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Zhan X, Jiang L, Wang L, Liu J, Kang S, Liu H, Lin L. A novel angiogenic effect of PCSK9- regulated genes. Gene X 2023; 852:147051. [PMID: 36427678 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.147051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the discovery of the Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9(PCSK9) gene has been involved in regulating low-density lipoprotein metabolism and cardiovascular disease (CVD), many therapeutic strategies directly targeting PCSK9 have been introduced. PCSK9 gain of function (GoF) mutations are associated with autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia (ADH) and premature atherosclerosis. In contrast, PCSK9 loss of function (LOF) mutations have cardioprotective effects and can lead to familial hypo cholesterol in some instances. However, its potential impacts beyond the typical effects on lipid metabolism have not been elucidated. Therefore the study aimed to identify and verify PCSK9's possible effects beyond its traditional role in lipid metabolism. METHODS The S127R is a PCSK9 gain of function mutation. Firstly, We used the data of the gene expression Omnibus(GEO) database to identify the differentially expressed genes between S127R mutation carriers and ordinary people. Secondly, the identification and analysis of significant genes were performed with various bioinformatics programs. Thirdly, to verify the possible effect and the potential pathways of PCSK9 on angiogenesis, we constructed PCSK9 low and high expression models by transfecting PCSK9-siRNA (small interfering RNA) and PCSK9-plasmid complex into human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), respectively. Furthermore, Wound-Healing Assay and Capillary tube formation assay were applied to measure the effect of PCSK9 on angiogenesis. Fourthly, the expression level of VEGFR2 and the significant genes between PCSK9 low and high expression models were verified by quantitative real-time PCR. All data were analysed by GraphPad Prism 8 software. RESULTS 88 DEGs were identified, including 45 up-regulated and 43 down-regulated DEGs. Furthermore, we identified the six genes (MMP9, CASP3, EGR1, NGFR, LEFTY1 and NODAL) as significantly different genes between PCSK9-S127R and Control hiPSC. Further, we found that these significant difference genes were mainly associated with angiogenesis after enrichment analysis. To verify the possible effect of PCSK9 on angiogenesis, we constructed low and high-expression PCSK9 models by transfecting siRNA and PCSK9-plasmid complex into human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), respectively. The tubule formation test and Wound healing assays showed that overexpression of PCSK9 had an inhibitory effect on angiogenesis, which could be reversed by decreasing the expression of PCSK9. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis indicated that the six hub genes (MMP9, CASP3, EGR1, NGFR, LEFTY1 and NODAL) might play a vital role in the biological function of PCSK9 in angiogenesis. Real-time quantitative PCR was applied to clarify the expression profiles of these critical genes in overexpression/knockdown PCSK9. Finally, the expression levels of MMP9, Caspase3, LEFTY1, and NODAL were suppressed by overexpression of PCSK9 and could be alleviated by PCSK9 knockdown. Otherwise, EGR1 had the opposite expression trend, and there was no specific trend of NGFR after repeated experiments. CONCLUSION PCSK9 might play an essential role in angiogenesis, unlike its typical role in lipid metabolism, and MMP9, Caspase3, LEFTY1, NODAL, and EGR1 may be involved in the regulation of angiogenesis as critical genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopeng Zhan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai
| | - Li Jiang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai
| | - Lufeng Wang
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiwen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias of the Ministry of Education of China, Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Sheng Kang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai
| | - Haibo Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Qingpu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Li Lin
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai
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2
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Motofei IG. Biology of cancer; from cellular and molecular mechanisms to developmental processes and adaptation. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:600-615. [PMID: 34695580 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer research has been largely focused on the cellular and molecular levels of investigation. Recent data show that not only the cell but also the extracellular matrix plays a major role in the progression of malignancy. In this way, the cells and the extracellular matrix create a specific local microenvironment that supports malignant development. At the same time, cancer implies a systemic evolution which is closely related to developmental processes and adaptation. Consequently, there is currently a real gap between the local investigation of cancer at the microenvironmental level, and the pathophysiological approach to cancer as a systemic disease. In fact, the cells and the matrix are not only complementary structures but also interdependent components that act synergistically. Such relationships lead to cell-matrix integration, a supracellular form of biological organization that supports tissue development. The emergence of this supracellular level of organization, as a structure, leads to the emergence of the supracellular control of proliferation, as a supracellular function. In humans, proliferation is generally involved in developmental processes and adaptation. These processes suppose a specific configuration at the systemic level, which generates high-order guidance for local supracellular control of proliferation. In conclusion, the supracellular control of proliferation act as an interface between the downstream level of cell division and differentiation, and upstream level of developmental processes and adaptation. Understanding these processes and their disorders is useful not only to complete the big picture of malignancy as a systemic disease, but also to open new treatment perspectives in the form of etiopathogenic (supracellular or informational) therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ion G Motofei
- Department of Oncology/ Surgery, Carol Davila University, St. Pantelimon Hospital, Dionisie Lupu Street, No. 37, Bucharest, 020021, Romania.
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3
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Kulesa PM, Kasemeier-Kulesa JC, Morrison JA, McLennan R, McKinney MC, Bailey C. Modelling Cell Invasion: A Review of What JD Murray and the Embryo Can Teach Us. Bull Math Biol 2021; 83:26. [PMID: 33594536 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-021-00859-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cell invasion and cell plasticity are critical to human development but are also striking features of cancer metastasis. By distributing a multipotent cell type from a place of birth to distal locations, the vertebrate embryo builds organs. In comparison, metastatic tumor cells often acquire a de-differentiated phenotype and migrate away from a primary site to inhabit new microenvironments, disrupting normal organ function. Countless observations of both embryonic cell migration and tumor metastasis have demonstrated complex cell signaling and interactive behaviors that have long confounded scientist and clinician alike. James D. Murray realized the important role of mathematics in biology and developed a unique strategy to address complex biological questions such as these. His work offers a practical template for constructing clear, logical, direct and verifiable models that help to explain complex cell behaviors and direct new experiments. His pioneering work at the interface of development and cancer made significant contributions to glioblastoma cancer and embryonic pattern formation using often simple models with tremendous predictive potential. Here, we provide a brief overview of advances in cell invasion and cell plasticity using the embryonic neural crest and its ancestral relationship to aggressive cancers that put into current context the timeless aspects of his work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Kulesa
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA. .,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Kansas, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
| | | | - Jason A Morrison
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
| | - Rebecca McLennan
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
| | | | - Caleb Bailey
- Department of Biology, Brigham Young University-Idaho, Rexburg, ID, 83460, USA
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5
