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Lira GA, de Azevedo FM, Lins IGDS, Marques IDL, Lira GA, Eich C, de Araujo Junior RF. High M2-TAM Infiltration and STAT3/NF-κB Signaling Pathway as a Predictive Factor for Tumor Progression and Death in Cervical Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2496. [PMID: 39061137 PMCID: PMC11275153 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16142496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in the progression, invasion, and metastasis of cervical carcinoma (CC). Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are significant components of the CC TME, but studies on their correlation with CC progression are still controversial. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between TAM infiltration, the STAT3/NF-κB signaling pathway, and Overall Survival (OS) in CC patients. METHODS In a retrospective study, 691 CC patients who had received a definitive histopathologic diagnosis of CC scored by the FIGO staging system and not undergone preoperative treatment were selected from a database. The effect of TAM infiltration on tumor progression biomarkers using Tissue Microarray (TMA) and immunohistochemistry was evaluated. Furthermore, the impact of the expression of these biomarkers and clinical-pathological parameters on recurrence-free (RF) and OS using Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox regression methods was also analyzed. RESULTS High stromal CD163 + 204 + TAMs density and via STAT3 and NF-κB pathways was relevant to the expression of E-cadherin, Vimentin, MMP9, VEGFα, Bcl-2, Ki-67, CD25, MIF, FOXP3, and IL-17 (all p < 0.0001). In addition, elevated TNM staging IV had a strong association correlation with STAT3 and NF-κB pathways (p < 0.0001), CD25 (p < 0.001), VEGFα (p < 0.001), MIF (p < 0.0001), and Ki-67 (p < 0.0001). On the other hand, overall and recurrence survival was shown to be strongly influenced by the expression of SNAIL (HR = 1.52), E-cadherin (HR = 1.78), and Ki-67 (HR = 1.44). CONCLUSION M2-TAM and via STAT3/NF-κB pathways had a strong effect on CC tumor progression which reverberated in the severity of clinicopathological findings, becoming an important factor of poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Alexandre Lira
- Cancer and Inflammation Research Laboratory, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte Natal, Natal 59072-970, RN, Brazil;
- Postgraduate Program in Health Science, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59072-970, RN, Brazil;
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands;
- League Against Cancer from Rio Grande do Norte, Advanced Oncology Center, Natal 59075-740, RN, Brazil; (I.G.d.S.L.); (G.A.L.)
| | | | | | - Isabelle de Lima Marques
- Postgraduate Program in Health Science, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59072-970, RN, Brazil;
| | - Giovanna Afonso Lira
- League Against Cancer from Rio Grande do Norte, Advanced Oncology Center, Natal 59075-740, RN, Brazil; (I.G.d.S.L.); (G.A.L.)
| | - Christina Eich
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Raimundo Fernandes de Araujo Junior
- Cancer and Inflammation Research Laboratory, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte Natal, Natal 59072-970, RN, Brazil;
- Postgraduate Program in Health Science, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59072-970, RN, Brazil;
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands;
- Postgraduate Program in Functional and Structural Biology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59072-970, RN, Brazil
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2
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Shrestha H, Rädler PD, Dennaoui R, Wicker MN, Rajbhandari N, Sun Y, Peck AR, Vistisen K, Triplett AA, Beydoun R, Sterneck E, Saur D, Rui H, Wagner KU. The Janus kinase 1 is critical for pancreatic cancer initiation and progression. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114202. [PMID: 38733583 PMCID: PMC11194014 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114202] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6)-class inflammatory cytokines signal through the Janus tyrosine kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway and promote the development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC); however, the functions of specific intracellular signaling mediators in this process are less well defined. Using a ligand-controlled and pancreas-specific knockout in adult mice, we demonstrate in this study that JAK1 deficiency prevents the formation of KRASG12D-induced pancreatic tumors, and we establish that JAK1 is essential for the constitutive activation of STAT3, whose activation is a prominent characteristic of PDAC. We identify CCAAT/enhancer binding protein δ (C/EBPδ) as a biologically relevant downstream target of JAK1 signaling, which is upregulated in human PDAC. Reinstating the expression of C/EBPδ was sufficient to restore the growth of JAK1-deficient cancer cells as tumorspheres and in xenografted mice. Collectively, the findings of this study suggest that JAK1 executes important functions of inflammatory cytokines through C/EBPδ and may serve as a molecular target for PDAC prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hridaya Shrestha
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Tumor Biology Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Patrick D Rädler
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Tumor Biology Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Rayane Dennaoui
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Tumor Biology Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Madison N Wicker
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Tumor Biology Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Nirakar Rajbhandari
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Yunguang Sun
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Amy R Peck
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Kerry Vistisen
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Tumor Biology Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Aleata A Triplett
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Rafic Beydoun
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Tumor Biology Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Esta Sterneck
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Dieter Saur
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany; Translational Cancer Research and Institute of Experimental Cancer Therapy, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Hallgeir Rui
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Kay-Uwe Wagner
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Tumor Biology Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
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Mukherjee S, Chopra A, Karmakar S, Bhat SG. Periodontitis increases the risk of gastrointestinal dysfunction: an update on the plausible pathogenic molecular mechanisms. Crit Rev Microbiol 2024:1-31. [PMID: 38602474 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2024.2339260] [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: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Periodontitis is an immuno-inflammatory disease of the soft tissues surrounding the teeth. Periodontitis is linked to many communicable and non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancers. The oral-systemic link between periodontal disease and systemic diseases is attributed to the spread of inflammation, microbial products and microbes to distant organ systems. Oral bacteria reach the gut via swallowed saliva, whereby they induce gut dysbiosis and gastrointestinal dysfunctions. Some periodontal pathogens like Porphyromonas. gingivalis, Klebsiella, Helicobacter. Pylori, Streptococcus, Veillonella, Parvimonas micra, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Peptostreptococcus, Haemophilus, Aggregatibacter actinomycetomcommitans and Streptococcus mutans can withstand the unfavorable acidic, survive in the gut and result in gut dysbiosis. Gut dysbiosis increases gut inflammation, and induce dysplastic changes that lead to gut dysfunction. Various studies have linked oral bacteria, and oral-gut axis to various GIT disorders like inflammatory bowel disease, liver diseases, hepatocellular and pancreatic ductal carcinoma, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease. Although the correlation between periodontitis and GIT disorders is well established, the intricate molecular mechanisms by which oral microflora induce these changes have not been discussed extensively. This review comprehensively discusses the intricate and unique molecular and immunological mechanisms by which periodontal pathogens can induce gut dysbiosis and dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayantan Mukherjee
- Department of Periodontology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Aditi Chopra
- Department of Periodontology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Shaswata Karmakar
- Department of Periodontology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Subraya Giliyar Bhat
- Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, Division of Periodontology, College of Dental Surgery, Iman Abdulrahman Bin Faizal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
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4
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Bose M, Sanders A, Handa A, Vora A, Cardona MR, Brouwer C, Mukherjee P. Molecular crosstalk between MUC1 and STAT3 influences the anti-proliferative effect of Napabucasin in epithelial cancers. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3178. [PMID: 38326371 PMCID: PMC10850135 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53549-4] [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: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
MUC1 is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is overexpressed and aberrantly glycosylated in epithelial cancers. The cytoplasmic tail of MUC1 (MUC1 CT) aids in tumorigenesis by upregulating the expression of multiple oncogenes. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) plays a crucial role in several cellular processes and is aberrantly activated in many cancers. In this study, we focus on recent evidence suggesting that STAT3 and MUC1 regulate each other's expression in cancer cells in an auto-inductive loop and found that their interaction plays a prominent role in mediating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and drug resistance. The STAT3 inhibitor Napabucasin was in clinical trials but was discontinued due to futility. We found that higher expression of MUC1 increased the sensitivity of cancer cells to Napabucasin. Therefore, high-MUC1 tumors may have a better outcome to Napabucasin therapy. We report how MUC1 regulates STAT3 activity and provide a new perspective on repurposing the STAT3-inhibitor Napabucasin to improve clinical outcome of epithelial cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukulika Bose
- Department of Biological Sciences, UNC Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, 28223, USA.
| | - Alexa Sanders
- Department of Bioinformatics, UNC Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, 28223, USA
| | - Aashna Handa
- Department of Biological Sciences, UNC Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, 28223, USA
| | - Aabha Vora
- Department of Biological Sciences, UNC Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, 28223, USA
| | - Manuel R Cardona
- Department of Biological Sciences, UNC Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, 28223, USA
| | - Cory Brouwer
- Department of Bioinformatics, UNC Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, 28223, USA
| | - Pinku Mukherjee
- Department of Biological Sciences, UNC Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, 28223, USA.
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5
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Sruthi KK, Natani S, Ummanni R. Tumor protein D52 (isoform 3) induces NF-κB - STAT3 mediated EMT driving neuroendocrine differentiation of prostate cancer cells. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2024; 166:106493. [PMID: 37935328 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2023.106493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
In prostate cancer (PCa) patients, a proto-oncogene Tumor protein D52 (TPD52) is overexpressed, and it is involved in different cellular functions. In this study, we report that TPD52 expression is positively associated with the emergence of neuroendocrine PCa (NEPC). With overexpression of TPD52 in LNCaP cells, we found neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) of cells in in-vitro and distinct NED features confirmed by NE markers neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and chromogranin A (CHR-A). Further, we investigated the molecular mechanisms involved in TPD52 mediated NED of PCa cells. We found that TPD52 activates the NF- κB - STAT3 axis for the induction of NED in LNCaP cells. Indeed, inhibition of NF-κB - STAT3 attenuated the progression of NED in TPD52 positive LNCaP cells. Importantly, silencing of TPD52 expression or inhibition of NF-κB - STAT3 activity in a neuroendocrine cell line NCI-H660 showed a marked decrease in the expression of NSE and CHR-A, confirming the reversal of the NE properties. Notably, TPD52 overexpression in LNCaP cells induced expression of N-cadherin, Vimentin, ZEB1, and Snail1 indicating that TPD52 positively regulates epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) of PCa cells towards NED. Moreover, silencing of Snail1 in TPD52 positive cells blocked the progression of NED and, in NCI-H660 cells reversed NE properties as expected. Of the few requirements of TPD52, activation of NF-κB - STAT3 is essential for promoting EMT compelling NED of LNCaP cells. Collectively, these results reveal that TPD52 is associated with the progression of NEPC and emphasizes the need for therapeutic targeting of TPD52 in PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- K K Sruthi
- Department of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Sirisha Natani
- Department of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad, India
| | - Ramesh Ummanni
- Department of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
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6
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Joshi P, Verma K, Kumar Semwal D, Dwivedi J, Sharma S. Mechanism insights of curcumin and its analogues in cancer: An update. Phytother Res 2023; 37:5435-5463. [PMID: 37649266 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is the world's second leading cause of mortality and one of the major public health problems. Cancer incidence and mortality rates remain high despite the great advancements in existing therapeutic, diagnostic, and preventive approaches. Therefore, a quest for less toxic and more efficient anti-cancer strategies is still at the forefront of the current research. Traditionally important, curcumin commonly known as a wonder molecule has received considerable attention as an anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant candidate. However, limited water solubility and low bioavailability restrict its extensive utility in different pathological states. The investigators are making consistent efforts to develop newer strategies to overcome its limitations by designing different analogues with better pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. The present review highlights the recent updates on curcumin and its analogues with special emphasis on various mechanistic pathways involved in anti-cancer activity. In addition, the structure-activity relationship of curcumin analogues has also been precisely discussed. This article will also provide key information for the design and development of newer curcumin analogues with desired pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles and will provide in depth understanding of molecular pathways involved in the anti-cancer activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Joshi
- Department of Pharmacy, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali, Rajasthan, India
| | - Kanika Verma
- Department of Pharmacy, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali, Rajasthan, India
| | - Deepak Kumar Semwal
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Uttarakhand Ayurved University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Jaya Dwivedi
- Department of Chemistry, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali, Rajasthan, India
| | - Swapnil Sharma
- Department of Pharmacy, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali, Rajasthan, India
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7
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Júnior RFDA, Lira GA, Schomann T, Cavalcante RS, Vilar NF, de Paula RCM, Gomes RF, Chung CK, Jorquera-Cordero C, Vepris O, Chan AB, Cruz LJ. Retinoic acid-loaded PLGA nanocarriers targeting cell cholesterol potentialize the antitumour effect of PD-L1 antibody by preventing epithelial-mesenchymal transition mediated by M2-TAM in colorectal cancer. Transl Oncol 2023; 31:101647. [PMID: 36857852 PMCID: PMC9989692 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101647] [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: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) often promote cancer progression through immunosuppression in the tumour microenvironment (TME). However, the signalling pathways crosstalk responsible for this mechanism remain unclear. The aim of our study was to investigate whether the interaction between TAMs and colorectal cancer cells could be down-regulated by nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with retinoic acid (RA) and coated with cholesterol (CHO), in combination with an anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitor. Tumours were evaluated by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry from allographic tumour growth model. In addition, human tumours were evaluated by Tissue Microarray (TMA) and immunohistochemistry. Complementary analysis of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cell migration, and macrophage polarisation were evaluated in vitro. We showed that the IL-10R/IL-10 axis is involved in overstimulation of the STAT3 pathway as well as downregulation of the NF-κB signalling pathway, which supports a loop of immunosuppressive cytokines that induces the M2-TAM phenotype. Furthermore, our combined findings suggest that the upregulation of STAT3/NF-κB pathways crosstalk mediated by immunosuppressive cytokines, such as IL-10/PD-L1/TGF-β, via M2-TAMs in the TME, leads to immunosuppression and epithelial-mesenchymal-transition of the colorectal cancer for stimulating Vimentin, CXCL12 and CD163 in the primary tumours. Importantly, NPs holding RA and coated with CHO in combination with anti-PD-L1 were more efficient in blocking this signalling pathway. These results contribute to our understanding of the immunological mechanisms, especially the re-educating of TAMs, and provide a novel management strategy for aggressive colorectal cancers using anti-PD-L1-conjugated nanocarriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raimundo Fernandes de Araújo Júnior
- Cancer and Inflammation Research Laboratory, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte Natal, RN 59072-970, Brazil; Post-Graduation Programme in Structural and Functional Biology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN 59072-970, Brazil; Post-Graduation Programme in Health Science, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN 59072-970, Brazil; Percuros B.V., Leiden, CL 2333, the Netherlands; Translational Nanobiomaterials and Imaging, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, ZA 2333, the Netherlands.
