leading to poor prognosis in different types of cancer. CSCs exhibit a high level of plasticity, quickly adapting to the tumor microenvironment changes, and are intrinsically resistant to current chemo and radiotherapies. The mechanisms of CSC-mediated therapy resistance are not fully understood. However, they include different strategies used by CSCs to overcome challenges imposed by treatment, such as activation of DNA repair system, anti-apoptotic mechanisms, acquisition of quiescent state and Epithelial-mesenchymal transition, increased drug efflux capacity, hypoxic environment, protection by the CSC niche, overexpression of stemness related genes, and immune surveillance. Complete elimination of CSCs seems to be the main target for achieving tumor control and improving overall survival for cancer patients. This review will focus on the multi-factorial mechanisms by which CSCs are resistant to radiotherapy and chemotherapy in HNSCC, supporting the use of possible strategies to overcome therapy failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Mota Siqueira
- Department of Stomatology, Discipline of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Daniele Heguedusch
- Department of Stomatology, Discipline of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Camila Oliveira Rodini
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 17012-230, Brazil
| | - Fabio Daumas Nunes
- Department of Stomatology, Discipline of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Maria Fernanda Setúbal Destro Rodrigues
- Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Nove de Julho University, UNINOVE, São Paulo 01504-001, Brazil
- Correspondence to: PhD. Maria Fernanda Setúbal Destro Rodrigues. Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Nove de Julho University, UNINOVE, Rua Vergueiro, 235/249 - Liberdade, São Paulo 01504-001, Brazil. E-mail:
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Meng Z, Zhu L, Liu W, Yang W, Wang Y. T cell-mediated tumor killing patterns in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma identify novel molecular subtypes, with prognosis and therapeutic implications. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285832. [PMID: 37192179 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
As an important process in cancer immunotherapy, T cell-mediated tumor killing (TTK) enhances the immune response of patients. However, the role of TTK in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) patients still needs further exploration. Therefore, we comprehensively analyzed the gene expression information and clinical characteristics of 1063 HNSCC in five cohorts. Univariate regression, differential expression analysis, and gene mutation profiling were combined to identify the important genes regulating the sensitivity of tumor cells to T cell-mediated killing (GSTTK) in HNSCC. A total of 20 GSTTK were identified as important genes of HNSCC. Patients were divided into C1 and C2 subgroups (TTK patterns) and displayed significant prognostic differences. Patients with C2 subtype had dismal prognosis characteristic compared to C1 subtype in all validation cohorts. Patients with C1 subgroup exhibited robust immune profile and C1 subgroup patients were significantly enriched in metabolically relevant functions. Notably, the multi-omics analysis found that C1 subgroup have higher mutation burden and C2 subgroup patients had significantly higher copy number variation. Drug sensitivity analysis found that multiple first-line chemotherapeutic drugs were more sensitive in patients with subgroup C1. In conclusion, the establishment of GSTTK provides guidance and assistance to clinicians in the personalized management and treatment of HNSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilu Meng
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Zhu
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wanyu Liu
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenhan Yang
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yudong Wang
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
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50
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He Z, Yue C, Chen X, Li X, Zhang L, Tan S, Yi X, Luo G, Zhou Y. Integrative Analysis Identified CD38 As a Key Node That Correlates Highly with Immunophenotype, Chemoradiotherapy Resistance, And Prognosis of Head and Neck Cancer. J Cancer 2023; 14:72-87. [PMID: 36605482 PMCID: PMC9809333 DOI: 10.7150/jca.59730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is mainly treated by surgery, radiotherapy, and adjuvant chemotherapy; however, the prognosis of some patients with HNC is poor because of radiotherapy and chemotherapy resistance. In recent years, anti‑PD‑1 monoclonal antibodies have shown certain efficacy, and a change of the tumor immune microenvironment is the main reason for the failure of HNC immunotherapy. The present study aimed to identify and verify that CD38, which is closely related to the prognosis of HNC, is a potential biological marker of radiotherapy and chemotherapy resistance and PD-L1 immunotherapy resistance via a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis in The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases. According to the UALCAN database, the transcript level of CD38 in HNC was analyzed using cluster analysis, and the expression of CD38 mRNA in HNC was detected using the Oncomine database. The characteristics of CD38-related oncogenes were identified by gene cluster enrichment analysis in LinkedOmics. The R2 and SEER databases were used to further evaluate the prognostic significance of the CD38 gene in HNC using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival and the clinical characteristics of the subjects. The protein-protein interaction network of the top 50 genes showing significant positive correlations with CD38 in HNC was analyzed using STRING. Finally, we used a nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell line to verify the biological function. The results showed that the levels of CD38 mRNA expression in patients with HNC were significantly higher than those in healthy controls. The levels of CD38 mRNA expression in patients with HNC of different ages, sexes, and races were significantly higher than those in the healthy controls. CD38 is an independent prognostic factor for HNC, and high expression of CD38 indicates poor prognosis. CD38 expression correlated positively with the markers of many kinds of immune cells, and correlated significantly with the expression of PD-L1. We found that the high expression of CD38 suggested a poor prognosis in the subgroup of tumors treated with chemotherapeutic drugs in the G1/S phase. We used HNC cell lines to verify that the high expression of CD38 promoted the proliferation of NPC cells and produced radiotherapy tolerance. Through comprehensive bioinformatics analysis, we suggested that CD38 is a key gene involved in radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immune drug resistance in HNC. This study provides a reliable biomarker to predict the prognosis of patients with HNC and a reference for clinical comprehensive treatment of HNC. Individualization combined with CD38 monoclonal antibodies might provide a promising treatment strategy for this fatal disease, and this comprehensive treatment might reduce the damage to normal tissue and improve the prognosis and quality of life of patients with HNC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengxi He
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China.,Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.,Cancer Research Institute, Basic School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Chunxue Yue
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, 250022, China
| | - Xiuwen Chen
- Teaching and Research Section of Clinical Nursing, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Xin Li
- Breast Cancer Center, Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Changsha Medical University, Changsha, Hunan, 410219, China
| | - Shan Tan
- Changsha Medical University, Changsha, Hunan, 410219, China
| | - Xia Yi
- Changsha Medical University, Changsha, Hunan, 410219, China
| | - Gengqiu Luo
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Basic School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.,✉ Corresponding author: Professor Yanhong Zhou, NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China; E-mail: . Dr Gengqiu Luo, Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Basic School of Medicine, Central South University, 88 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China; E-mail:
| | - Yanhong Zhou
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China.,Cancer Research Institute, Basic School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China.,✉ Corresponding author: Professor Yanhong Zhou, NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China; E-mail: . Dr Gengqiu Luo, Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Basic School of Medicine, Central South University, 88 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China; E-mail:
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