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Zhao K, Zhao Q, Dai X, Wen X, Luo X, Duan Y, Yang Z, Dai Q. Alantolactone enhances the sensitivity of melanoma to MAPK pathway inhibitors by targeting inhibition of STAT3 activation and down-regulating stem cell markers. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:191. [PMID: 38822350 PMCID: PMC11143683 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03371-9] [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: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors (MAPKi) were the first line drugs for advanced melanoma patients with BRAF mutation. Targeted therapies have significant therapeutic effects; however, drug resistance hinders their long-term efficacy. Therefore, the development of new therapeutic strategies against MAPKi resistance is critical. Our previous results showed that MAPKi promote feedback activation of STAT3 signaling in BRAF-mutated cancer cells. Studies have shown that alantolactone inhibited the activation of STAT3 in a variety of tumor cells. Our results confirmed that alantolactone suppressed cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis by inhibiting STAT3 feedback activation induced by MAPKi and downregulating the expression of downstream Oct4 and Sox2. The inhibitory effect of alantolactone combined with a MAPKi on melanoma cells was significantly stronger than that on normal cells. In vivo and in vitro experiments showed that combination treatment was effective against drug-resistant melanomas. Our research indicates a potential novel combination therapy (alantolactone and MAPKi) for patients with BRAF-mutated melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Zhao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Xinqiao Hospital, The Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping Street, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, 646000, China
| | - Xinzhi Dai
- The First Clinical Institute, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, 563003, China
| | - Xue Wen
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping Street, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, 646000, China
| | - Xing Luo
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping Street, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, 646000, China
| | - Yi Duan
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping Street, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, 646000, China
| | - Zhihui Yang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taiping Street, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, 646000, China.
| | - Qiong Dai
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, No. 1, Section 1, Xianglin Road, Matan Long District, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, 646000, China.
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2
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Hocking AJ, Mortimer LA, Farrall AL, Russell PA, Klebe S. Establishing mesothelioma patient-derived organoid models from malignant pleural effusions. Lung Cancer 2024; 191:107542. [PMID: 38555809 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2024.107542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer arising in the cells that line the lungs and chest wall with poor survival and poor response to first-line therapy. Organoid models of cancer can faithfully recapitulate the genetic and histopathological characteristics of individualized tumors and have potential to be used for precision medicine, however methods of establishing patient-derived mesothelioma organoids have not been well established in the published literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS Long-term mesothelioma patient-derived organoids were established from ten malignant pleural effusion fluids. Mesothelioma patient-derived organoids were compared to the corresponding biopsy tissue specimens using immunohistochemistry labelling for select diagnostic markers and the TruSight Oncology-500 sequencing assay. Cell viability in response to the chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin was assessed. RESULTS We established five mesothelioma patient-derived organoid cultures from ten malignant pleural effusion fluids collected from nine individuals with pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma patient-derived organoids typically reflected the histopathological and genomic features of patients' matched biopsy specimens and displayed cytotoxic sensitivity to cisplatin in vitro. CONCLUSION This is the first study of its kind to establish long-term mesothelioma organoid cultures from malignant pleural effusions and report on their utility to test individuals' chemotherapeutic sensitivities ex vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh J Hocking
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Lauren A Mortimer
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Alexandra L Farrall
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Prudence A Russell
- LifeStrands Genomics and TissuPath Pathology, Mount Waverley, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sonja Klebe
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia; Anatomical Pathology, SA Pathology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, Australia
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3
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Manogaran P, Anandan A, Vijaya Padma V. Isoliensinine augments the therapeutic potential of paclitaxel in multidrug-resistant colon cancer stem cells and induced mitochondria-mediated cell death. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2023; 37:e23395. [PMID: 37424111 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23395] [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: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Previously we have reported the isoliensinine (ISO) potentates the therapeutic potential of cisplatin in cisplatin resistant colorectal cancer stem cells. The present study evaluates the chemo-sensitizing potential of the combinatorial regimen of ISO and Paclitaxcel (PTX) on multidrug-resistant (MDR)-HCT-15 cells to reduce the dose requirement of both ISO and PTX. The results of the present study suggest that treatment with the combinatorial regimen of ISO and PTX enhanced the cytotoxic effect with resultant increase in apoptosis in MDR-HCT-15 cells as evident from the altered cellular morphology, G2/M cell cycle arrest, propidium iodide uptake, Annexin V, increased intracellular Ca2+ accumulation, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, diminished ATP production, PARP-1 cleavage, altered expression of ERK1/2, and apoptotic proteins. Treatment with combinatorial regimen of ISO and PTX also modulated the expression of the transcription factors SOX2, OCT4 which determine the stemness of cancer cells. Thus, results of the present study suggest that ISO and PTX combination regimen induces apoptosis in MDR-HCT-15 in a synergistic manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasath Manogaran
- Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, India
| | - Aparna Anandan
- Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, India
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4
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Prognostic Value of EMT Gene Signature in Malignant Mesothelioma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054264. [PMID: 36901697 PMCID: PMC10001510 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054264] [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: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma (MESO) consists of epithelioid, biphasic, and sarcomatoid subtypes with different epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotypes. We previously identified a panel of four MESO EMT genes correlating with an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and poor survival. In this study, we investigated the correlation between these MESO EMT genes, the immune profile, and the genomic and epigenomic alterations to identify potential therapeutic targets to prevent or reverse the EMT process. Using multiomic analysis, we observed that the MESO EMT genes were positively correlated with hypermethylation of epigenetic genes and loss of CDKN2A/B expression. MESO EMT genes such as COL5A2, ITGAV, SERPINH1, CALD1, SPARC, and ACTA2 were associated with upregulation of TGF-β signaling, hedgehog signaling, and IL-2-STAT5 signaling and downregulation of the IFN-α and IFN-γ response. Immune checkpoints such as CTLA4, CD274 (PD-L1), PDCD1LG2 (PD-L2), PDCD1 (PD-1), and TIGIT were upregulated, while LAG3, LGALS9, and VTCN1 were downregulated with the expression of MESO EMT genes. CD160, KIR2DL1, and KIR2DL3 were also broadly downregulated with the expression of MESO EMT genes. In conclusion, we observed that the expression of a panel of MESO EMT genes was associated with hypermethylation of epigenetic genes and loss of expression of CDKN2A and CDKN2B. Expression of MESO EMT genes was associated with downregulation of the type I and type II IFN response, loss of cytotoxicity and NK cell activity, and upregulation of specific immune checkpoints, as well as upregulation of the TGF-β1/TGFBR1 pathway.