| | - George A Lira
- Cancer and Inflammation Research Laboratory, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte Natal, RN 59072-970, Brazil; Post-Graduation Programme in Health Science, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN 59072-970, Brazil; Translational Nanobiomaterials and Imaging, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, ZA 2333, the Netherlands; League Against Cancer from Rio Grande do Norte, Advanced Oncology Center, Natal 59075-740, Brazil
| | - Timo Schomann
- Percuros B.V., Leiden, CL 2333, the Netherlands; Translational Nanobiomaterials and Imaging, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, ZA 2333, the Netherlands
| | - Rômulo S Cavalcante
- Cancer and Inflammation Research Laboratory, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte Natal, RN 59072-970, Brazil; Post-Graduation Programme in Health Science, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN 59072-970, Brazil
| | - Natalia Feitosa Vilar
- Cancer and Inflammation Research Laboratory, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte Natal, RN 59072-970, Brazil
| | | | - Raelle Ferreira Gomes
- Post-Graduation Programme in Chemistry, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE 60440-900, Brazil
| | - Chih Kit Chung
- Percuros B.V., Leiden, CL 2333, the Netherlands; Translational Nanobiomaterials and Imaging, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, ZA 2333, the Netherlands; JeNaCell GmbH, Winzerlaer Straße 2, Jena 07745, Germany
| | - Carla Jorquera-Cordero
- Percuros B.V., Leiden, CL 2333, the Netherlands; Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, CX 3584, the Netherlands
| | - Olena Vepris
- Translational Nanobiomaterials and Imaging, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, ZA 2333, the Netherlands
| | - Alan B Chan
- Percuros B.V., Leiden, CL 2333, the Netherlands
| | - Luis J Cruz
- Translational Nanobiomaterials and Imaging, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, ZA 2333, the Netherlands
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Bubin R, Uljanovs R, Strumfa I. Cancer Stem Cells in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087030. [PMID: 37108193 PMCID: PMC10138709 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The first discovery of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in leukaemia triggered active research on stemness in neoplastic tissues. CSCs represent a subpopulation of malignant cells, defined by unique properties: a dedifferentiated state, self-renewal, pluripotency, an inherent resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy, the presence of certain epigenetic alterations, as well as a higher tumorigenicity in comparison with the general population of cancer cells. A combination of these features highlights CSCs as a high-priority target during cancer treatment. The presence of CSCs has been confirmed in multiple malignancies, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, an entity that is well known for its dismal prognosis. As the aggressive course of pancreatic carcinoma is partly attributable to treatment resistance, CSCs could contribute to adverse outcomes. The aim of this review is to summarize the current information regarding the markers and molecular features of CSCs in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and the therapeutic options to remove them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Bubin
- Faculty of Medicine, Riga Stradins University, 16 Dzirciema Street, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
| | - Romans Uljanovs
- Department of Pathology, Riga Stradins University, 16 Dzirciema Street, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
| | - Ilze Strumfa
- Department of Pathology, Riga Stradins University, 16 Dzirciema Street, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
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9
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Mustafa AHM, Krämer OH. Pharmacological Modulation of the Crosstalk between Aberrant Janus Kinase Signaling and Epigenetic Modifiers of the Histone Deacetylase Family to Treat Cancer. Pharmacol Rev 2023; 75:35-61. [PMID: 36752816 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.122.000612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperactivated Janus kinase (JAK) signaling is an appreciated drug target in human cancers. Numerous mutant JAK molecules as well as inherent and acquired drug resistance mechanisms limit the efficacy of JAK inhibitors (JAKi). There is accumulating evidence that epigenetic mechanisms control JAK-dependent signaling cascades. Like JAKs, epigenetic modifiers of the histone deacetylase (HDAC) family regulate the growth and development of cells and are often dysregulated in cancer cells. The notion that inhibitors of histone deacetylases (HDACi) abrogate oncogenic JAK-dependent signaling cascades illustrates an intricate crosstalk between JAKs and HDACs. Here, we summarize how structurally divergent, broad-acting as well as isoenzyme-specific HDACi, hybrid fusion pharmacophores containing JAKi and HDACi, and proteolysis targeting chimeras for JAKs inactivate the four JAK proteins JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, and tyrosine kinase-2. These agents suppress aberrant JAK activity through specific transcription-dependent processes and mechanisms that alter the phosphorylation and stability of JAKs. Pharmacological inhibition of HDACs abrogates allosteric activation of JAKs, overcomes limitations of ATP-competitive type 1 and type 2 JAKi, and interacts favorably with JAKi. Since such findings were collected in cultured cells, experimental animals, and cancer patients, we condense preclinical and translational relevance. We also discuss how future research on acetylation-dependent mechanisms that regulate JAKs might allow the rational design of improved treatments for cancer patients. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Reversible lysine-ɛ-N acetylation and deacetylation cycles control phosphorylation-dependent Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling. The intricate crosstalk between these fundamental molecular mechanisms provides opportunities for pharmacological intervention strategies with modern small molecule inhibitors. This could help patients suffering from cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Al-Hassan M Mustafa
- Department of Toxicology, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany (A.-H.M.M., O.H.K.) and Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt (A.-H.M.M.)
| | - Oliver H Krämer
- Department of Toxicology, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany (A.-H.M.M., O.H.K.) and Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt (A.-H.M.M.)
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10
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Mugiyanto E, Adikusuma W, Irham LM, Huang WC, Chang WC, Kuo CN. Integrated genomic analysis to identify druggable targets for pancreatic cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:989077. [PMID: 36531045 PMCID: PMC9752886 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.989077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 03/31/2024] Open
Abstract
According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the standard treatment for pancreatic cancer (PC) is gemcitabine and fluorouracil. Other chemotherapeutic agents have been widely combined. However, drug resistance remains a huge challenge, leading to the ineffectiveness of cancer therapy. Therefore, we are trying to discover new treatments for PC by utilizing genomic information to identify PC-associated genes as well as drug target genes for drug repurposing. Genomic information from a public database, the cBio Cancer Genomics Portal, was employed to retrieve the somatic mutation genes of PC. Five functional annotations were applied to prioritize the PC risk genes: Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes; biological process; knockout mouse; Gene List Automatically Derived For You; and Gene Expression Omnibus Dataset. DrugBank database was utilized to extract PC drug targets. To narrow down the most promising drugs for PC, CMap Touchstone analysis was applied. Finally, ClinicalTrials.gov and a literature review were used to screen the potential drugs under clinical and preclinical investigation. Here, we extracted 895 PC-associated genes according to the cBioPortal database and prioritized them by using five functional annotations; 318 genes were assigned as biological PC risk genes. Further, 216 genes were druggable according to the DrugBank database. CMap Touchstone analysis indicated 13 candidate drugs for PC. Among those 13 drugs, 8 drugs are in the clinical trials, 2 drugs were supported by the preclinical studies, and 3 drugs are with no evidence status for PC. Importantly, we found that midostaurin (targeted PRKA) and fulvestrant (targeted ESR1) are promising candidate drugs for PC treatment based on the genomic-driven drug repurposing pipelines. In short, integrated analysis using a genomic information database demonstrated the viability for drug repurposing. We proposed two drugs (midostaurin and fulvestrant) as promising drugs for PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eko Mugiyanto
- PhD Program in Clinical Drug Development of Herbal Medicine, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Science, University of Muhammadiyah Pekajangan Pekalongan, Pekalongan, Indonesia
| | - Wirawan Adikusuma
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Science, University of Muhammadiyah Mataram, Mataram, Indonesia
| | | | - Wan-Chen Huang
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chiao Chang
- PhD Program in Clinical Drug Development of Herbal Medicine, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pharmacy, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Integrative Research Center for Critical Care, Department of Pharmacy, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Nan Kuo
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pharmacy, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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11
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Bhatia R, Bhyravbhatla N, Kisling A, Li X, Batra SK, Kumar S. Cytokines chattering in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tumor microenvironment. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:499-510. [PMID: 35346801 PMCID: PMC9510605 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of multiple cell types interspersed by dense fibrous stroma. These cells communicate through low molecular weight signaling molecules called cytokines. The cytokines, through their receptors, facilitate PDAC initiation, progression, metastasis, and distant colonization of malignant cells. These signaling mediators secreted from tumor-associated macrophages, and cancer-associated fibroblasts in conjunction with oncogenic Kras mutation initiate acinar to ductal metaplasia (ADM), resulting in the appearance of early preneoplastic lesions. Further, M1- and M2-polarized macrophages provide proinflammatory conditions and promote deposition of extracellular matrix, whereas myofibroblasts and T-lymphocytes, such as Th17 and T-regulatory cells, create a fibroinflammatory and immunosuppressive environment with a significantly reduced cytotoxic T-cell population. During PDAC progression, cytokines regulate the expression of various oncogenic regulators such as NFκB, c-myc, growth factor receptors, and mucins resulting in the formation of high-grade PanIN lesions, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, invasion, and extravasation of malignant cells, and metastasis. During metastasis, PDAC cells colonize at the premetastatic niche created in the liver, and lung, an organotropic function primarily executed by cytokines in circulation or loaded in the exosomes from the primary tumor cells. The indispensable contribution of these cytokines at every stage of PDAC tumorigenesis makes them exciting candidates in combination with immune-, chemo- and targeted radiation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Bhatia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Namita Bhyravbhatla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Andrew Kisling
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Xiaoqi Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
| | - Sushil Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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12
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He P, Bian A, Miao Y, Jin W, Chen H, He J, Li L, Sun Y, Ye J, Yi Z, Zhou W, Chen Y. Discovery of a Highly Potent and Orally Bioavailable STAT3 Dual Phosphorylation Inhibitor for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment. J Med Chem 2022; 65:15487-15511. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peng He
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Aiwu Bian
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
- Shanghai Yuyao Biotech Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Ying Miao
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Wangrui Jin
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Huang Chen
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
- Shanghai Yuyao Biotech Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jia He
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Liting Li
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yue Sun
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jiangnan Ye
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Zhengfang Yi
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Wenbo Zhou
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
- Shanghai Yuyao Biotech Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yihua Chen
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
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13
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Hashimoto S, Hashimoto A, Muromoto R, Kitai Y, Oritani K, Matsuda T. Central Roles of STAT3-Mediated Signals in Onset and Development of Cancers: Tumorigenesis and Immunosurveillance. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162618. [PMID: 36010693 PMCID: PMC9406645 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the time of Rudolf Virchow in the 19th century, it has been well-known that cancer-associated inflammation contributes to tumor initiation and progression. However, it remains unclear whether a collapse of the balance between the antitumor immune response via the immunological surveillance system and protumor immunity due to cancer-related inflammation is responsible for cancer malignancy. The majority of inflammatory signals affect tumorigenesis by activating signal transducer and activation of transcription 3 (STAT3) and nuclear factor-κB. Persistent STAT3 activation in malignant cancer cells mediates extremely widespread functions, including cell growth, survival, angiogenesis, and invasion and contributes to an increase in inflammation-associated tumorigenesis. In addition, intracellular STAT3 activation in immune cells causes suppressive effects on antitumor immunity and leads to the differentiation and mobilization of immature myeloid-derived cells and tumor-associated macrophages. In many cancer types, STAT3 does not directly rely on its activation by oncogenic mutations but has important oncogenic and malignant transformation-associated functions in both cancer and stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). We have reported a series of studies aiming towards understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the proliferation of various types of tumors involving signal-transducing adaptor protein-2 as an adaptor molecule that modulates STAT3 activity, and we recently found that AT-rich interactive domain-containing protein 5a functions as an mRNA stabilizer that orchestrates an immunosuppressive TME in malignant mesenchymal tumors. In this review, we summarize recent advances in our understanding of the functional role of STAT3 in tumor progression and introduce novel molecular mechanisms of cancer development and malignant transformation involving STAT3 activation that we have identified to date. Finally, we discuss potential therapeutic strategies for cancer that target the signaling pathway to augment STAT3 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeru Hashimoto
- Division of Molecular Psychoimmunology, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0815, Japan
- Correspondence: (S.H.); (T.M.)
