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Vojnits K, Feng Z, Johnson P, Pfammatter S, Thibault P, Bhatia M. Targeting of human cancer stem cells predicts efficacy and toxicity of FDA-approved oncology drugs. Cancer Lett 2024:217108. [PMID: 38986735 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217108] [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: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Cancer remains the leading cause of death worldwide with approved oncology drugs continuing to have heterogenous patient responses and accompanied adverse effects (AEs) that limits effectiveness. Here, we examined >100 FDA-approved oncology drugs in the context of stemness using a surrogate model of transformed human pluripotent cancer stem cells (CSCs) vs. healthy stem cells (hSCs) capable of distinguishing abnormal self-renewal and differentiation. Although a proportion of these drugs had no effects (inactive), a larger portion affected CSCs (active), and a unique subset preferentially affected CSCs over hSCs (selective). Single cell gene expression and protein profiling of each drug's FDA recognized target provided a molecular correlation of responses in CSCs vs. hSCs. Uniquely, drugs selective for CSCs demonstrated clinical efficacy, measured by overall survival, and reduced AEs. Our findings reveal that while unintentional, half of anticancer drugs are active against CSCs and associated with improved clinical outcomes. Based on these findings, we suggest ability to target CSC targeting should be included as a property of early onco-therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Vojnits
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Zhuohang Feng
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Paige Johnson
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Sibylle Pfammatter
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Pierre Thibault
- Department of Chemistry and Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mick Bhatia
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
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2
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Zhang Z, He P, Chen D, Tan Y, Chen A, Bian Z, Chen T. Active metabolomics identify potential functional metabolites for preeclampsia prevention. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 560:119717. [PMID: 38782157 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2024.119717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preeclampsia (PE) is a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, with limited effective clinical treatment options. Active metabolomics offers a promising approach to uncover metabolic changes in PE and identify potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets. This study performed untargeted metabolomics using LC-MS to compare serum samples from preeclampsia and normal pregnancies. METHODS We performed untargeted metabolomics using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to compare serum samples from PE patients and normal pregnancies. We analyzed the alterations in metabolites and conducted functional experiments to assess the effects of LysoPE(16:0) on trophoblast cell invasion and migration. Mechanistic studies were performed to explore the potential targeting of GSK-3β by LysoPE(16:0). RESULTS Our metabolomics analysis revealed significant alterations in several metabolites, including lysophosphatidylcholines and organic acids. Notably, LysoPE(16:0) was found to be downregulated in the serum of PE patients. Functional experiments demonstrated that LysoPE(16:0) could promote trophoblast cell invasion and migration. Mechanistic studies suggest that the protective effect of LysoPE(16:0) against PE might be mediated through the modulation of the GSK-3β/β-Catenin pathway, with LysoPE(16:0) potentially targeting the GSK-3β protein. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the potential role of LysoPE(16:0) in the pathophysiology of PE and its ability to modulate the GSK-3β/β-Catenin pathway. These results provide new insights into the metabolic changes associated with PE and suggest that LysoPE(16:0) could serve as a promising biomarker or therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongxiao Zhang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 1111XianXia Road, Shanghai 200336, China; Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping He
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 1111XianXia Road, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Danni Chen
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 1111XianXia Road, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Yan Tan
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 1111XianXia Road, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Ailan Chen
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 1111XianXia Road, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Zheng Bian
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 1111XianXia Road, Shanghai 200336, China.
| | - Tingting Chen
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 1111XianXia Road, Shanghai 200336, China.
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3
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Summers BS, Thomas Broome S, Pang TWR, Mundell HD, Koh Belic N, Tom NC, Ng ML, Yap M, Sen MK, Sedaghat S, Weible MW, Castorina A, Lim CK, Lovelace MD, Brew BJ. A Review of the Evidence for Tryptophan and the Kynurenine Pathway as a Regulator of Stem Cell Niches in Health and Disease. Int J Tryptophan Res 2024; 17:11786469241248287. [PMID: 38757094 PMCID: PMC11097742 DOI: 10.1177/11786469241248287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Stem cells are ubiquitously found in various tissues and organs in the body, and underpin the body's ability to repair itself following injury or disease initiation, though repair can sometimes be compromised. Understanding how stem cells are produced, and functional signaling systems between different niches is critical to understanding the potential use of stem cells in regenerative medicine. In this context, this review considers kynurenine pathway (KP) metabolism in multipotent adult progenitor cells, embryonic, haematopoietic, neural, cancer, cardiac and induced pluripotent stem cells, endothelial progenitor cells, and mesenchymal stromal cells. The KP is the major enzymatic pathway for sequentially catabolising the essential amino acid tryptophan (TRP), resulting in key metabolites including kynurenine, kynurenic acid, and quinolinic acid (QUIN). QUIN metabolism transitions into the adjoining de novo pathway for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) production, a critical cofactor in many fundamental cellular biochemical pathways. How stem cells uptake and utilise TRP varies between different species and stem cell types, because of their expression of transporters and responses to inflammatory cytokines. Several KP metabolites are physiologically active, with either beneficial or detrimental outcomes, and evidence of this is presented relating to several stem cell types, which is important as they may exert a significant impact on surrounding differentiated cells, particularly if they metabolise or secrete metabolites differently. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in mesenchymal stromal cells, for instance, highly upregulates rate-limiting enzyme indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO-1), initiating TRP depletion and production of metabolites including kynurenine/kynurenic acid, known agonists of the Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) transcription factor. AhR transcriptionally regulates an immunosuppressive phenotype, making them attractive for regenerative therapy. We also draw attention to important gaps in knowledge for future studies, which will underpin future application for stem cell-based cellular therapies or optimising drugs which can modulate the KP in innate stem cell populations, for disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Sebastian Summers
- Applied Neurosciences Program, Peter Duncan Neurosciences Research Unit, St. Vincent’s Centre for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sarah Thomas Broome
- Faculty of Science, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Hamish D Mundell
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, New South Wales Brain Tissue Resource Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Naomi Koh Belic
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicole C Tom
- Formerly of the Department of Physiology, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mei Li Ng
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Maylin Yap
- Formerly of the Atherothrombosis and Vascular Biology Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Monokesh K Sen
- Applied Neurosciences Program, Peter Duncan Neurosciences Research Unit, St. Vincent’s Centre for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sara Sedaghat
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Michael W Weible
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Alessandro Castorina
- Faculty of Science, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Chai K Lim
- Faculty of Medicine, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael D Lovelace
- Applied Neurosciences Program, Peter Duncan Neurosciences Research Unit, St. Vincent’s Centre for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Bruce J Brew
- Applied Neurosciences Program, Peter Duncan Neurosciences Research Unit, St. Vincent’s Centre for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Departments of Neurology and Immunology, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- University of Notre Dame, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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4
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Lin YC, Ku CC, Wuputra K, Liu CJ, Wu DC, Satou M, Mitsui Y, Saito S, Yokoyama KK. Possible Strategies to Reduce the Tumorigenic Risk of Reprogrammed Normal and Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5177. [PMID: 38791215 PMCID: PMC11120835 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The reprogramming of somatic cells to pluripotent stem cells has immense potential for use in regenerating or redeveloping tissues for transplantation, and the future application of this method is one of the most important research topics in regenerative medicine. These cells are generated from normal cells, adult stem cells, or neoplastic cancer cells. They express embryonic stem cell markers, such as OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG, and can differentiate into all tissue types in adults, both in vitro and in vivo. However, tumorigenicity, immunogenicity, and heterogeneity of cell populations may hamper the use of this method in medical therapeutics. The risk of cancer formation is dependent on mutations of these stemness genes during the transformation of pluripotent stem cells to cancer cells and on the alteration of the microenvironments of stem cell niches at genetic and epigenetic levels. Recent reports have shown that the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from human fibroblasts could be induced using chemicals, which is a safe, easy, and clinical-grade manufacturing strategy for modifying the cell fate of human cells required for regeneration therapies. This strategy is one of the future routes for the clinical application of reprogramming therapy. Therefore, this review highlights the recent progress in research focused on decreasing the tumorigenic risk of iPSCs or iPSC-derived organoids and increasing the safety of iPSC cell preparation and their application for therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Chu Lin
- School of Dentistry, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
| | - Cha-Chien Ku
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (C.-C.K.); (K.W.)
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (C.-J.L.); (D.-C.W.)
- Cell Therapy and Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
| | - Kenly Wuputra
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (C.-C.K.); (K.W.)
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (C.-J.L.); (D.-C.W.)
- Cell Therapy and Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
- Waseda Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo 169-8555, Japan
| | - Chung-Jung Liu
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (C.-J.L.); (D.-C.W.)
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
| | - Deng-Chyang Wu
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (C.-J.L.); (D.-C.W.)
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
| | - Maki Satou
- Research Institute, Horus Co., Ltd., Iruma 358-0032, Saitama, Japan; (M.S.); (Y.M.)
| | - Yukio Mitsui
- Research Institute, Horus Co., Ltd., Iruma 358-0032, Saitama, Japan; (M.S.); (Y.M.)
| | - Shigeo Saito
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (C.-C.K.); (K.W.)
- Research Institute, Horus Co., Ltd., Iruma 358-0032, Saitama, Japan; (M.S.); (Y.M.)
- Saito Laboratory of Cell Technology, Yaita 329-1571, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Kazunari K. Yokoyama
- School of Dentistry, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (C.-C.K.); (K.W.)
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (C.-J.L.); (D.-C.W.)
- Cell Therapy and Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
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5
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Kim K. The Role of Endocrine Disruption Chemical-Regulated Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Activity in the Pathogenesis of Pancreatic Diseases and Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3818. [PMID: 38612627 PMCID: PMC11012155 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) serves as a ligand-activated transcription factor crucial for regulating fundamental cellular and molecular processes, such as xenobiotic metabolism, immune responses, and cancer development. Notably, a spectrum of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) act as agonists or antagonists of AHR, leading to the dysregulation of pivotal cellular and molecular processes and endocrine system disruption. Accumulating evidence suggests a correlation between EDC exposure and the onset of diverse pancreatic diseases, including diabetes, pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer. Despite this association, the mechanistic role of AHR as a linchpin molecule in EDC exposure-related pathogenesis of pancreatic diseases and cancer remains unexplored. This review comprehensively examines the involvement of AHR in EDC exposure-mediated regulation of pancreatic pathogenesis, emphasizing AHR as a potential therapeutic target for the pathogenesis of pancreatic diseases and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyounghyun Kim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72225, USA
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6
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Fang HH, Hsu J, Su JGJ. Etoricoxib enhances aryl hydrocarbon receptor activity. Toxicology 2023; 499:153658. [PMID: 37890551 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Etoricoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that possesses properties that include reducing inflammation and relieving pain and fever. Etoricoxib is an oral medication that selectively inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 with high efficacy. Controversies about its cardiovascular side effects have long existed. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a cytoplasmic receptor that plays a key role in the metabolism of xenobiotics and many physiological functions. 2-(1'H-indole-3'-carbonyl)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (ITE) is a tryptophan metabolite and endogenous AhR agonist. Activation of AhR by its ligand induces upregulation of AhR-targeted cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 expression. We found that etoricoxib (10-60 μM) induced CYP1A1 mRNA and protein expressions and the transcriptional activity of AhR mediated by the aryl hydrocarbon response element (AHRE) in both mouse Hepa-1c1c7 and human HepG2 cells. Its induction did not appear in AhR signaling-deficient cells, and was inhibited by the AhR antagonist, CH-223191. Etoricoxib was able to induced the translocalization of AhR from cytosol into nucleus. Etoricoxib also worked synergistically with ITE to further increase the expression of CYP1A1 mRNA and protein in human cells. The synergistic effect was higher in cells with than cells without overexpression of AhR. In summary, etoricoxib is an agonist of AhR in both mouse and human cells. Etoricoxib has a synergistic effect on ITE-induced CYP1A1 expression in human cells. The effect of etoricoxib on AhR and ITE on endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes should be further elucidated to in hope to clarify the mechanism of increased cardiovascular events in COX-2 inhibitors and etoricoxib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-Ho Fang
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Chiayi University, Chiayi 60004, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jiun Hsu
- National Taiwan University Hospital YunLin Branch, Yunlin 640203, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jyan-Gwo Joseph Su
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Chiayi University, Chiayi 60004, Taiwan, ROC.
