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Shen D, Xia Y, Fu Y, Cao Q, Chen W, Zhu Y, Guo K, Sun L. Hedgehog pathway and cancer: A new area (Review). Oncol Rep 2024; 52:116. [PMID: 38994763 PMCID: PMC11267502 DOI: 10.3892/or.2024.8775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In years of research on classical pathways, the composition, information transmission mechanism, crosstalk with other pathways, and physiological and pathological effects of hedgehog (HH) pathway have been gradually clarified. HH also plays a critical role in tumor formation and development. According to the update of interpretation of tumor phenotypes, the latest relevant studies have been sorted out, to explore the specific mechanism of HH pathway in regulating different tumor phenotypes through gene mutation and signal regulation. The drugs and natural ingredients involved in regulating HH pathway were also reviewed; five approved drugs and drugs under research exert efficacy by blocking HH pathway, and at least 22 natural components have potential to treat tumors by HH pathway. Nevertheless, there is a deficiency of existing studies. The present review confirmed the great potential of HH pathway in future cancer treatment with factual basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deyi Shen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Yuwei Xia
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Yuhan Fu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Qiaochang Cao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Wenqian Chen
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Ying Zhu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Kaibo Guo
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Leitao Sun
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
- Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
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2
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Zhang L, Zhang Y, Li K, Xue S. Hedgehog signaling and the glioma-associated oncogene in cancer radioresistance. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1257173. [PMID: 38020914 PMCID: PMC10679362 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1257173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor radioresistance remains a key clinical challenge. The Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway and glioma-associated oncogene (GLI) are aberrantly activated in several cancers and are thought to contribute to cancer radioresistance by influencing DNA repair, reactive oxygen species production, apoptosis, autophagy, cancer stem cells, the cell cycle, and the tumor microenvironment. GLI is reported to activate the main DNA repair pathways, to interact with cell cycle regulators like Cyclin D and Cyclin E, to inhibit apoptosis via the activation of B-cell lymphoma-2, Forkhead Box M1, and the MYC proto-oncogene, to upregulate cell stemness related genes (Nanog, POU class 5 homeobox 1, SRY-box transcription factor 2, and the BMI1 proto-oncogene), and to promote cancer stem cell transformation. The inactivation of Patched, the receptor of HH, prevents caspase-mediated apoptosis. This causes some cancer cells to survive while others become cancer stem cells, resulting in cancer recurrence. Combination treatment using HH inhibitors (including GLI inhibitors) and conventional therapies may enhance treatment efficacy. However, the clinical use of HH signaling inhibitors is associated with toxic side effects and drug resistance. Nevertheless, selective HH agonists, which may relieve the adverse effects of inhibitors, have been developed in mouse models. Combination therapy with other pathway inhibitors or immunotherapy may effectively overcome resistance to HH inhibitors. A comprehensive cancer radiotherapy with HH or GLI inhibitor is more likely to enhance cancer treatment efficacy while further studies are still needed to overcome its adverse effects and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Nephrology Department, The 1st Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuhan Zhang
- General Surgery Center, Department of Thyroid Surgery, The 1st Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Kaixuan Li
- General Surgery Center, Department of Thyroid Surgery, The 1st Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shuai Xue
- General Surgery Center, Department of Thyroid Surgery, The 1st Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Yu X, Chen W, Zhang J, Gao X, Cui Q, Song Z, Du J, Lv W. Antitumor activity and mechanism of cucurbitacin B in A549/DDP cells. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 396:1095-1103. [PMID: 36642716 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02386-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Cucurbitacin B (CuB) is a class of tetracyclic triterpenoids isolated from Cucurbitaceae with a wide range of anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities, mainly used in hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma, while there is relatively little research and application of this drug for lung cancer. In this study, CuB was administered on A549/DDP cells to observe how it affected the cells and their mechanism of action. CuB demonstrated good anti-tumor activity against A549/DDP cells in a dose-dependent manner and caused changes in the hedgehog (Hh) pathway. The results showed that CuB greatly inhibits the proliferation and the invasion of A549/DDP cells, and promoted apoptosis of A549/DDP cells. Meanwhile, it changed the expression of p53-related genes at the RNA and protein level. In conclusion, this experiment provides a theoretical basis for new applications of CuB and new thoughts on the mechanism of its anti-tumor activity, and provides a direction for deep research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyuan Yu
- Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Weiwei Chen
- Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Jinjie Zhang
- Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Xinfu Gao
- Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Qidi Cui
- Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Zheng Song
- Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Du
- Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China.
| | - Wenwen Lv
- Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China.