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5
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The Genes-Stemness-Secretome Interplay in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Molecular Dynamics and Clinical Hints. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043496. [PMID: 36834912 PMCID: PMC9963101 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043496] [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: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
MPM has a uniquely poor somatic mutational landscape, mainly driven by environmental selective pressure. This feature has dramatically limited the development of effective treatment. However, genomic events are known to be associated with MPM progression, and specific genetic signatures emerge from the exceptional crosstalk between neoplastic cells and matrix components, among which one main area of focus is hypoxia. Here we discuss the novel therapeutic strategies focused on the exploitation of MPM genetic asset and its interconnection with the surrounding hypoxic microenvironment as well as transcript products and microvesicles representing both an insight into the pathogenesis and promising actionable targets.
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6
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Bronte G, Procopio AD, Graciotti L. The application of cancer stem cell model in malignant mesothelioma. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2022; 174:103698. [PMID: 35525390 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The high mortality rate of malignant pleural mesothelioma led to study the mechanisms for chemoresistance. The cancer stem cell (CSC) model has been proposed to explain chemoresistance. CSCs are characterized by self-renewal capacity, that is detected through tumor-initiating cell assays. As in other malignancies, many studies sought to identify surface markers to isolate CSCs from malignant mesothelioma. Other studies characterized malignant mesothelioma CSCs for the expression of specific genes involved in stemness and the expression of proteins involved in chemoresistance. However, the main methods to characterize isolated CSCs include sphere formation, invasiveness, tumor-initiating capacity and expression of specific surface markers. The better knowledge of malignant mesothelioma CSCs allowed exploring new potential targets to develop specific treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Bronte
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO), Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Antonio Domenico Procopio
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO), Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Clinic of Laboratory and Precision Medicine, National Institute of Health and Sciences on Ageing (INRCA-IRCCS), Ancona, Italy
| | - Laura Graciotti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
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7
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Forchlorfenuron and Novel Analogs Cause Cytotoxic Effects in Untreated and Cisplatin-Resistant Malignant Mesothelioma-Derived Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073963. [PMID: 35409322 PMCID: PMC8999537 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a currently incurable, aggressive cancer derived from mesothelial cells, most often resulting from asbestos exposure. The current first-line treatment in unresectable MM is cisplatin/pemetrexed, which shows very little long-term effectiveness, necessitating research for novel therapeutic interventions. The existing chemotherapies often act on the cytoskeleton, including actin filaments and microtubules, but recent advances indicate the ‘fourth’ form consisting of the family of septins, representing a novel target. The septin inhibitor forchlorfenuron (FCF) and FCF analogs inhibit MM cell growth in vitro, but at concentrations which are too high for clinical applications. Based on the reported requirement of the chloride group in the 2-position of the pyridine ring of FCF for MM cell growth inhibition and cytotoxicity, we systematically investigated the importance (cell growth-inhibiting capacity) of the halogen atoms fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine in the 2- or 3-position of the pyridine ring. The MM cell lines ZL55, MSTO-211H, and SPC212, and—as a control—immortalized Met-5A mesothelial cells were used. The potency of the various halogen substitutions in FCF was mostly correlated with the atom size (covalent radius); the small fluoride analogs showed the least effect, while the largest one (iodide) most strongly decreased the MTT signals, in particular in MM cells derived from epithelioid MM. In the latter, the strongest effects in vitro were exerted by the 2-iodo and, unexpectedly, the 2-trifluoromethyl (2-CF3) FCF analogs, which were further tested in vivo in mice. However, FCF-2-I and, more strongly, FCF-2-CF3 caused rapidly occurring strong symptoms of systemic toxicity at doses lower than those previously obtained with FCF. Thus, we investigated the effectiveness of FCF (and selected analogs) in vitro in MM cells which were first exposed to cisplatin. The slowly appearing population of cisplatin-resistant cells was still susceptible to the growth-inhibiting/cytotoxic effect of FCF and its analogs, indicating that cisplatin and FCF target non-converging pathways in MM cells. Thus, a combination therapy of cisplatin and FCF (analogs) might represent a new avenue for the treatment of repopulating chemo-resistant MM cells in this currently untreatable cancer.
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8
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A panel of emerging EMT genes identified in malignant mesothelioma. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1007. [PMID: 35046456 PMCID: PMC8770645 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-04973-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma (MESO) is a highly aggressive cancer with poor prognosis. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical process in malignancies involved in tumor angiogenesis, progression, invasion and metastasis, immunosuppressive microenvironment and therapy resistance. However, there is a lack of specific biomarkers to identify EMT in MESO. Biphasic MESO with dual phenotypes could be an optimal model to study EMT process. Using a powerful EMTome to investigate EMT gene signature, we identified a panel of EMT genes COL5A2, ITGAV, SPARC and ACTA2 in MESO. In combination with TCGA database, Timer2.0 and other resources, we observed that overexpression of these emerging genes is positively correlated with immunosuppressive infiltration, and an unfavorable factor to patient survival in MESO. The expression of these genes was confirmed in our patients and human cell lines. Our findings suggest that these genes may be novel targets for therapeutics and prognosis in MESO and other types of cancers.
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9
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Szymonik J, Wala K, Górnicki T, Saczko J, Pencakowski B, Kulbacka J. The Impact of Iron Chelators on the Biology of Cancer Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010089. [PMID: 35008527 PMCID: PMC8745085 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neoplastic diseases are still a major medical challenge, requiring a constant search for new therapeutic options. A serious problem of many cancers is resistance to anticancer drugs and disease progression in metastases or local recurrence. These characteristics of cancer cells may be related to the specific properties of cancer stem cells (CSC). CSCs are involved in inhibiting cells’ maturation, which is essential for maintaining their self-renewal capacity and pluripotency. They show increased expression of transcription factor proteins, which were defined as stemness-related markers. This group of proteins includes OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, Nanog, and SALL4. It has been noticed that the metabolism of cancer cells is changed, and the demand for iron is significantly increased. Iron chelators have been proven to have antitumor activity and influence the expression of stemness-related markers, thus reducing chemoresistance and the risk of tumor cell progression. This prompts further investigation of these agents as promising anticancer novel drugs. The article presents the characteristics of stemness markers and their influence on the development and course of neoplastic disease. Available iron chelators were also described, and their effects on cancer cells and expression of stemness-related markers were analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Szymonik
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (J.S.); (K.W.); (T.G.)
| | - Kamila Wala
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (J.S.); (K.W.); (T.G.)
| | - Tomasz Górnicki
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (J.S.); (K.W.); (T.G.)