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7
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Pacheco JHL, Elizondo G. Interplay between Estrogen, Kynurenine, and AHR Pathways: An immunosuppressive axis with therapeutic potential for breast cancer treatment. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 217:115804. [PMID: 37716620 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies among women worldwide. Estrogen exposure via endogenous and exogenous sources during a lifetime, together with environmental exposure to estrogenic compounds, represent the most significant risk factor for breast cancer development. As breast tumors establish, multiple pathways are deregulated. Among them is the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling pathway. AHR, a ligand-activated transcription factor associated with the metabolism of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and estrogens, is overexpressed in breast cancer. Furthermore, AHR and estrogen receptor (ER) cross-talk pathways have been observed. Additionally, the Tryptophan (Trp) catabolizing enzymes indolamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) are overexpressed in breast cancer. IDO/TDO catalyzes the formation of Kynurenine (KYN) and other tryptophan-derived metabolites, which are ligands of AHR. Once KYN activates AHR, it stimulates the expression of the IDO enzyme, increases the level of KYN, and activates non-canonical pathways to control inflammation and immunosuppression in breast tumors. The interplay between E2, AHR, and IDO/TDO/KYN pathways and their impact on the immune system represents an immunosuppressive axis on breast cancer. The potential modulation of the immunosuppressive E2-AHR-IDO/TDO/KYN axis has aroused great expectations in oncotherapy. The present article will review the mechanisms implicated in generating the immunosuppressive axis E2-AHR-IDO/TDO/KYN in breast cancer and the current state of knowledge as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guillermo Elizondo
- Departamento de Biología Celular, CINVESTAV-IPN, Av. IPN 2508, C.P. 07360 Ciudad de México, México.
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8
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Piwarski SA, Salisbury TB. The effects of environmental aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands on signaling and cell metabolism in cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 216:115771. [PMID: 37652105 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Dioxin and dioxin-like compounds are chlorinated organic pollutants formed during the manufacturing of other chemicals. Dioxins are ligands of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), that induce AHR-mediated biochemical and toxic responses and are persistent in the environment. 2,3,7,8- tetrachlorodibenzo para dioxin (TCDD) is the prototypical AHR ligand and its effects represent dioxins. TCDD induces toxicity, immunosuppression and is a suspected tumor promoter. The role of TCDD in cancer however is debated and context-dependent. Environmental particulate matter, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, perfluorooctane sulfonamide, endogenous AHR ligands, and cAMP signaling activate AHR through TCDD-independent pathways. The effect of activated AHR in cancer is context-dependent. The ability of FDA-approved drugs to modulate AHR activity has sparked interest in their repurposing for cancer therapy. TCDD by interfering with endogenous pathways, and overstimulating other endogenous pathways influences all stages of cancer. Herein we review signaling mechanisms that activate AHR and mechanisms by which activated AHR modulates signaling in cancer including affected metabolic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean A Piwarski
- Duke Cancer Institute, Department of GU Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, 905 South Lasalle Street, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Travis B Salisbury
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755, USA.
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9
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Ma Z, Xie W, Luo T, Hu Z, Hua J, Zhou J, Yang T, Wang W, Song Z, Yu X, Xu J, Shi S. Exosomes from TNF-α preconditioned human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells inhibit the autophagy of acinar cells of severe acute pancreatitis via shuttling bioactive metabolites. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:257. [PMID: 37594573 PMCID: PMC11073291 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04861-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a common critical disease of the digestive system, with high mortality and a lack of effective prevention and treatment measures. Despite mesenchymal stromal cell transplantation having the potential to treat SAP, its clinical application prospect is limited, and the mechanism is unclear. Here, we reveal the therapeutic role of exosomes from TNF-α-preconditioned human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells (HUCMSCs) in attenuating SAP and show that it is partly dependent on exosomal metabolites. Bioactive metabolomics analysis showed that 48 metabolites be significantly differentially expressed between the two groups (Exo-Ctrl group versus Exo-TNF-α group). Then, the further functional experiments indicated that 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol could be a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of TNF-α-preconditioned HUCMSCs. The animal experiments showed that 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in the pancreatic tissue and inhibited acinar cell autophagy in a rat model of SAP. Mechanistically, we revealed that 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol activated the mTOR pathway to inhibit acinar cell autophagy and alleviate SAP. In summary, our study demonstrated that exosomes from TNF-α-preconditioned HUMSCs inhibit the autophagy of acinar cells of SAP by shuttling 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol and inhibiting the mTOR pathway. This study revealed the vital role and therapeutic potential of metabolite-derived exosomes in SAP, providing a new promising method to prevent and therapy SAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhilong Ma
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200050, China
| | - Wangcheng Xie
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Tingyi Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Zhengyu Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Jie Hua
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200050, China
| | - Tingsong Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhenshun Song
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Si Shi
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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10
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Zhang L, Hong J, Chen W, Zhang W, Liu X, Lu J, Tang H, Yang Z, Zhou K, Xie H, Jia C, Jiang D, Zheng S. DBF4 Dependent Kinase Inhibition Suppresses Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression and Potentiates Anti-Programmed Cell Death-1 Therapy. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:3412-3427. [PMID: 37497004 PMCID: PMC10367558 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.80351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a huge clinical challenge, and elucidation of the underlying molecular mechanisms is critical to develop effective therapeutic strategy. Dumbbell former 4 (DBF4) complexes with cell division cycle 7 (CDC7) to form DBF4-dependent kinase (DDK), playing instrumental roles in tumor cell survival, whereas its roles in HCC remain elusive. This study revealed that DBF4 expression was upregulated in HCC and constituted an independent prognostic factor of patient survival. We identified p65 as an upstream inducer which increased DBF4 expression by directly binding to its promoter. DBF4 accelerated HCC cell proliferation and tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, DBF4 complexed with CDC7 to bind to the coiled coil domain of STAT3 and activate STAT3 signaling through XPO1-mediated nuclear exportation. Notably, p65 enhanced the nuclear transport of DDK and DDK-STAT3 interaction by transcriptionally upregulating XPO1. DBF4 expression positively correlated with activated STAT3 and XPO1 in HCC tissues. Furthermore, combining DDK inhibitor XL413 with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy dramatically suppressed HCC growth and prolonged the survival of HCC-bearing mouse. Our findings reveal that DDK activates STAT3 pathway and facilitates HCC progression, and demonstrate the proof of the concept of targeting DDK to improve the efficacy of HCC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiawei Hong
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Runrun Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xi Liu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiahua Lu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Tang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhentao Yang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ke Zhou
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haiyang Xie
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Changku Jia
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Donghai Jiang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shusen Zheng
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
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11
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Martins-Neves SR, Sampaio-Ribeiro G, Gomes CMF. Self-Renewal and Pluripotency in Osteosarcoma Stem Cells' Chemoresistance: Notch, Hedgehog, and Wnt/β-Catenin Interplay with Embryonic Markers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098401. [PMID: 37176108 PMCID: PMC10179672 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is a highly malignant bone tumor derived from mesenchymal cells that contains self-renewing cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are responsible for tumor progression and chemotherapy resistance. Understanding the signaling pathways that regulate CSC self-renewal and survival is crucial for developing effective therapies. The Notch, Hedgehog, and Wnt/β-Catenin developmental pathways, which are essential for self-renewal and differentiation of normal stem cells, have been identified as important regulators of osteosarcoma CSCs and also in the resistance to anticancer therapies. Targeting these pathways and their interactions with embryonic markers and the tumor microenvironment may be a promising therapeutic strategy to overcome chemoresistance and improve the prognosis for osteosarcoma patients. This review focuses on the role of Notch, Hedgehog, and Wnt/β-Catenin signaling in regulating CSC self-renewal, pluripotency, and chemoresistance, and their potential as targets for anti-cancer therapies. We also discuss the relevance of embryonic markers, including SOX-2, Oct-4, NANOG, and KLF4, in osteosarcoma CSCs and their association with the aforementioned signaling pathways in overcoming drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara R Martins-Neves
- iCBR-Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Gabriela Sampaio-Ribeiro
- iCBR-Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBB-Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- CACC-Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Célia M F Gomes
- iCBR-Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBB-Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- CACC-Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
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12
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Elson DJ, Kolluri SK. Tumor-Suppressive Functions of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) and AhR as a Therapeutic Target in Cancer. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12040526. [PMID: 37106727 PMCID: PMC10135996 DOI: 10.3390/biology12040526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor involved in regulating a wide range of biological responses. A diverse array of xenobiotics and endogenous small molecules bind to the receptor and drive unique phenotypic responses. Due in part to its role in mediating toxic responses to environmental pollutants, AhR activation has not been traditionally viewed as a viable therapeutic approach. Nonetheless, the expression and activation of AhR can inhibit the proliferation, migration, and survival of cancer cells, and many clinically approved drugs transcriptionally activate AhR. Identification of novel select modulators of AhR-regulated transcription that promote tumor suppression is an active area of investigation. The development of AhR-targeted anticancer agents requires a thorough understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving tumor suppression. Here, we summarized the tumor-suppressive mechanisms regulated by AhR with an emphasis on the endogenous functions of the receptor in opposing carcinogenesis. In multiple different cancer models, the deletion of AhR promotes increased tumorigenesis, but a precise understanding of the molecular cues and the genetic targets of AhR involved in this process is lacking. The intent of this review was to synthesize the evidence supporting AhR-dependent tumor suppression and distill insights for development of AhR-targeted cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Elson
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Siva K. Kolluri
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
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13
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Silva-Parra J, Sandu C, Felder-Schmittbuhl MP, Hernández-Kelly LC, Ortega A. Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in Glia Cells: A Plausible Glutamatergic Neurotransmission Orchestrator. Neurotox Res 2023; 41:103-117. [PMID: 36607593 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-022-00623-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Glutamate is the major excitatory amino acid in the vertebrate brain. Glutamatergic signaling is involved in most of the central nervous system functions. Its main components, namely receptors, ion channels, and transporters, are tightly regulated at the transcriptional, translational, and post-translational levels through a diverse array of extracellular signals, such as food, light, and neuroactive molecules. An exquisite and well-coordinated glial/neuronal bidirectional communication is required for proper excitatory amino acid signal transactions. Biochemical shuttles such as the glutamate/glutamine and the astrocyte-neuronal lactate represent the fundamental involvement of glial cells in glutamatergic transmission. In fact, the disruption of any of these coordinated biochemical intercellular cascades leads to an excitotoxic insult that underlies some aspects of most of the neurodegenerative diseases characterized thus far. In this contribution, we provide a comprehensive summary of the involvement of the Aryl hydrocarbon receptor, a ligand-dependent transcription factor in the gene expression regulation of glial glutamate transporters. These receptors might serve as potential targets for the development of novel strategies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janisse Silva-Parra
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. IPN 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360, CDMX, México
| | - Cristina Sandu
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Marie-Paule Felder-Schmittbuhl
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Luisa C Hernández-Kelly
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. IPN 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360, CDMX, México
| | - Arturo Ortega
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. IPN 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360, CDMX, México.
