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Singh R, Ray A. Therapeutic potential of hedgehog signaling in advanced cancer types. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 386:49-80. [PMID: 38782501 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2024.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
In this chapter, we have made an attempt to elucidate the relevance of hedgehog signaling pathway in tumorigenesis. Here, we have described different types of hedgehog signaling (canonical and non-canonical) with emphasis on the different mechanisms (mutation-driven, autocrine, paracrine and reverse paracrine) it adopts during tumorigenesis. We have discussed the role of hedgehog signaling in regulating cell proliferation, invasion and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in both local and advanced cancer types, as reported in different studies based on preclinical and clinical models. We have specifically addressed the role of hedgehog signaling in aggressive neuroendocrine tumors as well. We have also elaborated on the studies showing therapeutic relevance of the inhibitors of hedgehog signaling in cancer. Evidence of the crosstalk of hedgehog signaling components with other signaling pathways and treatment resistance due to tumor heterogeneity have also been briefly discussed. Together, we have tried to put forward a compilation of the studies on therapeutic potential of hedgehog signaling in various cancers, specifically aggressive tumor types with a perspective into what is lacking and demands further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Singh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Anindita Ray
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD, United States
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2
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Jing J, Wu Z, Wang J, Luo G, Lin H, Fan Y, Zhou C. Hedgehog signaling in tissue homeostasis, cancers, and targeted therapies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:315. [PMID: 37596267 PMCID: PMC10439210 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01559-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The past decade has seen significant advances in our understanding of Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway in various biological events. HH signaling pathway exerts its biological effects through a complex signaling cascade involved with primary cilium. HH signaling pathway has important functions in embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. It plays a central role in the regulation of the proliferation and differentiation of adult stem cells. Importantly, it has become increasingly clear that HH signaling pathway is associated with increased cancer prevalence, malignant progression, poor prognosis and even increased mortality. Understanding the integrative nature of HH signaling pathway has opened up the potential for new therapeutic targets for cancer. A variety of drugs have been developed, including small molecule inhibitors, natural compounds, and long non-coding RNA (LncRNA), some of which are approved for clinical use. This review outlines recent discoveries of HH signaling in tissue homeostasis and cancer and discusses how these advances are paving the way for the development of new biologically based therapies for cancer. Furthermore, we address status quo and limitations of targeted therapies of HH signaling pathway. Insights from this review will help readers understand the function of HH signaling in homeostasis and cancer, as well as opportunities and challenges of therapeutic targets for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjun Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zhuoxuan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jiahe Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Guowen Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hengyi Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yi Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Department of Cariology and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Chenchen Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Borlongan MC, Wang H. Profiling and targeting cancer stem cell signaling pathways for cancer therapeutics. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1125174. [PMID: 37305676 PMCID: PMC10247984 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1125174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumorigenic cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subpopulation of cells within the tumor that express genetic and phenotypic profiles and signaling pathways distinct from the other tumor cells. CSCs have eluded many conventional anti-oncogenic treatments, resulting in metastases and relapses of cancers. Effectively targeting CSCs' unique self-renewal and differentiation properties would be a breakthrough in cancer therapy. A better characterization of the CSCs' unique signaling mechanisms will improve our understanding of the pathology and treatment of cancer. In this paper, we will discuss CSC origin, followed by an in-depth review of CSC-associated signaling pathways. Particular emphasis is given on CSC signaling pathways' ligand-receptor engagement, upstream and downstream mechanisms, and associated genes, and molecules. Signaling pathways associated with regulation of CSC development stand as potential targets of CSC therapy, which include Wnt, TGFβ (transforming growth factor-β)/SMAD, Notch, JAK-STAT (Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription), Hedgehog (Hh), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Lastly, we will also discuss milestone discoveries in CSC-based therapies, including pre-clinical and clinical studies featuring novel CSC signaling pathway cancer therapeutics. This review aims at generating innovative views on CSCs toward a better understanding of cancer pathology and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia C. Borlongan
- Master Program of Pharmaceutical Science College of Graduate Studies, Elk Grove, CA, United States
| | - Hongbin Wang
- Master Program of Pharmaceutical Science College of Graduate Studies, Elk Grove, CA, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, Elk Grove, CA, United States
- Department of Basic Science College of Medicine, California Northstate University, Elk Grove, CA, United States
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Dunatov Huljev A, Kelam N, Benzon B, Šoljić V, Filipović N, Pešutić Pisac V, Glavina Durdov M, Vukojević K. Expression Pattern of Sonic Hedgehog, Patched and Smoothened in Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108935. [PMID: 37240278 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108935] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the deadliest neoplasm of the urinary tract, and we are still far from completely understanding ccRCC development and treatment. The renal tissue paraffin blocks (20) of patients with ccRCC were collected at the University Hospital in Split from 2019 to 2020, and tissue sections were stained with patched (PTCH), anti-smoothened (SMO) and anti-Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) antibodies. SHH was highly expressed (31.9%) in grade 1 tumour, it being higher than all other grades and the control (p < 0.001-p < 0.0001). The trend of a linear decrease in the expression of SHH was observed with the progression of the tumour grade (p < 0.0001). PTCH expression was significantly lower in grades 1 and 2 in comparison to the control (p < 0.01) and grade 4 (p < 0.0001). A significant increase in the expression of SMO was found in grade 4 compared to all other grades (p < 0.0001) and the control (p < 0.001). The strong expression of SHH was observed in carcinoma cells of the G1 stage with a diffuse staining pattern (>50% of neoplastic cells). Stroma and/or inflammatory infiltrate display no staining and no expression of SHH in G1 and G2, while mild focal staining (10-50% of neoplastic cells) was observed in G3 and G4. Patients with high PTCH and low SMO expression had significant time survival differences (p = 0.0005 and p = 0.029, respectively). Therefore, high levels of PTCH and low levels of SMO expression are important markers of better survival rates in ccRCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Dunatov Huljev
- Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Cytology, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Nela Kelam
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Benjamin Benzon
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Violeta Šoljić
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Mostar, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Faculty of Health Studies, University of Mostar, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Natalija Filipović
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Mostar, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Valdi Pešutić Pisac
- Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Cytology, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Merica Glavina Durdov
- Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Cytology, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Katarina Vukojević
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Mostar, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Faculty of Health Studies, University of Mostar, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Center for Translational Research in Biomedicine, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
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Wang G, Qu F, Zhou J, Zhu B, Gao Y. Elevated THBS3 predicts poor overall survival for clear cell renal cell carcinoma and identifies LncRNA/RBP/THBS3 mRNA networks. Cell Cycle 2023; 22:316-330. [PMID: 36045611 PMCID: PMC9851198 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2022.2117910] [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: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was used to assess THBS3's overall survival (OS) prognostic values in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) as well as to determine the LncRNA/RNA binding protein (RBP)/THBS3 interactions. Clinical data and RNA sequencing data were gathered from the TCGA dataset. Significant pathways associated with THBS3 were identified by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Cox regression analyses, both univariate and multivariate, were applied to assess factors with independent prognostic abilities. We also discussed THBS3's relationship to immunity. We discovered that THBS3 expression was increased in ccRCC samples, as well as shorter OS in the TCGA dataset (P<0.05). External verification results in GSE6344, ICGC, ArrayExpress, UALCAN datasets, and qRT-PCR remained consistent (all P<0.05). Cox regression analyses, both univariate and multivariate, identified THBS3 as a factor with independent prognostic ability (both P<0.001). THBS3 expression as well as several clinicopathological variables were included in the nomogram OS prognosis prediction method as well. GSEA identified four THBS3-related signal pathways and THBS3 was revealed to be significantly associated with MSI, TMB, neoantigen, and immunity (all P<0.05). We also identified several LncRNA/RBP/THBS3 mRNA networks as potentially THBS3-related mechanisms. For THBS3-related drug sensitivities, THBS3 was negatively associated with Actinomycin D, Cobimetinib, Eribulin mesilate, Geldanamycin analog, and Vinblastine, while it was positively related to Erlotinib drug sensitivity. In addition to being an independent prognostic factor for ccRCC, THBS3 had a close connection to immunity, with identifying LncRNA/RBPs/THBS3 mRNA networks. Verifications of our findings in vivo and in vitro should be done in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Wang
- Department of Urology, Jianhu Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yancheng, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Fangfang Qu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Jianhu Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yancheng, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jincai Zhou
- Department of Urology, Jianhu Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yancheng, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Bingye Zhu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People’s Hospital of Nantong), Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yulong Gao
- Department of Urology, Jianhu Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yancheng, Jiangsu Province, China
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Zhu S, Dang J, Shi Y, Feng X, Hu Y, Lin L, Huang J. Sonic hedgehog promotes synovial inflammation and articular damage through p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling in experimental arthritis. J Autoimmun 2022; 132:102902. [PMID: 36088884 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2022.102902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Activated fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) play a pivotal role in synovial inflammation and joint destruction of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The mechanisms by which sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling promotes RA FLS-mediated chronic inflammation and tissue damage are not fully understood. The present study aims to determine the role of SHH signaling in the pathogenesis of RA and to explore the potential mechanism(s). We found that the components of SHH signaling were highly expressed in FLS and synovial tissue from patients with RA and in the joint tissue of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice. Overexpression of SHH aggravated the synovial inflammation and joint destruction of CIA and exacerbated cartilage degradation in the cartilage and RA FLS-engrafted severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) model. Conversely, inhibition of SHH signaling significantly alleviated arthritis severity and reduced cartilage destruction caused by the invasion of RA FLS in vivo. Moreover, we found that p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade was regulated by SHH signaling in RA FLS and the level of phospho-p38 in the joint tissue of CIA was decreased after blockade of SHH signaling. Inhibition of p38 MAPK abolished the effect of SHH overexpression on synovial inflammation and articular destruction of CIA and suppressed the aggressive properties of RA FLS, which were promoted by SHH agonist. In conclusion, our study suggests that SHH signaling aggravates synovial inflammation and joint destruction of experimental arthritis and promotes the abnormal behavior of RA FLS in a p38-dependent manner. SHH-p38 MAPK signaling could be a potential target for the treatment of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangling Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, PR China
| | - Junlong Dang
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, PR China; Department of Clinical Immunology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, PR China
| | - Yiming Shi
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, PR China
| | - Xiaoxue Feng
- Department of Rheumatology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, PR China
| | - Yudan Hu
- Department of Rheumatology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, PR China
| | - Lang Lin
- Department of Rheumatology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, PR China
| | - Jianlin Huang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, PR China.