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Ervin EH, French R, Chang CH, Pauklin S. Inside the stemness engine: Mechanistic links between deregulated transcription factors and stemness in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 87:48-83. [PMID: 36347438 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Cell identity is largely determined by its transcriptional profile. In tumour, deregulation of transcription factor expression and/or activity enables cancer cell to acquire a stem-like state characterised by capacity to self-renew, differentiate and form tumours in vivo. These stem-like cancer cells are highly metastatic and therapy resistant, thus warranting a more complete understanding of the molecular mechanisms downstream of the transcription factors that mediate the establishment of stemness state. Here, we review recent research findings that provide a mechanistic link between the commonly deregulated transcription factors and stemness in cancer. In particular, we describe the role of master transcription factors (SOX, OCT4, NANOG, KLF, BRACHYURY, SALL, HOX, FOX and RUNX), signalling-regulated transcription factors (SMAD, β-catenin, YAP, TAZ, AP-1, NOTCH, STAT, GLI, ETS and NF-κB) and unclassified transcription factors (c-MYC, HIF, EMT transcription factors and P53) across diverse tumour types, thereby yielding a comprehensive overview identifying shared downstream targets, highlighting unique mechanisms and discussing complexities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egle-Helene Ervin
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Rhiannon French
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Chao-Hui Chang
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Siim Pauklin
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
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Avery JT, Zhang R, Boohaker RJ. GLI1: A Therapeutic Target for Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:673154. [PMID: 34113570 PMCID: PMC8186314 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.673154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
GLI1 is a transcriptional effector at the terminal end of the Hedgehog signaling (Hh) pathway and is tightly regulated during embryonic development and tissue patterning/differentiation. GLI1 has low-level expression in differentiated tissues, however, in certain cancers, aberrant activation of GLI1 has been linked to the promotion of numerous hallmarks of cancer, such as proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, metastasis, metabolic rewiring, and chemotherapeutic resistance. All of these are driven, in part, by GLI1’s role in regulating cell cycle, DNA replication and DNA damage repair processes. The consequences of GLI1 oncogenic activity, specifically the activity surrounding DNA damage repair proteins, such as NBS1, and cell cycle proteins, such as CDK1, can be linked to tumorigenesis and chemoresistance. Therefore, understanding the underlying mechanisms driving GLI1 dysregulation can provide prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers to identify a patient population that would derive therapeutic benefit from either direct inhibition of GLI1 or targeted therapy towards proteins downstream of GLI1 regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin T Avery
- Oncology Department, Drug Discovery Division, Southern Research, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Ruowen Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Rebecca J Boohaker
- Oncology Department, Drug Discovery Division, Southern Research, Birmingham, AL, United States
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Harada K, Ohashi R, Naito K, Kanki K. Hedgehog Signal Inhibitor GANT61 Inhibits the Malignant Behavior of Undifferentiated Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Targeting Non-Canonical GLI Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093126. [PMID: 32354204 PMCID: PMC7247445 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog (HH)–GLI pathway plays an important role in cell dedifferentiation and is therefore pivotally involved in the malignant transformation of cancer cells. GANT61, a selective inhibitor of GLI1 and GLI2, was reported as a promising treatment for cancer in various tissues; however, the biological impact of GANT61 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially in undifferentiated HCC cells, remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the antitumor effect of GANT61 using two undifferentiated hepatoma cell lines: HLE and HLF. Quantitative PCR and RT-PCR analyses revealed that these cells express GLI transcripts, showing mesenchymal phenotypes characterized by the loss of epithelial and hepatic markers and specific expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes. GANT61 significantly reduced the proliferation and cell viability after drug treatment using 5-FU and Mitomycin C. We showed that GLI transcript levels were down-regulated by the MEK inhibitor U0126 and the Raf inhibitor sorafenib, suggesting that non-canonical signaling including the Ras–Raf–MEK–ERK pathway is involved. Sphere formation and migration were significantly decreased by GANT61 treatment, and it is suggested that the underlying molecular mechanisms are the down-regulation of stemness-related genes (Oct4, Bmi1, CD44, and ALDH) and the EMT-related gene Snail1. The data presented here showed that direct inhibition of GLI might be beneficial for the treatment of dedifferentiated HCC.