| | - Jolanta Saczko
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Bartosz Pencakowski
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology and Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Julita Kulbacka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-71-784-06-88
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10
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Cersosimo F, Barbarino M, Lonardi S, Vermi W, Giordano A, Bellan C, Giurisato E. Mesothelioma Malignancy and the Microenvironment: Molecular Mechanisms. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225664. [PMID: 34830817 PMCID: PMC8616064 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have reported that cellular and soluble components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) play a key role in cancer-initiation and progression. Considering the relevance and the complexity of TME in cancer biology, recent research has focused on the investigation of the TME content, in terms of players and informational exchange. Understanding the crosstalk between tumor and non-tumor cells is crucial to design more beneficial anti-cancer therapeutic strategies. Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a complex and heterogenous tumor mainly caused by asbestos exposure with few treatment options and low life expectancy after standard therapy. MPM leukocyte infiltration is rich in macrophages. Given the failure of macrophages to eliminate asbestos fibers, these immune cells accumulate in pleural cavity leading to the establishment of a unique inflammatory environment and to the malignant transformation of mesothelial cells. In this inflammatory landscape, stromal and immune cells play a driven role to support tumor development and progression via a bidirectional communication with tumor cells. Characterization of the MPM microenvironment (MPM-ME) may be useful to understand the complexity of mesothelioma biology, such as to identify new molecular druggable targets, with the aim to improve the outcome of the disease. In this review, we summarize the known evidence about the MPM-ME network, including its prognostic and therapeutic relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Cersosimo
- Department of Biotechnology Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Marcella Barbarino
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.B.); (A.G.); (C.B.)
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Silvia Lonardi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25100 Brescia, Italy; (S.L.); (W.V.)
| | - William Vermi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25100 Brescia, Italy; (S.L.); (W.V.)
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.B.); (A.G.); (C.B.)
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Cristiana Bellan
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.B.); (A.G.); (C.B.)
| | - Emanuele Giurisato
- Department of Biotechnology Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-057-723-2125
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11
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Salinas-Jazmín N, Rosas-Cruz A, Velasco-Velázquez M. Reporter gene systems for the identification and characterization of cancer stem cells. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:861-876. [PMID: 34367481 PMCID: PMC8316869 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i7.861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are tumor cells that share functional characteristics with normal and embryonic stem cells. CSCs have increased tumor-initiating capacity and metastatic potential and lower sensitivity to chemo- and radiotherapy, with important roles in tumor progression and the response to therapy. Thus, a current goal of cancer research is to eliminate CSCs, necessitating an adequate phenotypic and functional characterization of CSCs. Strategies have been developed to identify, enrich, and track CSCs, many of which distinguish CSCs by evaluating the expression of surface markers, the initiation of specific signaling pathways, and the activation of master transcription factors that control stemness in normal cells. We review and discuss the use of reporter gene systems for identifying CSCs. Reporters that are under the control of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1, CD133, Notch, Nanog homeobox, Sex-determining region Y-box 2, and POU class 5 homeobox can be used to identify CSCs in many tumor types, track cells in real time, and screen for drugs. Thus, reporter gene systems, in combination with in vitro and in vivo functional assays, can assess changes in the CSCs pool. We present relevant examples of these systems in the evaluation of experimental CSCs-targeting therapeutics, demonstrating their value in CSCs research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nohemí Salinas-Jazmín
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Arely Rosas-Cruz
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Marco Velasco-Velázquez
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico.
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12
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Li J, Haque M, Shang C, Hassan B, Liu D, Chen W, Lai R. Identification and Characterization of Cancer Stem-Like Cells in ALK-Positive Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Using the SORE6 Reporter. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2021; 43:543-557. [PMID: 34287231 PMCID: PMC8929104 DOI: 10.3390/cimb43020041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors Sox2 and Oct4 are essential in maintaining the pluripotency of embryonic stem cells and conferring stemness in cancer stem-like (CSL) cells. SORE6, an in-vitro reporter system, was designed to quantify the transcription activity of Sox2/Oct4 and identify CSL cells in non-hematologic cancers. Using SORE6, we identified and enriched CSL cells in ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALK + ALCL). Two ALK + ALCL cell lines, SupM2 and UCONN-L2, contained approximately 20% of SORE6+ cells, which were purified based on their expression of green fluorescent protein. We then performed functional studies using single-cell clones derived from SORE6− and SORE6+ cells. Compared to SORE6− cells, SORE6+ cells were significantly more chemoresistant and clonogenic in colony-formation assays. Sox2/Oct4 are directly involved in conferring these CSL properties, since the shRNA knockdown of Sox2 in SORE6+ significantly lowered their chemoresistance, while enforced expression of Sox2/Oct4 in SORE6− cells produced opposite effects. Using Western blots, we found that the expression and subcellular localization of Sox2/Oct4 were similar between SORE6− and SORE6+ cells. However, in SORE6+ but not SORE6− cells, Sox2 and Oct4 abundantly bound to a probe containing the SORE6 consensus sequence. c-Myc, previously shown to regulate cancer stemness in ALK + ALCL, regulated the SORE6 activity. In conclusion, SORE6 is useful in identifying/enriching CSL cells in ALK + ALCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (J.L.); (M.H.); (C.S.); (B.H.); (D.L.); (W.C.)
- Electron Microscopy Center, Basic Medical Science College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150080, China
| | - Moinul Haque
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (J.L.); (M.H.); (C.S.); (B.H.); (D.L.); (W.C.)
- College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, T12 AK54 Cork, Ireland
| | - Chuquan Shang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (J.L.); (M.H.); (C.S.); (B.H.); (D.L.); (W.C.)
| | - Bardes Hassan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (J.L.); (M.H.); (C.S.); (B.H.); (D.L.); (W.C.)
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12211, Egypt
| | - Dongzhe Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (J.L.); (M.H.); (C.S.); (B.H.); (D.L.); (W.C.)
- Laboratory of Biology and Chemistry, Basic Medical Science College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150080, China
| | - Will Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (J.L.); (M.H.); (C.S.); (B.H.); (D.L.); (W.C.)