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Naz F, Shi M, Sajid S, Yang Z, Yu C. Cancer stem cells: a major culprit of intra-tumor heterogeneity. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:5782-5811. [PMID: 35018226 PMCID: PMC8727794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is recognized as a preeminent factor of the world's mortality. Although various modalities have been designed to cure this life-threatening ailment, a significant impediment in the effective output of cancer treatment is heterogeneity. Cancer is characterized as a heterogeneous health disorder that comprises a distinct group of transformed cells to assist anomalous proliferation of affected cells. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a leading cause of cancer heterogeneity that is continually transformed by cellular extrinsic and intrinsic factors. They intensify neoplastic cells aggressiveness by strengthening their dissemination, relapse and therapy resistance. Considering this viewpoint, in this review article we have discussed some intrinsic (transcription factors, cell signaling pathways, genetic alterations, epigenetic modifications, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and epitranscriptomics) and extrinsic factors (tumor microenvironment (TME)) that contribute to CSC heterogeneity and plasticity, which may help scientists to meddle these processes and eventually improve cancer research and management. Besides, the potential role of CSCs heterogeneity in establishing metastasis and therapy resistance has been articulated which signifies the importance of developing novel anticancer therapies to target CSCs along with targeting bulk tumor mass to achieve an effective output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiza Naz
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijing 100029, China
| | - Mengran Shi
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijing 100029, China
| | - Salvia Sajid
- Department of Biotechnology, Jinnah University for WomenKarachi 74600, Pakistan
| | - Zhao Yang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijing 100029, China
- College of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Biological Resources in Tarim Basin of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Tarim UniversityAlar 843300, Xinjiang, China
| | - Changyuan Yu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijing 100029, China
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Evaluation of Hedgehog Pathway Inhibition on Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome Fibroblasts and Basal Cell Carcinoma-Associated Fibroblasts: Are Vismodegib and Sonidegib Useful to Target Cancer-Prone Fibroblasts? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225858. [PMID: 34831015 PMCID: PMC8616531 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225858] [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: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Activating mutations in the Hh pathway underlies the development of sporadic and familial skin BCC. For these oncogenic proliferations displaying ligand-independent activation of the intracellular pathway, two molecules have been approved for therapeutic purposes: vismodegib and sonidegib. Improper Hh signalling occurs in many human tumours also via a paracrine mechanism (ligand-dependent) in which the secretion of Hh ligands by stromal cells support tumour growth. On the other hand, the mobilization of neoplastic stroma by cancer cells is sustained by the activation of Hh signalling in surrounding fibroblasts suggesting a central role of this bidirectional crosstalk in carcinogenesis. Additionally, loss-of-function mutations in the PTCH1 gene in the context of NBCCS, an autosomal dominant disorder predisposing to multiple BCCs, determine tumour permissive phenotypes in dermal fibroblasts. Here, profiling syndromic and BCC-associated fibroblasts unveiled an extraordinary similarity characterized by overexpression of several Hh target genes and a marked pro-inflammatory outline. Both cell types exposed to Hh inhibitors displayed reversion of the tumour-prone phenotype. Under vismodegib and sonidegib treatment, the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, frequently over-active in tumour stroma, resulted down-regulated by pAKT-GSK3β axis and consequent increase of β-catenin turnover. Overall, this study demonstrated that vismodegib and sonidegib impacting on fibroblast tumour supportive functions might be considered in therapy for BCC independently to the mutation status of Hh components in neoplastic cells.
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Garcia N, Ulin M, Ali M, Al-Hendy A, Carvalho KC, Yang Q. Evaluation of Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitors as a Therapeutic Option for Uterine Leiomyosarcoma Using the Xenograft Model. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:781-790. [PMID: 34642915 PMCID: PMC8863774 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00731-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS) contributes to a significant proportion of uterine cancer deaths. It is a rare and high-risk gynecological cancer. LMS is challenging to the treatment due to the resistance of several therapies. The activation of the Hedgehog (HH) pathway has been reported in several types of female cancers. Uterine LMS presents an upregulation of the crucial HH signaling pathway members such as SMO and GLI1. Although targeting the HH pathway exhibited a potent inhibitory effect on the phenotype of uterine LMS in vitro, the effect of the HH inhibitors on LMS growth in vivo has not been identified. The present study aimed to assess the effect of Hedgehog pathway inhibitors (SMO-LDE225 and GLI-Gant61) as a therapeutic option in the xenograft model of uterine LMS. The results demonstrated that LDE225 treatment did not show any inhibitory effect on LMS tumor growth; however, treatment with GLI inhibitor (Gant61) induced a remarkable tumor regression with a significant decrease in Ki67 expression, compared to control (p < 0.01). Moreover, administration of Gant61 decreased the expression of GLI1, GLI target genes BMP4 and c-MYC (p < 0.05), indicating that the HH pathway is implicated in the LMS experimental model. In conclusion, our studies demonstrate for the first time that GLI inhibitor (Gant61), but not SMO inhibitor (LDE225), shows a potent inhibitory effect on LMS tumor growth and concomitantly suppresses the expression of GLI1- and GLI-targeted genes using the xenograft model of uterine LMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Garcia
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Laboratório de Ginecologia Estrutural e Molecular - LIM 58, Disciplina de Ginecologia, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo, HCFMUSP, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mara Ulin
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mohamed Ali
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Katia Candido Carvalho
- Laboratório de Ginecologia Estrutural e Molecular - LIM 58, Disciplina de Ginecologia, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo, HCFMUSP, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Qiwei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Lama-Sherpa TD, Das S, Hinshaw DC, Kammerud SC, Song PN, Alsheikh HA, Sorace AG, Samant RS, Shevde LA. Quantitative Longitudinal Imaging Reveals that Inhibiting Hedgehog Activity Alleviates the Hypoxic Tumor Landscape. Mol Cancer Res 2021; 20:150-160. [PMID: 34593607 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-21-0257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Metastases account for the majority of mortalities related to breast cancer. The onset and sustained presence of hypoxia strongly correlates with increased incidence of metastasis and unfavorable prognosis in patients with breast cancer. The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is dysregulated in breast cancer, and its abnormal activity enables tumor progression and metastasis. In addition to programming tumor cell behavior, Hh activity enables tumor cells to craft a metastasis-conducive microenvironment. Hypoxia is a prominent feature of growing tumors that impacts multiple signaling circuits that converge upon malignant progression. We investigated the role of Hh activity in crafting a hypoxic environment of breast cancer. We used radioactive tracer [18F]-fluoromisonidazole (FMISO) positron emission tomography (PET) to image tumor hypoxia. We show that tumors competent for Hh activity are able to establish a hypoxic milieu; pharmacologic inhibition of Hh signaling in a syngeneic mammary tumor model mitigates tumor hypoxia. Furthermore, in hypoxia, Hh activity is robustly activated in tumor cells and institutes increased HIF signaling in a VHL-dependent manner. The findings establish a novel perspective on Hh activity in crafting a hypoxic tumor landscape and molecularly navigating the tumor cells to adapt to hypoxic conditions. IMPLICATIONS: Importantly, we present a translational strategy of utilizing longitudinal hypoxia imaging to measure the efficacy of vismodegib in a preclinical model of triple-negative breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shamik Das
- Department of Pathology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Dominique C Hinshaw
- Department of Pathology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Sarah C Kammerud
- Department of Pathology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Patrick N Song
- Department of Radiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Heba A Alsheikh
- Department of Pathology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Anna G Sorace
- Department of Radiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Rajeev S Samant
- Department of Pathology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Lalita A Shevde
- Department of Pathology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama. .,O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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11
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Kotulak-Chrząszcz A, Kmieć Z, Wierzbicki PM. Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway in gynecological and genitourinary cancer (Review). Int J Mol Med 2021; 47:106. [PMID: 33907821 PMCID: PMC8057295 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2021.4939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancers of the urinary tract, as well as those of the female and male reproductive systems, account for a large percentage of malignancies worldwide. Mortality is frequently affected by late diagnosis or therapeutic difficulties. The Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway is an evolutionary conserved molecular cascade, which is mainly associated with the development of the central nervous system in fetal life. The present review aimed to provide an in‑depth summary of the SHH signaling pathway, including the characterization of its major components, the mechanism of its upstream regulation and non‑canonical activation, as well as its interactions with other cellular pathways. In addition, the three possible mechanisms of the cellular SHH cascade in cancer tissue are discussed. The aim of the present review was to summarize significant findings with regards to the expression of the SHH pathway components in kidney, bladder, ovarian, cervical and prostate cancer. Reports associated with common deficits and de‑regulations of the SHH pathway were summarized, despite the differences in molecular and histological patterns among these malignancies. However, currently, neither are SHH pathway elements included in panels of prognostic/therapeutic molecular patterns in any of the discussed cancers, nor have the drugs targeting SMO or GLIs been approved for therapy. The findings of the present review may support future studies on the treatment of and/or molecular targets for gynecological and genitourinary cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Piotr M. Wierzbicki
- Correspondence to: Dr Piotr M. Wierzbicki, Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, ul. Debinki 1, 80211 Gdansk, Poland, E-mail:
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12