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14
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Peng Y, Ouyang L, Zhou Y, Lai W, Chen Y, Wang Z, Yan B, Zhang Z, Zhou Y, Peng X, Chen J, Peng X, Xiao D, Liu S, Tao Y, Liu W. AhR Promotes the Development of Non-small cell lung cancer by Inducing SLC7A11-dependent Antioxidant Function. J Cancer 2023; 14:821-834. [PMID: 37056388 PMCID: PMC10088881 DOI: 10.7150/jca.82066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor. It is reported that AhR is associated with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated the role of AhR in NSCLC to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Methods: We collected clinical lung cancer samples and constructed AhR overexpression and knockdown cell lines to investigate the tumorigenicity of AhR in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, we performed a ferroptosis induction experiment and chromatin immunoprecipitation experiment. Results: AhR was highly expressed in NSCLC tissue. AhR knockdown cells showed ferroptosis related phenomenon. Furthermore, Chromatin immunoprecipitation confirmed the correlation between AhR and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) and ferroptosis induction experiment confirmed that AhR affects ferroptosis via SLC7A11. Specifically, AhR regulates ferroptosis-related SLC7A11, which affects ferroptosis and promotes NSCLC progression. Conclusions: AhR promoted NSCLC development and positively correlated with SLC7A11, affecting its actions. AhR bound to the promoter region of SLC7A11 promotes NSCLC by activating SLC7A11 expression, improving the oxidative sensitivity of cells, and inhibiting ferroptosis. Thus, AhR affects ferroptosis in NSCLC by regulating SLC7A11, providing foundational evidence for novel ferroptosis-related treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanhao Peng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy in Lung Cancer, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan,410011, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Lianlian Ouyang
- Department of dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha,410011, China
| | - Yangying Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Weiwei Lai
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Yuanbing Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Zuli Wang
- Center for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Research, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, 550025, China
| | - Bokang Yan
- Department of Pathology, Zhuzhou Hospital Affiliated to Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Zhuzhou, Hunan, 412007, China
| | - Zewen Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Yanling Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Xintong Peng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Jielin Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine and Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Xin Peng
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine and Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Desheng Xiao
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine and Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Yongguang Tao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy in Lung Cancer, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan,410011, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine and Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
- ✉ Corresponding authors: ;
| | - Wenliang Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy in Lung Cancer, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan,410011, China
- ✉ Corresponding authors: ;
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15
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Wang Z, Li L, Wang S, Wei J, Qu L, Pan L, Xu K. The role of the gut microbiota and probiotics associated with microbial metabolisms in cancer prevention and therapy. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1025860. [PMID: 36452234 PMCID: PMC9702994 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1025860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of elevated mortality worldwide. Thus, the development of drugs and treatments is needed to enhance the survival rate of the cancer-affected population. Recently, gut microbiota research in the healthy development of the human body has garnered widespread attention. Many reports indicate that changes in the gut microbiota are strongly associated with chronic inflammation-related diseases, including colitis, liver disease, and cancer within the intestine and the extraintestinal tract. Different gut bacteria are vital in the occurrence and development of tumors within the gut and extraintestinal tract. The human gut microbiome has significant implications for human physiology, including metabolism, nutrient absorption, and immune function. Moreover, diet and lifestyle habits are involved in the evolution of the human microbiome throughout the lifetime of the host and are involved in drug metabolism. Probiotics are a functional food with a protective role in cancer development in animal models. Probiotics alter the gut microbiota in the host; thus, beneficial bacterial activity is stimulated, and detrimental activity is inhibited. Clinical applications have revealed that some probiotic strains could reduce the occurrence of postoperative inflammation among cancer patients. An association network was constructed by analyzing the previous literature to explore the role of probiotics from the anti-tumor perspective. Therefore, it provides direction and insights for research on tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijun Wang
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Materia Medica Processing, College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Lanqing Li
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Materia Medica Processing, College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Shunshun Wang
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Materia Medica Processing, College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Wei
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Materia Medica Processing, College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Linghang Qu
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Materia Medica Processing, College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Lianhong Pan
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Development and Utilization of Genuine Medicinal Materials in Three Gorges Reservoir Area, Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Antitumor Natural Drugs, Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College, Chongqing, China
| | - Kang Xu
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Materia Medica Processing, College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
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16
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Kwon HN, Kurtzeborn K, Iaroshenko V, Jin X, Loh A, Escande-Beillard N, Reversade B, Park S, Kuure S. Omics profiling identifies the regulatory functions of the MAPK/ERK pathway in nephron progenitor metabolism. Development 2022; 149:276992. [PMID: 36189831 PMCID: PMC9641663 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Nephron endowment is defined by fetal kidney growth and crucially dictates renal health in adults. Defects in the molecular regulation of nephron progenitors contribute to only a fraction of reduced nephron mass cases, suggesting alternative causative mechanisms. The importance of MAPK/ERK activation in nephron progenitor maintenance has been previously demonstrated, and here, we characterized the metabolic consequences of MAPK/ERK deficiency. Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry-based metabolomics profiling identified 42 reduced metabolites, of which 26 were supported by in vivo transcriptional changes in MAPK/ERK-deficient nephron progenitors. Among these, mitochondria, ribosome and amino acid metabolism, together with diminished pyruvate and proline metabolism, were the most affected pathways. In vitro cultures of mouse kidneys demonstrated a dosage-specific function for pyruvate in controlling the shape of the ureteric bud tip, a regulatory niche for nephron progenitors. In vivo disruption of proline metabolism caused premature nephron progenitor exhaustion through their accelerated differentiation in pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductases 1 (Pycr1) and 2 (Pycr2) double-knockout kidneys. Pycr1/Pycr2-deficient progenitors showed normal cell survival, indicating no changes in cellular stress. Our results suggest that MAPK/ERK-dependent metabolism functionally participates in nephron progenitor maintenance by monitoring pyruvate and proline biogenesis in developing kidneys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyuk Nam Kwon
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FIN-00014, Finland,Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FIN-00014, Finland
| | - Kristen Kurtzeborn
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FIN-00014, Finland,Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FIN-00014, Finland
| | - Vladislav Iaroshenko
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FIN-00014, Finland,Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FIN-00014, Finland
| | - Xing Jin
- College of Pharmacy, Natural Product Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Abigail Loh
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology (IMCB), A*STAR, Singapore 138648, Singapore
| | - Nathalie Escande-Beillard
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology (IMCB), A*STAR, Singapore 138648, Singapore,Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FIN-00014, Finland
| | - Bruno Reversade
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology (IMCB), A*STAR, Singapore 138648, Singapore,Medical Genetics Department, School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul 34010, Turkey
| | - Sunghyouk Park
- College of Pharmacy, Natural Product Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Satu Kuure
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FIN-00014, Finland,Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FIN-00014, Finland,GM-unit, Laboratory Animal Center, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FIN-00014, Finland,Author for correspondence ()
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17
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Salminen A. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) reveals evidence of antagonistic pleiotropy in the regulation of the aging process. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:489. [PMID: 35987825 PMCID: PMC9392714 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04520-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The antagonistic pleiotropy hypothesis is a well-known evolutionary theory to explain the aging process. It proposes that while a particular gene may possess beneficial effects during development, it can exert deleterious properties in the aging process. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) has a significant role during embryogenesis, but later in life, it promotes several age-related degenerative processes. For instance, AhR factor (i) controls the pluripotency of stem cells and the stemness of cancer stem cells, (ii) it enhances the differentiation of embryonal stem cells, especially AhR signaling modulates the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells and progenitor cells, (iii) it also stimulates the differentiation of immunosuppressive Tregs, Bregs, and M2 macrophages, and finally, (iv) AhR signaling participates in the differentiation of many peripheral tissues. On the other hand, AhR signaling is involved in many processes promoting cellular senescence and pathological processes, e.g., osteoporosis, vascular dysfunction, and the age-related remodeling of the immune system. Moreover, it inhibits autophagy and aggravates extracellular matrix degeneration. AhR signaling also stimulates oxidative stress, promotes excessive sphingolipid synthesis, and disturbs energy metabolism by catabolizing NAD+ degradation. The antagonistic pleiotropy of AhR signaling is based on the complex and diverse connections with major signaling pathways in a context-dependent manner. The major regulatory steps include, (i) a specific ligand-dependent activation, (ii) modulation of both genetic and non-genetic responses, (iii) a competition and crosstalk with several transcription factors, such as ARNT, HIF-1α, E2F1, and NF-κB, and (iv) the epigenetic regulation of target genes with binding partners. Thus, not only mTOR signaling but also the AhR factor demonstrates antagonistic pleiotropy in the regulation of the aging process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antero Salminen
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland.
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18
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Tokmedash MA, Seyyedizadeh E, Balouchi EN, Salehi Z, Ardestani MS. Synthesis of smart carriers based on tryptophan-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles and its application in 5- Fluorouracil delivery. Biomed Mater 2022; 17. [PMID: 35609617 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/ac7307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Multifunctional nanocarriers, specifically for tumor targeting and traceable features, have been increasingly considered in cancer therapies. Herein, a novel targeting agent (TA), tryptophan(TRP), was proposed for the synthesis of functionalized APTES-iron oxide nanoparticles using two methods, creating a smart drug delivery system (DDS). In one method, two-step, glutaraldehyde (GA) as a linker, bonded TRP and amino-functionalized magnetite (AMFM), and in the second method, one step, TRP binding was carried out by (3-dimethyl aminopropyl)-N'-ethyl carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC)/ N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (NHS). The synthesis yield of the second method was 7% higher than the first method. After synthesizing DDS, 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) was loaded on nanocarriers and was observed that TRP functionalized nanoparticles by GA have better loading efficiency, which was 50% greater than the product from the one-step method. A pH-sensitive release profile was also studied for 5-FU/DDS with the release of almost 75% and 50% at pH 5.5 and 7.4, respectively. To analyze the biological aspects of nanocarriers, human breast cancer, MCF-7, and embryonic kidney, HEK293, cell lines were used for cellular uptake and MTT assays. In-vitro studies confirmed that TRP can act as a TA as its cellular uptake through cancerous cells was 40% greater than normal cells, and the MTT assay confirmed that using DDS can increase and decrease the cell viability of normal cells and cancerous cells, respectively, compared to free drug. Therefore, it was concluded that advanced nano-assembly is a great candidate for breast cancer cell-targeted delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elham Seyyedizadeh
- Tehran University, 16 Azar Street, Tehran, Tehran, 1439644545, Iran (the Islamic Republic of)
| | - Elham Nezami Balouchi
- University of Tehran, 16 Azar Street, Tehran, 1439644545, Iran (the Islamic Republic of)
| | - Zeinab Salehi
- University of Tehran, 16 Azar Street, Tehran, 1439644545, Iran (the Islamic Republic of)
| | - Mehdi Shafiee Ardestani
- Department of Radiopharmacy and Medicinal Chemistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 16 Azar Street, Tehran, 1439644545, Iran (the Islamic Republic of)
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19
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Current Therapeutic Landscape and Safety Roadmap for Targeting the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in Inflammatory Gastrointestinal Indications. Cells 2022; 11:cells11101708. [PMID: 35626744 PMCID: PMC9139855 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Target modulation of the AhR for inflammatory gastrointestinal (GI) conditions holds great promise but also the potential for safety liabilities both within and beyond the GI tract. The ubiquitous expression of the AhR across mammalian tissues coupled with its role in diverse signaling pathways makes development of a “clean” AhR therapeutically challenging. Ligand promiscuity and diversity in context-specific AhR activation further complicates targeting the AhR for drug development due to limitations surrounding clinical translatability. Despite these concerns, several approaches to target the AhR have been explored such as small molecules, microbials, PROTACs, and oligonucleotide-based approaches. These various chemical modalities are not without safety liabilities and require unique de-risking strategies to parse out toxicities. Collectively, these programs can benefit from in silico and in vitro methodologies that investigate specific AhR pathway activation and have the potential to implement thresholding parameters to categorize AhR ligands as “high” or “low” risk for sustained AhR activation. Exploration into transcriptomic signatures for AhR safety assessment, incorporation of physiologically-relevant in vitro model systems, and investigation into chronic activation of the AhR by structurally diverse ligands will help address gaps in our understanding regarding AhR-dependent toxicities. Here, we review the role of the AhR within the GI tract, novel therapeutic modality approaches to target the AhR, key AhR-dependent safety liabilities, and relevant strategies that can be implemented to address drug safety concerns. Together, this review discusses the emerging therapeutic landscape of modalities targeting the AhR for inflammatory GI indications and offers a safety roadmap for AhR drug development.
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20
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Molecularly Imprinted Polymer-Amyloid Fibril-Based Electrochemical Biosensor for Ultrasensitive Detection of Tryptophan. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12050291. [PMID: 35624592 PMCID: PMC9139163 DOI: 10.3390/bios12050291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
A tryptophan (Trp) sensor was investigated based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) of a molecularly imprinted polymer on a lysozyme amyloid fibril (MIP-AF). The MIP-AF was composed of aniline as a monomer chemically polymerized in the presence of a Trp template molecule onto the AF surface. After extracting the template molecule, the MIP-AF had cavities with a high affinity for the Trp molecules. The obtained MIP-AF demonstrated rapid Trp adsorption and substantial binding capacity (50 µM mg−1). Trp determination was studied using non-Faradaic EIS by drop drying the MIP-AF on the working electrode of a screen-printed electrode. The MIP-AF provided a large linear range (10 pM–80 µM), a low detection limit (8 pM), and high selectivity for Trp determination. Furthermore, the proposed method also indicates that the MIP-AF can be used to determine Trp in real samples such as milk and cancer cell media.