| | - Raymond Lai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada; (J.L.); (M.H.); (C.S.); (B.H.); (D.L.); (W.C.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R7, Canada
- Correspondence:
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13
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Zhang Q, Han Z, Zhu Y, Chen J, Li W. The Role and Specific Mechanism of OCT4 in Cancer Stem Cells: A Review. Int J Stem Cells 2020; 13:312-325. [PMID: 32840233 PMCID: PMC7691851 DOI: 10.15283/ijsc20097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, evidences show that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a type of cancer cell group with self-renewal and play a huge role in tumor recurrence, metastasis, and drug resistance. Finding new treatment directions and targets for cancer prognosis and reducing mortality has become a top priority. OCT4, as a transcription factor, participates in maintaining the stem characteristics of CSCs, but the mechanism of OCT4 is often overlooked. In this review, we try to illustrate the mechanism by which OCT4 plays a role in CSCs from the perspective of genetic modification of OCT4, non-coding RNA, complexes and signaling pathways associated with OCT4. Our ultimate goal is to provide new targets for cancer treatment to prolong the survival of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Stem Cell and Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhenzhen Han
- Stem Cell and Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yanbo Zhu
- Stem Cell and Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingcheng Chen
- Stem Cell and Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Li
- Stem Cell and Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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14
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Mimetics of extra virgin olive oil phenols with anti-cancer stem cell activity. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:21057-21075. [PMID: 33168787 PMCID: PMC7695371 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) dihydroxy-phenol oleacein is a natural inhibitor of multiple metabolic and epigenetic enzymes capable of suppressing the functional traits of cancer stem cells (CSC). Here, we used a natural product-inspired drug discovery approach to identify new compounds that phenotypically mimic the anti-CSC activity of oleacein. We coupled 3D quantitative structure-activity relationship-based virtual profiling with phenotypic analysis using 3D tumorsphere formation as a gold standard for assessing the presence of CSC. Among the top 20 computationally-predicted oleacein mimetics, four fulfilled the phenotypic endpoint of specifically suppressing the tumorsphere-initiating capacity of CSC, in the absence of significant cytotoxicity against differentiated cancer cells growing in 2D cultures in the same low micromolar concentration range. Of these, 3,4-dihydrophenetyl butyrate –a lipophilic ester conjugate of the hydroxytyrosol moiety of oleacein– and (E)-N-allyl-2-((5-nitrofuran-2-yl)methylene)hydrazinecarbothioamide) –an inhibitor of Trypanosoma cruzi triosephosphate isomerase– were also highly effective at significantly reducing the proportion of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH)-positive CSC-like proliferating cells. Preservation of the mTOR/DNMT binding mode of oleacein was dispensable for suppression of the ALDH+-CSC functional phenotype in hydroxytyrosol-unrelated mimetics. The anti-CSC chemistry of complex EVOO phenols such as oleacein can be phenocopied through the use of mimetics capturing its physico-chemical properties.
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15
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Sedlic F, Seiwerth F, Sepac A, Sikiric S, Cindric M, Milavic M, Batelja Vuletic L, Jakopovic M, Seiwerth S. Mitochondrial ROS Induce Partial Dedifferentiation of Human Mesothelioma via Upregulation of NANOG. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9070606. [PMID: 32664372 PMCID: PMC7402173 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9070606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression of pluripotency factors is a key regulator of tumor differentiation status and cancer stem cells. The purpose of this study was to examine the expression of pluripotency factors and differentiation status of human mesothelioma and the role of mitochondria in their regulation. We tested the expression of OCT4/POU5F1, NANOG, SOX2, PI3K-AKT pathway and BCL2 genes and proteins in 65 samples of human mesothelioma and 19 samples of normal mesothelium. Mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and expression of pluripotency factors were also tested in human mesothelioma cell line. Human mesothelium and mesothelioma expressed SOX2, NANOG, PI3K and AKT genes and proteins and POU5F1 gene, whereby NANOG, SOX2 and phosphorylated (activated) AKT were upregulated in mesothelioma. NANOG protein expression was elevated in less differentiated samples of human mesothelioma. The expression of genes of PI3K-AKT pathway correlated with pluripotency factor genes. Mesothelioma cells had functional, but depolarized mitochondria with large capacity to generate ROS. Mitochondrial ROS upregulated NANOG and mitoTEMPO abrogated it. In conclusion, human mesothelioma displays enhanced expression of NANOG, SOX2 and phosphorylated AKT proteins, while elevated NANOG expression correlates with poor differentiation of human mesothelioma. Mitochondria of mesothelioma cells have a large capacity to form ROS and thereby upregulate NANOG, leading to dedifferentiation of mesothelioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Sedlic
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +385-1-236-7293
| | - Fran Seiwerth
- Department of Respiratory Diseases Jordanovac, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; (F.S.); (M.J.)
| | - Ana Sepac
- Department of Pathology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.S.); (S.S.); (M.M.); (L.B.V.); (S.S.)
| | - Suncana Sikiric
- Department of Pathology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.S.); (S.S.); (M.M.); (L.B.V.); (S.S.)
| | - Marina Cindric
- Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Marija Milavic
- Department of Pathology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.S.); (S.S.); (M.M.); (L.B.V.); (S.S.)
| | - Lovorka Batelja Vuletic
- Department of Pathology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.S.); (S.S.); (M.M.); (L.B.V.); (S.S.)
- Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Marko Jakopovic
- Department of Respiratory Diseases Jordanovac, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; (F.S.); (M.J.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sven Seiwerth
- Department of Pathology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.S.); (S.S.); (M.M.); (L.B.V.); (S.S.)
- Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia;
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16
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Aboubakar Nana F, Vanderputten M, Ocak S. Role of Focal Adhesion Kinase in Small-Cell Lung Cancer and Its Potential as a Therapeutic Target. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1683. [PMID: 31671774 PMCID: PMC6895835 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11111683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) represents 15% of all lung cancers and it is clinically the most aggressive type, being characterized by a tendency for early metastasis, with two-thirds of the patients diagnosed with an extensive stage (ES) disease and a five-year overall survival (OS) as low as 5%. There are still no effective targeted therapies in SCLC despite improved understanding of the molecular steps leading to SCLC development and progression these last years. After four decades, the only modest improvement in OS of patients suffering from ES-SCLC has recently been shown in a trial combining atezolizumab, an anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitor, with carboplatin and etoposide, chemotherapy agents. This highlights the need to pursue research efforts in this field. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase that is overexpressed and activated in several cancers, including SCLC, and contributing to cancer progression and metastasis through its important role in cell proliferation, survival, adhesion, spreading, migration, and invasion. FAK also plays a role in tumor immune evasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, DNA damage repair, radioresistance, and regulation of cancer stem cells. FAK is of particular interest in SCLC, being known for its aggressiveness. The inhibition of FAK in SCLC cell lines demonstrated significative decrease in cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. In this review, we will focus on the role of FAK in cancer cells and their microenvironment, and its potential as a therapeutic target in SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Aboubakar Nana
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Pôle de Pneumologie, ORL et Dermatologie (PNEU), Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium.
- Division of Pneumology, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, UCL, 1200 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Marie Vanderputten
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Pôle de Pneumologie, ORL et Dermatologie (PNEU), Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Sebahat Ocak
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Pôle de Pneumologie, ORL et Dermatologie (PNEU), Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium.
- Division of Pneumology, CHU UCL Namur (Godinne Site), UCL, 5530 Yvoir, Belgium.