| | - Ari Hashimoto
- Department of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Ryuta Muromoto
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Yuichi Kitai
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Kenji Oritani
- Department of Hematology, International University of Health and Welfare, Narita 286-8686, Japan
| | - Tadashi Matsuda
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
- Correspondence: (S.H.); (T.M.)
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14
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Hajimoradi M, Rezalotfi A, Esmaeilnejad-Ahranjani P, Mohammad Hassan Z, Ebrahimi M. STAT3 inactivation suppresses stemness properties in gastric cancer stem cells and promotes Th17 in Treg/Th17 balance. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 111:109048. [PMID: 35905563 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) has been recognized with dual effects in provision of cancer; either tumor inductive or immune suppressive. Recent findings considering the role of STAT3 in stem cells and cancer stem cell regulation, but its role in gastric cancer stem cells (GCSCs) and modulating the Th17/Treg balance is unknown. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the role of activated STAT3 in GCSCs and Th17/ Treg cell paradigm. In completion of our previous results, the findings here indicate that gastro-spheroids, as a model of GCSCs, represent higher level of STAT3 activity, up-regulation of TGF-b and VEGF with downregulation of IL-6. On the other hand, treatment of normal naïve T cells with conditioned medium derived from gastro-spheroids promotes T cell differentiation toward cells with a higher level of FOXP3, TGF-b, and IL-10 expression which is indicative of Treg cells. Suppression of STAT3 activation in cancer cells by using Stattic small molecule treatment, decreases stemness features (i.e. spheroid formation and integrity, stemness gene expression and in vivo tumorigenicity capacity) and downregulates TGF-b in the cancer cells. Furthermore, co-culture of conditioned medium of STAT3 inhibited cancer cells with normal PBMCs leads to reduction in the percentage of Treg accompanied with increase of Th17 cells with a decrease in the secretion of TGF-b and increase in IFN-γ in T cells under differentiation. Therefore, targeting the STAT3 pathway in cancer cells seems to control the tumor formation and also impact on immune cells shifting to antitumor Th17 population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monireh Hajimoradi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Sciences Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran; Department of Immunology, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Alaleh Rezalotfi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Sciences Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran; Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Parvaneh Esmaeilnejad-Ahranjani
- Department of Anaerobic Bacterial Vaccine Research and Production, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Zuhair Mohammad Hassan
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Marzieh Ebrahimi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Sciences Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
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15
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Antoon R, Wang XH, Saleh AH, Warrington J, Hedley DW, Keating A. Pancreatic cancer growth promoted by bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cell-derived IL-6 is reversed predominantly by IL-6 blockade. Cytotherapy 2022; 24:699-710. [PMID: 35473998 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2021.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal cancer characterized by local invasiveness, early metastasis, recurrence and high resistance to current therapies. Extensive stroma or desmoplasia is a key histological feature of the disease, and interactions between cancer and stromal cells are critical for pancreatic cancer development and progression. Mesenchymal stromal cells [MSCs] exhibit preferential tropism to primary and metastatic tumor sites and may either suppress or support tumor growth. Although MSCs represent a potential source of pancreatic cancer stroma, their contribution to pancreatic tumor growth remains poorly known. Here, we show that bone marrow MSCs significantly contribute to pancreatic cancer growth in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, MSCs create a pro-carcinogenic microenvironment through the release of key factors mediating growth and angiogenesis, including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, vascular endothelial growth factor and activation of STAT3 signaling in tumor cells. IL-6 released by MSCs was largely responsible for the pro-tumorigenic effects of MSCs. Knockdown of IL-6 expression in MSCs by small interfering RNA (siRNA) abolished the MSC growth-promoting effect in vitro, reducing tumor cell proliferation and clonogenic potential. In addition, in a heterotopic nude mouse model of human pancreatic tumor xenografts, blockade of IL-6 with the anti-IL-6 receptor antibody, tocilizumab, or of its downstream effector STAT3 with the small molecule STAT3 inhibitor S3I-201, abrogated MSC-mediated tumor promotion and delayed tumor formation significantly. Our data demonstrate that MSCs promote pancreatic cancer growth, with IL-6 produced by MSCs playing a pivotal role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roula Antoon
- Krembil Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Amr H Saleh
- Krembil Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - David W Hedley
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Armand Keating
- Krembil Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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16
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Halder S, Parte S, Kshirsagar P, Muniyan S, Nair HB, Batra SK, Seshacharyulu P. The Pleiotropic role, functions and targeted therapies of LIF/LIFR axis in cancer: Old spectacles with new insights. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188737. [PMID: 35680099 PMCID: PMC9793423 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The dysregulation of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and its cognate receptor (LIFR) has been associated with multiple cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. LIF plays a significant tumor-promoting role in cancer, while LIFR functions as a tumor promoter and suppressor. Epithelial and stromal cells secrete LIF via autocrine and paracrine signaling mechanism(s) that bind with LIFR and subsequently with co-receptor glycoprotein 130 (gp130) to activate JAK/STAT1/3, PI3K/AKT, mTORC1/p70s6K, Hippo/YAP, and MAPK signaling pathways. Clinically, activating the LIF/LIFR axis is associated with poor survival and anti-cancer therapy resistance. This review article provides an overview of the structure and ligands of LIFR, LIF/LIFR signaling in developmental biology, stem cells, cancer stem cells, genetics and epigenetics of LIFR, LIFR regulation by long non-coding RNAs and miRNAs, and LIF/LIFR signaling in cancers. Finally, neutralizing antibodies and small molecule inhibitors preferentially blocking LIF interaction with LIFR and antagonists against LIFR under pre-clinical and early-phase pre-clinical trials were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushanta Halder
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Seema Parte
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Prakash Kshirsagar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Sakthivel Muniyan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | | | - Surinder K. Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA,Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, USA,Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA,Corresponding authors at: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA. (S.K. Batra), (P. Seshacharyulu)
| | - Parthasarathy Seshacharyulu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA,Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, USA,Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA,Corresponding authors at: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA. (S.K. Batra), (P. Seshacharyulu)
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17
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Danesh Pouya F, Rasmi Y, Nemati M. Signaling Pathways Involved in 5-FU Drug Resistance in Cancer. Cancer Invest 2022; 40:516-543. [PMID: 35320055 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2022.2055050] [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] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Anti-metabolite drugs prevent the synthesis of essential cell growth compounds. 5-fluorouracil is used as an anti-metabolic drug in various cancers in the first stage of treatment. Unfortunately, in some cancers, 5-fluorouracil has low effectiveness because of its drug resistance. Studies have shown that drug resistance to 5-fluorouracil is due to the activation of specific signaling pathways and increased expressions of enzymes involved in drug metabolites. However, when 5-fluorouracil is used in combination with other drugs, the sensitivity of cancer cells to 5-fluorouracil increases, and the effect of drug resistance is reversed. This study discusses how the function of 5-fluorouracil in JAK/STAT, Wnt, Notch, NF-κB, and hedgehogs in some cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahima Danesh Pouya
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Yousef Rasmi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mohadeseh Nemati
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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18
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Pretta A, Lai E, Persano M, Donisi C, Pinna G, Cimbro E, Parrino A, Spanu D, Mariani S, Liscia N, Dubois M, Migliari M, Impera V, Saba G, Pusceddu V, Puzzoni M, Ziranu P, Scartozzi M. Uncovering key targets of success for immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:987-1005. [PMID: 34806517 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.2010044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite available treatment options, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is frequently lethal. Recent immunotherapy strategies have failed to yield any notable impact. Therefore, research is focussed on unearthing new drug targets and therapeutic strategies to tackle this malignancy and attain more positive outcomes for patients. AREAS COVERED In this perspective article, we evaluate the main resistance mechanisms to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and the approaches to circumvent them. We also offer an assessment of concluded and ongoing trials of PDAC immunotherapy. Literature research was performed on Pubmed accessible through keywords such as: 'pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma,' 'immunotherapy,' 'immunotherapy resistance,' 'immune escape,' 'biomarkers.' Papers published between 2000 and 2021 were selected. EXPERT OPINION The tumor microenvironment is a critical variable of treatment resistance because of its role as a physical barrier and inhibitory immune signaling. Promising therapeutic strategies appear to be a combination of immunotherapeutics with other targeted treatments. Going forward, predictive biomarkers are required to improve patient selection. Biomarker-driven trials could enhance approaches for assessing the role of immunotherapy in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Pretta
- Medical Oncology Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome Italy.,Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Eleonora Lai
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mara Persano
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Clelia Donisi
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanna Pinna
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Erika Cimbro
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alissa Parrino
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Dario Spanu
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefano Mariani
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Nicole Liscia
- Medical Oncology Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome Italy.,Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Dubois
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Migliari
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Valentino Impera
- Medical Oncology Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome Italy.,Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giorgio Saba
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Valeria Pusceddu
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Puzzoni
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Pina Ziranu
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mario Scartozzi
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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19
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Bansod S, Dodhiawala PB, Lim KH. Oncogenic KRAS-Induced Feedback Inflammatory Signaling in Pancreatic Cancer: An Overview and New Therapeutic Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215481. [PMID: 34771644 PMCID: PMC8582583 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains highly refractory to treatment. While the KRAS oncogene is present in almost all PDAC cases and accounts for many of the malignant feats of PDAC, targeting KRAS or its canonical, direct effector cascades remains unsuccessful in patients. The recalcitrant nature of PDAC is also heavily influenced by its highly fibro-inflammatory tumor microenvironment (TME), which comprises an acellular extracellular matrix and various types of non-neoplastic cells including fibroblasts, immune cells, and adipocytes, underscoring the critical need to delineate the bidirectional signaling interplay between PDAC cells and the TME in order to develop novel therapeutic strategies. The impact of tumor-cell KRAS signaling on various cell types in the TME has been well covered by several reviews. In this article, we critically reviewed evidence, including work from our group, on how the feedback inflammatory signals from the TME impact and synergize with oncogenic KRAS signaling in PDAC cells, ultimately augmenting their malignant behavior. We discussed past and ongoing clinical trials that target key inflammatory pathways in PDAC and highlight lessons to be learned from outcomes. Lastly, we provided our perspective on the future of developing therapeutic strategies for PDAC through understanding the breadth and complexity of KRAS and the inflammatory signaling network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sapana Bansod
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital and The Alvin J. Siteman Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (S.B.); (P.B.D.)