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21
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Zhang Q, Li W. Correlation between amino acid metabolism and self-renewal of cancer stem cells: Perspectives in cancer therapy. World J Stem Cells 2022; 14:267-286. [PMID: 35662861 PMCID: PMC9136564 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v14.i4.267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) possess self-renewal and differentiation potential, which may be related to recurrence, metastasis, and radiochemotherapy resistance during tumor treatment. Understanding the mechanisms via which CSCs maintain self-renewal may reveal new therapeutic targets for attenuating CSC resistance and extending patient life-span. Recent studies have shown that amino acid metabolism plays an important role in maintaining the self-renewal of CSCs and is involved in regulating their tumorigenicity characteristics. This review summarizes the relationship between CSCs and amino acid metabolism, and discusses the possible mechanisms by which amino acid metabolism regulates CSC characteristics particularly self-renewal, survival and stemness. The ultimate goal is to identify new targets and research directions for elimination of CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Cancer Center, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100015, China
| | - Wei Li
- Cancer Center, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100015, China
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22
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Cannon AS, Nagarkatti PS, Nagarkatti M. Targeting AhR as a Novel Therapeutic Modality against Inflammatory Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:288. [PMID: 35008717 PMCID: PMC8745713 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
For decades, activation of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) was excluded from consideration as a therapeutic approach due to the potential toxic effects of AhR ligands and the induction of the cytochrome P450 enzyme, Cyp1a1, following AhR activation. However, it is now understood that AhR activation not only serves as an environmental sensor that regulates the effects of environmental toxins, but also as a key immunomodulator where ligands induce a variety of cellular and epigenetic mechanisms to attenuate inflammation. Thus, the emergence of further in-depth research into diverse groups of compounds capable of activating this receptor has prompted reconsideration of its use therapeutically. The aim of this review is to summarize the body of research surrounding AhR and its role in regulating inflammation. Specifically, evidence supporting the potential of targeting this receptor to modulate the immune response in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases will be highlighted. Additionally, the opportunities and challenges of developing AhR-based therapies to suppress inflammation will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mitzi Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA; (A.S.C.); (P.S.N.)
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23
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Liu W, Deng Y, Li Z, Chen Y, Zhu X, Tan X, Cao G. Cancer Evo-Dev: A Theory of Inflammation-Induced Oncogenesis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:768098. [PMID: 34880864 PMCID: PMC8645856 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.768098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is a prerequisite for the development of cancers. Here, we present the framework of a novel theory termed as Cancer Evolution-Development (Cancer Evo-Dev) based on the current understanding of inflammation-related carcinogenesis, especially hepatocarcinogenesis induced by chronic infection with hepatitis B virus. The interaction between genetic predispositions and environmental exposures, such as viral infection, maintains chronic non-resolving inflammation. Pollution, metabolic syndrome, physical inactivity, ageing, and adverse psychosocial exposure also increase the risk of cancer via inducing chronic low-grade smoldering inflammation. Under the microenvironment of non-resolving inflammation, pro-inflammatory factors facilitate the generation of somatic mutations and viral mutations by inducing the imbalance between the mutagenic forces such as cytidine deaminases and mutation-correcting forces including uracil-DNA glycosylase. Most cells with somatic mutations and mutated viruses are eliminated in survival competition. Only a small percentage of mutated cells survive, adapt to the hostile environment, retro-differentiate, and function as cancer-initiating cells via altering signaling pathways. These cancer-initiating cells acquire stem-ness, reprogram metabolic patterns, and affect the microenvironment. The carcinogenic process follows the law of "mutation-selection-adaptation". Chronic physical activity reduces the levels of inflammation via upregulating the activity and numbers of NK cells and lymphocytes and lengthening leukocyte telomere; downregulating proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin-6 and senescent lymphocytes especially in aged population. Anti-inflammation medication reduces the occurrence and recurrence of cancers. Targeting cancer stemness signaling pathways might lead to cancer eradication. Cancer Evo-Dev not only helps understand the mechanisms by which inflammation promotes the development of cancers, but also lays the foundation for effective prophylaxis and targeted therapy of various cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbin Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Deng
- School of Public Health, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai’an, China
| | - Zishuai Li
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifan Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoqiong Zhu
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaojie Tan
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangwen Cao
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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24
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Guan J, Wu Y, Liu X, Wang H, Ye N, Li Z, Xiao C, Zhang Z, Li Z, Yang X. A novel prodrug and its nanoformulation suppress cancer stem cells by inducing immunogenic cell death and inhibiting indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase. Biomaterials 2021; 279:121180. [PMID: 34768152 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.121180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) present grand challenges for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Conventional chemotherapy drugs, including Camptothecin (CPT), not only cannot eradicate CSCs but also foster a suppressive immune microenvironment for the initiation and proliferation of CSCs. Herein, we report a novel prodrug CPT-SS-NLG919 (CN) and its nanoformulation CN@PLA-HES-FA (CN@PHF), which potently suppress CSCs by regulating CSCs niche in murine TNBC 4T1 tumors. Via inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD) and simultaneous inhibiting indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO), CN and CN@PHF promote DC maturation, decrease Treg cells, mitigate tryptophan consumption, and reduce the amount of IL-6, IL-13, and TGF-β, converting CSCs niche to a hostile condition for CSCs to live in and eliminating CSCs efficiently, thereby inducing efficient tumor inhibition in 4T1 tumor models. Our work represents a new paradigm of eliminating CSCs by regulating tumor immune microenvironment and suggests that CN and its nanoformulation CN@PHF are promising candidates for the treatment of intractable TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiankun Guan
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, PR China
| | - Yuxin Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, PR China
| | - Xin Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, PR China
| | - Huimin Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, PR China
| | - Ningbing Ye
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, PR China
| | - Zheng Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, PR China
| | - Chen Xiao
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, PR China
| | - Zhijie Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, PR China
| | - Zifu Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, PR China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry and Materia Medical, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, PR China; Wuhan Institute of Biotechnology, High Tech Road 666, East Lake High Tech Zone, Wuhan, 430040, PR China; Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, PR China.
| | - Xiangliang Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, PR China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry and Materia Medical, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, PR China; GBA Research Innovation Institute for Nanotechnology, Guangdong, 510530, PR China
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25
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The aryl hydrocarbon receptor promotes differentiation during mouse preimplantational embryo development. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:2351-2363. [PMID: 34478649 PMCID: PMC8452532 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian embryogenesis is a complex process controlled by transcription factors that regulate the balance between pluripotency and differentiation. Transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) regulates OCT4/POU5F1 and NANOG, both essential controllers of pluripotency, stemness and early embryo development. Molecular mechanisms controlling OCT4/POU5F1 and NANOG during embryogenesis remain unidentified. We show that AhR regulates pluripotency factors and maintains the metabolic activity required for proper embryo differentiation. AhR-lacking embryos (AhR−/−) showed a pluripotent phenotype characterized by a delayed expression of trophectoderm differentiation markers. Accordingly, central pluripotency factors OCT4/POU5F1 and NANOG were overexpressed in AhR−/− embryos at initial developmental stages. An altered intracellular localization of these factors was observed in the absence of AhR and, importantly, Oct4 had an opposite expression pattern with respect to AhR from the two-cell stage to blastocyst, suggesting a negative regulation of OCT4/POU5F by AhR. We propose that AhR is a regulator of pluripotency and differentiation in early mouse embryogenesis. AhR regulates pluripotency factors OCT4 and NANOG during early embryo differentiation AhR lacking embryos (AhR−/−) show a pluripotent phenotype Pluripotent phenotype of AhR−/− embryos show enhanced glycolytic metabolism
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26
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Camalexin, an indole phytoalexin, inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and mammosphere formation in breast cancer cells via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. J Nat Med 2021; 76:110-118. [PMID: 34463909 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-021-01560-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide. Despite a variety of drugs available for the treatment of patients with breast cancer, drug resistance remains a significant clinical problem. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop drugs with new mechanisms of action. Camalexin is the main indole phytoalexin in Arabidopsis thaliana and other crucifers. Camalexin inhibits the proliferation of various cancer cells. However, the mechanism by which camalexin inhibits cell proliferation remains unclear. In this study, we found that camalexin inhibited cell proliferation and migration of breast cancer cell lines. Furthermore, camalexin also suppressed breast cancer stem cell-derived mammosphere formation. We previously reported that the ligand-activated transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist suppresses mammosphere formation. Several compounds with indole structures are known to act as AhR agonists. Therefore, we hypothesized that the inhibition of mammosphere formation by camalexin may involve AhR activation. We found that camalexin increased the nuclear translocation of AhR, AhR-mediated transcriptional activation, and expression of AhR target genes. In addition, camalexin suppressed mammosphere formation in AhR-expressing breast cancer cells more than in the breast cancer cells that lacked AhR expression. Taken together, the data demonstrate that camalexin is a novel AhR agonist and that the inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and mammosphere formation by camalexin involves the activation of AhR. Our findings suggest that camalexin, an AhR agonist, may be a novel therapeutic agent for breast cancer.
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27
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Song F, Bian Y, Liu J, Li Z, Zhao L, Fang J, Lai Y, Zhou M. Indole Alkaloids, Synthetic Dimers and Hybrids with Potential In Vivo Anticancer Activity. Curr Top Med Chem 2021; 21:377-403. [PMID: 32901583 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200908162311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Indole, a heterocyclic organic compound, is one of the most promising heterocycles found in natural and synthetic sources since its derivatives possess fascinating structural diversity and various therapeutic properties. Indole alkaloids, synthetic dimers and hybrids could act on diverse targets in cancer cells, and consequently, possess potential antiproliferative effects on various cancers both in vitro and in vivo. Vinblastine, midostaurin, and anlotinib as the representative of indole alkaloids, synthetic dimers and hybrids respectively, have already been clinically applied to treat many types of cancers, demonstrating indole alkaloids, synthetic dimers and hybrids are useful scaffolds for the development of novel anticancer agents. Covering articles published between 2010 and 2020, this review emphasizes the recent development of indole alkaloids, synthetic dimers and hybrids with potential in vivo therapeutic application for cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Song
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, Shandong, China
| | - Yunqiang Bian
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, Shandong, China
| | - Zhenghua Li
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, Shandong, China
| | - Li Zhao
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, Shandong, China
| | - Junman Fang
- School of Life Sciences, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, Shandong, China
| | - Yonghong Lai
- School of Life Sciences, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, Shandong, China
| | - Meng Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, Shandong, China
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28
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Zablon HA, Ko CI, Puga A. Converging Roles of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in Early Embryonic Development, Maintenance of Stemness, and Tissue Repair. Toxicol Sci 2021; 182:1-9. [PMID: 34009372 PMCID: PMC8285021 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfab050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor well-known for its adaptive role as a sensor of environmental toxicants and mediator of the metabolic detoxification of xenobiotic ligands. In addition, a growing body of experimental data has provided indisputable evidence that the AHR regulates critical functions of cell physiology and embryonic development. Recent studies have shown that the naïve AHR-that is, unliganded to xenobiotics but activated endogenously-has a crucial role in maintenance of embryonic stem cell pluripotency, tissue repair, and regulation of cancer stem cell stemness. Depending on the cellular context, AHR silences the expression of pluripotency genes Oct4 and Nanog and potentiates differentiation, whereas curtailing cellular plasticity and stemness. In these processes, AHR-mediated contextual responses and outcomes are dictated by changes of interacting partners in signaling pathways, gene networks, and cell-type-specific genomic structures. In this review, we focus on AHR-mediated changes of genomic architecture as an emerging mechanism for the AHR to regulate gene expression at the transcriptional level. Collective evidence places this receptor as a physiological hub connecting multiple biological processes whose disruption impacts on embryonic development, tissue repair, and maintenance or loss of stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alvaro Puga
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, USA
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29
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Gan G, Shi Z, Liu D, Zhang S, Zhu H, Wang Y, Mi J. 3-hydroxyanthranic acid increases the sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma to sorafenib by decreasing tumor cell stemness. Cell Death Discov 2021; 7:173. [PMID: 34230478 PMCID: PMC8260721 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00561-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib is the FDA-approved first-line target drug for HCC patients. However, sorafenib only confers 3–5 months of survival benefit with <30% of HCC patients. Thus, it is necessary to develop a sensitizer for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to sorafenib. Here, we report that in representative HCC cell lines (SMMC-7721 and PLC8024) that are insensitive to sorafenib, 3-HAA (50 μM) significantly enhances cell sensitivity to sorafenib to an extent that could not be explained by additive effects. In nude mice carrying HCC xenograft, tumor growth is inhibited by sorafenib (10 mg/kg/day) or 3-HAA (100 mg/kg/day) alone. When used in combination, the treatment effectively prevents the xenograft from growing. In a set of mechanistic experiments, we find enhanced AKT activation and increased proportion of CD44+CD133+ cells in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells and tissues. The proportion of CD44+CD133+ cells is reduced upon 3-HAA treatment in both cultured cells and mouse xenografts, suggesting that 3-HAA could decrease the stemness of HCC. We also detect decreased phosphorylation of AKT, a regulator of the GSK3β/β-catenin signaling upon 3-HAA treatment. The AKT activator SC79 activates GSK3 β/β-catenin signaling while the Wnt inhibitor XAV-939 abolishes 3-HAA inhibition of HCC growth in vitro and in mice. The current study demonstrates that 3-HAA sensitizes HCC cells to sorafenib by reducing tumor stemness, suggesting it is a promising molecule for HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guifang Gan
- Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Department of Clinical Laboratories, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200011, Shanghai, China.,Basic Medical Institute, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaopeng Shi
- Basic Medical Institute, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Basic Medical Institute, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaoyi Zhang
- Basic Medical Institute, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 250117, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Yugang Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jun Mi
- Basic Medical Institute, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China. .,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China.