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Amirfakhryan E, Davarnia B, Jeddi F, Najafzadeh N. Azelaic acid stimulates catalase activation and promotes hair growth through upregulation of Gli1 and Gli2 mRNA and Shh protein. AVICENNA JOURNAL OF PHYTOMEDICINE 2020; 10:460-471. [PMID: 32995324 PMCID: PMC7508322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although azelaic acid is effective for treatment of acne and rosacea, the biological activity of azelaic acid and the effect of its combination therapy with minoxidil were not elucidated with regard to hair growth. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, mouse vibrissae follicles were dissected on day 10 after depilation. Then, the bulb and bulge cells of the hair follicle were treated with minoxidil and azelaic acid for 10 days to evaluate Sonic hedgehog (Shh) protein expression. Moreover, bulge and bulb cells of the hair follicles were cultivated and the expression of Gli1, Gli2, and Axin2 mRNA levels was evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. We further investigated the protective effects of azelaic acid against ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation in cultured bulb and bulge cells by determining catalase activity. An irradiation dose of 20 mJ/cm2 UVB for 4 sec was chosen. RESULTS The results showed that catalase activity significantly (p<0.05) increased in the bulge cells after exposure to 2.5 mM and 25 mM azelaic acid. Meanwhile, treatment of the bulb cells with azelaic acid (2.5 and 25 mM) did not cause significant changes in catalase activity. We also found that azelaic acid (25 mM) alone upregulated Gli1 and Gli2 expression in the bulge cells and 100 µ minoxidil caused Gli1 and Axin2 overexpression in the bulb region of the hair follicle. Moreover, minoxidil (100 µM) alone and in combination with azelaic acid (25 mM) led to Shh protein overexpression in the hair follicles in vitro and in organ culture. CONCLUSION Our results indicated a potential role for azelaic acid in the protection of bulge cells from UVB damage and its combination with minoxidil may activate hair growth through overexpression of Shh protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Amirfakhryan
- Research Laboratory for Embryology and Stem Cells, Department of Anatomical Sciences and Pathology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran ,Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical University, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Behzad Davarnia
- Research Laboratory for Embryology and Stem Cells, Department of Anatomical Sciences and Pathology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Farhad Jeddi
- Research Laboratory for Embryology and Stem Cells, Department of Anatomical Sciences and Pathology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Nowruz Najafzadeh
- Research Laboratory for Embryology and Stem Cells, Department of Anatomical Sciences and Pathology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran ,Corresponding Author: Tel: +989104075700, Fax: +984533534703, ,
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Ozretić P, Hanžić N, Proust B, Sabol M, Trnski D, Radić M, Musani V, Ciribilli Y, Milas I, Puljiz Z, Bosnar MH, Levanat S, Slade N. Expression profiles of p53/p73, NME and GLI families in metastatic melanoma tissue and cell lines. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12470. [PMID: 31462745 PMCID: PMC6713730 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48882-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Unlike other tumours, TP53 is rarely mutated in melanoma; however, it fails to function as a tumour suppressor. We assume that its functions might be altered through interactions with several families of proteins, including p53/p73, NME and GLI. To elucidate the potential interplay among these families we analysed the expression profiles of aforementioned genes and proteins in a panel of melanoma cell lines, metastatic melanoma specimens and healthy corresponding tissue. Using qPCR a higher level of NME1 gene expression and lower levels of Δ40p53β, ΔNp73, GLI1, GLI2 and PTCH1 were observed in tumour samples compared to healthy tissue. Protein expression of Δ133p53α, Δ160p53α and ΔNp73α isoforms, NME1 and NME2, and N'ΔGLI1, GLI1FL, GLI2ΔN isoforms was elevated in tumour tissue, whereas ∆Np73β was downregulated. The results in melanoma cell lines, in general, support these findings. In addition, we correlated expression profiles with clinical features and outcome. Higher Δ133p53β and p53α mRNA and both GLI1 mRNA and GLI3R protein expression had a negative impact on the overall survival. Shorter overall survival was also connected with lower p53β and NME1 gene expression levels. In conclusion, all examined genes may have implications in melanoma development and functional inactivity of TP53.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petar Ozretić
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nikolina Hanžić
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Bastien Proust
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Sabol
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Diana Trnski
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Martina Radić
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vesna Musani
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Yari Ciribilli
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, Povo (Trento), IT-38123, Italy
| | - Ivan Milas
- Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Vinogradska cesta 29, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Zvonimir Puljiz
- Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Vinogradska cesta 29, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Herak Bosnar
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sonja Levanat
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Neda Slade