| | - Paarth B. Dodhiawala
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital and The Alvin J. Siteman Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (S.B.); (P.B.D.)
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Kian-Huat Lim
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital and The Alvin J. Siteman Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (S.B.); (P.B.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-314-362-6157
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20
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Chaudhary P, Guragain D, Chang JH, Kim JA. TPH1 and 5-HT 7 Receptor Overexpression Leading to Gemcitabine-Resistance Requires Non-Canonical Permissive Action of EZH2 in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5305. [PMID: 34771469 PMCID: PMC8582390 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we investigated the regulatory mechanisms underlying overexpression of EZH2, tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1), and 5-HT7, in relation to gemcitabine resistance and CSC survival in PDAC cells. In aggressive PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 cells, knock-down (KD) of EZH2, TPH1, or HTR7 induced a decrease in CSCs and recovery from gemcitabine resistance, while preconditioning of less aggressive Capan-1 cells with 5-HT induced gemcitabine resistance with increased expression of EZH2, TPH1, and 5-HT7. Such effects of the gene KD and 5-HT treatment were mediated through PI3K/Akt and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathways. EZH2 KD or GSK-126 (an EZH2 inhibitor) inhibited activities of these signaling pathways which altered nuclear level of NF-kB, Sp1, and p-STAT3, accompanied by downregulation of TPH1 and 5-HT7. Co-immunoprecipation with EZH2 and pan-methyl lysine antibodies revealed that auto-methylated EZH2 served as a scaffold for binding with methylated NF-kB and Sp1 as well as unmethylated p-STAT3. Furthermore, the inhibitor of EZH2, TPH1, or 5-HT7 effectively regressed pancreatic tumor growth in a xenografted mouse tumor model. Overall, the results revealed that long-term exposure to 5-HT upregulated EZH2, and the noncanonical action of EZH2 allowed the expression of TPH1-5-HT7 axis leading to gemcitabine resistance and CSC population in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jung-Ae Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Korea; (P.C.); (D.G.); (J.-H.C.)
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21
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Abstract
Although pancreatic cancer remains to be a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in many industrialized countries, there have been major advances in research over the past two decades that provided a detailed insight into the molecular and developmental processes that govern the genesis of this highly malignant tumor type. There is a continuous need for the development and analysis of preclinical and genetically engineered pancreatic cancer models to study the biological significance of new molecular targets that are identified using various genome-wide approaches and to better understand the mechanisms by which they contribute to pancreatic cancer onset and progression. Following an introduction into the etiology of pancreatic cancer, the molecular subtypes, and key signaling pathways, this review provides an overview of the broad spectrum of models for pancreatic cancer research. In addition to conventional and patient-derived xenografting, this review highlights major milestones in the development of chemical carcinogen-induced and genetically engineered animal models to study pancreatic cancer. Particular emphasis was placed on selected research findings of ligand-controlled tumor models and current efforts to develop genetically engineered strains to gain insight into the biological functions of genes at defined developmental stages during cancer initiation and metastatic progression.
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22
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Morshedi K, Borran S, Ebrahimi MS, Masoud Khooy MJ, Seyedi ZS, Amiri A, Abbasi-Kolli M, Fallah M, Khan H, Sahebkar A, Mirzaei H. Therapeutic effect of curcumin in gastrointestinal cancers: A comprehensive review. Phytother Res 2021; 35:4834-4897. [PMID: 34173992 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers with a high global prevalence are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Accordingly, there is a great need to develop efficient therapeutic approaches. Curcumin, a naturally occurring agent, is a promising compound with documented safety and anticancer activities. Recent studies have demonstrated the activity of curcumin in the prevention and treatment of different cancers. According to systematic studies on curcumin use in various diseases, it can be particularly effective in GI cancers because of its high bioavailability in the gastrointestinal tract. Nevertheless, the clinical applications of curcumin are largely limited because of its low solubility and low chemical stability in water. These limitations may be addressed by the use of relevant analogues or novel delivery systems. Herein, we summarize the pharmacological effects of curcumin against GI cancers. Moreover, we highlight the application of curcumin's analogues and novel delivery systems in the treatment of GI cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Korosh Morshedi
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Sarina Borran
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Zeynab Sadat Seyedi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran
| | - Atefeh Amiri
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Abbasi-Kolli
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Fallah
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
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23
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Liu S, Li Q, Ma Y, Corpe C, Wang J. Circular RNAs as novel potential biomarkers for pancreatic cancer. J Cancer 2021; 12:4604-4615. [PMID: 34149924 PMCID: PMC8210554 DOI: 10.7150/jca.58640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PaCa) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, and the vast majority of these malignancies are pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC), but there is still a lack of early detection biomarkers for PaCa. Unlike linear RNAs, circRNAs form covalently closed continuous loops and can act as mammalian gene regulators. They may be diagnostic or predictive biomarkers for some tumors, also be novel potential therapeutic targets in different diseases. This review focuses on (1) the biogenesis of circRNAs, RNA binding proteins (RBPs) and complementary sequences of circRNAs; (2) the characteristics of circRNAs which allow them to interact with miRNAs; (3) the roles of circRNAs playing in the regulation of gene expression, cell behavior and cancer, and their potential role as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Liu
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Road, Jinshan District, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Qiuyue Li
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Road, Jinshan District, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Yan Ma
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Road, Jinshan District, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Christopher Corpe
- King's College London, London, Nutritional Science Department, 150 Stamford street, waterloo, London, SE19NH, United Kingdom
| | - Jin Wang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Road, Jinshan District, Shanghai 201508, China
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24
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van Gisbergen MW, Zwilling E, Dubois LJ. Metabolic Rewiring in Radiation Oncology Toward Improving the Therapeutic Ratio. Front Oncol 2021; 11:653621. [PMID: 34041023 PMCID: PMC8143268 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.653621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
To meet the anabolic demands of the proliferative potential of tumor cells, malignant cells tend to rewire their metabolic pathways. Although different types of malignant cells share this phenomenon, there is a large intracellular variability how these metabolic patterns are altered. Fortunately, differences in metabolic patterns between normal tissue and malignant cells can be exploited to increase the therapeutic ratio. Modulation of cellular metabolism to improve treatment outcome is an emerging field proposing a variety of promising strategies in primary tumor and metastatic lesion treatment. These strategies, capable of either sensitizing or protecting tissues, target either tumor or normal tissue and are often focused on modulating of tissue oxygenation, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) stabilization, glucose metabolism, mitochondrial function and the redox balance. Several compounds or therapies are still in under (pre-)clinical development, while others are already used in clinical practice. Here, we describe different strategies from bench to bedside to optimize the therapeutic ratio through modulation of the cellular metabolism. This review gives an overview of the current state on development and the mechanism of action of modulators affecting cellular metabolism with the aim to improve the radiotherapy response on tumors or to protect the normal tissue and therefore contribute to an improved therapeutic ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marike W van Gisbergen
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Department of Dermatology, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Emma Zwilling
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ludwig J Dubois
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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25
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He QR, Tang JJ, Liu Y, Chen ZF, Liu YX, Chen H, Li D, Yi ZF, Gao JM. The natural product trienomycin A is a STAT3 pathway inhibitor that exhibits potent in vitro and in vivo efficacy against pancreatic cancer. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:2496-2515. [PMID: 33687738 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Pancreatic cancer is an exceptionally fatal disease. However, therapeutic drugs for pancreatic cancer have presented a serious shortage over the past few decades. Signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) is persistently activated in many human cancers where it promotes tumour development and progression. Natural products serve as an inexhaustible source of anticancer drugs. Here, we identified the natural product trienomycin A (TA), an ansamycin antibiotic, as a potential inhibitor of the STAT3 pathway with potent activity against pancreatic cancer. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Effects of trienomycin A on transcriptional activity of STAT3 were assessed by the STAT3-luciferase (STAT3-luc) reporter system. In vitro and in vivo inhibitory activity of TA against pancreatic cancer made use of molecular docking, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay, MTS assay, colony formation assay, transwell migration/invasion assay, flow cytometric analysis, immunofluorescence staining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), western blotting, tumour xenograft model, haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunohistochemistry. KEY RESULTS Trienomycin A directly bound to STAT3 and inhibited STAT3 (Tyr705) phosphorylation, thus inhibiting the STAT3 pathway. Trienomycin A also inhibited colony formation, proliferation, migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cell lines. Trienomycin A also markedly blocked pancreatic tumour growth in vivo. More importantly, trienomycin A did not show obvious toxicity at the effective dose in mice. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Trienomycin A exerted anti-neoplastic activity by suppressing STAT3 activation in pancreatic cancer. This natural product could be a novel therapeutic candidate for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu-Rui He
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products and Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Jiang-Jiang Tang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products and Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Yao Liu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products and Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Zhi-Fan Chen
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products and Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Yu-Xi Liu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products and Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Huang Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ding Li
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products and Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Zheng-Fang Yi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin-Ming Gao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products and Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
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26
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Liu A, Zhou J, Bi X, Hou G, Li SS, Chen Q, Xu H, Cao X. Aptamer-SH2 superbinder-based targeted therapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e337. [PMID: 33783993 PMCID: PMC7908048 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) exhibits the poorest prognosis of all solid tumors with a 5-year survival rate of less than 10% and a median survival of 6 months after diagnosis. Numerous targeted agents have been developed and evaluated to improve the survival benefit in patients with PDAC. Unfortunately, most agents have been proven futile mainly owing to the dense stroma and the sophisticated signaling pathways of PDAC. Here, we show the potent effectiveness of Aptamer-SH2 superbinder-(Arg)9 conjugate on the treatment of PDAC. In this conjugate, DNA aptamer selected against PDAC cell line confers the function of specifically recognizing and binding to the PDAC cells and activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) in stroma; cell penetrating peptide (Arg)9 facilitates the intracellular delivery of fused proteins; SH2 superbinder conducts the drastic blockade of multiple phosphotyrosines (pY)-based signaling pathways in tumor cells. METHODS PDAC-associated pY were reanalyzed by bioinformatics screen. XQ-2d and SH2 superbinder-(Arg)9 were crosslinked with BMH to form XQ-2d-SH2 CM-(Arg)9 conjugate. Immunofluorescence was utilized to assess the potency of the conjugate entering cells. MTT and wound healing assays were performed to evaluate the proliferation or migration of PANC-1 and BxPC-3 cells, respectively. Western blot and Pulldown assays revealed that conjugate influenced several pY-based signaling pathways. Tumor-bearing mice were used to validate XQ-2d-SH2 CM-(Arg)9, which restrained the growth and metastasis of cancer cells. RESULTS XQ-2d-His-SH2 CM-(Arg)9 conjugate restrained proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of PDAC cells with potent efficacy via blocking the activity of several pY-related signaling cascades. XQ-2d-His-SH2 CM-(Arg)9 could eliminate the dense stroma of PDAC and then arrive at tumor tissues. CONCLUSIONS XQ-2d-SH2 CM-(Arg)9 conjugate may efficiently destroy the pancreatic stroma and show potent antitumor efficacy with minimal toxic effect by regulating tumor cell proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo, which makes it to be a promising targeted therapy of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- An‐Dong Liu