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30
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Aydin G, Paksoy MN, Orhan MD, Avsar T, Yurtsever M, Durdagi S. Proposing novel MDM2 inhibitors: Combined physics-driven high-throughput virtual screening and in vitro studies. Chem Biol Drug Des 2021; 96:684-700. [PMID: 32691963 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13694] [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: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The mouse double minute 2 (MDM2) protein acts as a negative regulator of the p53 tumor suppressor. It directly binds to the N terminus of p53 and promotes p53 ubiquitination and degradation. Since the most common p53-suppressing mechanisms involve the MDM2, proposing novel inhibitors has been the focus of many in silico and also experimental studies. Thus, here we screened around 500,000 small organic molecules from Enamine database at the binding pocket of this oncogenic target. The screening was achieved systematically with starting from the high-throughput virtual screening method followed by more sophisticated docking approaches. The initial high number of screened molecules was reduced to 100 hits which then were studied extensively for their therapeutic activity and pharmacokinetic properties using binary QSAR models. The structural and dynamical profiles of the selected molecules at the binding pocket of the target were studied thoroughly by all-atom molecular dynamics simulations. The free energy of the binding of the hit molecules was estimated by the MM/GBSA method. Based on docking simulations, binary QSAR model results, and free energy calculations, 11 compounds (E1-E11) were selected for in vitro studies. HUVEC vascular endothelium, colon cancer, and breast cancer cell lines were used for testing the binding affinities of the identified hits and for further cellular effects on human cancer cell. Based on in vitro studies, six compounds (E1, E2, E5, E6, E9, and E11) in breast cancer cell lines and six compounds (E1, E2, E5, E6, E8, and E10) in colon cancer cell lines were found as active. Our results showed that these compounds inhibit proliferation and lead to apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulsah Aydin
- Traditional and Complementary Medicine Application and Research Center, School of Medicine, Duzce University, Duzce, Turkey.,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations Laboratory, Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Bahcesehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Maide Nur Paksoy
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Bahcesehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Müge Didem Orhan
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Bahcesehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Timucin Avsar
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Bahcesehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mine Yurtsever
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Serdar Durdagi
- Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations Laboratory, Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Bahcesehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
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31
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Feng Y, Liu X, Pauklin S. 3D chromatin architecture and epigenetic regulation in cancer stem cells. Protein Cell 2021; 12:440-454. [PMID: 33453053 PMCID: PMC8160035 DOI: 10.1007/s13238-020-00819-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Dedifferentiation of cell identity to a progenitor-like or stem cell-like state with increased cellular plasticity is frequently observed in cancer formation. During this process, a subpopulation of cells in tumours acquires a stem cell-like state partially resembling to naturally occurring pluripotent stem cells that are temporarily present during early embryogenesis. Such characteristics allow these cancer stem cells (CSCs) to give rise to the whole tumour with its entire cellular heterogeneity and thereby support metastases formation while being resistant to current cancer therapeutics. Cancer development and progression are demarcated by transcriptional dysregulation. In this article, we explore the epigenetic mechanisms shaping gene expression during tumorigenesis and cancer stem cell formation, with an emphasis on 3D chromatin architecture. Comparing the pluripotent stem cell state and epigenetic reprogramming to dedifferentiation in cellular transformation provides intriguing insight to chromatin dynamics. We suggest that the 3D chromatin architecture could be used as a target for re-sensitizing cancer stem cells to therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliang Feng
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences Old Road, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK
| | - Xingguo Liu
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Hefei Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Siim Pauklin
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences Old Road, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK.
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32
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Dan S, Song Y, Duan X, Pan X, Chen C, She S, Su T, Li J, Chen X, Zhou Y, Chen W, Zhang X, Pan X, Wang YJ, Kang B. LSD1-mediated demethylation of OCT4 safeguards pluripotent stem cells by maintaining the transcription of PORE-motif-containing genes. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10285. [PMID: 33986438 PMCID: PMC8119428 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89734-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Reversible lysine methylation is essential for regulating histones and emerges to critically regulate non-histone proteins as well. Here we show that the master transcription factor OCT4 in pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) was methylated at multiple lysine residues. LSD1 that is highly expressed in PSCs can directly interact with and demethylate OCT4 at lysine 222 (K222) in the flexible linker region. Reduced LSD1 activity led to the methylation of OCT4-K222 that diminished the differentiation potential of PSCs while facilitating proteasome-independent degradation of OCT4 proteins. Furthermore, site-specifically replacing K222 with phenylalanine to mimic the constitutively methylated lysine promoted the 'locked-in' mode engagement of the OCT4 PORE-homodimers that tightly bind to and block the transcription of multiple PORE-motif-containing target genes regulating cell fate determination and cell junction organization, and thereby reducing the pluripotency of PSCs. Thus, LSD1-mediated demethylation of OCT4 plays a crucial role in restricting the 'locked-in' mode binding of OCT4 PORE-homodimers to the PORE-motif-containing genes and thereby maintaining their transcription to safeguard the pluripotency of PSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songsong Dan
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuelin Song
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaotao Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Xiao Pan
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shiqi She
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tong Su
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jingchao Li
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanwen Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenjie Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaobing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoyun Pan
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ying-Jie Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Bo Kang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China.
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33
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Liu CY, Huang TT, Chen JL, Chu PY, Lee CH, Lee HC, Lee YH, Chang YY, Yang SH, Jiang JK, Chen WS, Chao Y, Teng HW. Significance of Kynurenine 3-Monooxygenase Expression in Colorectal Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:620361. [PMID: 33937026 PMCID: PMC8085544 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.620361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Because of the lack of reliable prognostic and predictive biomarkers for CRC, most patients are often diagnosed at a late stage. The tryptophan–kynurenine pathway plays a crucial role in promoting cancer progression. Kynurenine is considered an oncometabolite in colon cancer, and its downstream metabolites are also associated with CRC. Kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO), a pivotal enzyme that catalyzes kynurenine metabolism, is essential for several cellular processes. In the current study, we explored the role of KMO in CRC. Immunohistochemical results showed that KMO was upregulated in CRC tissues relative to paired healthy tissue and polyps. Moreover, CRC patients with higher KMO expression were associated with higher metastasis and poorer survival rates. Knockdown of KMO decreased the expression of cancer stem cell markers, as well as the sphere-forming, migration, and invasion abilities of CRC cells. Additionally, blockade of the enzymatic activity of KMO using an inhibitor suppressed sphere formation and cell motility in CRC cells. These findings suggest the clinical relevance of KMO in CRC tumorigenesis and aggressiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yu Liu
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Transfusion Medicine, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Center for Immuno-Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Ting Huang
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Center for Immuno-Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ji-Lin Chen
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Center for Immuno-Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Yi Chu
- Department of Pathology, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua City, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Han Lee
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Center for Immuno-Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Chen Lee
- School of Medicine, Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsuan Lee
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Center for Immuno-Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Ya Chang
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Center for Immuno-Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shung-Haur Yang
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.,Division of Colon and Rectum Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Surgery, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University Hospital, Yilan, Taiwan
| | - Jeng-Kai Jiang
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.,Division of Colon and Rectum Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Shone Chen
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.,Division of Colon and Rectum Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yee Chao
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Center for Immuno-Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Hao-Wei Teng
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Center for Immuno-Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
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Gan G, Shi Z, Shangguan C, Zhang J, Yuan Y, Chen L, Liu W, Li B, Meng S, Xiong W, Mi J. The kynurenine derivative 3-HAA sensitizes hepatocellular carcinoma to sorafenib by upregulating phosphatases. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:6006-6018. [PMID: 33897895 PMCID: PMC8058709 DOI: 10.7150/thno.59841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Sorafenib is the only FDA-approved first-line target drug for HCC patients. However, sorafenib merely confers 3-5 months of survival benefit with less than 30% of HCC patients sensitive to sorafenib therapy. Thus, it's necessary to develop a sensitizer for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to sorafenib. Methods: The principal component analysis, gene ontology, and KEGG analysis are utilized following RNA-sequencing. The mass spectrometry analysis following immunoprecipitation is performed to discover the phosphatase targets. Most importantly, both the cell line-derived xenograft (CDX) and the patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse model are used to determine the effect of 3-HAA on sorafenib-resistant HCC in vivo. Results: In nude mice carrying HCC xenograft, tumor growth is inhibited by sorafenib or 3-HAA alone. When used in combination, the treatment particularly prevents the xenograft from growing. Combined treatment also suppresses the growth of sorafenib-resistant (≥30mg/kg) PDXs. In a set of mechanistic experiments, we find enhanced AKT activation and decreased apoptotic cells in de novo and acquired sorafenib-resistant HCC cells and tissues. 3-HAA decreases AKT phosphorylation and increases the apoptosis of HCC in both cultured cells and mouse xenografts by upregulation of phosphatases PPP1R15A/DUSP6. PPP1R15A/PPP1α directly reduces Akt phosphorylation while DUSP6 decreases Akt activity through inhibiting PDK1. The AKT activator abolishes 3-HAA inhibition of HCC growth in vitro and in mice. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that 3-HAA sensitizes HCC cells to sorafenib by upregulation of phosphatases, suggesting it as a promising molecule for HCC therapy.
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35
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Metabolic Reprogramming in Anticancer Drug Resistance: A Focus on Amino Acids. Trends Cancer 2021; 7:682-699. [PMID: 33736962 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2021.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Overcoming anticancer drug resistance is a major challenge in cancer therapy, requiring innovative strategies that consider the extensive tumor heterogeneity and adaptability. We provide recent evidence highlighting the key role of amino acid (AA) metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells and the supportive microenvironment in driving resistance to anticancer therapies. AAs sustain the acquisition of anticancer resistance by providing essential building blocks for biosynthetic pathways and for maintaining a balanced redox status, and modulating the epigenetic profile of both malignant and non-malignant cells. In addition, AAs support the reduced intrinsic susceptibility of cancer stem cells to antineoplastic therapies. These findings shed new light on the possibility of targeting nonresponding tumors by modulating AA availability through pharmacological or dietary interventions.