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
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Jung SY, Nam KY, Park JI, Song KH, Ahn J, Park JK, Um HD, Hwang SG, Choi SU, Song JY. Radiosensitizing Effect of Novel Phenylpyrimidine Derivatives on Human Lung Cancer Cells via Cell Cycle Perturbation. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2019; 370:514-527. [PMID: 31253693 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.119.257717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy is one of the most common treatments for cancer, but radioresistance and injury to normal tissue are considered major obstacles to successful radiotherapy. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop radiosensitizers to improve the therapeutic outcomes of radiotherapy in cancer patients. Our previous efforts to identify novel radiosensitizers, using high-throughput screening targeting p53 and Nrf2 revealed a promising N-phenylpyrimidin-2-amine (PPA) lead compound. In the present study, 17 derivatives of this lead compound were examined, and it was found that 4-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-(4-nitrophenyl)-6-phenylpyrimidin-2-amine (PPA5), 4-((4-(4-fluorophenyl)pyrimidin-2-yl)amino)-3-methoxy-N-methyl -benzamide (PPA13), 4-((4-(4-fluorophenyl)pyrimidin-2-yl)amino)benzenesulfonamide (PPA14), 4-((4-(2-chlorophenyl)pyrimidin-2-yl)amino)benzenesulfonamide (PPA15), and 4-((4-(2-chlorophenyl)pyrimidin-2-yl)amino)-N-methylbenzamide (PPA17) inhibited cell viability by more than 50%, with a marked increase in the proportion of cells arrested at the G2/M phase of cell cycle. Among these compounds, PPA15 markedly increased the sub-G1 cell population and increased the levels of cyclin B1 and the phosphorylation levels of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 1. Combined treatment with radiation and PPA14 or PPA15 significantly decreased clonogenic survival. An in vitro kinase assay revealed that PPA15 inhibited multiple CDKs involved in cell cycle regulation. Compared with drug or radiation treatment alone, combined treatment with PPA15 and radiation resulted in the suppression of A549 tumor growth in mice by 59.5% and 52.7%, respectively. Treatment with PPA15 alone directly inhibited tumor growth by 25.7%. These findings suggest that the novel pan CDK inhibitor, PPA15, may be a promising treatment to improve the effectiveness of radiotherapy for the treatment of cancer. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Several inhibitors of CDK have been successfully evaluated in combination with other chemotherapeutics in clinical trials, but negative side effects have partially restricted their clinical use. In this study, we identified a novel pan-CDK inhibitor to increase radiosensitivity, and we hope this work will encourage the development of promising small-molecule radiosensitizers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Youn Jung
- Division of Radiation Biomedical Research, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul, Republic of Korea (S.-Y.J., J.-I.P., K.-H.S., J.A., J.K.P., H.-D.U., S.-G.H., J.-Y.S.); Research Center, Pharos I&BT Co., Ltd., Anyang, Republic of Korea (K.-Y.N.); Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea (K.-H.S.); and Bio and Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea (S.U.C.)
| | - Ky-Youb Nam
- Division of Radiation Biomedical Research, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul, Republic of Korea (S.-Y.J., J.-I.P., K.-H.S., J.A., J.K.P., H.-D.U., S.-G.H., J.-Y.S.); Research Center, Pharos I&BT Co., Ltd., Anyang, Republic of Korea (K.-Y.N.); Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea (K.-H.S.); and Bio and Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea (S.U.C.)
| | - Jeong-In Park
- Division of Radiation Biomedical Research, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul, Republic of Korea (S.-Y.J., J.-I.P., K.-H.S., J.A., J.K.P., H.-D.U., S.-G.H., J.-Y.S.); Research Center, Pharos I&BT Co., Ltd., Anyang, Republic of Korea (K.-Y.N.); Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea (K.-H.S.); and Bio and Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea (S.U.C.)
| | - Kyung-Hee Song
- Division of Radiation Biomedical Research, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul, Republic of Korea (S.-Y.J., J.-I.P., K.-H.S., J.A., J.K.P., H.-D.U., S.-G.H., J.-Y.S.); Research Center, Pharos I&BT Co., Ltd., Anyang, Republic of Korea (K.-Y.N.); Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea (K.-H.S.); and Bio and Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea (S.U.C.)
| | - Jiyeon Ahn
- Division of Radiation Biomedical Research, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul, Republic of Korea (S.-Y.J., J.-I.P., K.-H.S., J.A., J.K.P., H.-D.U., S.-G.H., J.-Y.S.); Research Center, Pharos I&BT Co., Ltd., Anyang, Republic of Korea (K.-Y.N.); Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea (K.-H.S.); and Bio and Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea (S.U.C.)
| | - Jong Kuk Park
- Division of Radiation Biomedical Research, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul, Republic of Korea (S.-Y.J., J.-I.P., K.-H.S., J.A., J.K.P., H.-D.U., S.-G.H., J.-Y.S.); Research Center, Pharos I&BT Co., Ltd., Anyang, Republic of Korea (K.-Y.N.); Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea (K.-H.S.); and Bio and Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea (S.U.C.)
| | - Hong-Duck Um
- Division of Radiation Biomedical Research, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul, Republic of Korea (S.-Y.J., J.-I.P., K.-H.S., J.A., J.K.P., H.-D.U., S.-G.H., J.-Y.S.); Research Center, Pharos I&BT Co., Ltd., Anyang, Republic of Korea (K.-Y.N.); Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea (K.-H.S.); and Bio and Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea (S.U.C.)