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanP. R. China
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanP. R. China
| | - Xiao‐Yang Bi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanP. R. China
| | - Guo‐Qing Hou
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanP. R. China
| | - Shawn Shun‐Cheng Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and DentistryWestern UniversityLondonOntarioCanada
| | - Qing Chen
- Department of Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanP. R. China
| | - Hui Xu
- Ultrastructural Pathology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanP. R. China
| | - Xuan Cao
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanP. R. China
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27
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Matsuzawa F, Kamachi H, Mizukami T, Einama T, Kawamata F, Fujii Y, Fukai M, Kobayashi N, Hatanaka Y, Taketomi A. Mesothelin blockage by Amatuximab suppresses cell invasiveness, enhances gemcitabine sensitivity and regulates cancer cell stemness in mesothelin-positive pancreatic cancer cells. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:200. [PMID: 33637083 PMCID: PMC7912898 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-07722-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesothelin is a 40-kDa glycoprotein that is highly overexpressed in various types of cancers, however molecular mechanism of mesothelin has not been well-known. Amatuximab is a chimeric monoclonal IgG1/k antibody targeting mesothelin. We recently demonstrated that the combine therapy of Amatuximab and gemcitabine was effective for peritonitis of pancreatic cancer in mouse model. METHODS We discover the role and potential mechanism of mesothelin blockage by Amatuximab in human pancreatic cells both expressing high or low level of mesothelin in vitro experiment and peritonitis mouse model of pancreatic cancer. RESULTS Mesothelin blockage by Amatuximab lead to suppression of invasiveness and migration capacity in AsPC-1 and Capan-2 (high mesothelin expression) and reduce levels of pMET expression. The combination of Amatuximab and gemcitabine suppressed proliferation of AsPC-1 and Capan-2 more strongly than gemcitabine alone. These phenomena were not observed in Panc-1 and MIA Paca-2 (Mesothelin low expression). We previously demonstrated that Amatuximab reduced the peritoneal mass in mouse AsPC-1 peritonitis model and induced sherbet-like cancer cell aggregates, which were vanished by gemcitabine. In this study, we showed that the cancer stem cell related molecule such as ALDH1, CD44, c-MET, as well as proliferation related molecules, were suppressed in sherbet-like aggregates, but once sherbet-like aggregates attached to peritoneum, they expressed these molecules strongly without the morphological changes. CONCLUSIONS Our work suggested that Amatuximab inhibits the adhesion of cancer cells to peritoneum and suppresses the stemness and viability of those, that lead to enhance the sensitivity for gemcitabine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumihiko Matsuzawa
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, North 15, West 7, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Kamachi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, North 15, West 7, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8638, Japan.
| | - Tatsuzo Mizukami
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, North 15, West 7, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Takahiro Einama
- Department of Surgery, National Defense Medical College, Namiki 3-2, Tokorozawa, Saitama, 359-8513, Japan
| | - Futoshi Kawamata
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, North 15, West 7, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Yuki Fujii
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, North 15, West 7, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Moto Fukai
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, North 15, West 7, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Nozomi Kobayashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, North 15, West 7, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Yutaka Hatanaka
- Research Division of Companion Diagnostics, Hokkaido University Hospital, Kita 14, Nishi 5, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Akinobu Taketomi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, North 15, West 7, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8638, Japan
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28
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Chen H, Bian A, Yang LF, Yin X, Wang J, Ti C, Miao Y, Peng S, Xu S, Liu M, Qiu WW, Yi Z. Targeting STAT3 by a small molecule suppresses pancreatic cancer progression. Oncogene 2021; 40:1440-1457. [PMID: 33420372 PMCID: PMC7906907 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01626-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is lethal in over 90% of cases since it is resistant to current therapeutic strategies. The key role of STAT3 in promoting pancreatic cancer progression has been proven, but effective interventions that suppress STAT3 activities are limited. The development of novel anticancer agents that directly target STAT3 may have potential clinical benefits for pancreatic cancer treatment. Here, we report a new small-molecule inhibitor (N4) with potent antitumor bioactivity, which inhibits multiple oncogenic processes in pancreatic cancer. N4 blocked STAT3 and phospho-tyrosine (pTyr) peptide interactions in fluorescence polarization (FP) assay, specifically abolished phosphor-STAT3 (Tyr705), and suppressed expression of STAT3 downstream genes. The mechanism involved the direct binding of N4 to the STAT3 SH2 domain, thereby, the STAT3 dimerization, STAT3-EGFR, and STAT3-NF-κB cross-talk were efficiently inhibited. In animal models of pancreatic cancer, N4 was well tolerated, suppressed tumor growth and metastasis, and significantly prolonged survival of tumor-bearing mice. Our results offer a preclinical proof of concept for N4 as a candidate therapeutic compound for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huang Chen
- East China Normal University and Shanghai Fengxian District Central Hospital Joint Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Aiwu Bian
- East China Normal University and Shanghai Fengxian District Central Hospital Joint Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Lian-Fang Yang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Xuan Yin
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Chaowen Ti
- East China Normal University and Shanghai Fengxian District Central Hospital Joint Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Ying Miao
- East China Normal University and Shanghai Fengxian District Central Hospital Joint Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Shihong Peng
- East China Normal University and Shanghai Fengxian District Central Hospital Joint Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Shifen Xu
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingyao Liu
- East China Normal University and Shanghai Fengxian District Central Hospital Joint Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
| | - Wen-Wei Qiu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
| | - Zhengfang Yi
- East China Normal University and Shanghai Fengxian District Central Hospital Joint Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
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29
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Chen G, Xu L, Ye G, Lin J, Meng Z, Shen Y. Overexpression of a Long Non-Coding RNA BC037916 is Associated with Pancreatic Tumorigenesis and Poor Prognosis. Onco Targets Ther 2021; 13:13451-13463. [PMID: 33447050 PMCID: PMC7801918 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s282350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies. Accumulating evidence supports for the critical contribution of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) to the cancer development and progression. We tried to identify novel lncRNAs involved in the pancreatic carcinogenesis. Materials and Methods Two independent datasets (Gene Expression Omnibus datasets: GSE16515 and GSE32688) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The level of BC037916 was detected in pancreatic cancer tissues and adjacent no-tumorous tissues (n=86) by qRT-PCR. Effects of BC037916 on proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells were examined. Results We identified a novel lncRNA BC037916 involved in the pancreatic carcinogenesis by analyzing GEO datasets. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that 86.0% (74/86) pancreatic cancer tissues had increased BC037916 expression as compared with normal counterparts. Further, positive correlation was observed between BC037916 expression and clinical stage, primary tumor, and regional lymph node invasion. Importantly, BC037916 was an independent prognostic factor of pancreatic cancer. Functionally, knockdown of BC037916 repressed cell proliferation, inhibited cell invasion, halted cell cycle progression, and promoted apoptosis in both PANC-1 and SW1990 cells. In contrast, overexpression of BC037916 in CAPAN-1 had opposite effects. Moreover, silencing of BC037916 significantly inhibited the tumor growth of xenografted SW1990 cells in vivo. Results of Western blot assays suggested that BC037916 knockdown also suppressed the activation of JAK2/STAT3 and TGF-β signaling. Further experiments suggested that BC037916 positively regulated the expression of Twist through miR-3145-3p. Conclusion BC037916 exhibited oncogenic potential in pancreatic cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Chen
- Department of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Litao Xu
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanxiong Ye
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, People's Hospital of Lishui, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, People's Republic of China
| | - Junhua Lin
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiqiang Meng
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yehua Shen
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Kong K, Zhao Y, Xia L, Jiang H, Xu M, Zheng J. B3GNT3: A prognostic biomarker associated with immune cell infiltration in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Oncol Lett 2020; 21:159. [PMID: 33552277 PMCID: PMC7798085 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.12420] [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: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer, one of the most malignant gastrointestinal tumors, is prone to liver metastasis. However, due to the lack of appropriate and comprehensive diagnostic methods, it is difficult to accurately predict the survival outcomes. Therefore, there is a need to identify effective biomarkers, such as UDP-GlcNAc: βGal β-1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 3 (B3GNT3), that predict the survival outcome of patients with pancreatic cancer. In the present study, based on data from 171 cases of pancreatic cancer obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas portal, the differential expression of mRNAs was screened by comparing cancerous tissues with adjacent tissues. Univariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that B3GNT3 had prognostic capability and could be an independent prognostic factor for pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD). Using the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource tool and Tumor-Immune System Interaction Database, a potential relationship between B3GNT3 expression and immune cell infiltration was identified in pancreatic carcinoma. Furthermore, 177 samples of pancreatic carcinoma were collected and the association of CD68 expression with B3GNT3 was assessed by immunohistochemical staining. B3GNT3 expression was associated with clinical outcomes in pancreatic carcinoma and related to infiltrating levels of immune cells, which indicated that B3GNT3 could be used as an immunotherapy target for PAAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiwen Kong
- Department of Pathology, Changhai Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Yuanyu Zhao
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Leilei Xia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhai Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Changhai Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Mingjuan Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhai Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Jianming Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Changhai Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
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31
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Emerging roles for the IL-6 family of cytokines in pancreatic cancer. Clin Sci (Lond) 2020; 134:2091-2115. [PMID: 32808663 PMCID: PMC7434989 DOI: 10.1042/cs20191211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer has one of the poorest prognoses of all malignancies, with little improvement in clinical outcome over the past 40 years. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is responsible for the vast majority of pancreatic cancer cases, and is characterised by the presence of a dense stroma that impacts therapeutic efficacy and drives pro-tumorigenic programs. More specifically, the inflammatory nature of the tumour microenvironment is thought to underlie the loss of anti-tumour immunity and development of resistance to current treatments. Inflammatory pathways are largely mediated by the expression of, and signalling through, cytokines, chemokines, and other cellular messengers. In recent years, there has been much attention focused on dual targeting of cancer cells and the tumour microenvironment. Here we review our current understanding of the role of IL-6, and the broader IL-6 cytokine family, in pancreatic cancer, including their contribution to pancreatic inflammation and various roles in pancreatic cancer pathogenesis. We also summarise potential opportunities for therapeutic targeting of these pathways as an avenue towards combating poor patient outcomes.