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Zhou H, Li X, Wu RX, He XT, An Y, Xu XY, Sun HH, Wu LA, Chen FM. Periodontitis-compromised dental pulp stem cells secrete extracellular vesicles carrying miRNA-378a promote local angiogenesis by targeting Sufu to activate the Hedgehog/Gli1 signalling. Cell Prolif 2021; 54:e13026. [PMID: 33759282 PMCID: PMC8088471 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Previously, our investigations demonstrated robust pro‐angiogenic potentials of extracellular vesicles secreted by periodontitis‐compromised dental pulp stem cells (P‐EVs) when compared to those from healthy DPSCs (H‐EVs), but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Materials and methods Here, circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) specifically found in P‐EVs (compared with H‐EVs) were identified by Agilent miRNA microarray analysis, and the roles of the candidate miRNA in P‐EV‐enhanced cell angiogenesis were confirmed by cell transfection and RNA interference methods. Next, the direct binding affinity between the candidate miRNA and its target gene was evaluated by luciferase reporter assay. CCK‐8, transwell/scratch wound healing and tube formation assays were established to investigate the proliferation, migration, and tube formation abilities of endothelial cells (ECs). Western blot was employed to measure the protein levels of Hedgehog/Gli1 signalling pathway components and angiogenesis‐related factors. Results The angiogenesis‐related miRNA miR‐378a was found to be enriched in P‐EVs, and its role in P‐EV‐enhanced cell angiogenesis was confirmed, wherein Sufu was identified as a downstream target gene of miR‐378a. Functionally, silencing of Sufu stimulated EC proliferation, migration and tube formation by activating Hedgehog/Gli1 signalling. Further, we found that incubation with P‐EVs enabled the transmission of P‐EV‐contained miR‐378a to ECs. Subsequently, the expressions of Sufu, Gli1 and vascular endothelial growth factor in ECs were significantly influenced by P‐EV‐mediated miR‐378a transmission. Conclusions These data suggest that P‐EVs carrying miR‐378a promote EC angiogenesis by downregulating Sufu to activate the Hedgehog/Gli1 signalling pathway. Our findings reveal a crucial role for EV‐derived miR‐378a in cell angiogenesis and hence offer a new target for modifying stem cells and their secreted EVs to enhance vessel regenerative potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Zhou
- Department of Periodontology, School of Stomatology, State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Dental Materials and Advanced Manufacture, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Free Radical Biology and Medicine, The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environments, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xuan Li
- Department of Periodontology, School of Stomatology, State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Dental Materials and Advanced Manufacture, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Rui-Xin Wu
- Department of Periodontology, School of Stomatology, State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Dental Materials and Advanced Manufacture, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiao-Tao He
- Department of Periodontology, School of Stomatology, State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Dental Materials and Advanced Manufacture, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ying An
- Department of Periodontology, School of Stomatology, State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Dental Materials and Advanced Manufacture, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xin-Yue Xu
- Department of Periodontology, School of Stomatology, State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Dental Materials and Advanced Manufacture, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Free Radical Biology and Medicine, The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environments, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hai-Hua Sun
- Department of Periodontology, School of Stomatology, State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Dental Materials and Advanced Manufacture, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Li-An Wu
- Department of Periodontology, School of Stomatology, State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Dental Materials and Advanced Manufacture, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fa-Ming Chen
- Department of Periodontology, School of Stomatology, State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Dental Materials and Advanced Manufacture, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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13
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Das PK, Islam F, Smith RA, Lam AK. Therapeutic Strategies Against Cancer Stem Cells in Esophageal Carcinomas. Front Oncol 2021; 10:598957. [PMID: 33665161 PMCID: PMC7921694 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.598957] [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: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) in esophageal cancer have a key role in tumor initiation, progression and therapy resistance. Novel therapeutic strategies to target CSCs are being tested, however, more in-depth research is necessary. Eradication of CSCs can result in successful therapeutic approaches against esophageal cancer. Recent evidence suggests that targeting signaling pathways, miRNA expression profiles and other properties of CSCs are important strategies for cancer therapy. Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, Hedgehog, Hippo and other pathways play crucial roles in proliferation, differentiation, and self-renewal of stem cells as well as of CSCs. All of these pathways have been implicated in the regulation of esophageal CSCs and are potential therapeutic targets. Interference with these pathways or their components using small molecules could have therapeutic benefits. Similarly, miRNAs are able to regulate gene expression in esophageal CSCs, so targeting self-renewal pathways with miRNA could be utilized to as a potential therapeutic option. Moreover, hypoxia plays critical roles in esophageal cancer metabolism, stem cell proliferation, maintaining aggressiveness and in regulating the metastatic potential of cancer cells, therefore, targeting hypoxia factors could also provide effective therapeutic modalities against esophageal CSCs. To conclude, additional study of CSCs in esophageal carcinoma could open promising therapeutic options in esophageal carcinomas by targeting hyper-activated signaling pathways, manipulating miRNA expression and hypoxia mechanisms in esophageal CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Plabon Kumar Das
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
| | - Farhadul Islam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh.,Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Robert A Smith
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Genomics Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia.,Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Alfred K Lam
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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14
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Targeting Hedgehog Pathway and DNA Methyltransferases in Uterine Leiomyosarcoma Cells. Cells 2020; 10:cells10010053. [PMID: 33396427 PMCID: PMC7824187 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010053] [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: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is an aggressive tumor that presents poor prognosis, high rates of recurrence and metastasis. Because of its rarity, there is no information available concerning LMS molecular mechanisms of origin and development. Here, we assessed the expression profile of Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway markers and the effects of their pharmacological inhibition on uterine smooth muscle (UTSM), leiomyoma and LMS cells. Additionally, we also evaluated the effects of DNMTs inhibition on LMS cells behavior. Cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis rates were evaluated by MTT, Scratch and Annexin V assays, respectively. RNA expression and protein levels were assessed by qRT-PCR and Western blot. We found that SMO and GLIs (1, 2 and 3) expression was upregulated in LMS cells, with increased nuclear levels of GLI proteins. Treatment with LDE225 (SMOi) and Gant61 (GLIi) resulted in a significant reduction in Glis protein levels in LMS (p < 0.05). Additionally, the expression of DNMT (1, 3a, and 3b), as well as GLI1 nuclear expression, was significantly decreased after treatment with HH inhibitor in LMS cells. Our results showed that blocking of SMO, GLI and DNMTs is able to inhibit LMS proliferation, migration and invasion. Importantly, the combination of those treatments exhibited a potentiated effect on LMS malignant features due to HH pathway deactivation.
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15
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Fang P, Zhou L, Lim LY, Fu H, Yuan ZX, Lin J. Targeting Strategies for Renal Cancer Stem Cell Therapy. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:1964-1978. [PMID: 32188377 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200318153106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is an intractable genitourinary malignancy that accounts for approximately 4% of adult malignancies. Currently, there is no approved targeted therapy for RCC that has yielded durable remissions, and they remain palliative in intent. Emerging evidence has indicated that renal tumorigenesis and RCC treatment-resistance may originate from renal cancer stem cells (CSCs) with tumor-initiating capacity (CSC hypothesis). A better understanding of the mechanism underlying renal CSCs will help to dissect RCC heterogeneity and drug treatment efficiency, to promote more personalized and targeted therapies. In this review, we summarized the stem cell characteristics of renal CSCs. We outlined the targeting strategies and challenges associated with developing therapies that target renal CSCs angiogenesis, immunosuppression, signaling pathways, surface biomarkers, microRNAs and nanomedicine. In conclusion, CSCs are an important role in renal carcinogenesis and represent a valid target for treatment of RCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengchao Fang
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liuting Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lee Y Lim
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley WA 6009, Perth, Australia
| | - Hualin Fu
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhi-Xiang Yuan
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Juchun Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
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16
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Rahi S, Mehan S. Understanding Abnormal SMO-SHH Signaling in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Potential Drug Target and Therapeutic Goals. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2020; 42:931-953. [PMID: 33206287 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-01010-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autism is a multifactorial neurodevelopmental condition; it demonstrates some main characteristics, such as impaired social relationships and increased repetitive behavior. The initiation of autism spectrum disorder is mostly triggered during brain development by the deregulation of signaling pathways. Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling is one such mechanism that influences neurogenesis and neural processes during the development of the central nervous system. SMO-SHH signaling is also an important part of a broad variety of neurological processes, including neuronal cell differentiation, proliferation, and survival. Dysregulation of SMO-SHH signaling leads to many physiological changes that lead to neurological disorders such as ASD and contribute to cognitive decline. The aberrant downregulation of SMO-SHH signals contributes to the proteolytic cleavage of GLI (glioma-associated homolog) into GLI3 (repressor), which increases oxidative stress, neuronal excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis by suppressing target gene expression. We outlined in this review that SMO-SHH deregulation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of autism and addresses the current status of SMO-SHH pathway modulators. Additionally, a greater understanding of the SHH signaling pathway is an effort to improve successful treatment for autism and other neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saloni Rahi
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142001, Punjab, India
| | - Sidharth Mehan
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142001, Punjab, India.