| | - Sang-Gu Hwang
- Division of Radiation Biomedical Research, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul, Republic of Korea (S.-Y.J., J.-I.P., K.-H.S., J.A., J.K.P., H.-D.U., S.-G.H., J.-Y.S.); Research Center, Pharos I&BT Co., Ltd., Anyang, Republic of Korea (K.-Y.N.); Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea (K.-H.S.); and Bio and Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea (S.U.C.)
| | - Sang Un Choi
- Division of Radiation Biomedical Research, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul, Republic of Korea (S.-Y.J., J.-I.P., K.-H.S., J.A., J.K.P., H.-D.U., S.-G.H., J.-Y.S.); Research Center, Pharos I&BT Co., Ltd., Anyang, Republic of Korea (K.-Y.N.); Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea (K.-H.S.); and Bio and Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea (S.U.C.)
| | - Jie-Young Song
- Division of Radiation Biomedical Research, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul, Republic of Korea (S.-Y.J., J.-I.P., K.-H.S., J.A., J.K.P., H.-D.U., S.-G.H., J.-Y.S.); Research Center, Pharos I&BT Co., Ltd., Anyang, Republic of Korea (K.-Y.N.); Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea (K.-H.S.); and Bio and Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea (S.U.C.)
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10
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Pietrobono S, Gagliardi S, Stecca B. Non-canonical Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Cancer: Activation of GLI Transcription Factors Beyond Smoothened. Front Genet 2019; 10:556. [PMID: 31244888 PMCID: PMC6581679 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog-GLI (HH-GLI) pathway is a highly conserved signaling that plays a critical role in controlling cell specification, cell–cell interaction and tissue patterning during embryonic development. Canonical activation of HH-GLI signaling occurs through binding of HH ligands to the twelve-pass transmembrane receptor Patched 1 (PTCH1), which derepresses the seven-pass transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor Smoothened (SMO). Thus, active SMO initiates a complex intracellular cascade that leads to the activation of the three GLI transcription factors, the final effectors of the HH-GLI pathway. Aberrant activation of this signaling has been implicated in a wide variety of tumors, such as those of the brain, skin, breast, gastrointestinal, lung, pancreas, prostate and ovary. In several of these cases, activation of HH-GLI signaling is mediated by overproduction of HH ligands (e.g., prostate cancer), loss-of-function mutations in PTCH1 or gain-of-function mutations in SMO, which occur in the majority of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), SHH-subtype medulloblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. Besides the classical canonical ligand-PTCH1-SMO route, mounting evidence points toward additional, non-canonical ways of GLI activation in cancer. By non-canonical we refer to all those mechanisms of activation of the GLI transcription factors occurring independently of SMO. Often, in a given cancer type canonical and non-canonical activation of HH-GLI signaling co-exist, and in some cancer types, more than one mechanism of non-canonical activation may occur. Tumors harboring non-canonical HH-GLI signaling are less sensitive to SMO inhibition, posing a threat for therapeutic efficacy of these antagonists. Here we will review the most recent findings on the involvement of alternative signaling pathways in inducing GLI activity in cancer and stem cells. We will also discuss the rationale of targeting these oncogenic pathways in combination with HH-GLI inhibitors as a promising anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pietrobono
- Tumor Cell Biology Unit - Core Research Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Sinforosa Gagliardi
- Tumor Cell Biology Unit - Core Research Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Barbara Stecca
- Tumor Cell Biology Unit - Core Research Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
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11
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Fleming JT, Brignola E, Chen L, Guo Y, Zhao S, Wang Q, Li B, Correa H, Ermilov AN, Dlugosz AA, Chiang C. Insight into the Etiology of Undifferentiated Soft Tissue Sarcomas from a Novel Mouse Model. Mol Cancer Res 2019; 17:1024-1035. [PMID: 30683671 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-18-0117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway has been linked to the formation of numerous cancer types, including the myogenic soft tissue sarcoma, embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (eRMS). Here, we report PCG2, a novel mouse model in which human GLI2A, a constitutive activator of Hedgehog signaling, induced undifferentiated sarcomas that were phenotypically divergent from eRMS. Rather, sarcomas arising in PCG2 mice featured some characteristics that were reminiscent of Ewing sarcoma. Even though it is widely understood that Ewing sarcoma formation is driven by EWS-ETS gene fusions, a genetically defined mouse model is not well-established. While EWS-ETS gene fusions were not present in PCG2 sarcomas, precluding their designation as Ewing sarcoma, we did find that GLI2A induced expression of known EWS-ETS gene targets essential to Ewing pathogenesis, most notably, Nkx2.2. Moreover, we found that naïve mesenchymal progenitors originate tumors in PCG2 mice. Altogether, our work provides a novel genetic mouse model, which directly connects oncogenic Hedgehog activity to the etiology of undifferentiated soft tissue sarcomas for the first time. IMPLICATIONS: The finding that activation of Gli2 transcription factor is sufficient to induce Ewing-like sarcomas provides a direct transformative role of the Hedgehog signaling pathway in undifferentiated soft tissue sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan T Fleming
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Emily Brignola
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Yan Guo
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Shilin Zhao
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Quan Wang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Bingshan Li
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Hernán Correa
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Alexandre N Ermilov
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Andrzej A Dlugosz
- Departments of Dermatology and Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Chin Chiang
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee.