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32
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IGFBP2 promotes tumor progression by inducing alternative polarization of macrophages in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma through the STAT3 pathway. Cancer Lett 2020; 500:132-146. [PMID: 33309859 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) represent the M2-like phenotype with potent immunosuppressive activity, and play a pro-tumor role in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) biology. In this study, we investigated the role of the insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP2) as a determinant of TAM polarity. Clinical data revealed that the levels of IGFBP2 correlated with M2 TAMs accumulation and disease progression in human PDAC. In vivo mouse model experiments showed that IGFBP2 promoted an immunosuppressive microenvironment and tumor growth in a macrophage dependent manner. Bioinformatics analysis of PDAC transcriptomes revealed a significant association between IGFBP2 expression and M2 macrophage polarization and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation. Mechanistic investigations demonstrated that IGFBP2 augmented the expression and secretion of IL-10 through STAT3 activation in PDAC cells, which induced TAM polarization toward an M2 phenotype. IGFBP2-polarized M2 macrophages significantly increased Tregs infiltration and impaired antitumor T-cell immunity in a mouse model. Thus, our investigations have illuminated the IGFBP2 signaling pathway that contributes to the macrophage-based immunosuppressive microenvironment in PDAC, suggesting that blocking the IGFBP2 axis constitutes a potential treatment strategy to reset TAM polarization toward an antitumor state in PDAC.
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Karmakar S, Rauth S, Nallasamy P, Perumal N, Nimmakalaya RK, Leon F, Gupta R, Barkeer S, Venkata RC, Raman V, Rachagani S, Ponnusamy MP, Batra SK. RNA Polymerase II-Associated Factor 1 Regulates Stem Cell Features of Pancreatic Cancer Cells, Independently of the PAF1 Complex, via Interactions With PHF5A and DDX3. Gastroenterology 2020; 159:1898-1915.e6. [PMID: 32781084 PMCID: PMC7680365 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2020.07.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS It is not clear how pancreatic cancer stem cells (CSCs) are regulated, resulting in ineffective treatments for pancreatic cancer. PAF1, a RNA polymerase II-associated factor 1 complex (PAF1C) component, maintains pluripotency of stem cells, by unclear mechanisms, and is a marker of CSCs. We investigated mechanisms by which PAF1 maintains CSCs and contributes to development of pancreatic tumors. METHODS Pancreatic cancer cell lines were engineered to knockdown PAF1 using inducible small hairpin RNAs. These cells were grown as orthotopic tumors in athymic nude mice and PAF1 knockdown was induced by administration of doxycycline in drinking water. Tumor growth and metastasis were monitored via IVIS imaging. CSCs were isolated from pancreatic cancer cell populations using flow cytometry and characterized by tumor sphere formation, tumor formation in nude mice, and expression of CSC markers. Isolated CSCs were depleted of PAF1 using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. PAF1-regulated genes in CSCs were identified via RNA-seq and PCR array analyses of cells with PAF1 knockdown. Proteins that interact with PAF1 in CSCs were identified by immunoprecipitations and mass spectrometry. We performed chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing of CSCs to confirm the binding of the PAF1 sub-complex to target genes. RESULTS Pancreatic cancer cells depleted of PAF1 formed smaller and fewer tumor spheres in culture and orthotopic tumors and metastases in mice. Isolated CSCs depleted of PAF1 downregulated markers of self-renewal (NANOG, SOX9, and β-CATENIN), of CSCs (CD44v6, and ALDH1), and the metastasis-associated gene signature, compared to CSCs without knockdown of PAF1. The role of PAF1 in CSC maintenance was independent of its RNA polymerase II-associated factor 1 complex component identity. We identified DDX3 and PHF5A as proteins that interact with PAF1 in CSCs and demonstrated that the PAF1-PHF5A-DDX3 sub-complex bound to the promoter region of Nanog, whose product regulates genes that control stemness. Levels of the PAF1-DDX3 and PAF1-PHF5A were increased and co-localized in human pancreatic tumor specimens, human pancreatic tumor-derived organoids, and organoids derived from tumors of KPC mice, compared with controls. Binding of DDX3 and PAF1 to the Nanog promoter, and the self-renewal capacity of CSCs, were decreased in cells incubated with the DDX3 inhibitor RK-33. CSCs depleted of PAF1 downregulated genes that regulate stem cell features (Flot2, Taz, Epcam, Erbb2, Foxp1, Abcc5, Ddr1, Muc1, Pecam1, Notch3, Aldh1a3, Foxa2, Plat, and Lif). CONCLUSIONS In pancreatic CSCs, PAF1 interacts with DDX3 and PHF5A to regulate expression of NANOG and other genes that regulate stemness. Knockdown of PAF1 reduces the ability of orthotopic pancreatic tumors to develop and progress in mice and their numbers of CSCs. Strategies to target the PAF1-PHF5A-DDX3 complex might be developed to slow or inhibit progression of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saswati Karmakar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, U.S.A
| | - Sanchita Rauth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, U.S.A
| | - Palanisamy Nallasamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, U.S.A
| | - Naveenkumar Perumal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, U.S.A
| | - Rama Krishna Nimmakalaya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, U.S.A
| | - Frank Leon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, U.S.A
| | - Rohitesh Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, U.S.A
| | - Srikanth Barkeer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, U.S.A
| | | | - Venu Raman
- Departments of Radiology and Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, U.S.A
| | - Satyanarayana Rachagani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, U.S.A
| | - Moorthy P. Ponnusamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, U.S.A.,Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases and Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, U.S.A.,Correspondence: Surinder K. Batra, Ph.D., or Moorthy P. Ponnusamy, Ph.D. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, 68198-5870, U.S.A. Phone: 402-559-5455, Fax: 402-559-6650, or
| | - Surinder K. Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, U.S.A.,Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases and Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, U.S.A.,Correspondence: Surinder K. Batra, Ph.D., or Moorthy P. Ponnusamy, Ph.D. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, 68198-5870, U.S.A. Phone: 402-559-5455, Fax: 402-559-6650, or
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STAT3 transcription factor as target for anti-cancer therapy. Pharmacol Rep 2020; 72:1101-1124. [PMID: 32880101 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-020-00156-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
STATs constitute a large family of transcription activators and transducers of signals that have an important role in many cell functions as regulation of proliferation and differentiation of the cell also regulation of apoptosis and angiogenesis. STAT3 as a member of that family, recently was discovered to have a vital role in progression of different types of cancers. The activation of STAT3 was observed to regulate multiple gene functions during cancer-like cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, metastasis, inflammation, immunity, cell survival, and angiogenesis. The inhibition of STAT3 activation has been an important target for cancer therapy. Inhibitors of STAT3 have been used for a long time for treatment of many types of cancers like leukemia, melanoma, colon, and renal cancer. In this review article, we summarize and discuss different drugs inhibiting the action of STAT3 and used in treatment of different types of cancer.
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35
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Sperb N, Tsesmelis M, Wirth T. Crosstalk between Tumor and Stromal Cells in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5486. [PMID: 32752017 PMCID: PMC7432853 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a lethal cancer. The poor prognosis calls for a more detailed understanding of disease biology in order to pave the way for the development of effective therapies. Typically, the pancreatic tumor is composed of a minority of malignant cells within an excessive tumor microenvironment (TME) consisting of extracellular matrix (ECM), fibroblasts, immune cells, and endothelial cells. Research conducted in recent years has particularly focused on cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) which represent the most prominent cellular component of the desmoplastic stroma. Here, we review the complex crosstalk between CAFs, tumor cells, and other components of the TME, and illustrate how these interactions drive disease progression. We also discuss the emerging field of CAF heterogeneity, their tumor-supportive versus tumor-suppressive capacity, and the consequences for designing stroma-targeted therapies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thomas Wirth
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (N.S.); (M.T.)
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36
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Hurtado M, Prokai L, Sankpal UT, Levesque B, Maram R, Chhabra J, Brown DT, Gurung RK, Holder AA, Vishwanatha JK, Basha R. Next generation sequencing and functional pathway analysis to understand the mechanism of action of copper-tolfenamic acid against pancreatic cancer cells. Process Biochem 2020; 89:155-164. [PMID: 32719579 PMCID: PMC7384693 DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2019.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Anti-cancer activity of tolfenamic acid (TA) in preclinical models for pancreatic cancer (PaCa) is well established. Since the dosage for anti-cancer actions of TA is rather high, we recently demonstrated that IC50 values of Copper-TA are 30-80% less than TA in 12 cancer cell lines. This study elucidates the underlying mechanisms of Copper-TA in PaCa cells. Control and Copper-TA (IC50) treated PaCa cells were processed by next-generation sequencing (NGS) to determine differentially expressed genes using HTG EdgeSeq Oncology Biomarker panel. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA®) was used to identify functional significance of altered genes. The conformational studies for assessing the expression of key regulators and genes were conducted by Western blot and qPCR. IPA® identified several networks, regulators, as well as molecular and cellular functions associated with cancer. The top 5 molecular and cellular functions affected by Cu-TA treatment were cell death and survival, cellular development, cell growth and proliferation, cell cycle and cellular movement. The expression of top upstream regulators was confirmed by Western blot analysis while qPCR results of selected genes demonstrated that Copper-TA is efficacious at lower doses than TA. Results suggest that Copper-TA alters genes/key regulators associated with cancer and potentially serve as an effective anti-cancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrna Hurtado
- Biochemistry and Cancer Biology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, United States
| | - Laszlo Prokai
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Institute for Healthy Aging, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, United States
| | - Umesh T Sankpal
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, United States
| | - Blair Levesque
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, United States
| | - Rajasekhar Maram
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, United States
| | - Jaya Chhabra
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, 23529, United States
| | - Deondra T Brown
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, 23529, United States
| | - Raj K Gurung
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, 23529, United States
| | - Alvin A Holder
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, 23529, United States
| | - Jamboor K Vishwanatha
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, United States
| | - Riyaz Basha
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, United States
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Kong R, Sun G, Li X, Wu L, Li L, Li Y, Wang F, Xuan P, Yang S, Sun B, Hu J. Small Molecule Inhibitor C188-9 Synergistically Enhances the Demethylated Activity of Low-Dose 5-Aza-2'-Deoxycytidine Against Pancreatic Cancer. Front Oncol 2020; 10:612. [PMID: 32457835 PMCID: PMC7225308 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant DNA methylation, especially hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes, has been associated with many cancers' progression. 5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine (DAC) can reverse hypermethylation-induced gene silencing via regulating DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) activity, In addition, low-dose of DAC was proved to exert durable antitumor effects against solid tumor cells. Nevertheless, no clinical effect of DAC has been made when fighting against pancreatic cancer. Hence, it is necessary to raise a novel therapeutic strategy that further enhance the efficacy of DAC but not increase side effect, which impede the utilization of DAC. In the present study, we have discovered that C188-9, a novel signal transduction activator of transcription (STAT) inhibitor, could improve the antitumor effects of low-dose DAC in vivo and in vitro. Further study demonstrated that such improvement was attributed to re-expression of Ras association domain family member 1A (RASSF1A), a well-known tumor suppressor gene. Bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP) assay showed that C188-9 combined with DAC treatment could significantly reverse the hypermethylation status of RASSF1A promoter, which indicated that C188-9 could enhance the demethylation efficacy of DAC. Our data demonstrated that DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) was the underlying mechanism that C188-9 regulates the demethylation efficacy of DAC. Overall, these findings provide a novel therapeutic strategy combining low-dose DAC and C188-9 to improve therapeutic efficacy by inhibiting DNMT1-inducing promoter methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Kong
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Guangming Sun