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Li Y, Zhong W, Zhu M, Li M, Yang Z. miR-185 inhibits prostate cancer angiogenesis induced by the nodal/ALK4 pathway. BMC Urol 2020; 20:49. [PMID: 32366240 PMCID: PMC7197131 DOI: 10.1186/s12894-020-00617-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Inhibition of angiogenesis in prostatic cancer could be a brand-new method to suppress tumour progression. Nodal/ALK4 has been associated with vascularization in many cancers. However, the relationship between and role of Nodal/ALK4 and miR-185 in human prostatic cancer is still unknown. Methods Prostatic cancer DU145 cells and LNCaP cells were used to investigate the angiogenic effect induced by Nodal and the anti-angiogenic roles of miR-185. Colony formation assay, MTT assay, transwell assay and tube formation assay were used to explore cell proliferation, migration and tube-forming ability, respectively. A luciferase reporter assay confirmed the binding relationship between miR-185 and ALK4. The expression levels of miR-185, ALK4 and VEGF were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. The effects of miR-185 and Nodal in prostate cancer were also investigated in animal experiments. Results VEGF expression was increased in DU145 cells and LNCaP cells after Nodal incubation, and Nodal activated the proliferation ability of prostatic cancer cells and the migration and tube-forming ability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), which were all inhibited by treatment with the Nodal inhibitor SB431524. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase assay were used to verify miR-185 as a target of ALK4. Prostatic cancer cell proliferation was inhibited by overexpression of miR-185, which was shown to regulate the migration and angiogenesis of HUVECs by targeting ALK4 for suppression. miR-185 also showed a significant inverse correlation with Nodal treatment and reversed the angiogenic effects induced by Nodal. More importantly, for the first time, xenograft experiments indicated that overexpression of miR-185 suppressed tumour development. Conclusion The Nodal/ALK4 pathway is important in the angiogenesis of prostate cancer and can be inhibited by targeting miR-185 to downregulate ALK4. These findings provide a new perspective on the mechanism of prostate cancer formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youkong Li
- Department of Urology, Jingzhou Central Hospital and The Second Clinical Medical College, Yangtze University, No.60 Jingzhong Road, Jingzhou District, Jingzhou, 434020, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wen Zhong
- Department of Endocrine, Jingzhou Central Hospital and The Second Clinical Medical College, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, 434020, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Zhu
- Department of Urology, Jingzhou Central Hospital and The Second Clinical Medical College, Yangtze University, No.60 Jingzhong Road, Jingzhou District, Jingzhou, 434020, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengbo Li
- Department of Urology, Jingzhou Central Hospital and The Second Clinical Medical College, Yangtze University, No.60 Jingzhong Road, Jingzhou District, Jingzhou, 434020, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenwei Yang
- Department of Urology, Jingzhou Central Hospital and The Second Clinical Medical College, Yangtze University, No.60 Jingzhong Road, Jingzhou District, Jingzhou, 434020, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
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6
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Xu X, Zhou X, Gao C, Cao L, Zhang Y, Hu X, Cui Y. Nodal promotes the malignancy of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells via activation of NF-κB/IL-6 signals. Biol Chem 2020; 400:777-785. [PMID: 30699065 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2018-0392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide. Understanding the mechanisms responsible for the malignancy of NSCLC cells is important for therapy and drug development. Nodal, an important embryonic morphogen, has been reported to modulate tumorigenesis. We found that Nodal can trigger the proliferation of NSCLC cells and decrease the sensitivity to doxorubicin (Dox) and cisplatin (CDDP) treatment. Targeted inhibition of Nodal can suppress the proliferation of NSCLC cells. Among the measured cytokines, Nodal can increase the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in NSCLC cells. Inhibition of IL-6, while not VEGFA, attenuated Nodal induced cell proliferation, suggesting the essential roles of IL-6 in Nodal induced malignancy of NSCLC cells. Nodal can trigger the phosphorylation, nuclear translocation and transcriptional activities of p65, the key signal transducer of NF-κB. This was due to the fact that Nodal can increase the phosphorylation of IKKβ/IκBα. The inhibitor of IKKβ abolished Nodal induced activation of p65 and expression of IL-6. Collectively, we found that Nodal can increase the proliferation and decrease chemosensitivity of NSCLC cells via regulation of NF-κB/IL-6 signals. It indicated that Nodal might be a potential therapeutic target for NSCLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Shuaifuyuan No. 1, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100730, China.,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shuaifuyuan No. 1, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Xiaoyun Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Shuaifuyuan No. 1, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100730, China.,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shuaifuyuan No. 1, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Chao Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Shuaifuyuan No. 1, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100730, China.,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shuaifuyuan No. 1, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Lei Cao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Shuaifuyuan No. 1, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100730, China.,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shuaifuyuan No. 1, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Shuaifuyuan No. 1, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100730, China.,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shuaifuyuan No. 1, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Xue Hu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Shuaifuyuan No. 1, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100730, China.,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shuaifuyuan No. 1, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yushang Cui
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Shuaifuyuan No. 1, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100730, China.,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shuaifuyuan No. 1, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100730, China
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7
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Motofei IG. Malignant Melanoma: Autoimmunity and Supracellular Messaging as New Therapeutic Approaches. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2019; 20:45. [PMID: 31056729 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-019-0643-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Melanoma is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer, with a high mortality rate in the absence of a safe and curable therapy. As a consequence, several procedures have been tested over time, with the most recent (immunological and targeted) therapies proving to be effective in some patients. Unfortunately, these new treatment options continue to generate debate related to the therapeutic strategy (intended to maximize the long-term results of patients with melanoma), not only about the monotherapy configuration but also regarding association/succession between distinct therapeutic procedures. As an example, targeted therapy with BRAF inhibitors proved to be effective in advanced BRAF-mutant melanoma. However, such treatments with BRAF inhibitors lead to therapy resistance in half of patients after approximately 6 months. Even if most benign nevi incorporate oncogenic BRAF mutations, they rarely become melanoma; therefore, targeted therapy with BRAF inhibitors should be viewed as an incomplete or perfectible therapy. Another example is related to the administration of immune checkpoint inhibitors/ICIs (anti-CTLA-4 antibodies, anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies), which are successfully used in metastatic melanoma. It is currently believed that CTLA-4 and PD-1 blockade would favor a strong immune response against cancer cells. The main side effects of ICIs are represented by the development of immune-related adverse events, which in some cases can be lethal. These ICI side effects would thus be not only therapeutically counterproductive but also potentially dangerous. Surprisingly, a subset of immune-related adverse events (especially autoimmune toxicity) seems to be clearly correlated with better therapeutic results, perhaps due to an additional therapeutic effect (currently insufficiently studied/exploited). Contrary to the classical approach of cancer (considered until now an uncontrolled division of cells), a very recent and comprehensive theory describes malignancy as a supracellular disease. Cancerous disease would therefore be a disturbed supracellular process (embryogenesis, growth, development, regeneration, etc.), which imposes/coordinates an increased rhythm of cell division, angiogenesis, immunosuppression, etc. Melanoma is presented from such a supracellular perspective to be able to explain the beneficial role of autoimmunity in cancer (autoimmune abortion/rejection of the melanoma-embryo phenotype) and to create premises to better optimize the newly emerging therapeutic options. Finally, it is suggested that the supracellular evolution of malignancy implies complex supracellular messaging (between the cells and host organism), which would be interfaced especially by the extracellular matrix and noncoding RNA. Therefore, understanding and manipulating supracellular messaging in cancer could open new treatment perspectives in the form of digitized (supracellular) therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ion G Motofei
- Department of Surgery/Oncology, St. Pantelimon Hospital, Carol Davila University, Dionisie Lupu Street, no. 37, 020022, Bucharest, Romania.