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17
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Lu YB, Sun TJ, Chen YT, Cai ZY, Zhao JY, Miao F, Yang YN, Wang SX. Targeting the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer Stem Cells for a Better Clinical Outcome of Glioma. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2020; 19:1533033820948053. [PMID: 33089751 PMCID: PMC7586027 DOI: 10.1177/1533033820948053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioma is one of the most common malignant tumors of the central nervous system with a poor prognosis at present due to lack of effective treatment options. Its initiation, migration, and multipotency are affected by cancer stem cell’s transition. Previous studies imply that changes in the cancer stem cells can affect the malignant differentiation of the tumor. We found that the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related regulatory pathway is an important target for tumor therapy. In this review, we discuss the transition factor of EMT and 3 specific pathways that affect the EMT of cancer stem cells during tumor development. We conclude that targeting the EMT process of cancer stem cells can be a feasible approach in the treatment of glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Bao Lu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.,*Both authors contributed equally to this study and share first authorship
| | - Tian-Jiao Sun
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.,*Both authors contributed equally to this study and share first authorship
| | - Yu-Tong Chen
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Zong-Yan Cai
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Jia-Yu Zhao
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Feng Miao
- Zhangye People's Hospital Affiliated to Hexi University, Zhangye, Gansu, China
| | - Yong-Na Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First People's Hospital of Lanzhou City, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Shi-Xin Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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18
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The Role of Smoothened in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186863. [PMID: 32962123 PMCID: PMC7555769 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Smoothened (SMO) belongs to the Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway, which regulates cell growth, migration, invasion and stem cells in cancer. The HH signaling pathway includes both canonical and noncanonical pathways. The canonical HH pathway functions through major HH molecules such as HH ligands, PTCH, SMO and GLI, whereas the noncanonical HH pathway involves the activation of SMO or GLI through other pathways. The role of SMO has been discussed in different types of cancer, including breast, liver, pancreatic and colon cancers. SMO expression correlates with tumor size, invasiveness, metastasis and recurrence. In addition, SMO inhibitors can suppress cancer formation, reduce the proliferation of cancer cells, trigger apoptosis and suppress cancer stem cell activity. A better understanding of the role of SMO in cancer could contribute to the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
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19
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Expression of Glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 as biomarker with sonidegib in advanced basal cell carcinoma. Oncotarget 2020; 11:3473-3483. [PMID: 32973971 PMCID: PMC7500103 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27735] [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: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The pivotal BOLT (Basal cell carcinoma Outcomes with LDE225 [sonidegib] Treatment) study established the durable efficacy and manageable toxicity of sonidegib 200 mg once daily (QD) through 42 months in patients with advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC). This secondary analysis used expression of Glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (GLI1) as a biomarker to assess the extent of Hedgehog pathway inhibition by sonidegib in patients with locally advanced BCC (laBCC) and metastatic BCC (mBCC). The study enrolled 230 patients, 79 and 151 receiving sonidegib 200 and 800 mg QD, respectively. At week 17, GLI1 expression was reduced from baseline by a median percentage (95% confidence interval) of 88.7% (54.6%-93.0%) and 97.0% (77.5%-98.9%) for aggressive laBCC, 97.5% (80.3%-98.8%) and 95.0% (80.7%-97.5%) for nonaggressive laBCC, and 99.1% (96.4%-99.6%) and 99.3% (95.9%-99.9%) for mBCC in the 200 and 800 mg groups, respectively. Substantial repression of GLI1 was observed in patient subgroups stratified by age, sex, BCC cytological subtype, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, lesion site, baseline number of BCCs, and prior radiotherapy. Results support further studies on the inhibition of Hedgehog pathway genes by sonidegib in patients with laBCC and mBCC.
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20
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Villani A, Fabbrocini G, Costa C, Scalvenzi M. Sonidegib: Safety and Efficacy in Treatment of Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2020; 10:401-412. [PMID: 32297221 PMCID: PMC7211768 DOI: 10.1007/s13555-020-00378-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog inhibitors are promising alternative treatments for patients with advanced basal cell carcinomas. Sonidegib (Odomzo®), an oral smoothened (SMO) antagonist, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced basal cell carcinoma (laBCC) who present recurrence following surgery or radiation therapy, or those who are not candidates for surgery or radiotherapy. Several studies and randomized controlled trials have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of this new molecule that has demonstrated a good response rate (44%). Grade 1-2 adverse events have also been reported. Further studies of real-world experiences are needed to better understand the correct management of the drug, alternative dosing regimens, and differences with other hedgehog inhibitors. This article provides a complete overview of the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of sonidegib and a report of the trials and studies conducted. The most frequent adverse events and their correct management are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Villani
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | - Gabriella Fabbrocini
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudia Costa
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Scalvenzi
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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21
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Sonidegib: Safety and Efficacy in Treatment of Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2020. [PMID: 32297221 DOI: 10.1007/s13555‐020‐00378‐8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog inhibitors are promising alternative treatments for patients with advanced basal cell carcinomas. Sonidegib (Odomzo®), an oral smoothened (SMO) antagonist, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced basal cell carcinoma (laBCC) who present recurrence following surgery or radiation therapy, or those who are not candidates for surgery or radiotherapy. Several studies and randomized controlled trials have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of this new molecule that has demonstrated a good response rate (44%). Grade 1-2 adverse events have also been reported. Further studies of real-world experiences are needed to better understand the correct management of the drug, alternative dosing regimens, and differences with other hedgehog inhibitors. This article provides a complete overview of the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of sonidegib and a report of the trials and studies conducted. The most frequent adverse events and their correct management are also discussed.
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22
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Ciliary Genes in Renal Cystic Diseases. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040907. [PMID: 32276433 PMCID: PMC7226761 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cilia are microtubule-based organelles, protruding from the apical cell surface and anchoring to the cytoskeleton. Primary (nonmotile) cilia of the kidney act as mechanosensors of nephron cells, responding to fluid movements by triggering signal transduction. The impaired functioning of primary cilia leads to formation of cysts which in turn contribute to development of diverse renal diseases, including kidney ciliopathies and renal cancer. Here, we review current knowledge on the role of ciliary genes in kidney ciliopathies and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Special focus is given on the impact of mutations and altered expression of ciliary genes (e.g., encoding polycystins, nephrocystins, Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) proteins, ALS1, Oral-facial-digital syndrome 1 (OFD1) and others) in polycystic kidney disease and nephronophthisis, as well as rare genetic disorders, including syndromes of Joubert, Meckel-Gruber, Bardet-Biedl, Senior-Loken, Alström, Orofaciodigital syndrome type I and cranioectodermal dysplasia. We also show that RCC and classic kidney ciliopathies share commonly disturbed genes affecting cilia function, including VHL (von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor), PKD1 (polycystin 1, transient receptor potential channel interacting) and PKD2 (polycystin 2, transient receptor potential cation channel). Finally, we discuss the significance of ciliary genes as diagnostic and prognostic markers, as well as therapeutic targets in ciliopathies and cancer.