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Xina Li
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Linfeng Wu
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Le Li
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Yilong Li
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ping Xuan
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, China
| | - Shifeng Yang
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Bei Sun
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Jisheng Hu
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
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Jiang J, Yu C, Guo X, Zhang H, Tian S, Cai K, He Z, Sun C. G Protein-Coupled Receptor GPR87 Promotes the Expansion of PDA Stem Cells through Activating JAK2/STAT3. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2020; 17:384-393. [PMID: 32405536 PMCID: PMC7210383 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2020.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells are the main reason for drug resistance and tumor relapse, and screening the targets for cancer stem cells is essential for tumor therapy. Here, we studied the role and regulatory mechanism of a G protein-coupled receptor named as G protein-coupled receptor 87 (GPR87) in the expansion of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) stem cells. We found that GPR87 was an independent prognostic factor for PDA patients: patients with high GPR87 had a poor outcome. GPR87 significantly promoted the sphere formation ability, increased side population (SP) cell number, increased the expression of PDA stem cell markers, and increased the tumor initiation ability, suggesting that GPR87 promotes the expansion of PDA stem cells. Mechanism analysis suggested that signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) directly bound to the promoter of GPR87 to increase GPR87 expression; inversely, GPR87 also activated STAT3. Further analysis suggested that GPR87 activated Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), which can activate STAT3, inhibiting JAK2 activation in GPR87-overexpressing PDA cells, which significantly inhibited the expansion of PDA stem cells; these findings suggested that GPR87, JAK2, and STAT3 formed a positive feedback loop increasing PDA stem cell population. In PDA specimens, GPR87 expression is positively correlated with the phosphorylation level of STAT3 and JAK2, confirming GPR87 promoted PDA stem cell expansion through activating JAK2/STAT3. In summary, we found that GPR87, together with JAK2 and STAT3, formed a positive feedback loop to promote the expansion of PDA stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxin Jiang
- Department of Hepatic-Biliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 99 Ziyang Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Yu
- Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 28 Guiyi Road, Guiyang, Guizhou 550000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingjun Guo
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave., Wuhan, Hubei 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 28 Guiyi Road, Guiyang, Guizhou 550000, People's Republic of China
| | - She Tian
- Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 28 Guiyi Road, Guiyang, Guizhou 550000, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Cai
- Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 28 Guiyi Road, Guiyang, Guizhou 550000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiwei He
- Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 28 Guiyi Road, Guiyang, Guizhou 550000, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengyi Sun
- Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 28 Guiyi Road, Guiyang, Guizhou 550000, People's Republic of China
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Dai C, Liu P, Wang X, Yin Y, Jin W, Shen L, Chen Y, Chen Z, Wang Y. The Antipsychotic Agent Sertindole Exhibited Antiproliferative Activities by Inhibiting the STAT3 Signaling Pathway in Human Gastric Cancer Cells. J Cancer 2020; 11:849-857. [PMID: 31949488 PMCID: PMC6959018 DOI: 10.7150/jca.34847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death. Although the therapeutic approaches have improved, the 5-year survival rate of GC patients after surgical resection remains low due to the high rates of metastasis and recurrence. Patients with schizophrenia have significantly lower incidences of cancer after long-term drug treatment, suggesting the potential or partially ameliorate the risk of cancer development of antipsychotic drugs. The goal of this study was to explore antipsychotic drugs with an optional effective therapy against gastric cellular carcinoma. We found that sertindole, an atypical antipsychotic, exhibited anti-tumor efficacy on human GC cells in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, sertindole in combination with cisplatin dramatically enhanced apoptosis-induction in GC cells. In addition, the pro-apoptotic effect of sertindole on GC might in part, involved in inhibition of STAT3 activation and downstream signals, including Mcl1, surviving, c-Myc, cyclin D1. Collectively, these results suggested that sertindole could be a potential anticancer reagent and be an attractive therapeutic adjuvant for the treatment of human GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Dai
- Digestive Pathophysiology of Zhejiang Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 54 Youdian Road, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Pei Liu
- Digestive Pathophysiology of Zhejiang Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 54 Youdian Road, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Digestive Pathophysiology of Zhejiang Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 54 Youdian Road, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Yifei Yin
- Digestive Pathophysiology of Zhejiang Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 54 Youdian Road, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Weiyang Jin
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Li Shen
- Institute of Basic Theory of TCM, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yuzong Chen
- Bioinformatics and Drug Design Group, Department of Pharmacy and Center for Computational Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Zhe Chen
- Digestive Pathophysiology of Zhejiang Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 54 Youdian Road, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Yiping Wang
- Digestive Pathophysiology of Zhejiang Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 54 Youdian Road, Hangzhou, 310006, China.,Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumor, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University,54 Youdian Road, Hangzhou, 310006, China
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40
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Computational STAT3 activity inference reveals its roles in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18257. [PMID: 31796877 PMCID: PMC6890662 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54791-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factor (TF) STAT3 contributes to pancreatic cancer progression through its regulatory roles in both tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this study, we performed a systematic analysis of all TFs in patient-derived gene expression datasets and confirmed STAT3 as a critical regulator in the pancreatic TME. Importantly, we developed a novel framework that is based on TF target gene expression to distinguish between environmental- and tumor-specific STAT3 activities in gene expression studies. Using this framework, our results novelly showed that compartment-specific STAT3 activities, but not STAT3 mRNA, have prognostications towards clinical values within pancreatic cancer datasets. In addition, high TME-derived STAT3 activity correlates with an immunosuppressive TME in pancreatic cancer, characterized by CD4 T cell and monocyte infiltration and high copy number variation burden. Where environmental-STAT3 seemed to play a dominant role at primary pancreatic sites, tumor-specific STAT3 seemed dominant at metastatic sites where its high activity persisted. In conclusion, by combining compartment-specific inference with other tumor characteristics, including copy number variation and immune-related gene expression, we demonstrate our method’s utility as a tool to generate novel hypotheses about TFs in tumor biology.
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41
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Ji L, Jiang F, Cui X, Qin C. Talin1 knockdown prohibits the proliferation and migration of colorectal cancer cells via the EMT signaling pathway. Oncol Lett 2019; 18:5408-5416. [PMID: 31612049 PMCID: PMC6781565 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second highest cause of cancer-associated death worldwide. Talin1 activates integrins, which mediate cell adhesion, proliferation, tumorigenesis and metastasis. The aim of the present study was to determine talin1 expression levels in colorectal cancer (CRC) and investigate the role of talin1 in CRC proliferation and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Talin1 protein expression levels were detected in human CRC and adjacent normal tissues by immunohistochemistry. Talin1 short hairpin RNA and control vectors were designed and stably transfected into HCT116 CRC cells. Cell proliferation was determined by MTT assay. Cell migratory and invasive capabilities were detected by wound-healing and Matrigel invasion assays. The expression of proteins in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition signaling pathway was determined by western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. The effect of talin1 on tumor growth was explored in vivo using BALB/c nude mice. Immunohistochemical analysis of CRC and adjacent normal tissue revealed that talin1 expression was upregulated in CRC. Talin1 knockdown significantly reduced the proliferation, migration and invasive ability of HCT116 cells compared with the control. Protein levels of phosphorylated STAT3 and vimentin were significantly lower in talin1-knockdown HCT116 cell lines compared with the control, whereas protein levels of E-cadherin were increased. Interleukin-6 mRNA levels were significantly increased in patients' blood samples compared with blood samples from healthy controls, as well as in CRC compared with adjacent normal tissue. In vivo experiments demonstrated that talin1 knockdown reduced CRC tumor growth and weight in nude mice. In conclusion, Talin1 knockdown may prevent the proliferation and migration of CRC cells by downregulating various factors involved in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition process, such as phosphorylated STAT3 and vimentin; therefore, talin1 may provide a novel therapeutic target for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Ji
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China.,Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Feizhao Jiang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Xianping Cui
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Chengkun Qin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
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Deng LJ, Lei YH, Chiu TF, Qi M, Gan H, Zhang G, Peng ZD, Zhang DM, Chen YF, Chen JX. The Anticancer Effects of Paeoniflorin and Its Underlying Mechanisms. Nat Prod Commun 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x19876409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Paeoniflorin (PF) is an important pharmacological component of some Chinese traditional herbal formulas, such as Bai Shao, Chi Shao, and Dan Pi, which have been clinically used for centuries. Although many experimental studies have explored a wide range of pharmacological properties of PF, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunoregulatory, and prevention of insulin resistance, there is no review to describe these reported effects systematically, especially the antitumor effect and the underlying mechanisms. In this review, we summarize the recent progress on the anticancer profiles both in vitro and in vivo of PF. Moreover, we highlight the integrated molecular mechanisms of PF and contemplate its future prospects as a potential anticancer drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Juan Deng
- Formula-pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yu-He Lei
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Tsz-Fung Chiu
- Formula-pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Ming Qi
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine & Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Hua Gan
- Formula-pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Ge Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Da Peng
- Ji Chuang Health Technology Development (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd, P.R. China
| | - Dong-Mei Zhang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine & Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yan-Fen Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jia-Xu Chen
- Formula-pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
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43
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Farran B, Nagaraju GP. The dynamic interactions between the stroma, pancreatic stellate cells and pancreatic tumor development: Novel therapeutic targets. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2019; 48:11-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2019.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Obesity-Induced Adipose Tissue Inflammation as a Strong Promotional Factor for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cells 2019; 8:cells8070673. [PMID: 31277269 PMCID: PMC6678863 DOI: 10.3390/cells8070673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is expected to soon become the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. This may be due to the rising obesity prevalence, which is a recognized risk factor for PDAC. There is great interest in deciphering the underlying driving mechanisms of the obesity–PDAC link. Visceral adiposity has a strong correlation to certain metabolic diseases and gastrointestinal cancers, including PDAC. In fact, our own data strongly suggest that visceral adipose tissue inflammation is a strong promoter for PDAC growth and progression in a genetically engineered mouse model of PDAC and diet-induced obesity. In this review, we will discuss the relationship between obesity-associated adipose tissue inflammation and PDAC development, with a focus on the key molecular and cellular components in the dysfunctional visceral adipose tissue, which provides a tumor permissive environment.