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36
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Someya S, Tohyama S, Kameda K, Tanosaki S, Morita Y, Sasaki K, Kang MI, Kishino Y, Okada M, Tani H, Soma Y, Nakajima K, Umei T, Sekine O, Moriwaki T, Kanazawa H, Kobayashi E, Fujita J, Fukuda K. Tryptophan Metabolism Regulates Proliferative Capacity of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. iScience 2021; 24:102090. [PMID: 33615198 PMCID: PMC7878994 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have a unique metabolic signature for maintenance of pluripotency, self-renewal, and survival. Although hPSCs could be potentially used in regenerative medicine, the prohibitive cost associated with large-scale cell culture presents a major barrier to the clinical application of hPSC. Moreover, without a fully characterized metabolic signature, hPSC culture conditions are not optimized. Here, we performed detailed amino acid profiling and found that tryptophan (TRP) plays a key role in the proliferation with maintenance of pluripotency. In addition, metabolome analyses revealed that intra- and extracellular kynurenine (KYN) is decreased under TRP-supplemented conditions, whereas N-formylkynurenine (NFK), the upstream metabolite of KYN, is increased thereby contributing to proliferation promotion. Taken together, we demonstrate that TRP is indispensable for survival and proliferation of hPSCs. A deeper understanding of TRP metabolism will enable cost-effective large-scale production of hPSCs, leading to advances in regenerative medicine. TRP is the only AA that enables enhanced hPSC proliferation by supplementation hPSCs proliferate with pluripotency after long-term culture in TRP supplementation The proliferative properties of hPSCs are independent of AhR signaling TRP-derived NFK contributes to enhanced hPSC proliferation
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Affiliation(s)
- Shota Someya
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Shugo Tohyama
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.,Department of Organ Fabrication, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kotaro Kameda
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Sho Tanosaki
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yuika Morita
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kazunori Sasaki
- Human Metabolome Technologies, Inc., Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0052, Japan
| | - Moon-Il Kang
- Human Metabolome Technologies, Inc., Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0052, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Kishino
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Marina Okada
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hidenori Tani
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yusuke Soma
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Nakajima
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Umei
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Otoya Sekine
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Taijun Moriwaki
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hideaki Kanazawa
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Eiji Kobayashi
- Department of Organ Fabrication, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Jun Fujita
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.,Endowed Course for Severe Heart Failure Treatment II, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Keiichi Fukuda
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
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37
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Pham HT, Ono M, Hara ES, Nguyen HTT, Dang AT, Do HT, Komori T, Tosa I, Hazehara-Kunitomo Y, Yoshioka Y, Oida Y, Akiyama K, Kuboki T. Tryptophan and Kynurenine Enhances the Stemness and Osteogenic Differentiation of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells In Vitro and In Vivo. MATERIALS 2021; 14:ma14010208. [PMID: 33406724 PMCID: PMC7796421 DOI: 10.3390/ma14010208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Aging tissues present a progressive decline in homeostasis and regenerative capacities, which has been associated with degenerative changes in tissue-specific stem cells and stem cell niches. We hypothesized that amino acids could regulate the stem cell phenotype and differentiation ability of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hBMSCs). Thus, we performed a screening of 22 standard amino acids and found that D-tryptophan (10 μM) increased the number of cells positive for the early stem cell marker SSEA-4, and the gene expression levels of OCT-4, NANOG, and SOX-2 in hBMSCs. Comparison between D- and L-tryptophan isomers showed that the latter presents a stronger effect in inducing the mRNA levels of Oct-4 and Nanog, and in increasing the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. On the other hand, L-tryptophan suppressed adipogenesis. The migration and colony-forming ability of hBMSCs were also enhanced by L-tryptophan treatment. In vivo experiments delivering L-tryptophan (50 mg/kg/day) by intraperitoneal injections for three weeks confirmed that L-tryptophan significantly increased the percentage of cells positive for SSEA-4, mRNA levels of Nanog and Oct-4, and the migration and colony-forming ability of mouse BMSCs. L-kynurenine, a major metabolite of L-tryptophan, also induced similar effects of L-tryptophan in enhancing stemness and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs in vitro and in vivo, possibly indicating the involvement of the kynurenine pathway as the downstream signaling of L-tryptophan. Finally, since BMSCs migrate to the wound healing site to promote bone healing, surgical defects of 1 mm in diameter were created in mouse femur to evaluate bone formation after two weeks of L-tryptophan or L-kynurenine injection. Both L-tryptophan and L-kynurenine accelerated bone healing compared to the PBS-injected control group. In summary, L-tryptophan enhanced the stemness and osteoblastic differentiation of BMSCs and may be used as an essential factor to maintain the stem cell properties and accelerate bone healing and/or prevent bone loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Thanh Pham
- Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Okayama 700-8558, Japan; (H.T.P.); (H.T.T.N.); (A.T.D.); (H.T.D.); (T.K.); (I.T.); (Y.H.-K.); (Y.Y.); (Y.O.); (K.A.); (T.K.)
- Faculty of Dentistry, Hai Phong University of Medical and Pharmacy, Haiphong 04211, Vietnam
| | - Mitsuaki Ono
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
- Correspondence: (M.O.); (E.S.H.); Tel.: +81-86-235-7127 (M.O.); +81-86-235-6667 (E.S.H.); Fax: +81-86-222-7768 (M.O.); +81-86-235-6669 (E.S.H.)
| | - Emilio Satoshi Hara
- Department of Biomaterials, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
- Correspondence: (M.O.); (E.S.H.); Tel.: +81-86-235-7127 (M.O.); +81-86-235-6667 (E.S.H.); Fax: +81-86-222-7768 (M.O.); +81-86-235-6669 (E.S.H.)
| | - Ha Thi Thu Nguyen
- Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Okayama 700-8558, Japan; (H.T.P.); (H.T.T.N.); (A.T.D.); (H.T.D.); (T.K.); (I.T.); (Y.H.-K.); (Y.Y.); (Y.O.); (K.A.); (T.K.)
- Faculty of Dentistry, Hai Phong University of Medical and Pharmacy, Haiphong 04211, Vietnam
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Anh Tuan Dang
- Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Okayama 700-8558, Japan; (H.T.P.); (H.T.T.N.); (A.T.D.); (H.T.D.); (T.K.); (I.T.); (Y.H.-K.); (Y.Y.); (Y.O.); (K.A.); (T.K.)
- Faculty of Dentistry, Hai Phong University of Medical and Pharmacy, Haiphong 04211, Vietnam
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Hang Thuy Do
- Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Okayama 700-8558, Japan; (H.T.P.); (H.T.T.N.); (A.T.D.); (H.T.D.); (T.K.); (I.T.); (Y.H.-K.); (Y.Y.); (Y.O.); (K.A.); (T.K.)
- Faculty of Dentistry, Hai Phong University of Medical and Pharmacy, Haiphong 04211, Vietnam
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Taishi Komori
- Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Okayama 700-8558, Japan; (H.T.P.); (H.T.T.N.); (A.T.D.); (H.T.D.); (T.K.); (I.T.); (Y.H.-K.); (Y.Y.); (Y.O.); (K.A.); (T.K.)
| | - Ikue Tosa
- Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Okayama 700-8558, Japan; (H.T.P.); (H.T.T.N.); (A.T.D.); (H.T.D.); (T.K.); (I.T.); (Y.H.-K.); (Y.Y.); (Y.O.); (K.A.); (T.K.)
| | - Yuri Hazehara-Kunitomo
- Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Okayama 700-8558, Japan; (H.T.P.); (H.T.T.N.); (A.T.D.); (H.T.D.); (T.K.); (I.T.); (Y.H.-K.); (Y.Y.); (Y.O.); (K.A.); (T.K.)
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yuya Yoshioka
- Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Okayama 700-8558, Japan; (H.T.P.); (H.T.T.N.); (A.T.D.); (H.T.D.); (T.K.); (I.T.); (Y.H.-K.); (Y.Y.); (Y.O.); (K.A.); (T.K.)
| | - Yasutaka Oida
- Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Okayama 700-8558, Japan; (H.T.P.); (H.T.T.N.); (A.T.D.); (H.T.D.); (T.K.); (I.T.); (Y.H.-K.); (Y.Y.); (Y.O.); (K.A.); (T.K.)
| | - Kentaro Akiyama
- Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Okayama 700-8558, Japan; (H.T.P.); (H.T.T.N.); (A.T.D.); (H.T.D.); (T.K.); (I.T.); (Y.H.-K.); (Y.Y.); (Y.O.); (K.A.); (T.K.)
| | - Takuo Kuboki
- Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Okayama 700-8558, Japan; (H.T.P.); (H.T.T.N.); (A.T.D.); (H.T.D.); (T.K.); (I.T.); (Y.H.-K.); (Y.Y.); (Y.O.); (K.A.); (T.K.)
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38
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Teino I, Matvere A, Pook M, Varik I, Pajusaar L, Uudeküll K, Vaher H, Trei A, Kristjuhan A, Org T, Maimets T. Impact of AHR Ligand TCDD on Human Embryonic Stem Cells and Early Differentiation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9052. [PMID: 33260776 PMCID: PMC7731104 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor, which mediates the effects of a variety of environmental stimuli in multiple tissues. Recent advances in AHR biology have underlined its importance in cells with high developmental potency, including pluripotent stem cells. Nonetheless, there is little data on AHR expression and its role during the initial stages of stem cell differentiation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the temporal pattern of AHR expression during directed differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESC) into neural progenitor, early mesoderm and definitive endoderm cells. Additionally, we investigated the effect of the AHR agonist 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on the gene expression profile in hESCs and differentiated cells by RNA-seq, accompanied by identification of AHR binding sites by ChIP-seq and epigenetic landscape analysis by ATAC-seq. We showed that AHR is differentially regulated in distinct lineages. We provided evidence that TCDD alters gene expression patterns in hESCs and during early differentiation. Additionally, we identified novel potential AHR target genes, which expand our understanding on the role of this protein in different cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indrek Teino
- Chair of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia; (A.M.); (M.P.); (I.V.); (L.P.); (K.U.); (H.V.); (A.T.); (A.K.); (T.M.)
| | - Antti Matvere
- Chair of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia; (A.M.); (M.P.); (I.V.); (L.P.); (K.U.); (H.V.); (A.T.); (A.K.); (T.M.)
| | - Martin Pook
- Chair of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia; (A.M.); (M.P.); (I.V.); (L.P.); (K.U.); (H.V.); (A.T.); (A.K.); (T.M.)
| | - Inge Varik
- Chair of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia; (A.M.); (M.P.); (I.V.); (L.P.); (K.U.); (H.V.); (A.T.); (A.K.); (T.M.)
| | - Laura Pajusaar
- Chair of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia; (A.M.); (M.P.); (I.V.); (L.P.); (K.U.); (H.V.); (A.T.); (A.K.); (T.M.)
| | - Keyt Uudeküll
- Chair of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia; (A.M.); (M.P.); (I.V.); (L.P.); (K.U.); (H.V.); (A.T.); (A.K.); (T.M.)
| | - Helen Vaher
- Chair of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia; (A.M.); (M.P.); (I.V.); (L.P.); (K.U.); (H.V.); (A.T.); (A.K.); (T.M.)
| | - Annika Trei
- Chair of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia; (A.M.); (M.P.); (I.V.); (L.P.); (K.U.); (H.V.); (A.T.); (A.K.); (T.M.)
| | - Arnold Kristjuhan
- Chair of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia; (A.M.); (M.P.); (I.V.); (L.P.); (K.U.); (H.V.); (A.T.); (A.K.); (T.M.)
| | - Tõnis Org
- Chair of Biotechnology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia;
- Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Riia 23b, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Toivo Maimets
- Chair of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia; (A.M.); (M.P.); (I.V.); (L.P.); (K.U.); (H.V.); (A.T.); (A.K.); (T.M.)