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23
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Shang Z, Zhao T, Ou T, Yan H, Cui B, Wang Q, Wu J, Jia C, Cui X, Li J. The level of zinc finger of the cerebellum 2 is predictive of overall survival in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Transl Androl Urol 2020; 9:614-620. [PMID: 32420167 PMCID: PMC7215046 DOI: 10.21037/tau.2020.01.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The zinc finger of the cerebellum 2 (ZIC2) has been reported to function as an oncogenic transcription factor. However, the level and prognostic value of ZIC2 in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remain unclear. Methods UALCAN was employed to analyze the level of ZIC2 mRNA in ccRCC samples compared to normal kidney tissues and to explore the impacts of ZIC2 expression according to tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stages and histologic grades. The correlations between ZIC2 expression and clinicopathological parameters were investigated by bioinformatic analysis using UCSC Xena Browser in the light of data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. We used Kaplan-Meier analysis to assess the association between the level of ZIC2 and overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) in ccRCC patients. Moreover, Cox analyses were adopted to evaluate its prognostic value in ccRCC patients. Results ZIC2 expression was much higher in ccRCC samples than that in normal ones and increased with the escalation of TNM stages and histologic grades. In addition, the high ZIC2 expression group had significantly advanced age (age >65), T, N, M, TNM stage, histologic grade and lower 5-years OS (19.40% vs. 31.74%, P=0.006) than the low one. High ZIC2 expression was related to remarkably worse OS (P<0.001) in ccRCC patients, whereas no statistical relation was detected between the level of ZIC2 and DFS. Moreover, multivariate analysis indicated high level of ZIC2 is an independent factor of prognosis for worse OS (HR: 1.625, 95% CI, 1.146-2.302, P=0.006). Conclusions The level of ZIC2 expression is an independent predictor for OS in ccRCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhua Shang
- Department of Urology, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Teng Zhao
- Department of Urology, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Tongwen Ou
- Department of Urology, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Hao Yan
- Department of Urology, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Bo Cui
- Department of Urology, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Urology, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Jiangtao Wu
- Department of Urology, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Chunsong Jia
- Department of Urology, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Xin Cui
- Department of Urology, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Urology, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
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24
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Quaglio D, Infante P, Di Marcotullio L, Botta B, Mori M. Hedgehog signaling pathway inhibitors: an updated patent review (2015-present). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2020; 30:235-250. [PMID: 32070165 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2020.1730327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Hedgehog (Hh) signaling plays a pivotal role in tissue development and stemness, and its deregulation is found in many different tumors. Several efforts have been devoted to discovery of Hh inhibitors, including three drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), targeting the upstream receptor smoothened (SMO). However, SMO mutations or SMO-independent Hh pathway activation raise the need for novel Hh inhibitors.Areas covered: This review describes Hh inhibitors with anticancer potential patented in the period 2015-present.Expert opinion: Despite the initial enthusiasm in SMO antagonists, drug-resistant mutations, and SMO-independent Hh activation limited their clinical application. A growing number of therapeutic strategies are currently focusing on downstream Hh effectors (i.e. glioma-associate oncogenes (GLI) proteins) or other signaling pathways related to Hh, in addition to drug repositioning. Given the heterogenic nature of cancers, a terrific clinical impact is expected by multi-targeting approaches able to modulate simultaneously SMO and GLI, and/or additional targets that act as regulators of Hh signaling. It is expected that these alternative strategies might be investigated in clinical trials in the next years against a wide variety of tumor types, and that they provide improved outcomes compared to current SMO antagonists or other single-agent anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Quaglio
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Infante
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Botta
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mattia Mori
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Patel S, Alam A, Pant R, Chattopadhyay S. Wnt Signaling and Its Significance Within the Tumor Microenvironment: Novel Therapeutic Insights. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2872. [PMID: 31921137 PMCID: PMC6927425 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling is one of the central mechanisms regulating tissue morphogenesis during embryogenesis and repair. The pivot of this signaling cascade is the Wnt ligand, which binds to receptors belonging to the Frizzled family or the ROR1/ROR2 and RYK family. This interaction governs the downstream signaling cascade (canonical/non-canonical), ultimately extending its effect on the cellular cytoskeleton, transcriptional control of proliferation and differentiation, and organelle dynamics. Anomalous Wnt signaling has been associated with several cancers, the most prominent ones being colorectal, breast, lung, oral, cervical, and hematopoietic malignancies. It extends its effect on tumorigenesis by modulating the tumor microenvironment via fine crosstalk between transformed cells and infiltrating immune cells, such as leukocytes. This review is an attempt to highlight the latest developments in the understanding of Wnt signaling in the context of tumors and their microenvironment. A dynamic process known as immunoediting governs the fate of tumor progression based on the correlation of various signaling pathways in the tumor microenvironment and immune cells. Cancer cells also undergo a series of mutations in the tumor suppressor gene, which favors tumorigenesis. Wnt signaling, and its crosstalk with various immune cells, has both negative as well as positive effects on tumor progression. On one hand, it helps in the maintenance and renewal of the leucocytes. On the other hand, it promotes immune tolerance, limiting the antitumor response. Wnt signaling also plays a role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), thereby promoting the maintenance of Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs). Furthermore, we have summarized the ongoing strategies used to target aberrant Wnt signaling as a novel therapeutic intervention to combat various cancers and their limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonal Patel
- National Centre for Cell Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
| | - Aftab Alam
- Department of Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Richa Pant
- National Centre for Cell Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
| | - Samit Chattopadhyay
- National Centre for Cell Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India.,Department of Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
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Neve A, Migliavacca J, Capdeville C, Schönholzer MT, Gries A, Ma M, Santhana Kumar K, Grotzer M, Baumgartner M. Crosstalk between SHH and FGFR Signaling Pathways Controls Tissue Invasion in Medulloblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11121985. [PMID: 31835472 PMCID: PMC6966681 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11121985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) subgroup of medulloblastoma (MB), tumor initiation and progression are in part driven by smoothened (SMO) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-receptor (FGFR) signaling, respectively. We investigated the impact of the SMO-FGFR crosstalk on tumor growth and invasiveness in MB. We found that FGFR signaling represses GLI1 expression downstream of activated SMO in the SHH MB line DAOY and induces MKI67, HES1, and BMI1 in DAOY and in the group 3 MB line HD-MBO3. FGFR repression of GLI1 does not affect proliferation or viability, whereas inhibition of FGFR is necessary to release SMO-driven invasiveness. Conversely, SMO activation represses FGFR-driven sustained activation of nuclear ERK. Parallel activation of FGFR and SMO in ex vivo tumor cell-cerebellum slice co-cultures reduced invasion of tumor cells without affecting proliferation. In contrast, treatment of the cells with the SMO antagonist Sonidegib (LDE225) blocked invasion and proliferation in cerebellar slices. Thus, sustained, low-level SMO activation is necessary for proliferation and tissue invasion, whereas acute, pronounced activation of SMO can repress FGFR-driven invasiveness. This suggests that the tumor cell response is dependent on the relative local abundance of the two factors and indicates a paradigm of microenvironmental control of invasion in SHH MB through mutual control of SHH and FGFR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuja Neve
- Department of Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Zürich, CH-8032 Zürich, Switzerland; (A.N.); (J.M.); (C.C.); (M.T.S.); (A.G.); (K.S.K.); (M.G.)
| | - Jessica Migliavacca
- Department of Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Zürich, CH-8032 Zürich, Switzerland; (A.N.); (J.M.); (C.C.); (M.T.S.); (A.G.); (K.S.K.); (M.G.)
| | - Charles Capdeville
- Department of Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Zürich, CH-8032 Zürich, Switzerland; (A.N.); (J.M.); (C.C.); (M.T.S.); (A.G.); (K.S.K.); (M.G.)
| | - Marc Thomas Schönholzer
- Department of Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Zürich, CH-8032 Zürich, Switzerland; (A.N.); (J.M.); (C.C.); (M.T.S.); (A.G.); (K.S.K.); (M.G.)
| | - Alexandre Gries
- Department of Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Zürich, CH-8032 Zürich, Switzerland; (A.N.); (J.M.); (C.C.); (M.T.S.); (A.G.); (K.S.K.); (M.G.)
| | - Min Ma
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Biochemistry, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland;
| | - Karthiga Santhana Kumar
- Department of Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Zürich, CH-8032 Zürich, Switzerland; (A.N.); (J.M.); (C.C.); (M.T.S.); (A.G.); (K.S.K.); (M.G.)
| | - Michael Grotzer
- Department of Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Zürich, CH-8032 Zürich, Switzerland; (A.N.); (J.M.); (C.C.); (M.T.S.); (A.G.); (K.S.K.); (M.G.)
| | - Martin Baumgartner
- Department of Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Zürich, CH-8032 Zürich, Switzerland; (A.N.); (J.M.); (C.C.); (M.T.S.); (A.G.); (K.S.K.); (M.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-44-266-3730
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27
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Li E, Zhang T, Sun X, Li Y, Geng H, Yu D, Zhong C. Sonic hedgehog pathway mediates genistein inhibition of renal cancer stem cells. Oncol Lett 2019; 18:3081-3091. [PMID: 31452785 PMCID: PMC6704282 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been implicated in the genesis, progression and recurrence of renal cancer. The sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway serves a critical role in maintaining the stemness of CSCs. Genistein, a major isoflavone component extracted from soybeans and soy products, has been demonstrated to possess anticancer activity. However, the effects of genistein on renal CSCs and its underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of the Shh pathway in genistein inhibition of renal CSCs. The results of the present study demonstrated that expression levels of renal CSC markers were markedly upregulated in the sphere-forming cells, which were isolated and enriched from 786-O and ACHN cells in a tumor sphere formation assay, and more cells were arrested at the G0/G1 phase instead of the S1 phase compared with the adherent cells. Furthermore, the present study demonstrated that genistein could effectively diminish the activity of renal CSCs by suppressing tumor sphere formation, decreasing renal CSCs markers, inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis. Additionally, the downregulation of Shh pathway activity could inhibit renal CSCs. Genistein exhibited an inhibitory effect on renal CSCs by attenuating the activation of the Shh pathway. In conclusion, the results illustrated the role of the Shh pathway in regulating renal CSC traits and the intervention of renal CSCs by genistein, which could provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of renal CSC intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enlai Li
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Xianchao Sun
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, P.R. China
| | - Hao Geng
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Dexin Yu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Caiyun Zhong
- Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, P.R. China
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Carpenter RL, Ray H. Safety and Tolerability of Sonic Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitors in Cancer. Drug Saf 2019; 42:263-279. [PMID: 30649745 DOI: 10.1007/s40264-018-0777-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The hedgehog pathway, for which sonic hedgehog (Shh) is the most prominent ligand, is highly conserved and is tightly associated with embryonic development in a number of species. This pathway is also tightly associated with the development of several types of cancer, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and acute promyelocytic leukemia, among many others. Inactivating mutations in Patched-1 (PTCH1), leading to ligand-independent pathway activation, are frequent in several cancer types, but most prominent in BCC. This has led to the development of several compounds targeting this pathway as a cancer therapeutic. These compounds target the inducers of this pathway in Smoothened (SMO) and the GLI transcription factors, although targeting SMO has had the most success. Despite the many attempts at targeting this pathway, only three US FDA-approved drugs for cancers affect the Shh pathway. Two of these compounds, vismodegib and sonidegib, target SMO to suppress signaling from either PTCH1 or SMO mutations that lead to upregulation of the pathway. The other approved compound is arsenic trioxide, which can suppress this pathway at the level of the GLI proteins, although current evidence suggests it also has other targets. This review focuses on the safety and tolerability of these clinically approved drugs targeting the Shh pathway, along with a discussion on other Shh pathway inhibitors being developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Carpenter
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1001 E. 3rd St, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA. .,Medical Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1001 E. 3rd St, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA. .,Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, 535 Barnhill Dr., Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Haimanti Ray
- Medical Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1001 E. 3rd St, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
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30
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Hedgehog Pathway as a Potential Intervention Target in Esophageal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11060821. [PMID: 31200527 PMCID: PMC6627376 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11060821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) is an aggressive disease with a poor prognosis. Treatment resistance is a major challenge in successful anti-cancer therapy. Pathological complete response after neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT) is low, thus requiring therapy optimization. The Hedgehog (HH) pathway has been implicated in therapy resistance, as well as in cancer stemness. This article focusses on the HH pathway as a putative target in the treatment of EC. Immunohistochemistry on HH members was applied to EC patient material followed by modulation of 3D-EC cell cultures, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), and gene expression analysis after HH pathway modulation. Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) and its receptor Patched1 (PTCH1) were significantly enriched in EC resection material of patients with microresidual disease (mRD) after receiving nCRT, compared to the control group. Stimulation with SHH resulted in an up-regulation of cancer stemness in EC sphere cultures, as indicated by increased sphere formation after sorting for CD44+/CD24− EC cancer stem-like cell (CSC) population. On the contrary, inhibiting this pathway with vismodegib led to a decrease in cancer stemness and both radiation and carboplatin resistance. Our results strengthen the role of the HH pathway in chemoradiotherapy resistance. These findings suggest that targeting the HH pathway could be an attractive approach to control CSCs.