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17
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Milosevic V, Kopecka J, Salaroglio IC, Libener R, Napoli F, Izzo S, Orecchia S, Ananthanarayanan P, Bironzo P, Grosso F, Tabbò F, Comunanza V, Alexa-Stratulat T, Bussolino F, Righi L, Novello S, Scagliotti GV, Riganti C. Wnt/IL-1β/IL-8 autocrine circuitries control chemoresistance in mesothelioma initiating cells by inducing ABCB5. Int J Cancer 2019; 146:192-207. [PMID: 31107974 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a tumor with high chemoresistance and poor prognosis. MPM-initiating cells (ICs) are known to be drug resistant, but it is unknown if and how stemness-related pathways determine chemoresistance. Moreover, there are no predictive markers of IC-associated chemoresistance. Aim of this work is to clarify if and by which mechanisms the chemoresistant phenotype of MPM IC was due to specific stemness-related pathways. We generated MPM IC from primary MPM samples and compared the gene expression and chemo-sensitivity profile of IC and differentiated/adherent cells (AC) of the same patient. Compared to AC, IC had upregulated the drug efflux transporter ABCB5 that determined resistance to cisplatin and pemetrexed. ABCB5-knocked-out (KO) IC clones were resensitized to the drugs in vitro and in patient-derived xenografts. ABCB5 was transcriptionally activated by the Wnt/GSK3β/β-catenin/c-myc axis that also increased IL-8 and IL-1β production. IL-8 and IL-1β-KO IC clones reduced the c-myc-driven transcription of ABCB5 and reacquired chemosensitivity. ABCB5-KO clones had lower IL-8 and IL-1β secretion, and c-myc transcriptional activity, suggesting that either Wnt/GSK3β/β-catenin and IL-8/IL-1β signaling drive c-myc-mediated transcription of ABCB5. ABCB5 correlated with lower time-to-progression and overall survival in MPM patients treated with cisplatin and pemetrexed. Our work identified multiple autocrine loops linking stemness pathways and resistance to cisplatin and pemetrexed in MPM IC. ABCB5 may represent a new target to chemosensitize MPM IC and a potential biomarker to predict the response to the first-line chemotherapy in MPM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joanna Kopecka
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Roberta Libener
- Pathology Division, S. Antonio and Biagio Hospital, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Francesca Napoli
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology at San Luigi Hospital, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Stefania Izzo
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology at San Luigi Hospital, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Sara Orecchia
- Pathology Division, S. Antonio and Biagio Hospital, Alessandria, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Bironzo
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Thoracic Oncology Unit and Medical Oncology Division, Department of Oncology at San Luigi Hospital, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Federica Grosso
- Oncology Division, S. Antonio and Biagio Hospital, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Tabbò
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Thoracic Oncology Unit and Medical Oncology Division, Department of Oncology at San Luigi Hospital, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Valentina Comunanza
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | | | - Federico Bussolino
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Luisella Righi
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology at San Luigi Hospital, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Silvia Novello
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Thoracic Oncology Unit and Medical Oncology Division, Department of Oncology at San Luigi Hospital, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Giorgio V Scagliotti
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Thoracic Oncology Unit and Medical Oncology Division, Department of Oncology at San Luigi Hospital, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Chiara Riganti
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Interdepartmental Center "G. Scansetti" for the Study of Asbestos and Other Toxic Particulates, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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18
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Blum Y, Meiller C, Quetel L, Elarouci N, Ayadi M, Tashtanbaeva D, Armenoult L, Montagne F, Tranchant R, Renier A, de Koning L, Copin MC, Hofman P, Hofman V, Porte H, Le Pimpec-Barthes F, Zucman-Rossi J, Jaurand MC, de Reyniès A, Jean D. Dissecting heterogeneity in malignant pleural mesothelioma through histo-molecular gradients for clinical applications. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1333. [PMID: 30902996 PMCID: PMC6430832 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09307-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is recognized as heterogeneous based both on histology and molecular profiling. Histology addresses inter-tumor and intra-tumor heterogeneity in MPM and describes three major types: epithelioid, sarcomatoid and biphasic, a combination of the former two types. Molecular profiling studies have not addressed intra-tumor heterogeneity in MPM to date. Here, we use a deconvolution approach and show that molecular gradients shed new light on the intra-tumor heterogeneity of MPM, leading to a reconsideration of MPM molecular classifications. We show that each tumor can be decomposed as a combination of epithelioid-like and sarcomatoid-like components whose proportions are highly associated with the prognosis. Moreover, we show that this more subtle way of characterizing MPM heterogeneity provides a better understanding of the underlying oncogenic pathways and the related epigenetic regulation and immune and stromal contexts. We discuss the implications of these findings for guiding therapeutic strategies, particularly immunotherapies and targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuna Blum
- Programme Cartes d'Identité des Tumeurs (CIT), Ligue Nationale Contre Le Cancer, 75013, Paris, France
| | - Clément Meiller
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Universités, Inserm, UMRS-1138, 75006, Paris, France
- Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors, USPC, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Université Paris 13, Labex Immuno-Oncology, 75000, Paris, France
| | - Lisa Quetel
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Universités, Inserm, UMRS-1138, 75006, Paris, France
- Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors, USPC, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Université Paris 13, Labex Immuno-Oncology, 75000, Paris, France
| | - Nabila Elarouci
- Programme Cartes d'Identité des Tumeurs (CIT), Ligue Nationale Contre Le Cancer, 75013, Paris, France
| | - Mira Ayadi
- Programme Cartes d'Identité des Tumeurs (CIT), Ligue Nationale Contre Le Cancer, 75013, Paris, France
| | - Danisa Tashtanbaeva
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Universités, Inserm, UMRS-1138, 75006, Paris, France
- Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors, USPC, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Université Paris 13, Labex Immuno-Oncology, 75000, Paris, France
| | - Lucile Armenoult
- Programme Cartes d'Identité des Tumeurs (CIT), Ligue Nationale Contre Le Cancer, 75013, Paris, France
| | - François Montagne
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Universités, Inserm, UMRS-1138, 75006, Paris, France
- Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors, USPC, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Université Paris 13, Labex Immuno-Oncology, 75000, Paris, France
- Service de Chirurgie Thoracique, Hôpital Calmette - CHRU de Lille, 59000, Lille, France
- Université de Lille, 59045, Lille, France
- Service de Chirurgie Générale et Thoracique, CHU de Rouen, 76000, Rouen, France
| | - Robin Tranchant
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Universités, Inserm, UMRS-1138, 75006, Paris, France
- Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors, USPC, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Université Paris 13, Labex Immuno-Oncology, 75000, Paris, France
- Laboratoire de Biochimie (LBC), ESPCI Paris, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR8231 Chimie Biologie Innovation, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Annie Renier
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Universités, Inserm, UMRS-1138, 75006, Paris, France
- Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors, USPC, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Université Paris 13, Labex Immuno-Oncology, 75000, Paris, France
| | - Leanne de Koning
- Translational Research Department, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Christine Copin
- Université de Lille, 59045, Lille, France
- Institut de Pathologie, Centre de Biologie-Pathologie, CHRU de Lille, 59037, Lille, France
| | - Paul Hofman
- Laboratoire de Pathologie Clinique et Expérimentale (LPCE) et biobanque (BB-0033-00025), CHRU de Nice, 06003, Nice, France
- Université Côte d'Azur, 06108, Nice, France
| | - Véronique Hofman
- Laboratoire de Pathologie Clinique et Expérimentale (LPCE) et biobanque (BB-0033-00025), CHRU de Nice, 06003, Nice, France
- Université Côte d'Azur, 06108, Nice, France
| | - Henri Porte
- Service de Chirurgie Thoracique, Hôpital Calmette - CHRU de Lille, 59000, Lille, France
- Université de Lille, 59045, Lille, France
| | - Françoise Le Pimpec-Barthes
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Universités, Inserm, UMRS-1138, 75006, Paris, France
- Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors, USPC, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Université Paris 13, Labex Immuno-Oncology, 75000, Paris, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, 75015, Paris, France
- Département de Chirurgie Thoracique, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Jessica Zucman-Rossi
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Universités, Inserm, UMRS-1138, 75006, Paris, France
- Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors, USPC, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Université Paris 13, Labex Immuno-Oncology, 75000, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Claude Jaurand
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Universités, Inserm, UMRS-1138, 75006, Paris, France
- Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors, USPC, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Université Paris 13, Labex Immuno-Oncology, 75000, Paris, France
| | - Aurélien de Reyniès
- Programme Cartes d'Identité des Tumeurs (CIT), Ligue Nationale Contre Le Cancer, 75013, Paris, France.