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8
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Wu J, Cheng P, Huang Z, Tan Q, Qu Y. Nodal increases the malignancy of childhood neuroblastoma cells via regulation of Zeb1. Biofactors 2019; 45:355-363. [PMID: 30985990 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is one of the most common malignant tumors derived from pluripotent cells of the neural crest. Nodal is an important embryonic morphogen which can re-express in cancer cells. The roles of Nodal in the progression of NB are not illustrated. Our present study reveals that Nodal is upregulated in NB cells and tissues. Targeted inhibition of Nodal can suppress the in vitro migration and invasion of NB cells while increase its chemo-sensitivity to doxorubicin (Dox) treatment. Nodal positively regulates the expression of Zeb1, one well-known transcription factors of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cancer cells. Knockdown of Zeb1 can attenuate Nodal-induced malignancy of NB cells. Mechanistically, Nodal increases the protein stability of Zeb1 while has no effect on its mRNA expression. It is due to that Nodal can increase the expression of Ataxia telangiectasia mutated kinase (ATM), which can phosphorylate and stabilize Zeb1 in cancer cells. Collectively, our data revealed that Nodal can increase the malignancy of NB cells via increasing the expression of Zeb1. It suggests that targeted inhibition of Nodal might be a potential therapy approach for NB treatment. © 2019 BioFactors, 45(3):355-363, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingfang Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Panpan Cheng
- Lab of Hematology Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zongxuan Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Qingshi Tan
- Department of Emergency, The Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yuhua Qu
- Department of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
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9
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Carcinogenesis: the cancer cell–mast cell connection. Inflamm Res 2018; 68:103-116. [DOI: 10.1007/s00011-018-1201-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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10
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Tokuo H, Bhawan J, Coluccio LM. Myosin X is required for efficient melanoblast migration and melanoma initiation and metastasis. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10449. [PMID: 29993000 PMCID: PMC6041326 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28717-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Myosin X (Myo10), an actin-associated molecular motor, has a clear role in filopodia induction and cell migration in vitro, but its role in vivo in mammals is not well understood. Here, we investigate the role of Myo10 in melanocyte lineage and melanoma induction. We found that Myo10 knockout (Myo10KO) mice exhibit a white spot on their belly caused by reduced melanoblast migration. Myo10KO mice crossed with available mice that conditionally express in melanocytes the BRAFV600E mutation combined with Pten silencing exhibited reduced melanoma development and metastasis, which extended medial survival time. Knockdown of Myo10 (Myo10kd) in B16F1 mouse melanoma cell lines decreased lung colonization after tail-vein injection. Myo10kd also inhibited long protrusion (LP) formation by reducing the transportation of its cargo molecule vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) to the leading edge of migrating cells. These findings provide the first genetic evidence for the involvement of Myo10 not only in melanoblast migration, but also in melanoma development and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Tokuo
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
| | - Jag Bhawan
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Lynne M Coluccio
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
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Kalyan A, Carneiro BA, Chandra S, Kaplan J, Chae YK, Matsangou M, Hendrix MJC, Giles F. Nodal Signaling as a Developmental Therapeutics Target in Oncology. Mol Cancer Ther 2018; 16:787-792. [PMID: 28468864 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-16-0215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is a vital feature of oncogenesis and tumor progression. There are several parallels between cancer cells and early developmental stem cells, including their plasticity and signaling mechanisms. In early fetal development, Nodal is expressed for endodermal and mesodermal differentiation. This expression has been shown reemerge in the setting of epithelial cancers, such as breast and melanoma. High Nodal expression correlates to an aggressive tumor grade in these malignancies. Nodal signal begins with its interaction with its coreceptor, Cripto-1, leading to activation of Smad2/Smad3 and ultimately downstream transcription and translation. Lefty is the natural inhibitor of Nodal and controls Nodal signaling during fetal development. However, cancer cells lack the presence of Lefty, thus leading to uncontrolled tumor growth. Given this understanding, inhibition of the Nodal pathway offers a new novel therapeutic target in oncology. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(5); 787-92. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Kalyan
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Olson Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois. .,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Benedito A Carneiro
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Olson Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Sunandana Chandra
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Olson Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jason Kaplan
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Olson Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Young Kwang Chae
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Olson Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Maria Matsangou
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Olson Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Mary J C Hendrix
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Olson Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois.,Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Anne and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Francis Giles
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Olson Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
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12
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Bodenstine TM, Chandler GS, Reed DW, Margaryan NV, Gilgur A, Atkinson J, Ahmed N, Hyser M, Seftor EA, Strizzi L, Hendrix MJC. Nodal expression in triple-negative breast cancer: Cellular effects of its inhibition following doxorubicin treatment. Cell Cycle 2017; 15:1295-302. [PMID: 27007464 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2016.1160981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents an aggressive cancer subtype characterized by the lack of expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). The independence of TNBC from these growth promoting factors eliminates the efficacy of therapies which specifically target them, and limits TNBC patients to traditional systemic neo/adjuvant chemotherapy. To better understand the growth advantage of TNBC - in the absence of ER, PR and HER2, we focused on the embryonic morphogen Nodal (associated with the cancer stem cell phenotype), which is re-expressed in aggressive breast cancers. Most notably, our previous data demonstrated that inhibition of Nodal signaling in breast cancer cells reduces their tumorigenic capacity. Furthermore, inhibiting Nodal in other cancers has resulted in improved effects of chemotherapy, although the mechanisms for this remain unknown. Thus, we hypothesized that targeting Nodal in TNBC cells in combination with conventional chemotherapy may improve efficacy and represent a potential new strategy. Our preliminary data demonstrate that Nodal is highly expressed in TNBC when compared to invasive hormone receptor positive samples. Treatment of Nodal expressing TNBC cell lines with a neutralizing anti-Nodal antibody reduces the viability of cells that had previously survived treatment with the anthracycline doxorubicin. We show that inhibiting Nodal may alter response mechanisms employed by cancer cells undergoing DNA damage. These data suggest that development of therapies which target Nodal in TNBC may lead to additional treatment options in conjunction with chemotherapy regimens - by altering signaling pathways critical to cellular survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Bodenstine
- a Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program at the Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Grace S Chandler
- a Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program at the Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - David W Reed
- a Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program at the Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Naira V Margaryan
- a Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program at the Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Alina Gilgur
- a Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program at the Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago , Chicago , IL , USA
| | | | - Nida Ahmed
- b Presence Saint Francis Hospital , Evanston , IL , USA
| | - Matthew Hyser
- b Presence Saint Francis Hospital , Evanston , IL , USA
| | - Elisabeth A Seftor
- a Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program at the Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Luigi Strizzi
- a Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program at the Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago , Chicago , IL , USA.,c Department of Pathology , Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Mary J C Hendrix
- a Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program at the Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago , Chicago , IL , USA.,d Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine , Chicago , IL , USA
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Vemurafenib and trametinib reduce expression of CTGF and IL-8 in V600EBRAF melanoma cells. J Transl Med 2017; 97:217-227. [PMID: 28067893 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2016.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Revised: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical evidence has revealed that while RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway is a crucial component of melanomagenesis, other signaling pathways can also contribute to the malignant growth and development of resistance to targeted therapies. We explored the response of V600EBRAF melanoma cells derived from surgical specimens and grown in stem cell medium to vemurafenib and trametinib, drugs targeting the activity of V600EBRAF and MEK1/2, respectively. Cell growth and apoptosis were monitored by real-time imaging system, immunophenotype and cell cycle by flow cytometry, gene expression by quantitative real-time PCR, immunoblotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The V600EBRAF melanoma cell populations were diverse. Differences in morphology, pigmentation, cell cycle profiles, and immunophenotype were observed. At the molecular level, melanoma cells differed in the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, NF-κB, and β-catenin, and expression of several relevant genes, including MITF-M, DKK1, CCND1, BRAF, CXCL8, and CTGF. Despite having different characteristics, melanoma cells responded similarly to vemurafenib and trametinib. Both drugs reduced ERK1/2 phosphorylation and percentages of cells expressing Ki-67 at high level, inhibited expression of CCND1 and induced cell cycle arrest in the Go/G1 phase. These expected cytostatic effects were accompanied by increased CD271 expression, a marker of stem-like cells. NF-κB activity was reduced by both drugs, however, not completely abolished, whereas the level of active β-catenin was increased by drugs in three out of six cell populations. Interestingly, expression of IL-8 and CTGF was significantly reduced by treatment with vemurafenib and trametinib. Simultaneous inhibition of NF-κB activity and induction of ERK1/2 phosphorylation revealed that CTGF expression depends on ERK1/2 activity but not on NF-κB activity. Both, the positive effects of treatment with vemurafenib and trametinib such as the newly identified CTGF suppression and undesired effects such as increased CD271 expression suggesting selection of melanoma stem-like cells should be considered in the development of combination treatment for melanoma patients.