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12
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Wang Y, Xu H, Liu T, Huang M, Butter PP, Li C, Zhang L, Kao GD, Gong Y, Maity A, Koumenis C, Fan Y. Temporal DNA-PK activation drives genomic instability and therapy resistance in glioma stem cells. JCI Insight 2018; 3:98096. [PMID: 29415883 PMCID: PMC5821187 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.98096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) - known to be resistant to genotoxic radiation and chemotherapy - are fundamental to therapy failure and cancer relapse. Here, we reveal that glioma CSCs are hypersensitive to radiation, but a temporal DNA repair mechanism converts the intrinsic sensitivity to genomic instability and treatment resistance. Transcriptome analysis identifies DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) as a predominant DNA repair enzyme in CSCs. Notably, DNA-PK activity is suppressed after irradiation when ROS induce the dissociation of DNA-PKcs with Ku70/80, resulting in delayed DNA repair and radiosensitivity; subsequently, after ROS clearance, the accumulated DNA damage and robust activation of DNA-PK induce genomic instability, facilitated by Rad50-mediated cell-cycle arrest, leading to enhanced malignancy, CSC overgrowth, and radioresistance. Finally, we show a requisite in vivo role for DNA-PK in CSC-mediated radioresistance and glioma progression. These findings identify a time-sensitive mechanism controlling CSC resistance to DNA-damaging treatments and suggest DNA-PK/Rad50 as promising targets for CSC eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
| | | | - Yanqing Gong
- Division of Human Genetics and Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | | | | | - Yi Fan
- Department of Radiation Oncology
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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13
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Pantazi E, Gemenetzidis E, Teh MT, Reddy SV, Warnes G, Evagora C, Trigiante G, Philpott MP. GLI2 Is a Regulator of β-Catenin and Is Associated with Loss of E-Cadherin, Cell Invasiveness, and Long-Term Epidermal Regeneration. J Invest Dermatol 2017; 137:1719-1730. [PMID: 28300597 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2016.11.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2015] [Revised: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Uncontrolled hedgehog (HH)/glioma-associated oncogene (GLI) and WNT/β-catenin signaling are important events in the genesis of many cancers including skin cancer and are often implicated in tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis. However, because of the complexity and context dependency of both pathways, little is known about HH and WNT interactions in human carcinogenesis. In the current study, we provide evidence of HH/glioma-associated oncogene family zinc finger 2 (GLI2)-WNT/β-catenin signaling crosstalk in human keratinocytes. Overexpression of GLI2ΔN in human keratinocytes resulted in cytoplasmic accumulation and nuclear relocalization of β-catenin in vitro and in 3D organotypic cultures, accompanied by upregulation of WNT genes. Induction of GLI2ΔN enhanced the β-catenin-dependent transcriptional activation and the subsequent activation of β-catenin target genes including cyclin-D1. Additionally, GLI2 overexpression was associated with decreased E-cadherin protein levels; increased expression of SNAIL, matrix metalloproteinase 2, and integrin β1; and increased cell invasion in 3D organotypic cultures. Invasion was reduced by WNT inhibition, thus unveiling the direct role of GLI2/WNT crosstalk in cell invasion. We show that GLI2 overexpression supported long-term epidermal regeneration in 3D organotypic cultures, and resulted in the manifestation of an undifferentiated basal/stem cell-associated phenotype in human keratinocytes. Both these observations are consistent with the role of β-catenin and SNAIL in epidermal stem cell maintenance. This work suggests that GLI2 is a regulator of β-catenin and provides insights into its role in tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Pantazi
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Emilios Gemenetzidis
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Muy-Teck Teh
- Department of Diagnostic and Oral Sciences, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Sreekanth Vootukuri Reddy
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Gary Warnes
- Imaging and Flow Cytometry Core facilities, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Chris Evagora
- Pathology Core facilities, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Giuseppe Trigiante
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Michael P Philpott
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
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14
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Gemenetzidis E, Gammon L, Biddle A, Emich H, Mackenzie IC. Invasive oral cancer stem cells display resistance to ionising radiation. Oncotarget 2016; 6:43964-77. [PMID: 26540568 PMCID: PMC4791279 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a significant amount of evidence to suggest that human tumors are driven and maintained by a sub-population of cells, known as cancer stem cells (CSC). In the case of head and neck cancer, such cells have been characterised by high expression levels of CD44 cell surface glycoprotein, while we have previously shown the presence of two diverse oral CSC populations in vitro, with different capacities for cell migration and proliferation. Here, we examined the response of oral CSC populations to ionising radiation (IR), a front-line measure for the treatment of head and neck tumors. We show that oral CSC initially display resistance to IR-induced growth arrest as well as relative apoptotic resistance. We propose that this is a result of preferential activation of the DNA damagerepair pathway in oral CSC with increased activation of ATM and BRCA1, elevated levels of DNA repair proteins RAD52, XLF, and a significantly faster rate of DNA double-strand-breaks clearance 24 hours following IR. By visually identifying CSC sub-populations undergoing EMT, we show that EMT-CSC represent the majority of invasive cells, and are more radio-resistant than any other population in re-constructed 3D tissues. We provide evidence that IR is not sufficient to eliminate CSC in vitro, and that sensitization of CD44hi/ESAlow cells to IR, followed by secondary EMT blockade, could be critical in order to reduce primary tumor recurrence, but more importantly to be able to eradicate cells capable of invasion and distant metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilios Gemenetzidis