| | - Didier Jean
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Universités, Inserm, UMRS-1138, 75006, Paris, France.
- Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors, USPC, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Université Paris 13, Labex Immuno-Oncology, 75000, Paris, France.
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19
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Role of OCT4 in cancer stem-like cells and chemotherapy resistance. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1866:165432. [PMID: 30904611 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) contribute to the tumorigenicity, progression, and chemoresistance of cancers. It is not known whether CSCs arise from normal stem cells or if they arise from differentiated cancer cells by acquiring self-renewal features. These CSCs share stem cell markers that normal stem cells express. There is a rising interest in octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4), one of the stem cell factors that are essential in embryogenesis and pluripotency. OCT4 is also overexpressed in CSCs of various cancers. Although the majority of the studies in CSCs reported a positive association between the expression of OCT4 and chemoresistance and an inverse correlation between OCT4 and clinical prognosis, there are studies rebuking these findings, possibly due to the sparsity of stem cells within tumors and the heterogeneity of tumors. In addition, post-translational modification of OCT4 affects its activity and warrants further investigation for its association with chemoresistance and prognosis.
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20
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Laszlo V, Valko Z, Ozsvar J, Kovacs I, Garay T, Hoda MA, Klikovits T, Stockhammer P, Aigner C, Gröger M, Klepetko W, Berger W, Grusch M, Tovari J, Waizenegger IC, Dome B, Hegedus B. The FAK inhibitor BI 853520 inhibits spheroid formation and orthotopic tumor growth in malignant pleural mesothelioma. J Mol Med (Berl) 2019; 97:231-242. [PMID: 30539198 PMCID: PMC6348072 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-018-1725-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
No tyrosine kinase inhibitors are approved for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Preclinical studies identified focal adhesion kinase (FAK) as a target in MPM. Accordingly, we assessed the novel, highly selective FAK inhibitor (BI 853520) in 2D and 3D cultures and in vivo. IC50 values were measured by adherent cell viability assay. Cell migration and 3D growth were quantified by video microscopy and spheroid formation, respectively. Phosphorylation of FAK, Akt, S6, and Erk was measured by immunoblot. The mRNA expression of the putative tumor stem cell markers SOX2, Nanog, CD44, ALDH1, c-myc, and Oct4 was analyzed by qPCR. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, and tumor tissue microvessel density (MVD) were investigated in orthotopic MPM xenografts. In all 12 MPM cell lines, IC50 exceeded 5 μM and loss of NF2 did not correlate with sensitivity. No synergism was found with cisplatin in adherent cells. BI 853520 decreased migration in 3 out of 4 cell lines. FAK phosphorylation was reduced upon treatment but activation of Erk, Akt, or S6 remained unaffected. Nevertheless, BI 853520 inhibited spheroid growth and significantly reduced tumor weight, cell proliferation, and MVD in vivo. BI 853520 has limited effect in adherent cultures but demonstrates potent activity in spheroids and in orthotopic tumors in vivo. Based on our findings, further studies are warranted to explore the clinical utility of BI 853520 in human MPM. KEY MESSAGES: Response to FAK inhibition in MPM is independent of NF2 expression or histotype. FAK inhibition strongly interfered with MPM spheroid formation. BI 853520 has been shown to exert anti-tumor effect in MPM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Laszlo
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Molecular and Gender Imaging, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Zsuzsanna Valko
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Tumor Biology, National Korányi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Judit Ozsvar
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ildiko Kovacs
- Department of Tumor Biology, National Korányi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamas Garay
- 2nd Department of Pathology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mir Alireza Hoda
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Klikovits
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Paul Stockhammer
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruhrlandklinik, University Clinic Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Tüschener Weg 40, 45239, Essen, Germany
| | - Clemens Aigner
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruhrlandklinik, University Clinic Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Tüschener Weg 40, 45239, Essen, Germany
| | - Marion Gröger
- Core Facility Imaging, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter Klepetko
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter Berger
- Institute of Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Grusch
- Institute of Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jozsef Tovari
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
- KINETO Lab Ltd, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Balazs Dome
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090, Vienna, Austria.
- Department of Tumor Biology, National Korányi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary.
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Institute of Oncology-Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Balazs Hegedus
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090, Vienna, Austria.
- 2nd Department of Pathology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruhrlandklinik, University Clinic Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Tüschener Weg 40, 45239, Essen, Germany.