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Bodenstine TM, Chandler GS, Seftor REB, Seftor EA, Hendrix MJC. Plasticity underlies tumor progression: role of Nodal signaling. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2016; 35:21-39. [PMID: 26951550 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-016-9605-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily member Nodal is an established regulator of early embryonic development, with primary roles in endoderm induction, left-right asymmetry, and primitive streak formation. Nodal signals through TGFβ family receptors at the plasma membrane and induces signaling cascades leading to diverse transcriptional regulation. While conceptually simple, the regulation of Nodal and its molecular effects are profoundly complex and context dependent. Pioneering work by developmental biologists has characterized the signaling pathways, regulatory components, and provided detailed insight into the mechanisms by which Nodal mediates changes at the cellular and organismal levels. Nodal is also an important factor in maintaining pluripotency of embryonic stem cells through regulation of core transcriptional programs. Collectively, this work has led to an appreciation for Nodal as a powerful morphogen capable of orchestrating multiple cellular phenotypes. Although Nodal is not active in most adult tissues, its reexpression and signaling have been linked to multiple types of human cancer, and Nodal has emerged as a driver of tumor growth and cellular plasticity. In vitro and in vivo experimental evidence has demonstrated that inhibition of Nodal signaling reduces cancer cell aggressive characteristics, while clinical data have established associations with Nodal expression and patient outcomes. As a result, there is great interest in the potential targeting of Nodal activity in a therapeutic setting for cancer patients that may provide new avenues for suppressing tumor growth and metastasis. In this review, we evaluate our current understanding of the complexities of Nodal function in cancer and highlight recent experimental evidence that sheds light on the therapeutic potential of its inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Bodenstine
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 225 E. Chicago Avenue, Box 222, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Grace S Chandler
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 225 E. Chicago Avenue, Box 222, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Richard E B Seftor
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 225 E. Chicago Avenue, Box 222, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Elisabeth A Seftor
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 225 E. Chicago Avenue, Box 222, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Mary J C Hendrix
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 225 E. Chicago Avenue, Box 222, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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15
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Oliveira-Nunes MC, Assad Kahn S, de Oliveira Barbeitas AL, E Spohr TCLDS, Dubois LGF, Ventura Matioszek GM, Querido W, Campanati L, de Brito Neto JM, Lima FRS, Moura-Neto V, Carneiro K. The availability of the embryonic TGF-β protein Nodal is dynamically regulated during glioblastoma multiforme tumorigenesis. Cancer Cell Int 2016; 16:46. [PMID: 27330409 PMCID: PMC4912793 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-016-0324-3] [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: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor presenting self-renewing cancer stem cells. The role of these cells on the development of the tumors has been proposed to recapitulate programs from embryogenesis. Recently, the embryonic transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) protein Nodal has been shown to be reactivated upon tumor development; however, its availability in GBM cells has not been addressed so far. In this study, we investigated by an original approach the mechanisms that dynamically control both intra and extracellular Nodal availability during GBM tumorigenesis. Methods We characterized the dynamics of Nodal availability in both stem and more differentiated GBM cells through morphological analysis, immunofluorescence of Nodal protein and of early (EEA1 and Rab5) and late (Rab7 and Rab11) endocytic markers and Western Blot. Tukey’s test was used to analyze the prevalent correlation of Nodal with different endocytic markers inside specific differentiation states, and Sidak’s multiple comparisons test was used to compare the prevalence of Nodal/endocytic markers co-localization between two differentiation states of GBM cells. Paired t test was used to analyze the abundance of Nodal protein, in extra and intracellular media. Results The cytoplasmic distribution of Nodal was dynamically regulated and strongly correlated with the differentiation status of GBM cells. While Nodal-positive vesicle-like particles were symmetrically distributed in GBM stem cells (GBMsc), they presented asymmetric perinuclear localization in more differentiated GBM cells (mdGBM). Strikingly, when subjected to dedifferentiation, the distribution of Nodal in mdGBM shifted to a symmetric pattern. Moreover, the availability of both intracellular and secreted Nodal were downregulated upon GBMsc differentiation, with cells becoming elongated, negative for Nodal and positive for Nestin. Interestingly, the co-localization of Nodal with endosomal vesicles also depended on the differentiation status of the cells, with Nodal seen more packed in EEA1/Rab5 + vesicles in GBMsc and more in Rab7/11 + vesicles in mdGBM. Conclusions Our results show for the first time that Nodal availability relates to GBM cell differentiation status and that it is dynamically regulated by an endocytic pathway during GBM tumorigenesis, shedding new light on molecular pathways that might emerge as putative targets for Nodal signaling in GBM therapy. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12935-016-0324-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cecília Oliveira-Nunes
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, F2-01, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902 Brazil
| | - Suzana Assad Kahn
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, 265 Campus Drive, Stanford, California 94305 USA ; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, F1-20, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902 Brazil
| | - Ana Luiza de Oliveira Barbeitas
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, F2-01, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902 Brazil
| | - Tania Cristina Leite de Sampaio E Spohr
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, F1-20, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902 Brazil ; Instituto Estadual do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer (IECPN), Rua do Rezende, 156, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 20231-092 Brazil
| | - Luiz Gustavo Feijó Dubois
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, F1-20, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902 Brazil ; Instituto Estadual do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer (IECPN), Rua do Rezende, 156, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 20231-092 Brazil
| | - Grasiella Maria Ventura Matioszek
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, B1-29, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902 Brazil
| | - William Querido
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, F2-30, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902 Brazil
| | - Loraine Campanati
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, F1-20, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902 Brazil
| | - José Marques de Brito Neto
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, F2-01, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902 Brazil
| | - Flavia Regina Souza Lima
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, F1-20, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902 Brazil
| | - Vivaldo Moura-Neto
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, F1-20, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902 Brazil ; Instituto Estadual do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer (IECPN), Rua do Rezende, 156, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 20231-092 Brazil
| | - Katia Carneiro
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, F2-01, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902 Brazil
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Shakhova O, Sommer L. In Vitro Derivation of Melanocytes from Embryonic Neural Crest Stem Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2015. [PMID: 26659800 DOI: 10.1007/7651_2015_305] [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] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
During development, melanocyte progenitors originate from the neural crest, a transient embryonic structure in vertebrates that gives rise to a variety of cell types including neurons and glia of the peripheral nervous system, smooth muscle cells of the cardiovascular system, chondrocytes and osteoblasts of the craniofacial elements, and pigment cells in the skin. In this chapter, we describe a method for the differentiation of multipotent embryonic neural crest stem cells into differentiated pigmented melanocytes by using in vitro explant culture system. This protocol allows the dissection of genetic and cellular mechanisms regulating neural crest stem cell and melanocyte development. Based on this knowledge it is possible to make predictions about processes that might also be implicated in melanoma initiation and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Shakhova
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, Wagistrasse 14, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland.