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Salaritabar A, Berindan-Neagoe I, Darvish B, Hadjiakhoondi F, Manayi A, Devi KP, Barreca D, Orhan IE, Süntar I, Farooqi AA, Gulei D, Nabavi SF, Sureda A, Daglia M, Dehpour AR, Nabavi SM, Shirooie S. Targeting Hedgehog signaling pathway: Paving the road for cancer therapy. Pharmacol Res 2019; 141:466-480. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 11/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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32
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Girardi D, Barrichello A, Fernandes G, Pereira A. Targeting the Hedgehog Pathway in Cancer: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives. Cells 2019; 8:cells8020153. [PMID: 30759860 PMCID: PMC6406365 DOI: 10.3390/cells8020153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog pathway (HhP) plays an important role in normal embryonic development and its abnormal function has been linked to a variety of neoplasms. Recently, the complex mechanisms involved in this pathway have been deciphered and the cross talks with other important pathways involved in carcinogenesis have been characterized. This knowledge has led to the development of targeted therapies against key components of HhP, which culminated in the approval of vismodegib for the treatment of advanced basal cell carcinoma in 2012. Since then, other compounds have been developed and evaluated in preclinical and clinical studies with interesting results. Today, several medications against components of the HhP have demonstrated clinical activity as monotherapies and in combination with cytotoxic treatment or other targeted therapies against mitogenic pathways that are linked to the HhP. This review aims to clarify the mechanism of the HhP and the complex crosstalk with others pathways involved in carcinogenesis and to discuss both the evidence associated with the growing number of medications and combined therapies addressing this pathway and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Girardi
- Division of Medical Oncology, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Brasilia, 70200-730, Brazil.
| | - Adriana Barrichello
- Division of Medical Oncology, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Brasilia, 70200-730, Brazil.
| | - Gustavo Fernandes
- Division of Medical Oncology, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Brasilia, 70200-730, Brazil.
| | - Allan Pereira
- Division of Medical Oncology, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Brasilia, 70200-730, Brazil.
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Silva LM, Jacobs DT, Allard BA, Fields TA, Sharma M, Wallace DP, Tran PV. Inhibition of Hedgehog signaling suppresses proliferation and microcyst formation of human Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:4985. [PMID: 29563577 PMCID: PMC5862907 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23341-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is caused by mutation of PKD1 or PKD2, which encode polycystin 1 and 2, respectively. The polycystins localize to primary cilia and the functional loss of the polycystin complex leads to the formation and progressive growth of fluid-filled cysts in the kidney. The pathogenesis of ADPKD is complex and molecular mechanisms connecting ciliary dysfunction to renal cystogenesis are unclear. Primary cilia mediate Hedgehog signaling, which modulates cell proliferation and differentiation in a tissue-dependent manner. Previously, we showed that Hedgehog signaling was increased in cystic kidneys of several PKD mouse models and that Hedgehog inhibition prevented cyst formation in embryonic PKD mouse kidneys treated with cAMP. Here, we show that in human ADPKD tissue, Hedgehog target and activator, Glioma 1, was elevated and localized to cyst-lining epithelial cells and to interstitial cells, suggesting increased autocrine and paracrine Hedgehog signaling in ADPKD, respectively. Further, Hedgehog inhibitors reduced basal and cAMP-induced proliferation of ADPKD cells and cyst formation in vitro. These data suggest that Hedgehog signaling is increased in human ADPKD and that suppression of Hedgehog signaling can counter cellular processes that promote cyst growth in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciane M Silva
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Damon T Jacobs
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Bailey A Allard
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Timothy A Fields
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Madhulika Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Darren P Wallace
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Pamela V Tran
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA. .,Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
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Li X, Chen F, Zhu Q, Ding B, Zhong Q, Huang K, Jiang X, Wang Z, Yin C, Zhu Y, Li Z, Meng F. Gli-1/PI3K/AKT/NF-kB pathway mediates resistance to radiation and is a target for reversion of responses in refractory acute myeloid leukemia cells. Oncotarget 2018; 7:33004-15. [PMID: 27105509 PMCID: PMC5078070 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Total body irradiation combined with chemotherapy is currently the most effective procedure as a preparative myeloablative regimen. However, resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy in refractory acute myeloid leukemia is associated with short-time recurrence after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. To address this issue, we used three cell lines, HL60, HL60/ADR (adriamycin-resistant cells), and HL60/RX (a radiation-resistant cell line established from HL60 cells), as cellular models to investigate the mechanism of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway resulting in radioresistance, and the efficacy of LDE225 (an inhibitor of the Hh pathway) to enhance radiation sensitivity. Our results indicated that HL60/RX and HL60/ADR cells showed an increased in radioresistance and elevated activity of Hh pathway proteins compared with HL60 cells (P<0.001). In addition, LDE225 significantly reduced clonogenic survival with a sensitivity enhancement ratio (SER) of 1.283 for HL60/ADR and 1.245 for HL60/RX cells. The combination of LDE225 with irradiation significantly increased radiation-induced apoptosis and expression of γ-H2AX and BAK compared with single-treatment groups in both HL60/RX and HL60/ADR cells (P<0.001). In vivo, the combination of LDE225 with irradiation exerted a significant antitumor effect compared with the control and single agents in HL60/RX- and HL60/ADR-xenografted mouse models (P<0.001). Furthermore, our data obtained from western blot and IHC analyses showed that the activation of pAKT and NF-kB was reduced by LDE225 treatment in both HL60/ADR and HL60/RX cells. This demonstrates that the Gli-1/PI3K/AKT/NF-kB pathway plays a key role in resistance to radiation, and that inhibition of the Hh pathway sensitizes cells to radiation by overcoming radioresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Li
- Hematology Department, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Fang Chen
- Hematology Department, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiuhua Zhu
- Hematology Department, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Bingjie Ding
- Hematology Department, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingxiu Zhong
- Hematology Department, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China.,Hematology Department, Kanghua Hospital, Dongguan 523080, Guangdong, China
| | - Kaikai Huang
- Hematology Department, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuejie Jiang
- Hematology Department, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhixiang Wang
- Hematology Department, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Changxin Yin
- Hematology Department, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Yufeng Zhu
- Hematology Department, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Hematology Department, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Fanyi Meng
- Hematology Department, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China.,Hematology Department, Kanghua Hospital, Dongguan 523080, Guangdong, China
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Hedgehog inhibitors selectively target cell migration and adhesion of mantle cell lymphoma in bone marrow microenvironment. Oncotarget 2018; 7:14350-65. [PMID: 26885608 PMCID: PMC4924720 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical benefits of a Hedgehog (Hh) inhibitor, LDE225 (NPV-LDE-225, Erismodegib), have been unclear in hematological cancers. Here, we report that LDE225 selectively inhibited migration and adhesion of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) to bone marrows via very late antigen-4 (VLA-4) mediated inactivation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling. LDE225 treatment not only affected MCL cells, but also modulated stromal cells within the bone marrow microenvironment by decreasing their production of SDF-1, IL-6 and VCAM-1, the ligand for VLA-4. Surprisingly, LDE225 treatment alone did not suppress cell proliferation due to increased CXCR4 expression mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). The increased ROS/CXCR4 further stimulated autophagy formation. The combination of LDE225 with the autophagy inhibitors further enhanced MCL cell death. Our data, for the first time, revealed LDE225 selectively targets MCL cells migration and adhesion to bone marrows. The ineffectiveness of LDE225 in MCL is due to autophagy formation, which in turn increases cell viability. Inhibiting autophagy will be an effective adjuvant therapy for LDE225 in MCL, especially for advanced MCL patients with bone marrow involvement.