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39
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Li Y, Zhou C, Lei W, Wang K, Zheng J. Roles of aryl hydrocarbon receptor in endothelial angiogenic responses†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:927-937. [PMID: 32716482 PMCID: PMC7731988 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor, which can be activated by a plethora of structure-diverse ligands. Historically, AhR is known for its involvements in regulation of metabolism of xenobiotics. However, normal physiological roles of AhR have been defined in other essential biological processes, including vascular growth and function, reproduction, and immunoresponses. In contrast, aberrant expression and activation of the AhR signaling pathway occur in a variety of human diseases, many of which (e.g., preeclampsia, atherosclerosis, and hypertension) could be associated with endothelial dysfunction. Indeed, emerging evidence has shown that either exogenous or endogenous AhR ligands can induce endothelial dysfunction in either an AhR-dependent or AhR-independent manner, possibly reliant on the blood vessel origin (artery and vein) of endothelial cells. Given that the AhR signaling pathway has broad impacts on endothelial and cardiovascular function, AhR ligands, AhR, and their downstream genes could be considered novel therapeutic targets for those endothelial-related diseases. This review will discuss the current knowledge of AhR's mediation on endothelial function and potential mechanisms underlying these actions with a focus on placental endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Chi Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Wei Lei
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
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40
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Han H, Davidson LA, Fan Y, Goldsby JS, Yoon G, Jin U, Wright GA, Landrock KK, Weeks BR, Wright RC, Allred CD, Jayaraman A, Ivanov I, Roper J, Safe SH, Chapkin RS. Loss of aryl hydrocarbon receptor potentiates FoxM1 signaling to enhance self-renewal of colonic stem and progenitor cells. EMBO J 2020; 39:e104319. [PMID: 32915464 PMCID: PMC7527924 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2019104319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-activated transcription factor that senses xenobiotics, diet, and gut microbial-derived metabolites, is increasingly recognized as a key regulator of intestinal biology. However, its effects on the function of colonic stem and progenitor cells remain largely unexplored. Here, we observed that inducible deletion of AhR in Lgr5+ stem cells increases the percentage of colonic stem cells and enhances organoid initiating capacity and growth of sorted stem and progenitor cells, while AhR activation has the opposite effect. Moreover, intestinal-specific AhR knockout increases basal stem cell and crypt injury-induced cell proliferation and promotes colon tumorigenesis in a preclinical colitis-associated tumor model by upregulating FoxM1 signaling. Mechanistically, AhR transcriptionally suppresses FoxM1 expression. Activation of AhR in human organoids recapitulates phenotypes observed in mice, such as reduction in the percentage of colonic stem cells, promotion of stem cell differentiation, and attenuation of FoxM1 signaling. These findings indicate that the AhR-FoxM1 axis, at least in part, mediates colonic stem/progenitor cell behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huajun Han
- Program in Integrative Nutrition and Complex DiseasesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTXUSA,Department of Biochemistry & BiophysicsTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTXUSA
| | - Laurie A Davidson
- Program in Integrative Nutrition and Complex DiseasesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTXUSA,Department of NutritionTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTXUSA
| | - Yang‐Yi Fan
- Program in Integrative Nutrition and Complex DiseasesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTXUSA,Department of NutritionTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTXUSA
| | - Jennifer S Goldsby
- Program in Integrative Nutrition and Complex DiseasesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTXUSA,Department of NutritionTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTXUSA
| | - Grace Yoon
- Department of StatisticsTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTXUSA
| | - Un‐Ho Jin
- Veterinary Physiology and PharmacologyTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTXUSA
| | - Gus A Wright
- Department of Veterinary PathobiologyTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTXUSA
| | - Kerstin K Landrock
- Program in Integrative Nutrition and Complex DiseasesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTXUSA,Department of NutritionTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTXUSA
| | - Bradley R Weeks
- Department of Veterinary PathobiologyTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTXUSA
| | - Rachel C Wright
- Program in Integrative Nutrition and Complex DiseasesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTXUSA,Department of NutritionTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTXUSA
| | | | - Arul Jayaraman
- Department of Chemical EngineeringTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTXUSA
| | - Ivan Ivanov
- Program in Integrative Nutrition and Complex DiseasesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTXUSA,Veterinary Physiology and PharmacologyTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTXUSA
| | - Jatin Roper
- Department of MedicineDivision of GastroenterologyDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNCUSA
| | - Stephen H Safe
- Veterinary Physiology and PharmacologyTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTXUSA
| | - Robert S Chapkin
- Program in Integrative Nutrition and Complex DiseasesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTXUSA,Department of Biochemistry & BiophysicsTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTXUSA,Department of NutritionTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTXUSA
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41
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Kim DK, Song B, Han S, Jang H, Bae SH, Kim HY, Lee SH, Lee S, Kim JK, Kim HS, Hong KM, Lee BI, Youn HD, Kim SY, Kang SW, Jang H. Phosphorylation of OCT4 Serine 236 Inhibits Germ Cell Tumor Growth by Inducing Differentiation. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092601. [PMID: 32932964 PMCID: PMC7565739 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) plays an important role in early embryonic development, but is rarely expressed in adults. However, in many cancer cells, this gene is re-expressed, making the cancer malignant. This present study revealed that inhibiting OCT4 transcriptional activity induces cancer cell differentiation and growth retardation. Specifically, when the phosphorylation of OCT4 serine 236 increases by interfering with the binding of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) to OCT4, OCT4 loses its transcriptional activity and cancer cells differentiate. Therefore, this study presents the basis for the development of protein-protein interaction inhibitors that inhibit the binding of OCT4 and PP1 for cancer treatment. Abstract Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4) plays an important role in maintaining pluripotency in embryonic stem cells and is closely related to the malignancies of various cancers. Although posttranslational modifications of Oct4 have been widely studied, most of these have not yet been fully characterized, especially in cancer. In this study, we investigated the role of phosphorylation of serine 236 of OCT4 [OCT4 (S236)] in human germ cell tumors (GCTs). OCT4 was phosphorylated at S236 in a cell cycle-dependent manner in a patient sample and GCT cell lines. The substitution of endogenous OCT4 by a mimic of phosphorylated OCT4 with a serine-to-aspartate mutation at S236 (S236D) resulted in tumor cell differentiation, growth retardation, and inhibition of tumor sphere formation. GCT cells expressing OCT4 S236D instead of endogenous OCT4 were similar to cells with OCT4 depletion at the mRNA transcript level as well as in the phenotype. OCT4 S236D also induced tumor cell differentiation and growth retardation in mouse xenograft experiments. Inhibition of protein phosphatase 1 by chemicals or short hairpin RNAs increased phosphorylation at OCT4 (S236) and resulted in the differentiation of GCTs. These results reveal the role of OCT4 (S236) phosphorylation in GCTs and suggest a new strategy for suppressing OCT4 in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Keon Kim
- Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Korea; (D.K.K.); (B.S.); (S.H.); (H.J.); (S.-H.B.); (H.Y.K.); (S.-H.L.); (S.L.); (J.K.K.); (K.-M.H.); (B.I.L.); (S.-Y.K.)
| | - Bomin Song
- Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Korea; (D.K.K.); (B.S.); (S.H.); (H.J.); (S.-H.B.); (H.Y.K.); (S.-H.L.); (S.L.); (J.K.K.); (K.-M.H.); (B.I.L.); (S.-Y.K.)
- Department of Life Science, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea;
| | - Suji Han
- Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Korea; (D.K.K.); (B.S.); (S.H.); (H.J.); (S.-H.B.); (H.Y.K.); (S.-H.L.); (S.L.); (J.K.K.); (K.-M.H.); (B.I.L.); (S.-Y.K.)
| | - Hansol Jang
- Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Korea; (D.K.K.); (B.S.); (S.H.); (H.J.); (S.-H.B.); (H.Y.K.); (S.-H.L.); (S.L.); (J.K.K.); (K.-M.H.); (B.I.L.); (S.-Y.K.)
- Department of Cancer Biomedical Science, National Cancer Center Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, Goyang 10408, Korea
| | - Seung-Hyun Bae
- Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Korea; (D.K.K.); (B.S.); (S.H.); (H.J.); (S.-H.B.); (H.Y.K.); (S.-H.L.); (S.L.); (J.K.K.); (K.-M.H.); (B.I.L.); (S.-Y.K.)
- Department of Cancer Biomedical Science, National Cancer Center Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, Goyang 10408, Korea
| | - Hee Yeon Kim
- Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Korea; (D.K.K.); (B.S.); (S.H.); (H.J.); (S.-H.B.); (H.Y.K.); (S.-H.L.); (S.L.); (J.K.K.); (K.-M.H.); (B.I.L.); (S.-Y.K.)
- Department of Life Science, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea;
| | - Seon-Hyeong Lee
- Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Korea; (D.K.K.); (B.S.); (S.H.); (H.J.); (S.-H.B.); (H.Y.K.); (S.-H.L.); (S.L.); (J.K.K.); (K.-M.H.); (B.I.L.); (S.-Y.K.)
| | - Seungjin Lee
- Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Korea; (D.K.K.); (B.S.); (S.H.); (H.J.); (S.-H.B.); (H.Y.K.); (S.-H.L.); (S.L.); (J.K.K.); (K.-M.H.); (B.I.L.); (S.-Y.K.)
- Department of Cancer Biomedical Science, National Cancer Center Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, Goyang 10408, Korea
| | - Jong Kwang Kim
- Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Korea; (D.K.K.); (B.S.); (S.H.); (H.J.); (S.-H.B.); (H.Y.K.); (S.-H.L.); (S.L.); (J.K.K.); (K.-M.H.); (B.I.L.); (S.-Y.K.)
| | - Han-Seong Kim
- Department of Pathology, Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital, Goyang 10308, Korea;
| | - Kyeong-Man Hong
- Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Korea; (D.K.K.); (B.S.); (S.H.); (H.J.); (S.-H.B.); (H.Y.K.); (S.-H.L.); (S.L.); (J.K.K.); (K.-M.H.); (B.I.L.); (S.-Y.K.)
| | - Byung Il Lee
- Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Korea; (D.K.K.); (B.S.); (S.H.); (H.J.); (S.-H.B.); (H.Y.K.); (S.-H.L.); (S.L.); (J.K.K.); (K.-M.H.); (B.I.L.); (S.-Y.K.)
- Department of Cancer Biomedical Science, National Cancer Center Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, Goyang 10408, Korea
| | - Hong-Duk Youn
- National Creative Research Center for Epigenome Reprogramming Network, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080; Korea;
| | - Soo-Youl Kim
- Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Korea; (D.K.K.); (B.S.); (S.H.); (H.J.); (S.-H.B.); (H.Y.K.); (S.-H.L.); (S.L.); (J.K.K.); (K.-M.H.); (B.I.L.); (S.-Y.K.)
| | - Sang Won Kang
- Department of Life Science, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea;
| | - Hyonchol Jang
- Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Korea; (D.K.K.); (B.S.); (S.H.); (H.J.); (S.-H.B.); (H.Y.K.); (S.-H.L.); (S.L.); (J.K.K.); (K.-M.H.); (B.I.L.); (S.-Y.K.)
- Department of Cancer Biomedical Science, National Cancer Center Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, Goyang 10408, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-31-920-2239
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42
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She S, Zhao Y, Kang B, Chen C, Chen X, Zhang X, Chen W, Dan S, Wang H, Wang YJ, Zhao J. Combined inhibition of JAK1/2 and DNMT1 by newly identified small-molecule compounds synergistically suppresses the survival and proliferation of cervical cancer cells. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:724. [PMID: 32895373 PMCID: PMC7476923 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02934-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Despite substantial advances in treating cervical cancer (CC) with surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, patients with advanced CC still have poor prognosis and significantly variable clinical outcomes due to tumor recurrence and metastasis. Therefore, to develop more efficacious and specific treatments for CC remains an unmet clinical need. In this study, by virtual screening the SPECS database, we identified multiple novel JAK inhibitor candidates and validated their antitumor drug efficacies that were particularly high against CC cell lines. AH057, the best JAK inhibitor identified, effectively blocked the JAK/STAT pathways by directly inhibiting JAK1/2 kinase activities, and led to compromised cell proliferation and invasion, increased apoptosis, arrested cell cycles, and impaired tumor progression in vitro and in vivo. Next, by screening the Selleck chemical library, we identified SGI-1027, a DNMT1 inhibitor, as the compound that displayed the highest synergy with AH057. By acting on a same set of downstream effector molecules that are dually controlled by JAK1/2 and DNMT1, the combination of AH057 with SGI-1027 potently and synergistically impaired CC cell propagation via dramatically increasing apoptotic cell death and cell-cycle arrest. These findings establish a preclinical proof of concept for combating CC by dual targeting of JAK1/2 and DNMT1, and provide support for launching a clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this drug combination in patients with CC and other malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi She
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310003, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Zhejiang University, 310029, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bo Kang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310003, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Cheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310003, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310003, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaobing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310003, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenjie Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310003, Hangzhou, China
| | - Songsong Dan
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310003, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hangxiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310003, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying-Jie Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310003, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Jinhao Zhao
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Zhejiang University, 310029, Hangzhou, China.