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Lukas Sommer
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
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17
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Strizzi L, Sandomenico A, Margaryan NV, Focà A, Sanguigno L, Bodenstine TM, Chandler GS, Reed DW, Gilgur A, Seftor EA, Seftor RE, Khalkhali-Ellis Z, Leonardi A, Ruvo M, Hendrix MJ. Effects of a novel Nodal-targeting monoclonal antibody in melanoma. Oncotarget 2015; 6:34071-86. [PMID: 26460952 PMCID: PMC4741437 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [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: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Nodal is highly expressed in various human malignancies, thus supporting the rationale for exploring Nodal as a therapeutic target. Here, we describe the effects of a novel monoclonal antibody (mAb), 3D1, raised against human Nodal. In vitro treatment of C8161 human melanoma cells with 3D1 mAb shows reductions in anchorage-independent growth and vasculogenic network formation. 3D1 treated cells also show decreases of Nodal and downstream signaling molecules, P-Smad2 and P-ERK and of P-H3 and CyclinB1, with an increase in p27. Similar effects were previously reported in human breast cancer cells where Nodal expression was generally down-regulated; following 3D1 mAb treatment, both Nodal and P-H3 levels are reduced. Noteworthy is the reduced growth of human melanoma xenografts in Nude mice treated with 3D1 mAb, where immunostaining of representative tumor sections show diminished P-Smad2 expression. Similar effects both in vitro and in vivo were observed in 3D1 treated A375SM melanoma cells harboring the active BRAF(V600E) mutation compared to treatments with IgG control or a BRAF inhibitor, dabrafenib. Finally, we describe a 3D1-based ELISA for the detection of Nodal in serum samples from cancer patients. These data suggest the potential of 3D1 mAb for selecting and targeting Nodal expressing cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Strizzi
- Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Annamaria Sandomenico
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini del CNR and CIRPeB, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Naira V. Margaryan
- Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Annalia Focà
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini del CNR and CIRPeB, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Sanguigno
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Thomas M. Bodenstine
- Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Grace S. Chandler
- Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - David W. Reed
- Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alina Gilgur
- Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Elisabeth A. Seftor
- Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Richard E.B. Seftor
- Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Zhila Khalkhali-Ellis
- Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Antonio Leonardi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Menotti Ruvo
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini del CNR and CIRPeB, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Mary J.C. Hendrix
- Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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18
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New Anti-Nodal Monoclonal Antibodies Targeting the Nodal Pre-Helix Loop Involved in Cripto-1 Binding. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:21342-62. [PMID: 26370966 PMCID: PMC4613256 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160921342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Revised: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Nodal is a potent embryonic morphogen belonging to the TGF-β superfamily. Typically, it also binds to the ALK4/ActRIIB receptor complex in the presence of the co-receptor Cripto-1. Nodal expression is physiologically restricted to embryonic tissues and human embryonic stem cells, is absent in normal cells but re-emerges in several human cancers, including melanoma, breast, and colon cancer. Our aim was to obtain mAbs able to recognize Nodal on a major CBR (Cripto-Binding-Region) site and to block the Cripto-1-mediated signalling. To achieve this, antibodies were raised against hNodal(44-67) and mAbs generated by the hybridoma technology. We have selected one mAb, named 3D1, which strongly associates with full-length rhNodal (KD 1.4 nM) and recognizes the endogenous protein in a panel of human melanoma cell lines by western blot and FACS analyses. 3D1 inhibits the Nodal-Cripto-1 binding and blocks Smad2/3 phosphorylation. Data suggest that inhibition of the Nodal-Cripto-1 axis is a valid therapeutic approach against melanoma and 3D1 is a promising and interesting agent for blocking Nodal-Cripto mediated tumor development. These findings increase the interest for Nodal as both a diagnostic and prognostic marker and as a potential new target for therapeutic intervention.
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Chinen AB, Guan CM, Ferrer JR, Barnaby SN, Merkel TJ, Mirkin CA. Nanoparticle Probes for the Detection of Cancer Biomarkers, Cells, and Tissues by Fluorescence. Chem Rev 2015; 115:10530-74. [PMID: 26313138 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.5b00321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 610] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa B Chinen
- Department of Chemistry, ‡Department of Chemical Engineering, §Department of Interdepartmental Biological Sciences, and ∥International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University , 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Chenxia M Guan
- Department of Chemistry, ‡Department of Chemical Engineering, §Department of Interdepartmental Biological Sciences, and ∥International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University , 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Jennifer R Ferrer
- Department of Chemistry, ‡Department of Chemical Engineering, §Department of Interdepartmental Biological Sciences, and ∥International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University , 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Stacey N Barnaby
- Department of Chemistry, ‡Department of Chemical Engineering, §Department of Interdepartmental Biological Sciences, and ∥International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University , 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Timothy J Merkel
- Department of Chemistry, ‡Department of Chemical Engineering, §Department of Interdepartmental Biological Sciences, and ∥International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University , 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Chad A Mirkin
- Department of Chemistry, ‡Department of Chemical Engineering, §Department of Interdepartmental Biological Sciences, and ∥International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University , 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
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20
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Phenotypic diversity of patient-derived melanoma populations in stem cell medium. J Transl Med 2015; 95:672-83. [PMID: 25867763 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2015.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Revised: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanomas are highly heterogeneous tumors and there is no treatment effective at achieving long-term remission for metastatic melanoma patients. Thus, an appropriate model system for studying melanoma biology and response to drugs is necessary. It has been shown that composition of the medium is a critical factor in preserving the complexity of the tumor in in vitro settings, and melanospheres maintained in stem cell medium are a good model in this respect. In the present study, we observed that not all nodular melanoma patient-derived cell populations grown in stem cell medium were capable of forming melanospheres, and cell aggregates and anchorage-independent single-cell cultures emerged instead. Self-renewing capacity and unlimited growth potential indicated the presence of cells with stem-like properties in all patient-derived populations but immunophenotype and MITF expression exhibited variability. Enhanced MITF expression and activity was observed in melanospheres in comparison with cell aggregates and single-cell culture, and hypoxic-like conditions that increased the ability of single-cell population to form melanospheres enhanced MITF expression and cell pigmentation as well. Thus, MITF seems to be a critical transcription factor for formation of both patient-derived and hypoxia-induced melanospheres. After 2 years of continuous culturing, melanospheres progressively underwent transition into cell aggregates that was accompanied by changes in expression of several MITF-dependent genes associated with melanogenesis and survival and alterations in the composition of subpopulations but not in the frequency of ABCB5-positive cells. Several biological properties of parent tumor are well preserved in patient-derived melanospheres, but during prolonged culturing the heterogeneity is substantially lost when the melanospheres are substituted by cell aggregates. This should be considered when cell aggregates instead of melanospheres are used in the study of melanoma biology and cell response to drugs.