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Hedgehog signalling pathway orchestrates angiogenesis in triple-negative breast cancers. Br J Cancer 2017; 116:1425-1435. [PMID: 28441382 PMCID: PMC5520095 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2017.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several evidences suggest a marked angiogenic dependency in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) tumorigenesis and a potential sensitivity to anti-angiogenic agents. Herein, the putative role of Hedgehog (Hh) pathway in regulating TNBC-dependent angiogenesis was investigated. METHODS Expression and regulation of the Hh pathway transcription factor glioma-associated oncogene homolog1 protein (GLI1) were studied on the endothelial compartment and on TNBC-initiated angiogenesis. To evaluate the translational relevance of our findings, the combination of paclitaxel with the Smo inhibitor NVP-LDE225 was tested in TNBC xenografted mice. RESULTS Tissue microarray analysis on 200 TNBC patients showed GLI1 overexpression paired with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) expression. In vitro, Hh pathway promotes TNBC progression in an autocrine manner, regulating the VEGF/VEGFR2 loop on cancer cell surface, and in a paracrine manner, orchestrating tumour vascularisation. These effects were counteracted by Smo pharmacological inhibition. In TNBC xenografted mice, scheduling NVP-LDE225 rather than bevacizumab provided a better sustained inhibition of TNBC cells proliferation and endothelial cells organisation. CONCLUSIONS This study identifies the Hh pathway as one of the main regulators of tumour angiogenesis in TNBC, thus suggesting Hh inhibition as a potential new anti-angiogenic therapeutic option to be clinically investigated in GLI1 overexpressing TNBC patients.
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Peng WX, Zhu SL, Zhang BY, Shi YM, Feng XX, Liu F, Huang JL, Zheng SG. Smoothened Regulates Migration of Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes in Rheumatoid Arthritis via Activation of Rho GTPase Signaling. Front Immunol 2017; 8:159. [PMID: 28261216 PMCID: PMC5309251 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) acquire aggressive phenotypes characterized with enhanced migration abilities and inherent invasive qualities in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Smoothened (Smo) is a key component of sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling and contributes to tumor cell invasion and metastasis. The objective of this study is to investigate the role of Smo in the modulation of cell migration and explore the underlying molecular mechanism(s). FLSs were isolated from RA synovium. Shh levels were regulated by a Smo agonist (purmorphamine), Smo antagonist (KAAD-cyclopamine), or small interfering RNA targeting the Smo gene (Smo-siRNA) in RA-FLSs. Expression of Smo was detected by real-time PCR and western blot analysis. Cell migration was examined by Transwell assay and activation of Rho GTPases was measured by pull-down assays. Incubation with purmorphamine resulted in a significant increase of cell migration and activation of Rho GTPase signaling compared to controls (P < 0.05). However, treatment with KAAD-cyclopamine or transfection with Smo-siRNA suppressed migration of RA-FLSs and showed an inhibitory effect of Rho GTPase signaling. Together, these results suggest that Smo plays an important role in RA-FLSs migration through activation of Rho GTPase signaling and may contribute to progression of RA, thus, targeting Shh signal may have a therapeutic potential in patients with RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Xiang Peng
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Department of for Clinical Immunology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Division of Nephrology, Zhuhai People's Hospital, Zhuhai, China
| | - Shang-Ling Zhu
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Bai-Yu Zhang
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Yi-Ming Shi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Xiao-Xue Feng
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Fang Liu
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Jian-Lin Huang
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Song Guo Zheng
- Department of for Clinical Immunology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
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Lin Z, Sheng H, You C, Cai M, Zhang Y, Yu LS, Yu X, Lin J, Zhang N. Inhibition of the CyclinD1 promoter in response to sonic hedgehog signaling pathway transduction is mediated by Gli1. Exp Ther Med 2016; 13:307-314. [PMID: 28123507 PMCID: PMC5244851 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2016.3969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant tumor of the central nervous system in children. Accumulating evidence suggests a major role for the activation of the sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway in the development of MB cells; however, the mechanisms underlying the effect of this pathway on tumor survival and growth remain poorly understood. The Gli family zinc finger 1 (Gli1) transcription factor is considered as a mediator of the SHH signaling pathway in MB cells. Therefore, the present study investigated whether the SHH signaling pathway promotes the apoptosis of MB cells via downregulation of Gli1. GANT61, a novel Gli1 inhibitor, is known to have an in vitro activity against tumors. In the current study, Daoy cells were treated with different concentrations of GANT61 for 24 h, and the effect on cell proliferation was assayed by cell counting kit-8 assay. In addition, the cell cycle progression and apoptosis were assayed by flow cytometry analysis and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The effects of GANT61 treatment on SHH signaling pathway at the mRNA level were assayed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). To further elucidate the inhibitory effects of GANT61 on the expression of Gli1 and CyclinD1, their protein levels were examined by western blot and immunofluorescence. The results indicated that GANT61 significantly inhibited the proliferation of Daoy cells in a dose-dependent manner, compared with the control group (P<0.05). HE staining revealed that cells had increasingly abnormal protuberance with increasing GANT61 concentration. Flow cytometry analysis also demonstrated that GANT61 induced G1/S arrest and apoptosis of Daoy cells in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Gli1 and CyclinD1 mRNA expression levels were downregulated by GANT61 treatment (P<0.05); similarly, their protein levels were downregulated by GANT61 treatment in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). In conclusion, Gli1 expression was significantly associated with CyclinD1 expression in MB. These data demonstrated that Gli1 is an important mediator of the SHH pathway activity in MB, and may be a novel agent for use in combined chemotherapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongxiao Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Hansong Sheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Chaoguo You
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Ming Cai
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Yiping Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Li Sheng Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoming Yu
- Department of Neonatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Jian Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Nu Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
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Metformin increases antitumor activity of MEK inhibitors through GLI1 downregulation in LKB1 positive human NSCLC cancer cells. Oncotarget 2016; 7:4265-78. [PMID: 26673006 PMCID: PMC4826204 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Metformin, widely used as antidiabetic drug, showed antitumoral effects expecially in combination with chemotherapy. Our group recently has demonstrated that metformin and gefitinib are synergistic in LKB1-wild-type NSCLC cells. In these models, metformin as single agent induced an activation and phosphorylation of mitogen-activated-protein-kinase (MAPK) through an increased C-RAF/B-RAF heterodimerization. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Since single agent metformin enhances proliferating signals through the RAS/RAF/MAPK pathway, and several MEK inhibitors (MEK-I) demonstrated clinical efficacy in combination with other agents in NSCLC, we tested the effects of metformin plus MEK-I (selumetinib or pimasertib) on proliferation, invasiveness, migration abilities in vitro and in vivo in LKB1 positive NSCLC models harboring KRAS wild type and mutated gene. RESULTS The combination of metformin with MEK-I showed a strong anti-proliferative and proapoptotic effect in Calu-3, H1299, H358 and H1975 human NSCLC cell lines, independently from the KRAS mutational status. The combination reduced the metastatic behaviour of NSCLC cells, via a downregulation of GLI1 trascritional activity, thus affecting the transition from an epithelial to a mesenchymal phenotype. Metformin and MEK-Is combinations also decreased the production and activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 by reducing the NF-jB (p65) binding to MMP-2 and MMP-9 promoters. CONCLUSIONS Metformin potentiates the antitumor activity of MEK-Is in human LKB1-wild-type NSCLC cell lines, independently from the KRAS mutational status, through GLI1 downregulation and by reducing the NF-jB (p65)-mediated transcription of MMP-2 and MMP-9.