- Blizard Institute Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Luke Gammon
- Blizard Institute Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Adrian Biddle
- Blizard Institute Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Helena Emich
- Blizard Institute Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Ian C Mackenzie
- Blizard Institute Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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15
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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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16
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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: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [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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17
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You B, Yang YL, Xu Z, Dai Y, Liu S, Mao JH, Tetsu O, Li H, Jablons DM, You L. Inhibition of ERK1/2 down-regulates the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway in human NSCLC cells. Oncotarget 2015; 6:4357-68. [PMID: 25738359 PMCID: PMC4414195 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations of the EGFR/ERK and Hippo/YAP pathway have been found in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Herein, we show that ERK1 and ERK2 have an effect on the Hippo/YAP pathway in human NSCLC cells. Firstly, inhibition of ERK1/2 by siRNA or small-molecular inhibitors decreased the YAP protein level, the reporter activity of the Hippo pathway, and the mRNA levels of the Hippo downstream genes, CTGF, Gli2, and BIRC5. Secondly, degradation of YAP protein was accelerated after ERK1/2 depletion in NSCLC cell lines, in which YAP mRNA level was not decreased. Thirdly, forced over-expression of the ERK2 gene rescued the YAP protein level and Hippo reporter activity after siRNA knockdown targeting 3′UTR of the ERK2 gene in NSCLC cells. Fourthly, depletion of ERK1/2 reduced the migration and invasion of NSCLC cells. Combined depletion of ERK1/2 had a greater effect on cell migration than depletion of either one separately. Finally, the MEK1/2 inhibitor Trametinib decreased YAP protein level and transcriptional activity of the Hippo pathway in NSCLC cell lines. Our results suggest that ERK1/2 inhibition participates in reducing YAP protein level, which in turn down-regulates expression of the downstream genes of the Hippo pathway to suppress migration and invasion of NSCLC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin You
- Department of Surgery, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Affiliated with Capital University of Medical Science, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Lin Yang
- Department of Surgery, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Zhidong Xu
- Department of Surgery, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yuyuan Dai
- Department of Surgery, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Shu Liu
- Department of Surgery, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jian-Hua Mao
- Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Osamu Tetsu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Affiliated with Capital University of Medical Science, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - David M Jablons
- Department of Surgery, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Liang You
- Department of Surgery, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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18
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Sadam H, Liivas U, Kazantseva A, Pruunsild P, Kazantseva J, Timmusk T, Neuman T, Palm K. GLI2 cell-specific activity is controlled at the level of transcription and RNA processing: Consequences to cancer metastasis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2015; 1862:46-55. [PMID: 26459048 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2015.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Revised: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
High activity of GLI family zinc finger protein 2 (GLI2) promotes tumor progression. Removal of the repressor domain at the N terminus (GLI2∆N) by recombinant methods converts GLI2 into a powerful transcriptional activator. However, molecular mechanisms leading to the formation of GLI2∆N activator proteins have not been established. Herein we report for the first time that the functional activities of GLI2 are parted into different protein isoforms by alternative promoter usage, selection of alternative splicing, transcription initiation and termination sites. Functional studies using melanoma cells revealed that transcriptional regulation of GLI2 is TGFbeta-dependent and supports the predominant production of GLI2∆N and C-terminally truncated GLI2 (GLI2∆C) isoforms in cells with high migratory and invasive phenotype. Taken together, these results highlight the role of transcription and RNA processing as major processes in the regulation of GLI2 activity with severe impacts in cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helle Sadam
- Protobios Llc, Mäealuse 4, Tallinn 12618, Estonia; Department of Gene Technology, Tallinn University of Technology, Akadeemia tee 15, Tallinn 12618, Estonia
| | - Urmas Liivas
- Protobios Llc, Mäealuse 4, Tallinn 12618, Estonia
| | - Anna Kazantseva
- Protobios Llc, Mäealuse 4, Tallinn 12618, Estonia; Department of Gene Technology, Tallinn University of Technology, Akadeemia tee 15, Tallinn 12618, Estonia
| | - Priit Pruunsild
- Department of Gene Technology, Tallinn University of Technology, Akadeemia tee 15, Tallinn 12618, Estonia
| | | | - Tõnis Timmusk
- Department of Gene Technology, Tallinn University of Technology, Akadeemia tee 15, Tallinn 12618, Estonia
| | | | - Kaia Palm
- Protobios Llc, Mäealuse 4, Tallinn 12618, Estonia; Department of Gene Technology, Tallinn University of Technology, Akadeemia tee 15, Tallinn 12618, Estonia.