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21
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Lefty inhibits glioma growth by suppressing Nodal-activated Smad and ERK1/2 pathways. J Neurol Sci 2014; 347:137-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2014.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2014] [Revised: 09/13/2014] [Accepted: 09/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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22
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Chai YJ, Kim YA, Jee HG, Yi JW, Jang BG, Lee KE, Park YJ, Youn YK. Expression of the embryonic morphogen Nodal in differentiated thyroid carcinomas: Immunohistochemistry assay in tissue microarray and The Cancer Genome Atlas data analysis. Surgery 2014; 156:1559-67; discussion 1567-8. [PMID: 25456955 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2014.08.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nodal, an embryonic morphogen, plays a role in tumorigenesis of melanoma, breast, and prostate cancer; however, its role in thyroid carcinoma is unknown. We examined Nodal expression in thyroid tumors by immunohistochemistry assay and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) analysis. METHODS An immunohistochemistry assay was performed in a tissue microarray comprising 128 classic papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC), 58 follicular thyroid carcinomas (FTC), 19 follicular variants of PTC (FVPTC), 57 follicular adenomas (FA), 54 adenomatous goiters (AG), and 5 normal thyroid tissues. The TCGA database was examined to evaluate the expression of Nodal mRNA in normal thyroid and PTC. RESULTS The proportion of tumors showing negative Nodal expression in PTC, FTC, FVPTC, FA, and AG was 0%, 1.7%, 0%, 14%, and 41%, respectively. For the diagnosis of malignant tumors, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of positive Nodal staining was 99%, 27%, 72%, and 97%, respectively. High Nodal expression was associated with older age and BRAF mutation in PTC. TCGA analysis revealed PTC had greater Nodal mRNA expression than normal thyroid (P = .012). CONCLUSION Nodal staining might be useful "rule-out test" for the diagnosis of malignant thyroid tumor. Nodal may be associated with the tumorigenesis of thyroid malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Jun Chai
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital and College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea; Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young A Kim
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyeon-Gun Jee
- Research Institute, National Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin Wook Yi
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital and College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Bo Gun Jang
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital and College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyu Eun Lee
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital and College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Young Joo Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital and College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yeo-Kyu Youn
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital and College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Seftor EA, Seftor REB, Weldon D, Kirsammer GT, Margaryan NV, Gilgur A, Hendrix MJC. Melanoma tumor cell heterogeneity: a molecular approach to study subpopulations expressing the embryonic morphogen nodal. Semin Oncol 2014; 41:259-266. [PMID: 24787297 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2014.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
As the frequency of melanoma increases, current treatment strategies are struggling to significantly impact patient survival. One of the critical issues in designing efficient therapies is understanding the composition of heterogeneous melanoma tumors in order to target cancer stem cells (CSCs) and drug-resistant subpopulations. In this review, we summarize recent findings pertinent to the reemergence of the embryonic Nodal signaling pathway in melanoma and its significance as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target. In addition, we offer a novel molecular approach to studying the functional relevance of Nodal-expressing subpopulations and their CSC phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth A Seftor
- Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Research Center, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
| | - Richard E B Seftor
- Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Research Center, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
| | | | - Gina T Kirsammer
- Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Research Center, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
| | - Naira V Margaryan
- Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Research Center, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
| | - Alina Gilgur
- Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Research Center, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
| | - Mary J C Hendrix
- Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Research Center, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
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Wang XF, Wang HS, Zhang F, Guo Q, Wang H, Wang KF, Zhang G, Bu XZ, Cai SH, Du J. Nodal promotes the generation of M2-like macrophages and downregulates the expression of IL-12. Eur J Immunol 2013; 44:173-83. [DOI: 10.1002/eji.201343535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2013] [Revised: 09/06/2013] [Accepted: 09/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Feng Wang
- Department of Microbial and Biochemical Pharmacy; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University; Guangzhou P.R. China
| | - Hong-Sheng Wang
- Department of Microbial and Biochemical Pharmacy; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University; Guangzhou P.R. China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Microbial and Biochemical Pharmacy; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University; Guangzhou P.R. China
| | - Qiang Guo
- Department of Microbial and Biochemical Pharmacy; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University; Guangzhou P.R. China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Microbial and Biochemical Pharmacy; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University; Guangzhou P.R. China
| | - Ke-Fang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University; Beijing P.R. China
| | - Ge Zhang
- Department of Microbial and Biochemical Pharmacy; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University; Guangzhou P.R. China
| | - Xian-zhang Bu
- Department of Microbial and Biochemical Pharmacy; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University; Guangzhou P.R. China
| | - Shao-Hui Cai
- Department of Pharmacology; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jinan University; Guangzhou P.R. China
| | - Jun Du
- Department of Microbial and Biochemical Pharmacy; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University; Guangzhou P.R. China
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Cantariño N, Douet J, Buschbeck M. MacroH2A--an epigenetic regulator of cancer. Cancer Lett 2013; 336:247-52. [PMID: 23531411 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2013.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Revised: 03/15/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation is one of the most promising and expanding areas of cancer research. One of the emerging, but least understood aspects of epigenetics is the facultative and locus-specific incorporation of histone variants and their function in chromatin. With the characterization of the first loss of function phenotypes of the macroH2A histone variants, previously unrecognized epigenetic mechanisms have now moved into the spotlight of cancer research. Here, we summarize data supporting different molecular mechanisms that could mediate the primarily tumor suppressive function of macroH2A. We further discuss context-dependent and isoform-specific functions. The aim of this review is to provide guidance for those assessing macroH2A's potential as biomarker or therapeutic intervention point.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neus Cantariño
- Institute for Predictive and Personalized Medicine of Cancer (IMPPC), Crta. Can Ruti, Cami de les Escoles, 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
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The effect of bevacizumab on human malignant melanoma cells with functional VEGF/VEGFR2 autocrine and intracrine signaling loops. Neoplasia 2013; 14:612-23. [PMID: 22904678 DOI: 10.1593/neo.11948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2011] [Revised: 06/21/2012] [Accepted: 06/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Receptors for the angiogenic factor VEGF are expressed by tumor cancer cells including melanoma, although their functionality remains unclear. Paired human melanoma cell lines WM115 and WM239 were used to investigate differences in expression and functionality of VEGF and VEGFR2 in vitro and in vivo with the anti-VEGF antibody bevacizumab. Both WM115 and WM239 cells expressed VEGF and VEGFR2, the levels of which were modulated by hypoxia. Detection of native and phosphorylated VEGFR2 in subcellular fractions under serum-free conditions showed the presence of a functional autocrine as well as intracrine VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling loops. Interestingly, treatment of WM115 and WM239 cells with increasing doses of bevacizumab (0-300 µg/ml) in vitro did not show any significant inhibition of VEGFR2 phosphorylation. Small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor, sunitinib, caused an inhibition of VEGFR2 phosphorylation in WM239 but not in WM115 cells. An increase in cell proliferation was observed in WM115 cells treated with bevacizumab, whereas sunitinib inhibited proliferation. When xenografted to immune-deficient mice, we found bevacizumab to be an effective antiangiogenic but not antitumorigenic agent for both cell lines. Because bevacizumab is unable to neutralize murine VEGF, this supports a paracrine angiogenic response. We propose that the failure of bevacizumab to generate an antitumorigenic effect may be related to its generation of enhanced autocrine/intracrine signaling in the cancer cells themselves. Collectively, these results suggest that, for cancers with intracrine VEGF/ VEGFR2 signaling loops, small-molecule inhibitors of VEGFR2 may be more effective than neutralizing antibodies at disease control.