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Rosa R, D'Amato V, De Placido S, Bianco R. Approaches for targeting cancer stem cells drug resistance. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2016; 11:1201-1212. [PMID: 27700193 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2016.1243525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Several reports have suggested that a population of undifferentiated cells known as cancer stem cells (CSCs), is responsible for cancer formation and maintenance. In the last decade, the presence of CSCs in solid cancers have been reported. Areas covered: This review summarizes the main approaches for targeting CSCs drug resistance. It is indeed known that CSCs may contribute to resistance to conventional chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted agents. Among the mechanisms by which CSCs escape anticancer therapies, removal of therapeutic agents by drug efflux pumps, enhanced DNA damage repair, activation of mitogenic/anti-apoptotic pathways; the main features of CSCs, stemness and EMT, are involved, as well as the capability to evade immune response. Expert opinion: Different approaches are suitable to target CSCs mediated drug resistance. Some of them are currently under clinical evaluation in different cancer types. A better understanding of CSC biology, as well as more accurate study design, may maximize the therapeutic effects of these agents. In this respect, it is important to establish: (i) which molecules should be targeted; (ii) what drug combinations may be suitable; (iii) which patient settings will CSC targeting offer the highest clinical benefit; and (iv) how to integrate therapeutic approaches targeting CSCs with standard cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Rosa
- a Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia , Università di Napoli Federico II , Napoli , Italy
| | - Valentina D'Amato
- a Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia , Università di Napoli Federico II , Napoli , Italy
| | - Sabino De Placido
- a Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia , Università di Napoli Federico II , Napoli , Italy
| | - Roberto Bianco
- a Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia , Università di Napoli Federico II , Napoli , Italy
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Gan GN, Jimeno A. Emerging from their burrow: Hedgehog pathway inhibitors for cancer. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2016; 25:1153-66. [DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2016.1216973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Furukawa J, Miyake H, Fujisawa M. GLI2 expression levels in radical nephrectomy specimens as a predictor of disease progression in patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma following treatment with sunitinib. Mol Clin Oncol 2016; 5:186-192. [PMID: 27602218 PMCID: PMC4998152 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2016.950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of the Hedgehog signaling pathway in the progression of metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (m-ccRCC) as well as the molecular targets of sunitinib, an inhibitor of multiple tyrosine kinases. A total of 39 patients subjected to radical nephrectomy who were diagnosed with m-ccRCC and were subsequently treated with sunitinib were enrolled in the present study. The expression levels of the Hedgehog signaling proteins (GLI1, GLI2, cyclin D1, cyclin E and transforming growth factor-β) and major molecular targets of sunitinib [vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-1 and −2, and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α and -β] in primary RCC specimens were assessed by immunohistochemical staining. The expression levels of GLI2, VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2 and pre-treatment C-reactive protein as well as the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center risk were identified as significant predictors of progression-free survival (PFS). Of these, only GLI2 expression was independently correlated to PFS according to multivariate analysis. Furthermore, treatment with sunitinib resulted in a marked inhibition of GLI2 expression in the parental human RCC ACHN cell line, but not in ACHN cells with acquired resistance to sunitinib. These findings suggested that GLI2 may be involved in the acquisition of resistance to sunitinib in RCC; thus, it may be useful to consider the expression levels of GLI2 in addition to conventional prognostic parameters when selecting m-ccRCC patients likely to benefit from treatment with sunitinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junya Furukawa
- Division of Urology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - Hideaki Miyake
- Division of Urology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - Masato Fujisawa
- Division of Urology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
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Abstract
Sonidegib (Odomzo™) is an orally bioavailable, small molecule, Smoothened (SMO) receptor antagonist that is being developed by Novartis for the treatment of cancer. SMO is a G protein-coupled receptor-like molecule that is essential for the actions of the Hedgehog family of secreted proteins, which play a critical role in the development and homeostasis of many organs and tissues. Oral sonidegib is approved in Switzerland for the treatment of adult patients with advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and in the US and EU for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced BCC that has recurred following surgery or radiation therapy, or those who are not candidates for surgery or radiation therapy. Submissions to other global authorities are being contemplated or planned. Additionally, phase I/II investigation is being conducted in other malignancies, including multiple myeloma, medulloblastoma, myelofibrosis, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, chronic myeloid leukaemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, oesophageal cancer and pancreatic cancer. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of sonidegib leading to the first approvals for advanced and locally advanced BCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celeste B Burness
- Springer, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay 0754, Auckland, New Zealand,
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Abstract
Cancer poses a serious health problem in society and is increasingly surpassing cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of mortality in the United States. Current therapeutic strategies for cancer are extreme and harsh to patients and often have limited success; the danger of cancer is intensified as it metastasizes to secondary locations such as lung, bone, and liver, posing a dire threat to patient treatment and survival. Hedgehog signaling is an important pathway for normal development. Initially identified in Drosophila, the vertebrate and mammalian equivalent of the pathway has been studied extensively for its role in cancer development and progression. As this pathway regulates key target genes involved in development, its action also allows for the modulation of the microenvironment to prepare a tumor-suitable niche by manipulating tumor cell growth, differentiation, and immune regulation, thus creating an enabling environment for progression and metastasis. In this review, we will summarize recent scientific discoveries reporting the impact of the Hedgehog signaling pathway on the tumor initiation process and metastatic cascade, shedding light on the ability of the tumor to take over a mechanism crucially intended for development and normal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Hanna
- Department of Pathology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Wallace Tumor Institute 320D, 1824 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, 35233, Alabama, USA
| | - Lalita A Shevde
- Department of Pathology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Wallace Tumor Institute 320D, 1824 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, 35233, Alabama, USA.
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Hanna A, Shevde LA. Hedgehog signaling: modulation of cancer properies and tumor mircroenvironment. Mol Cancer 2016; 15:24. [PMID: 26988232 PMCID: PMC4797362 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-016-0509-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer poses a serious health problem in society and is increasingly surpassing cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of mortality in the United States. Current therapeutic strategies for cancer are extreme and harsh to patients and often have limited success; the danger of cancer is intensified as it metastasizes to secondary locations such as lung, bone, and liver, posing a dire threat to patient treatment and survival. Hedgehog signaling is an important pathway for normal development. Initially identified in Drosophila, the vertebrate and mammalian equivalent of the pathway has been studied extensively for its role in cancer development and progression. As this pathway regulates key target genes involved in development, its action also allows for the modulation of the microenvironment to prepare a tumor-suitable niche by manipulating tumor cell growth, differentiation, and immune regulation, thus creating an enabling environment for progression and metastasis. In this review, we will summarize recent scientific discoveries reporting the impact of the Hedgehog signaling pathway on the tumor initiation process and metastatic cascade, shedding light on the ability of the tumor to take over a mechanism crucially intended for development and normal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Hanna
- Department of Pathology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Wallace Tumor Institute 320D, 1824 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, 35233, Alabama, USA
| | - Lalita A Shevde
- Department of Pathology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Wallace Tumor Institute 320D, 1824 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, 35233, Alabama, USA.
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Rimkus TK, Carpenter RL, Qasem S, Chan M, Lo HW. Targeting the Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Pathway: Review of Smoothened and GLI Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2016; 8:cancers8020022. [PMID: 26891329 PMCID: PMC4773745 DOI: 10.3390/cancers8020022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 409] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Revised: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway is a major regulator of cell differentiation, cell proliferation, and tissue polarity. Aberrant activation of the Shh pathway has been shown in a variety of human cancers, including, basal cell carcinoma, malignant gliomas, medulloblastoma, leukemias, and cancers of the breast, lung, pancreas, and prostate. Tumorigenesis, tumor progression and therapeutic response have all been shown to be impacted by the Shh signaling pathway. Downstream effectors of the Shh pathway include smoothened (SMO) and glioma-associated oncogene homolog (GLI) family of zinc finger transcription factors. Both are regarded as important targets for cancer therapeutics. While most efforts have been devoted towards pharmacologically targeting SMO, developing GLI-targeted approach has its merit because of the fact that GLI proteins can be activated by both Shh ligand-dependent and -independent mechanisms. To date, two SMO inhibitors (LDE225/Sonidegib and GDC-0449/Vismodegib) have received FDA approval for treating basal cell carcinoma while many clinical trials are being conducted to evaluate the efficacy of this exciting class of targeted therapy in a variety of cancers. In this review, we provide an overview of the biology of the Shh pathway and then detail the current landscape of the Shh-SMO-GLI pathway inhibitors including those in preclinical studies and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadas K Rimkus
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
| | - Richard L Carpenter
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
| | - Shadi Qasem
- Department of Pathology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
| | - Michael Chan
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
| | - Hui-Wen Lo
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
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The Role of Hedgehog Signaling in Tumor Induced Bone Disease. Cancers (Basel) 2015; 7:1658-83. [PMID: 26343726 PMCID: PMC4586789 DOI: 10.3390/cancers7030856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite significant progress in cancer treatments, tumor induced bone disease continues to cause significant morbidities. While tumors show distinct mutations and clinical characteristics, they behave similarly once they establish in bone. Tumors can metastasize to bone from distant sites (breast, prostate, lung), directly invade into bone (head and neck) or originate from the bone (melanoma, chondrosarcoma) where they cause pain, fractures, hypercalcemia, and ultimately, poor prognoses and outcomes. Tumors in bone secrete factors (interleukins and parathyroid hormone-related protein) that induce RANKL expression from osteoblasts, causing an increase in osteoclast mediated bone resorption. While the mechanisms involved varies slightly between tumor types, many tumors display an increase in Hedgehog signaling components that lead to increased tumor growth, therapy failure, and metastasis. The work of multiple laboratories has detailed Hh signaling in several tumor types and revealed that tumor establishment in bone can be controlled by both canonical and non-canonical Hh signaling in a cell type specific manner. This review will explore the role of Hh signaling in the modulation of tumor induced bone disease, and will shed insight into possible therapeutic interventions for blocking Hh signaling in these tumors.
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Digging a hole under Hedgehog: downstream inhibition as an emerging anticancer strategy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2015; 1856:62-72. [PMID: 26080084 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2015.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Revised: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Hedgehog signaling is a key regulator of development and stem cell fate and its aberrant activation is a leading cause of a number of tumors. Activating germline or somatic mutations of genes encoding Hh pathway components are found in Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Medulloblastoma (MB). Ligand-dependent Hedgehog hyperactivation, due to autocrine or paracrine mechanisms, is also observed in a large number of malignancies of the breast, colon, skin, bladder, pancreas and other tissues. The key tumorigenic role of Hedgehog has prompted effort aimed at identifying inhibitors of this signaling. To date, only the antagonists of the membrane transducer Smo have been approved for therapy or are under clinical trials in patients with BCC and MB linked to Ptch or Smo mutations. Despite the good initial response, patients treated with Smo antagonists have eventually developed resistance due to the occurrence of compensating mechanisms. Furthermore, Smo antagonists are not effective in tumors where the Hedgehog hyperactivation is due to mutations of pathway components downstream of Smo, or in case of non-canonical, Smo-independent activation of the Gli transcription factors. For all these reasons, the research of Hh inhibitors acting downstream of Smo is becoming an area of intensive investigation. In this review we illustrate the progresses made in the identification of effective Hedgehog inhibitors and their application in cancer, with a special emphasis on the newly identified downstream inhibitors. We describe in detail the Gli inhibitors and illustrate their mode of action and applications in experimental and/or clinical settings.
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Abstract
Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor of childhood. It is currently stratified into four molecular variants through the advances in transcriptional profiling. They include: wingless, sonic hedgehog (SHH), Group III, and Group IV. The SHH group is characterized by constitutive activation of the SHH signaling pathway, and genetically characterized by mutations in patched homolog 1 (PTCH1) or other downstream pathway mutations. SHH inhibitors have become of great clinical interest in treating SHH-driven medulloblastoma. Many inhibitors are currently in different stages of development, some already approved for other SHH-driven cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma. In vitro and in vivo medulloblastoma studies have shown efficacy and these findings have been translated into Phase I and II clinical trials. In this review, we present an overview of SHH medulloblastoma, as well as a discussion of currently available SHH inhibitors, and the challenges associated with their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman Samkari
- Department of Pediatrics, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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