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21
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Blum W, Henzi T, Châtel-Soulet HE, Pecze L, Rodriguez JW, Vrugt B, Schwaller B. Absence of calretinin protein expression in malignant mesotheliomas from asbestos-exposed NF2 +/- mice and mouse mesothelioma cell lines from various mouse strains. Biomark Res 2018; 6:19. [PMID: 29928505 PMCID: PMC5989366 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-018-0132-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Calretinin is the most widespread positive marker for the immunohistochemical identification of malignant mesothelioma (MM) and was proposed to serve as a blood-based biomarker. Functionally, evidence has accumulated that calretinin might be implicated in MM tumorigenesis. We aimed to identify calretinin (CR; Calb2) in murine MM and reactive mesothelial cells in granuloma from asbestos-exposed NF2+/− mice, a line heterozygous for the tumor suppressor merlin (NF2), used as a mouse MM model. Additionally, we sought to ascertain the presence of calretinin in MM cell lines from other mouse strains. We also intended to investigate the role of calretinin in mesotheliomagenesis by comparing the survival of asbestos-exposed NF2+/− and NF2+/-CR−/− mice. Methods NF2+/− and NF2+/-CR−/− mice, both lines on a C57Bl/6J background, were exposed to asbestos following an established protocol. Tumor histology and asbestos-induced mortality were assessed. MM and granuloma from NF2+/− mice were analyzed with immunohistochemical methods for calretinin expression. Levels of Calb2 mRNA and calretinin expression in tumors and MM cell lines of various mouse strains were determined by RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. Results No expression of calretinin at the protein level was detected, neither in MM from NF2+/− mice, NF2+/− MM-derived cell lines nor immortalized mesothelial cells of mouse origin. At the mRNA level we detected Calb2 expression in MM cell lines from different mouse strains. Survival of NF2+/− and NF2+/-CR−/− mice exposed to asbestos showed no significant difference in a log-rank (Kaplan-Meier) comparison. Conclusions The concomitant determination of calretinin and mesothelin blood levels has been proposed for early detection of human MM. Mouse MM models based on asbestos exposure are assumed to yield helpful information on the time course of appearance of mesothelin and calretinin in the blood of asbestos-treated mice determining the earliest time point for interventions. However, the observed absence of calretinin in MM from NF2+/− mice and derived cell lines, as well as from MM cells from Balb/c and C3H mice likely precludes the use of calretinin as a biomarker for mouse MM. The results also indicate possible species differences with respect to an involvement of calretinin in the formation of MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Blum
- 1Anatomy, Section of Medicine, University of Fribourg, Route Albert-Gockel 1, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Henzi
- 1Anatomy, Section of Medicine, University of Fribourg, Route Albert-Gockel 1, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | | | - Laszlo Pecze
- 1Anatomy, Section of Medicine, University of Fribourg, Route Albert-Gockel 1, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | | | - Bart Vrugt
- 2Institute of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Beat Schwaller
- 1Anatomy, Section of Medicine, University of Fribourg, Route Albert-Gockel 1, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
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22
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Wu L, Blum W, Zhu CQ, Yun Z, Pecze L, Kohno M, Chan ML, Zhao Y, Felley-Bosco E, Schwaller B, de Perrot M. Putative cancer stem cells may be the key target to inhibit cancer cell repopulation between the intervals of chemoradiation in murine mesothelioma. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:471. [PMID: 29699510 PMCID: PMC5921988 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-4354-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer cell repopulation during chemotherapy or radiotherapy is a major factor limiting the efficacy of treatment. Cancer stem cells (CSC) may play critical roles during this process. We aim to demonstrate the role of mesothelioma stem cells (MSC) in treatment failure and eventually to design specific target therapies against MSC to improve the efficacy of treatment in malignant mesothelioma. Methods Murine mesothelioma AB12 and RN5 cells were used to compare tumorigenicity in mice. The expression of CSC-associated genes was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR in both cell lines treated with chemo-radiation. Stemness properties of MSC-enriched RN5-EOS-Puro2 cells were characterized with flow cytometry and immunostaining. A MSC-specific gene profile was screened by microarray assay and confirmed thereafter. Gene Ontology analysis of the selected genes was performed by GOMiner. Results Tumor growth delay of murine mesothelioma AB12 cells was achieved after each cycle of cisplatin treatment, however, tumors grew back rapidly due to cancer cell repopulation between courses of chemotherapy. Strikingly, a 10-times lower number of irradiated cells in both cell lines led to a similar tumor incidence and growth rate as with untreated cells. The expression of CSC-associated genes such as CD24, CD133, CD90 and uPAR was dramatically up-regulated, while others did not change significantly after chemoradiation. Highly enriched MSC after selection with puromycin displayed an increasing GFP-positive population and showed typical properties of stemness. Comparatively, the proportion of MSC significantly increased after RN5-EOS parental cells were treated with either chemotherapy, γ-ray radiation, or a combination of the two, while MSC showed more resistance to the above treatments. A group of identified genes are most likely MSC-specific, and major pathways related to regulation of cell growth or apoptosis are involved. Upregulation of the gene transcripts Tnfsf18, Serpinb9b, Ly6a, and Nppb were confirmed. Conclusion Putative MSC possess the property of stemness showing more resistance to chemoradiation, suggesting that MSC may play critical roles in cancer cell repopulation. Further identification of selected genes may be used to design novel target therapies against MSC, so as to eliminate cancer cell repopulation in mesothelioma. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-4354-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Licun Wu
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Latner Thoracic Surgery Laboratories, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Walter Blum
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Anatomy, University of Fribourg, CH-1700, Fribourg, Switzerland.,INSERM, U1162, Génomique Fonctionnelle des Tumeurs Solides, 27 rue Juliette Dodu, 75010, Paris, France
| | - Chang-Qi Zhu
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Zhihong Yun
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Latner Thoracic Surgery Laboratories, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Laszlo Pecze
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Anatomy, University of Fribourg, CH-1700, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Mikihiro Kohno
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Latner Thoracic Surgery Laboratories, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mei-Lin Chan
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Latner Thoracic Surgery Laboratories, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yidan Zhao
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Latner Thoracic Surgery Laboratories, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Emanuela Felley-Bosco
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8044, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Beat Schwaller
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Anatomy, University of Fribourg, CH-1700, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Marc de Perrot
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Latner Thoracic Surgery Laboratories, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Division of Thoracic Surgery, Toronto Mesothelioma Research Program, Toronto General Hospital, 9N-961, 200 Elizabeth St, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada.