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Nicotinamide inhibits vasculogenic mimicry, an alternative vascularization pathway observed in highly aggressive melanoma. PLoS One 2013; 8:e57160. [PMID: 23451174 PMCID: PMC3581583 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2012] [Accepted: 01/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) describes functional vascular channels composed only of tumor cells and its presence predicts poor prognosis in melanoma patients. Inhibition of this alternative vascularization pathway might be of clinical importance, especially as several anti-angiogenic therapies targeting endothelial cells are largely ineffective in melanoma. We show the presence of VM structures histologically in a series of human melanoma lesions and demonstrate that cell cultures derived from these lesions form tubes in 3D cultures ex vivo. We tested the ability of nicotinamide, the amide form of vitamin B3 (niacin), which acts as an epigenetic gene regulator through unique cellular pathways, to modify VM. Nicotinamide effectively inhibited the formation of VM structures and destroyed already formed ones, in a dose-dependent manner. Remarkably, VM formation capacity remained suppressed even one month after the complete withdrawal of Nicotimamid. The inhibitory effect of nicotinamide on VM formation could be at least partially explained by a nicotinamide-driven downregulation of vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-Cadherin), which is known to have a central role in VM. Further major changes in the expression profile of hundreds of genes, most of them clustered in biologically-relevant clusters, were observed. In addition, nicotinamide significantly inhibited melanoma cell proliferation, but had an opposite effect on their invasion capacity. Cell cycle analysis indicated moderate changes in apoptotic indices. Therefore, nicotinamide could be further used to unravel new biological mechanisms that drive VM and tumor progression. Targeting VM, especially in combination with anti-angiogenic strategies, is expected to be synergistic and might yield substantial anti neoplastic effects in a variety of malignancies.
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Nodal promotes invasive phenotypes via a mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent pathway. Oncogene 2013; 33:461-73. [PMID: 23334323 PMCID: PMC5025281 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2012.608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2012] [Revised: 10/20/2012] [Accepted: 11/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The progression of cancer from localized to invasive disease is requisite for metastasis, and is often characterized by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and alterations in cellular adhesion and migration. Studies have shown that this transition is associated with an up-regulation of embryonic stem cell-associated genes, resulting in a dedifferentiated phenotype and poor patient prognosis. Nodal is an embryonic factor that plays a critical role in promoting early invasive events during development. Nodal is silenced as stem cells differentiate; however, it re-emerges in adult life during placentation and mammary gland development, and is aberrantly expressed in many cancers. Here, we show that Nodal over-expression, in poorly-invasive breast cancer and choriocarcinoma cells, causes increased invasion and migration in vitro. Furthermore, we show that Nodal over-expression in these epithelial cancer types induces an EMT-like event concomitant with the internalization of E-Cadherin. This ability of Nodal to promote cellular invasion and EMT-like phenomena is dependent upon the phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Since Nodal normally signals through SMADs, these findings lend insight into an alternative pathway that is hijacked by this protein in cancer. To evaluate the clinical implications of our results, we show that Nodal inhibition reduces liver tumor burden in a model of spontaneous breast cancer metastasis in vivo, and that Nodal loss-of-function in aggressive breast cancer lines results in a decrease in invasive phenotypes. Our results demonstrate that Nodal is involved in promoting invasion in multiple cellular contexts, and that Nodal inhibition may be useful as a therapeutic target for patients with progressive disease.
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Sakaki-Yumoto M, Katsuno Y, Derynck R. TGF-β family signaling in stem cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2012; 1830:2280-96. [PMID: 22959078 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2012.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2012] [Revised: 07/11/2012] [Accepted: 08/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The diversity of cell types and tissue types that originate throughout development derives from the differentiation potential of embryonic stem cells and somatic stem cells. While the former are pluripotent, and thus can give rise to a full differentiation spectrum, the latter have limited differentiation potential but drive tissue remodeling. Additionally cancer tissues also have a small population of self-renewing cells with stem cell properties. These cancer stem cells may arise through dedifferentiation from non-stem cells in cancer tissues, illustrating their plasticity, and may greatly contribute to the resistance of cancers to chemotherapies. SCOPE OF REVIEW The capacity of the different types of stem cells for self-renewal, the establishment and maintenance of their differentiation potential, and the selection of differentiation programs are greatly defined by the interplay of signaling molecules provided by both the stem cells themselves, and their microenvironment, the niche. Here we discuss common and divergent roles of TGF-β family signaling in the regulation of embryonic, reprogrammed pluripotent, somatic, and cancer stem cells. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS Increasing evidence highlights the similarities between responses of normal and cancer stem cells to signaling molecules, provided or activated by their microenvironment. While TGF-β family signaling regulates stemness of normal and cancer stem cells, its effects are diverse and depend on the cell types and physiological state of the cells. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Further mechanistic studies will provide a better understanding of the roles of TGF-β family signaling in the regulation of stem cells. These basic studies may lead to the development of a new therapeutic or prognostic strategies for the treatment of cancers. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Biochemistry of Stem Cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayo Sakaki-Yumoto
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0669, USA
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30
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Bar-Eli M. Back to the embryonic stage: Nodal as a biomarker for breast cancer progression. Breast Cancer Res 2012; 14:105. [PMID: 22643182 PMCID: PMC3446330 DOI: 10.1186/bcr3177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The embryonic morphogen Nodal, a member of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily, is not expressed in the majority of normal adult tissues. However, a growing body of evidence indicates that Nodal expression re-emerges in a number of human cancers, including melanoma, glioma, endometrial, and prostate cancers. Reactivation of Nodal signaling in these tumors contributes to their aggressiveness. Strizzi and colleagues, in a paper published in this issue of Breast Cancer Research, investigate the clinical significance of Nodal expression in breast cancer. They report that Nodal expression is significantly greater in malignant versus benign breast disease. More importantly, Nodal levels correlated with grading, staging, and lymph node involvement, independent of the estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor or HER2 status. Collectively, these data suggest that Nodal could serve as a potential biomarker for invasive disease and a potential therapeutic target in breast cancer.