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45
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Bazzichetto C, Conciatori F, Falcone I, Cognetti F, Milella M, Ciuffreda L. Advances in Tumor-Stroma Interactions: Emerging Role of Cytokine Network in Colorectal and Pancreatic Cancer. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2019; 2019:5373580. [PMID: 31191652 PMCID: PMC6525927 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5373580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines are a family of soluble factors (Growth Factors (GFs), chemokines, angiogenic factors, and interferons), which regulate a wide range of mechanisms in both physiological and pathological conditions, such as tumor cell growth and progression, angiogenesis, and metastasis. In recent years, the growing interest in developing new cancer targeted therapies has been accompanied by the effort to characterize Tumor Microenvironment (TME) and Tumor-Stroma Interactions (TSI). The connection between tumor and stroma is now well established and, in the last decade, evidence from genetic, pharmacological, and epidemiological data supported the importance of microenvironment in tumor progression. However, several of the mechanisms behind TSI and their implication in tumor progression remain still unclear and it is crucial to establish their potential in determining pharmacological response. Many studies have demonstrated that cytokines network can profoundly affect TME, thus displaying potential therapeutic efficacy in both preclinical and clinical models. The goal of this review is to give an overview of the most relevant cytokines involved in colorectal and pancreatic cancer progression and their implication in drug response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Bazzichetto
- Medical Oncology 1, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome 00144, Italy
| | - Fabiana Conciatori
- Medical Oncology 1, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome 00144, Italy
| | - Italia Falcone
- Medical Oncology 1, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome 00144, Italy
| | - Francesco Cognetti
- Medical Oncology 1, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome 00144, Italy
| | - Michele Milella
- Section of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona School of Medicine and Verona University Hospital Trust, Verona 37126, Italy
| | - Ludovica Ciuffreda
- Medical Oncology 1, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome 00144, Italy
- SAFU, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics, and Technological Innovation, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome 00144, Italy
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46
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Wong BS, Shea DJ, Mistriotis P, Tuntithavornwat S, Law RA, Bieber JM, Zheng L, Konstantopoulos K. A Direct Podocalyxin-Dynamin-2 Interaction Regulates Cytoskeletal Dynamics to Promote Migration and Metastasis in Pancreatic Cancer Cells. Cancer Res 2019; 79:2878-2891. [PMID: 30975647 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-3369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The sialoglycoprotein podocalyxin is absent in normal pancreas but is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer and is associated with poor clinical outcome. Here, we investigate the role of podocalyxin in migration and metastasis of pancreatic adenocarcinomas using SW1990 and Pa03c as cell models. Although ezrin is regarded as a cytoplasmic binding partner of podocalyxin that regulates actin polymerization via Rac1 or RhoA, we did not detect podocalyxin-ezrin association in pancreatic cancer cells. Moreover, depletion of podocalyxin did not alter actin dynamics or modulate Rac1 and RhoA activities in pancreatic cancer cells. Using mass spectrometry, bioinformatics analysis, coimmunoprecipitation, and pull-down assays, we discovered a novel, direct binding interaction between the cytoplasmic tail of podocalyxin and the large GTPase dynamin-2 at its GTPase, middle, and pleckstrin homology domains. This podocalyxin-dynamin-2 interaction regulated microtubule growth rate, which in turn modulated focal adhesion dynamics and ultimately promoted efficient pancreatic cancer cell migration via microtubule- and Src-dependent pathways. Depletion of podocalyxin in a hemispleen mouse model of pancreatic cancer diminished liver metastasis without altering primary tumor size. Collectively, these findings reveal a novel mechanism by which podocalyxin facilitates pancreatic cancer cell migration and metastasis. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings reveal that a novel interaction between podocalyxin and dynamin-2 promotes migration and metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells by regulating microtubule and focal adhesion dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Sheng Wong
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,Institute for NanoBioTechnology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Daniel J Shea
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Panagiotis Mistriotis
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,Institute for NanoBioTechnology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Soontorn Tuntithavornwat
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Robert A Law
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jake M Bieber
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Lei Zheng
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Konstantinos Konstantopoulos
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland. .,Institute for NanoBioTechnology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Johns Hopkins Physical Sciences-Oncology Center, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
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47
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Kim Y, Kim KH, Lee IS, Park JY, Na YC, Chung WS, Jang HJ. Apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest induced by a timosaponin A3 from Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge on AsPC-1 pancreatic cancer cells. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 56:48-56. [PMID: 30668353 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2018.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Timosaponin A3 (TA3), one of the active components of spirostanol saponin isolated from A. asphodeloides, is widely used as an anticancer agent in a variety of cancer cell lines. However, the research on the anticancer efficacy is very limited in human pancreatic cancer models. PURPOSE In this study, we investigated the molecular targets in the active components of A. asphodeloides, which showed anti-cancer effects in human pancreatic cancer cells, and confirmed the pathways involved. STUDY DESIGN The apoptotic effects of five solvent extracts of A. asphodeloides in human pancreatic cancer cells (AsPC-1) was studied, and the phytochemical leading to their effects identified. Next, we determined whether the phytochemical inhibit STAT3 and ERK1/2, and investigated the pathways involved. METHODS Five solvent extracts of A. asphodeloides (100 µg/ml, 24 h) was investigated for their cytotoxicity against AsPC-1 cells. The active ingredient of the extract exhibiting the highest toxicity were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Next, we studied the mechanism of action of the phytochemical in pancreatic cancer. Cell cycle and annexin V/FITC assays were performed to assess cell growth and apoptosis capacity. The effects on apoptosis and proliferation-related pathways, STAT3, and MAPKs were confirmed at the protein level using immunoblotting. The factors regulated in the pathways were investigated using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS The results showed that the ethyl acetate extract of A. asphodeloides (EAA) induced apoptotic and anti-proliferative activities through the STAT3 and MAPKs pathways. We found that TA3, an active component of EAA, inhibits constitutive STAT3 and ERK1/2 proteins. EAA and TA3 decreased the viability of AsPC-1 cells, leading to cell cycle arrest at the sub-G1 and G2/M phases. Moreover, TA3 inhibited the expression of various genes encoding anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2, Bcl-xl), proliferative (Cyclin D1), metastatic (MMP-9), and angiogenic (VEGF-1) proteins. CONCLUSION The results indicated that TA3, an active phytochemical from A. asphodeloides, could induce apoptosis and suppress cell proliferation by inhibiting the STAT3 and ERK1/2 pathways. Thus, TA3 is a candidate cancer chemotherapeutic agent instead to treat human pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumi Kim
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Seoul, Dongdaemun-gu 02447, Republic of Korea; Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kang-Hoon Kim
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Seoul, Dongdaemun-gu 02447, Republic of Korea; Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Seung Lee
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Seoul, Dongdaemun-gu 02447, Republic of Korea; Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Young Park
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Seoul, Dongdaemun-gu 02447, Republic of Korea; Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Cheol Na
- Western Seoul Center, Korea Basic Science Institute 150 Bugahyeon-ro, Seoul, Dongdaemun-gu, 03759, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Seok Chung
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Seoul, Dongdaemun-gu 02447, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyeung-Jin Jang
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Seoul, Dongdaemun-gu 02447, Republic of Korea; Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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48
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Gambi G, Di Simone E, Basso V, Ricci L, Wang R, Verma A, Elemento O, Ponzoni M, Inghirami G, Icardi L, Mondino A. The Transcriptional Regulator Sin3A Contributes to the Oncogenic Potential of STAT3. Cancer Res 2019; 79:3076-3087. [PMID: 30692217 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-0359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic silencing of promoter and enhancer regions is a common phenomenon in malignant cells. The transcription factor STAT3 is aberrantly activated in several tumors, where its constitutive acetylation accounts for the transcriptional repression of a number of tumor suppressor genes (TSG) via molecular mechanisms that remain to be understood. Using nucleophosmin-anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive (NPM-ALK+) anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) as model system, we found in cells and patient-derived tumor xenografts that STAT3 is constitutively acetylated as a result of ALK activity. STAT3 acetylation relied on intact ALK-induced PI3K- and mTORC1-dependent signaling and was sensitive to resveratrol. Resveratrol lowered STAT3 acetylation, rescued TSG expression, and induced ALCL apoptotic cell death. STAT3 constitutively bound the Sin3A transcriptional repressor complex, and both STAT3 and Sin3A bound the promoter region of silenced TSG via a resveratrol-sensitive mechanism. Silencing SIN3A caused reexpression of TSG, induced ALCL apoptotic cell death in vitro, and hindered ALCL tumorigenic potential in vivo. A constitutive STAT3-Sin3A interaction was also found in breast adenocarcinoma cells and proved critical for TSG silencing and cell survival. Collectively, these results suggest that oncogene-driven STAT3 acetylation and its constitutive association with Sin3A represent novel and concomitant events contributing to STAT3 oncogenic potential. SIGNIFICANCE: This study delineates the transcriptional regulatory complex Sin3A as a mediator of STAT3 transcriptional repressor activity and identifies the STAT3/Sin3A axis as a druggable target to antagonize STAT3-addicted tumors. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/79/12/3076/F1.large.jpg.See related commentary by Monteleone and Poli, p. 3031.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Gambi
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Disease, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Di Simone
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Disease, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Basso
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Disease, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Luisa Ricci
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Disease, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Akanksha Verma
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York.,Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York.,Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Olivier Elemento
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York.,Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York.,Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Maurilio Ponzoni
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio Inghirami
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Science and Center for Experimental Research and Medical Studies (CeRMS), University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Department of Pathology and NYU Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Laura Icardi
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Disease, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
| | - Anna Mondino
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Disease, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
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49
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Thomas NA, Abraham RG, Dedi B, Krucher NA. Targeting retinoblastoma protein phosphorylation in combination with EGFR inhibition in pancreatic cancer cells. Int J Oncol 2018; 54:527-536. [PMID: 30535494 PMCID: PMC6317693 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a particularly lethal disease that is resistant to targeted therapies. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), including erlotinib and gefitinib, which block the action of the human epidermal growth factor receptor type 1 receptor, provide small increases in patient survival when administered with gemcitabine. The retinoblastoma (Rb) tumor suppressor protein is an additional target in pancreatic cancer, due to its documented inactivation in PDAC. The present study, using cell number, apoptosis and immunoblotting assays, aimed to evaluate the effects of activation of the Rb tumor suppressor via dephosphorylation by small interfering RNA-mediated phosphatase activation. In the Panc1, MIAPaCa-2 and Capan-2 pancreatic cancer cell lines, and in normal H6c7 cells, the effects of phosphatase activation on Rb were revealed to be dependent on expression of the p16 tumor suppressor, which regulates Rb phosphorylation. Phosphatase activation had no effect on non-transformed pancreatic epithelial cells. When comparing kinase inhibition with phosphatase activation, it was demonstrated that kinase inhibition reduced proliferation, whereas phosphatase activation induced apoptosis. Both treatments together resulted in a greater reduction of pancreatic cancer cells than either treatment alone. In addition, the effects of combination treatment of phosphatase activation with TKIs on cell number and activation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) resistance pathway were determined. The combination of Rb phosphatase activation with TKIs resulted in a greater reduction in cell number compared with either treatment alone, without STAT3 pathway activation. These data suggested that targeting Rb phosphorylation by activating phosphatase may be a rational strategy to inhibit pancreatic tumor cell growth, without activation of acquired resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nimmi A Thomas
- Department of Biology, Pace University, Pleasantville, NY 10570, USA
| | - Rita G Abraham
- Department of Biology, Pace University, Pleasantville, NY 10570, USA
| | - Brixhilda Dedi
- Department of Biology, Pace University, Pleasantville, NY 10570, USA
| | - Nancy A Krucher
- Department of Biology, Pace University, Pleasantville, NY 10570, USA
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50
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Ollig J, Kloubert V, Taylor KM, Rink L. B cell activation and proliferation increase intracellular zinc levels. J Nutr Biochem 2018; 64:72-79. [PMID: 30448545 PMCID: PMC6372723 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2018.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Zinc ions serve as second messengers in major cellular pathways, including the regulation pathways of proliferation and their proper regulation is necessary for homeostasis and a healthy organism. Accordingly, expression of zinc transporters can be altered in various cancer cell lines and is often involved in producing elevated intracellular zinc levels. In this study, human B cells were infected with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) to generate immortalized cells, which revealed traits of tumor cells, such as high proliferation rates and an extended lifespan. These cells showed differentially altered zinc transporter expression with ZIP7 RNA and protein expression being especially increased as well as a corresponding increased phosphorylation of ZIP7 in EBV-transformed B cells. Accordingly, free zinc levels were elevated within these cells. To prove whether the observed changes resulted from immortalization or rather high proliferation, free zinc levels in in vitro activated B cells and in freshly isolated B cells expressing the activation marker CD69 were determined. Here, comparatively increased zinc levels were found, suggesting that activation and proliferation, but not immortalization, act as crucial factors for the elevation of intracellular free zinc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Ollig
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Veronika Kloubert
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Kathryn M Taylor
- Breast Cancer Molecular Pharmacology, Welsh School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, United Kingdom.
| | - Lothar Rink
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
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