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23
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Blum W, Henzi T, Schwaller B, Pecze L. Biological noise and positional effects influence cell stemness. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:5247-5258. [PMID: 29440274 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra117.001643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2017] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Biological (or cellular) noise is the random quantitative variability of proteins and other molecules in individual, genetically identical cells. As the result of biological noise in the levels of some transcription factors that determine a cell's differentiation status, differentiated cells may dedifferentiate to a stem cell state given a sufficiently long time period. Here, to provide direct evidence supporting this hypothesis, we used a live-cell monitoring system based on enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) expression to continuously assess the "stemness" of individual human and murine malignant mesothelioma cells over a period of up to 3 months. Re-expression of the transcription factors, the top hierarchical stemness markers Sox2 (SRY-box 2) and Oct4 (octamer-binding transcription factor), monitored as cell eGFP expression was observed in a subpopulation of differentiated eGFP(-) malignant mesothelioma cells. However, we found that this transition was extremely rare. Of note, when it did occur, neighboring cells that were not direct descendants of a newly emerged eGFP(+) stem cell were more likely than non-neighboring cells to also become an eGFP(+) stem cell. This observation suggested a positional effect and led to a clustered "mosaic" reappearance of eGFP(+) stem cells. Moreover, stem cells reappeared even in cell cultures derived from one single differentiated eGFP(-) cell. On the basis of our experimental in vitro and in vivo findings, we developed a tumor growth model to predict the clustered localization of cancer stem cells within a tumor mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Blum
- From the Unit of Anatomy, Section of Medicine, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Henzi
- From the Unit of Anatomy, Section of Medicine, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Beat Schwaller
- From the Unit of Anatomy, Section of Medicine, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - László Pecze
- From the Unit of Anatomy, Section of Medicine, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
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24
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Birnie KA, Prêle CM, Thompson PJ, Badrian B, Mutsaers SE. Targeting microRNA to improve diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for malignant mesothelioma. Oncotarget 2017; 8:78193-78207. [PMID: 29100460 PMCID: PMC5652849 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive and often fatal cancer associated with asbestos exposure. The disease originates in the mesothelial lining of the serosal cavities, most commonly affecting the pleura. Survival rates are low as diagnosis often occurs at an advanced stage and current treatments are limited. Identifying new diagnostic and therapeutic targets for mesothelioma remains a priority, particularly for the new wave of victims exposed to asbestos through do-it-yourself renovations and in countries where asbestos is still mined and used. Recent advances have demonstrated a biological role for the small but powerful gene regulators microRNA (miRNA) in mesothelioma. A number of potential therapeutic targets have been identified. MiRNA have also become popular as potential biomarkers for mesothelioma due to their stable expression in bodily fluid and tissues. In this review, we highlight the current challenges associated with the diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma and discuss how targeting miRNA may improve diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A Birnie
- Institute for Respiratory Health, Centre for Respiratory Health, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Cecilia M Prêle
- Institute for Respiratory Health, Centre for Respiratory Health, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Philip J Thompson
- Institute for Respiratory Health, Centre for Respiratory Health, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Bahareh Badrian
- Institute for Respiratory Health, Centre for Respiratory Health, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Steven E Mutsaers
- Institute for Respiratory Health, Centre for Respiratory Health, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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25
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Woodard GA, Yang YL, You L, Jablons DM. Drug development against the hippo pathway in mesothelioma. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2017; 6:335-342. [PMID: 28713678 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr.2017.06.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Advances in the treatments for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) have been disappointing until recently. Conventional cytotoxic drugs fail in MPM in part because they do not address the cancer stem cell population or stem cell pathways that drive tumor resistance and resurgence following treatment. The Hippo stem cell pathway regulates cell contact inhibition with tumor suppressor genes such as NF2 (Neurofibromatosis 2) upstream controlling YAP (Yes-associated protein 1) oncogenes. NF2 is mutated in 40-50% of all MPM and downstream YAP is constitutively active in greater than 70% of MPM, making the downstream YAP/TEAD (transcriptional enhancer associate domain) complex the ultimate target. Novel small molecule YAP inhibitors are showing promising results in preclinical studies and may prove to be effective chemotherapy drugs in MPM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavitt A Woodard
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Yi-Lin Yang
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Liang You
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - David M Jablons
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, USA
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26
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Kresoja-Rakic J, Sulemani M, Kirschner MB, Ronner M, Reid G, Kao S, Schwaller B, Weder W, Stahel RA, Felley-Bosco E. Posttranscriptional Regulation Controls Calretinin Expression in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. Front Genet 2017; 8:70. [PMID: 28611824 PMCID: PMC5447031 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2017.00070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Calretinin (CALB2) is a diagnostic and prognostic marker in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). We previously reported that calretinin expression is regulated at the mRNA level. The presence of a medium-sized (573 nucleotide) 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) predicted to contain binding sites for miR-30a/b/c/d/e and miR-9 as well as an adenine/uridine-rich element (ARE) in all three transcripts arising from the CALB2 gene, suggests that calretinin expression is regulated via posttranscriptional mechanisms. Our aim was to investigate the role of the CALB2-3'UTR in the posttranscriptional regulation of calretinin expression in MPM. CALB2-3'UTR was inserted downstream of the luciferase reporter gene using pmiRGLO vector and reporter expression was determined after transfection into MPM cells. Targeted mutagenesis was used to generate variants harboring mutated miR-30 family and ARE binding sites. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay was used to test for the presence of ARE binding proteins. CALB2-3'UTR significantly decreased luciferase activity in MPM cells. Analysis of mutation in the ARE site revealed a further destabilization of the reporter and human antigen R (HuR) binding to the ARE sequence was detected. The mutation of two miR-30 binding sites abolished CALB2-3'UTR destabilization effect; a transient delivery of miR-30e-5p mimics or anti-miR into MPM cells resulted in a significant decrease/increase of the luciferase reporter expression and calretinin protein, respectively. Moreover, overexpression of CALB2-3'UTR quenched the effect of miR-30e-5p mimics on calretinin protein levels, possibly by sequestering the mimics, thereby suggesting a competitive endogenous RNA network. Finally, by data mining we observed that expression of miR-30e-5p was negatively correlated with the calretinin expression in a cohort of MPM patient samples. Our data show the role of (1) adenine-uridine (AU)-binding proteins in calretinin stabilization and (2) miR-30e-5p in the posttranscriptional negative regulation of calretinin expression via interaction with its 3'UTR. Furthermore, our study demonstrates a possible physiological role of calretinin's alternatively spliced transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Kresoja-Rakic
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Division of Thoracic SurgeryUniversity Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Merve Sulemani
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Division of Thoracic SurgeryUniversity Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Manuel Ronner
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Division of Thoracic SurgeryUniversity Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Glen Reid
- Asbestos Diseases Research Institute, SydneyNSW, Australia.,School of Medicine, The University of Sydney, SydneyNSW, Australia
| | - Steven Kao
- Asbestos Diseases Research Institute, SydneyNSW, Australia.,School of Medicine, The University of Sydney, SydneyNSW, Australia.,Department of Medical Oncology, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, SydneyNSW, Australia
| | - Beat Schwaller
- Department of Medicine, Anatomy, University of FribourgFribourg, Switzerland
| | - Walter Weder
- Division of Thoracic SurgeryUniversity Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rolf A Stahel
- Clinic for OncologyUniversity Hospital Zurich, Zurich
| | - Emanuela Felley-Bosco
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Division of Thoracic SurgeryUniversity Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
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