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19
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Kim W, Kim E, Yang HJ, Kwon T, Han S, Lee S, Youn H, Jung Y, Kang C, Youn B. Inhibition of hedgehog signalling attenuates UVB-induced skin photoageing. Exp Dermatol 2015; 24:611-7. [DOI: 10.1111/exd.12735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wanyeon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences; Pusan National University; Busan South Korea
- Nuclear Science Research Institute; Pusan National University; Busan South Korea
| | - EunGi Kim
- Department of Integrated Biological Science; Pusan National University; Busan South Korea
| | - Hee Jung Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences; Pusan National University; Busan South Korea
| | - TaeWoo Kwon
- Department of Integrated Biological Science; Pusan National University; Busan South Korea
| | - SeoYoung Han
- Department of Integrated Biological Science; Pusan National University; Busan South Korea
| | - Sungmin Lee
- Department of Integrated Biological Science; Pusan National University; Busan South Korea
| | - HyeSook Youn
- Department of Biological Sciences; Pusan National University; Busan South Korea
- Nuclear Science Research Institute; Pusan National University; Busan South Korea
| | - Youngmi Jung
- Department of Biological Sciences; Pusan National University; Busan South Korea
- Department of Integrated Biological Science; Pusan National University; Busan South Korea
| | - ChulHee Kang
- Department of Chemistry; Washington State University; Pullman Washington USA
| | - BuHyun Youn
- Department of Biological Sciences; Pusan National University; Busan South Korea
- Nuclear Science Research Institute; Pusan National University; Busan South Korea
- Department of Integrated Biological Science; Pusan National University; Busan South Korea
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20
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Thompson LL, McManus KJ. A novel multiplexed, image-based approach to detect phenotypes that underlie chromosome instability in human cells. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0123200. [PMID: 25893404 PMCID: PMC4404342 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosome instability (CIN) is characterized by a progressive change in chromosome numbers. It is a characteristic common to virtually all tumor types, and is commonly observed in highly aggressive and drug resistant tumors. Despite this information, the majority of human CIN genes have yet to be elucidated. In this study, we developed and validated a multiplexed, image-based screen capable of detecting three different phenotypes associated with CIN. Large-scale chromosome content changes were detected by quantifying changes in nuclear volumes following RNAi-based gene silencing. Using a DsRED-LacI reporter system to fluorescently label chromosome 11 within a human fibrosarcoma cell line, we were able to detect deviations from the expected number of two foci per nucleus (one focus/labelled chromosome) that occurred following CIN gene silencing. Finally, micronucleus enumeration was performed, as an increase in micronucleus formation is a classic hallmark of CIN. To validate the ability of each assay to detect phenotypes that underlie CIN, we silenced the established CIN gene, SMC1A. Following SMC1A silencing we detected an increase in nuclear volumes, a decrease in the number of nuclei harboring two DsRED-LacI foci, and an increase in micronucleus formation relative to controls (untreated and siGAPDH). Similar results were obtained in an unrelated human fibroblast cell line. The results of this study indicate that each assay is capable of detecting CIN-associated phenotypes, and can be utilized in future experiments to uncover novel human CIN genes, which will provide novel insight into the pathogenesis of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura L. Thompson
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Manitoba Institute of Cell Biology, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Kirk J. McManus
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Manitoba Institute of Cell Biology, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- * E-mail:
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21
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Yin WC, Li ZJ, Hui CC. BCC or not: Sufu keeps it in check. Oncoscience 2015; 2:77-8. [PMID: 25859548 PMCID: PMC4381698 DOI: 10.18632/oncoscience.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Chi Yin
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Zhu Juan Li
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Chi-Chung Hui
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
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