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Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma originates from pigment producing melanocytes or their precursors and is considered the deadliest form of skin cancer. For the last 40 years, few treatment options were available for patients with late-stage melanoma. However, remarkable advances in the therapy field were made recently, leading to the approval of two new drugs, the mutant BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib and the immunostimulant ipilimumab. Although these drugs prolong patients' lives, neither drug cures the disease completely, emphasizing the need for improvements of current therapies. Our knowledge about the complex genetic and biological mechanisms leading to melanoma development has increased, but there are still gaps in our understanding of the early events of melanocyte transformation and disease progression. In this review, we present a summary of the main contributing factors leading to melanocyte transformation and discuss recent novel findings and technologies that will help answer some of the key biological melanoma questions and lay the groundwork for novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Slipicevic
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pathology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Creppe C, Posavec M, Douet J, Buschbeck M. MacroH2A in stem cells: a story beyond gene repression. Epigenomics 2012; 4:221-7. [PMID: 22449192 DOI: 10.2217/epi.12.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of epigenetic mechanisms is most clearly illustrated during early development when a totipotent cell goes through multiple cell fate transitions to form the many different cell types and tissues that constitute the embryo and the adult. The exchange of a canonical H2A histone for the ‘repressive’ macroH2A variant is one of the most striking epigenetic chromatin alterations that can occur at the level of the nucleosome. Here, we discuss recent data on macroH2A in zebrafish and mouse embryos, in embryonic and adult stem cells and also in nuclear reprogramming. We highlight the role of macroH2A in the establishment and maintenance of differentiated states and we discuss its still poorly recognized function in transcriptional activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Creppe
- Institute for Predictive & Personalized Medicine of Cancer (IMPPC), Crta. Can Ruti, Cami de les Escoles, 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Melanija Posavec
- Institute for Predictive & Personalized Medicine of Cancer (IMPPC), Crta. Can Ruti, Cami de les Escoles, 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julien Douet
- Institute for Predictive & Personalized Medicine of Cancer (IMPPC), Crta. Can Ruti, Cami de les Escoles, 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marcus Buschbeck
- Institute for Predictive & Personalized Medicine of Cancer (IMPPC), Crta. Can Ruti, Cami de les Escoles, 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
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ZHANG ZHIWEI, JIANG TAO, LI QUANLIN, WANG JIANBO, YANG DEYONG, LI XIANCHENG, WANG QIFEI, SONG XISHUANG. Nodal activates smad and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 pathways promoting renal cell carcinoma proliferation. Mol Med Rep 2012; 12:587-94. [DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.3343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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34
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Harris PJ, Speranza G, Dansky Ullmann C. Targeting embryonic signaling pathways in cancer therapy. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2012; 16:131-45. [DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2011.645808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Asnaghi L, Ebrahimi KB, Schreck KC, Bar EE, Coonfield ML, Bell WR, Handa J, Merbs SL, Harbour JW, Eberhart CG. Notch signaling promotes growth and invasion in uveal melanoma. Clin Cancer Res 2012; 18:654-65. [PMID: 22228632 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-11-1406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine whether uveal melanoma, the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults, requires Notch activity for growth and metastasis. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Expression of Notch pathway members was characterized in primary tumor samples and in cell lines, along with the effects of Notch inhibition or activation on tumor growth and invasion. RESULTS Notch receptors, ligands, and targets were expressed in all five cell lines examined and in 30 primary uveal melanoma samples. Interestingly, the three lines with high levels of baseline pathway activity (OCM1, OCM3, and OCM8) had their growth reduced by pharmacologic Notch blockade using the γ-secretase inhibitor (GSI) MRK003. In contrast, two uveal melanoma lines (Mel285 and Mel290) with very low expression of Notch targets were insensitive to the GSI. Constitutively active forms of Notch1 and Notch2 promoted growth of uveal melanoma cultures and were able to rescue the inhibitory effects of GSI. MRK003 treatment also inhibited anchorage-independent clonogenic growth and cell invasion and reduced phosphorylation levels of STAT3 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk)1/2. Suppression of canonical Notch activity using short hairpin RNA targeting Notch2 or CBF1 was also able to reduce tumor growth and invasion. Finally, intraocular xenograft growth was significantly decreased by GSI treatment. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that Notch plays an important role in inducing proliferation and invasion in uveal melanoma and that inhibiting this pathway may be effective in preventing tumor growth and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Asnaghi
- Department of Pathology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA
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Lindsay CR, Lawn S, Campbell AD, Faller WJ, Rambow F, Mort RL, Timpson P, Li A, Cammareri P, Ridgway RA, Morton JP, Doyle B, Hegarty S, Rafferty M, Murphy IG, McDermott EW, Sheahan K, Pedone K, Finn AJ, Groben PA, Thomas NE, Hao H, Carson C, Norman JC, Machesky LM, Gallagher WM, Jackson IJ, Van Kempen L, Beermann F, Der C, Larue L, Welch HC, Ozanne BW, Sansom OJ. P-Rex1 is required for efficient melanoblast migration and melanoma metastasis. Nat Commun 2011; 2:555. [PMID: 22109529 PMCID: PMC3400057 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms1560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2011] [Accepted: 10/20/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastases are the major cause of death from melanoma, a skin cancer that has the fastest rising incidence of any malignancy in the Western world. Molecular pathways that drive melanoblast migration in development are believed to underpin the movement and ultimately the metastasis of melanoma. Here we show that mice lacking P-Rex1, a Rac-specific Rho GTPase guanine nucleotide exchange factor, have a melanoblast migration defect during development evidenced by a white belly. Moreover, these P-Rex1(-/-) mice are resistant to metastasis when crossed to a murine model of melanoma. Mechanistically, this is associated with P-Rex1 driving invasion in a Rac-dependent manner. P-Rex1 is elevated in the majority of human melanoma cell lines and tumour tissue. We conclude that P-Rex1 has an important role in melanoblast migration and cancer progression to metastasis in mice and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Samuel Lawn
- The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Glasgow, UK, G61 1BD
| | | | | | - Florian Rambow
- Centre de Recherche, U1021 INSERM, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | | | - Paul Timpson
- The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Glasgow, UK, G61 1BD
| | - Ang Li
- The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Glasgow, UK, G61 1BD
| | | | | | | | - Brendan Doyle
- The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Glasgow, UK, G61 1BD
| | - Shauna Hegarty
- School of Medicine Dentistry & Biomedical Science, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK
| | - Mairin Rafferty
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Conway Institute, University College, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Ian G. Murphy
- Department of Surgery, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Enda W. McDermott
- Department of Surgery, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kieran Sheahan
- Department of Surgery, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Katherine Pedone
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Alexander J. Finn
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Pamela A. Groben
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Nancy E. Thomas
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Honglin Hao
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Craig Carson
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Jim C Norman
- The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Glasgow, UK, G61 1BD
| | | | - William M. Gallagher
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Conway Institute, University College, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | | | - Leon Van Kempen
- McGill University/Jewish General Hospital, Dept of Pathology, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3A 2B4
| | | | - Channing Der
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Lionel Larue
- Centre de Recherche, U1021 INSERM, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | | | - Brad W. Ozanne
- The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Glasgow, UK, G61 1BD
| | - Owen J. Sansom
- The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Glasgow, UK, G61 1BD
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The Amazing Power of Cancer Cells to Recapitulate Extraembryonic Functions: The Cuckoo's Tricks. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2011; 2012:521284. [PMID: 21969829 PMCID: PMC3182376 DOI: 10.1155/2012/521284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2011] [Revised: 07/06/2011] [Accepted: 07/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Inflammation is implicated in tumor development, invasion, and metastasis. Hence, it has been suggested that common cellular and molecular mechanisms are activated in wound repair and in cancer development. In addition, it has been previously proposed that the inflammatory response, which is associated with the wound healing process, could recapitulate ontogeny through the reexpression of the extraembryonic, that is, amniotic and vitelline, functions in the interstitial space of the injured tissue. If so, the use of inflammation by the cancer-initiating cell can also be supported in the ability to reacquire extraembryonic functional axes for tumor development, invasion, and metastasis. Thus, the diverse components of the tumor microenvironment could represent the overlapping reexpression of amniotic and vitelline functions. These functions would favor a gastrulation-like process, that is, the creation of a reactive stroma in which fibrogenesis and angiogenesis stand out.
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