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43
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Akhtar S, Hourani S, Therachiyil L, Al-Dhfyan A, Agouni A, Zeidan A, Uddin S, Korashy HM. Epigenetic Regulation of Cancer Stem Cells by the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Pathway. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 83:177-196. [PMID: 32877761 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Compelling evidence has demonstrated that tumor bulk comprises distinctive subset of cells generally referred as cancer stem cells (CSCs) that have been proposed as a strong sustainer and promoter of tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance. These distinguished properties of CSCs have raised interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms that govern the maintenance of these cells. Numerous experimental and epidemiological studies have demonstrated that exposure to environmental toxins such as the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is strongly involved in cancer initiation and progression. The PAH-induced carcinogenesis is shown to be mediated through the activation of a cytosolic receptor, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)/Cytochrome P4501A pathway, suggesting a possible direct link between AhR and CSCs. Several recent studies have investigated the role of AhR in CSCs self-renewal and maintenance, however the molecular mechanisms and particularly the epigenetic regulations of CSCs by the AhR/CYP1A pathway have not been reviewed before. In this review, we first summarize the crosstalk between AhR and cancer genetics, with a particular emphasis on the mechanisms relevant to CSCs such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, NF-κB, and PTEN-PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. The second part of this review discusses the recent advances and studies highlighting the epigenetic mechanisms mediated by the AhR/CYP1A pathway that control CSC gene expression, self-renewal, and chemoresistance in various human cancers. Furthermore, the review also sheds light on the importance of targeting the epigenetic pathways as a novel therapeutic approach against CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabah Akhtar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shireen Hourani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Lubna Therachiyil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Abdullah Al-Dhfyan
- Stem Cell & Tissue Re-Engineering, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdelali Agouni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Asad Zeidan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hesham M Korashy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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44
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Zhang X, He B, Chen E, Lu J, Wang J, Cao H, Li L. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligand ITE inhibits cell proliferation and migration and enhances sensitivity to drug-resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:178-192. [PMID: 32510618 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a ligand-activated transcription factor, is considered as a crucial gene during tumor formation and progress. Among various ligands, 2-(1'H-indole-3'-carbonyl)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (ITE) has been evaluated to share a broad spectrum of biological activities. However, the specific effects and potential mechanisms of ITE against hepatocellular carcinoma remain unclear. Here we explored whether ITE exerted antitumor activity against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and its potential mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. We found that ITE could markedly inhibit proliferation of HCCLM3 and SMMC-7721 cells and induce G0/G1 arrest and apoptosis with alterations of expressions of the related proteins. Also, ITE could prohibit the process of migration and invasion evaluated by transwell assay. Moreover, ITE exhibited remarkable capability to repress the growth of HCCLM3-SR cells and induce apoptosis in contrast to sorafenib. Additionally, ITE also showed potent antitumor activity against the HCCLM3 xenograft by prohibiting tumor growth without any toxicity to mice. Mechanistically, AHR activation by ITE was attributed to inhibition of HCC cells as AHR knockdown would abolish ITE-induced suppression in HCC cells, and overexpression of AHR would potentiate antitumor activity regulated by ITE. Our data suggested that ITE manifested a marked antitumor effect against HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo via AHR activation mainly through inducing G1/G0 arrest and apoptosis and inhibiting the process of migration and invasion. Furthermore, we also found the PI3K/AKT pathway was involved in sorafenib-induced resistance and ITE could restore sensitivity by suppressing the PI3K/AKT pathway. Collectively, our study revealed that ITE would be a promising therapeutic agent to deal with HCC and an alternative for drug-resistant HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bin He
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ermei Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Juan Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongcui Cao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lanjuan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Panda S, Banerjee N, Chatterjee S. Solute carrier proteins and c-Myc: a strong connection in cancer progression. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:891-900. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Serum biomarkers from cell-based assays for AhRL and MIS strongly predicted the future development of diabetes in a large community-based prospective study in Korea. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6339. [PMID: 32286339 PMCID: PMC7156500 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62550-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to environment-polluting chemicals (EPC) is associated with the development of diabetes. Many EPCs exert toxic effects via aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and/or mitochondrial inhibition. Here we investigated if the levels of human exposure to a mixture of EPC and/or mitochondrial inhibitors could predict the development of diabetes in a prospective study, the Korean Genome and Epidemiological Study (KoGES). We analysed AhR ligands (AhRL) and mitochondria-inhibiting substances (MIS) in serum samples (n = 1,537), collected during the 2008 Ansung KoGES survey with a 4-year-follow-up. Serum AhRL, determined by the AhR-dependent luciferase reporter assay, represents the contamination level of AhR ligand mixture in serum. Serum levels of MIS, analysed indirectly by MIS-ATP or MIS-ROS, are the serum MIS-induced mitochondria inhibiting effects on ATP content or reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the cultured cells. Among 919 normal subjects at baseline, 7.1% developed impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and 1.6% diabetes after 4 years. At the baseline, diabetic and IGT sera displayed higher AhRL and MIS than normal sera, which correlated with indices of insulin resistance. When the subjects were classified according to ROC cut-off values, fully adjusted relative risks of diabetes development within 4 years were 7.60 (95% CI, 4.23–13.64), 4.27 (95% CI, 2.38–7.64), and 21.11 (95% CI, 8.46–52.67) for AhRL ≥ 2.70 pM, MIS-ATP ≤ 88.1%, and both, respectively. Gender analysis revealed that male subjects with AhRL ≥ 2.70 pM or MIS-ATP ≤ 88.1% showed higher risk than female subjects. High serum levels of AhRL and/or MIS strongly predict the future development of diabetes, suggesting that the accumulation of AhR ligands and/or mitochondrial inhibitors in body may play an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetes.
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Tao Y, Liu X, Cui L, Liu X, Chen Y, He Z, Ji M, Gao Z, Li N, Wan Z, Yu Z. Oct4 plays a role in 2, 3, 7, 8 - tetrachlorobenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) inducing cleft palate and inhibiting mesenchymal proliferation. Toxicology 2020; 438:152444. [PMID: 32283119 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2020.152444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
As a common birth defect, Cleft palate can be caused by the disturbance during the developmental process of the palatal shelves. The 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p-dioxin (TCDD) is a well-known environmental teratogenic agent for cleft palate and Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway can be activated by dioxins. Oct4 as a pluripotent stem cell transcription factor is also involved in the process of embryonic development. The AHR and retinoid receptors have cross-talk at CYP1A1 (cytochrome P450, family 1, subfamily A, polypeptide 1) promoter. There are also bidirectional talk between AhR and Oct4. In this study, we used C57/BL6 N mice and TCDD (64 μg/Kg body weight) to establish a model of fetal cleft palate to observe the effects of dioxin on fetal mesenchymal proliferation and apoptosis, and explore the role of Oct4 in inducing cleft palate. The results showed that dioxin inhibited mesenchymal proliferation and promoted apoptosis. In addition, dioxin inhibited Oct4 expression, and preliminary data suggest that hypermethylation of the Oct4 promoter may be a putative mechanism, suggesting that TCDD might induce cleft palate by inhibiting the proliferation of palatal mesenchymal cells mediated by Oct4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchang Tao
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, No. 100 of Science Road, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Xiaozhuan Liu
- Center for Clinical Single-Cell Biomedicine, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 7 of Weiwu Road, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Lingling Cui
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, No. 100 of Science Road, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Xinxin Liu
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, No. 100 of Science Road, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yao Chen
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, No. 100 of Science Road, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Zhidong He
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, No. 100 of Science Road, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Mengmeng Ji
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, No. 100 of Science Road, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Zhan Gao
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 3 of Kangfu Front Street, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Ning Li
- Henan Agricultural University, No. 63 of Agricultural Road, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Zhongxiao Wan
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, No. 100 of Science Road, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Zengli Yu
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, No. 100 of Science Road, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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Zhou N, Zhang XB, Chen C, Chen XY, Kang B, He JQ, Gong GZ, Wang YJ, Zhou YW. Cellular context- and protein level-dependent interaction of pluripotency factor OCT4A with multiple octamer motifs of the same target gene. Life Sci 2020; 248:117461. [PMID: 32097665 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To compare how OCT4A proteins interact with and regulate multiple OCT4A-octamer motifs (OMs) in different regions of the FOS gene expressed in somatic cancer cells versus pluripotent stem cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two FOS reporter gene systems harboring predicted OMs or their mutational counterparts were introduced into HeLa and NCCIT cells with varying OCT4A protein levels. The transcription of dsGFP reflecting FOS expression was quantitated by RT-qPCR, the OCT4A-OMs binding and the correlation between OCT4A and FOS transcription was determined by ChIP-PCR and RNA-Seq, respectively. KEY FINDINGS In NCCIT cells, abundant OCT4A proteins bound to and inhibited OM1 and OM2 at the promoter of the FOS gene. RA-induced OCT4A down-regulation transiently increased FOS transcription. In contrast, in HeLa cells that contain much lower levels of endogenous OCT4A proteins, OCT4A primarily bound to and activate OM1 thereby promoting FOS transcription. OCT4A KO significantly reduced FOS expression. Ectopically introduced OCT4A, at its leaked or induced expression level, promoted FOS transcription by binding to OM2/OM3 or OM1/OM3, respectively. Thus, the interaction of OCT4A proteins with different OMs is cellular context- and protein level-dependent, and such complicated OCT4A binding mode can only be reflected by a dsGFP-based reporter harboring the full-length FOS gene but not by that merely having the FOS promoter. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings unravel an additional layer of regulatory mechanisms that account for the cellular context- and dose-related versatile functions of OCT4A protein, and further underscore the importance of precise modulation of OCT4A in the regenerative medicine and anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Xin-Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Bo Kang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Jian-Qin He
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Guo-Zhong Gong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Ying-Jie Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Yan-Wen Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China.
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Piwarski SA, Thompson C, Chaudhry AR, Denvir J, Primerano DA, Fan J, Salisbury TB. The putative endogenous AHR ligand ITE reduces JAG1 and associated NOTCH1 signaling in triple negative breast cancer cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 174:113845. [PMID: 32032581 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.113845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype. TNBC expresses AHR and AHR ligands have anti-cancer activity in TNBC. The aggressiveness of TNBC is due in part to JAG1-NOTCH1 signaling. ITE is a putative endogenous AHR ligand. We show that ITE reduces the expression of JAG1 the amount of Notch 1 intracellular domain (NICD1) and the phosphorylation of STAT3 (at tyrosine 705) in TNBC MDA-MB-231 cells. The STAT3 inhibitor STATTIC also reduced JAG1. STAT3, thus, mediates regulation of JAG1 in MDA-MB-231 cells. Reducing the expression of JAG1 with short interfering RNA decreases the growth, migration and invasiveness of MDA-MB-231 cells. JAG1, therefore, has cellular effects in MDA-MB-231 cells under basal conditions. We consequently evaluated if exposing cells to greater amounts of JAG1 would counteract ITE cellular effects in MDA-MB-231 cells. The results show that JAG1 does not counteract the cellular effects of ITE. JAG1, thus, has no effect on growth or invasiveness in MDA-MB-231 cells treated with ITE. JAG1, therefore, has context dependent roles in MDA-MB-231 cells (basal versus ITE treatment). The results also show that other pathways, not inhibition of the JAG1-NOTCH1 pathway, are important for mediating the growth and invasive inhibitory effect of ITE on MDA-MB-231 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean A Piwarski
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755, USA.
| | - Chelsea Thompson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755, USA.
| | - Ateeq R Chaudhry
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755, USA.
| | - James Denvir
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755, USA.
| | - Donald A Primerano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755, USA.
| | - Jun Fan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755, USA.
| | - Travis B Salisbury
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755, USA.
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The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Is Expressed in Thyroid Carcinoma and Appears to Mediate Epithelial-Mesenchymal-Transition. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12010145. [PMID: 31936153 PMCID: PMC7016998 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is expected to promote initiation, progression and invasion of cancer cells regulating proliferation, differentiation, gene expression, inflammation, cell motility and migration. Furthermore, an immunosuppressant function of AhR has been recognized. This study evaluated AhR expression and its role in thyroid cancer progression. AhR expression was assessed by qPCR in 107 thyroid cancer samples (90 PTCs, 11 MTCs, 6 ATCs), and by immunohistochemistry in 41 PTCs. To estimate receptor activation, the expression of target genes CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 was measured. AhR functional effects were evaluated in kynurenine-stimulated FTC-133 and BcPap cell lines by analyzing the expression of genes involved in EMT and cell motility. AhR mRNA expression resulted significantly higher in all the analyzed thyroid cancer samples compared to normal thyroid and a statistically significant correlation with CYP1B1 was detected. Kynurenine-stimulated FTC-133 and BcPap showed the activation of a specific AhR-driven EMT program characterized by E-cadherin decrease and SLUG, N-cadherin and fibronectin increase, resulting in boost of cell motility and invasion. This study confirmed the importance of the IDO1-Kyn-AhR pathway in thyroid cancer tumorigenesis, suggesting an AhR pivotal role in mediating an immunosuppressive microenvironment and favoring the acquisition of a mesenchymal phenotype that could promote invasiveness and metastasis.
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