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Abe Y, Sano T, Otsuka N, Ogawa M, Tanaka N. PRMT5-mediated methylation of STAT3 is required for lung cancer stem cell maintenance and tumour growth. Commun Biol 2024; 7:593. [PMID: 38760429 PMCID: PMC11101626 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06290-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
STAT3 is constitutively activated in many cancer types, including lung cancer, and can induce cancer cell proliferation and cancer stem cell (CSC) maintenance. STAT3 is activated by tyrosine kinases, such as JAK and SRC, but the mechanism by which STAT3 maintains its activated state in cancer cells remains unclear. Here, we show that PRMT5 directly methylates STAT3 and enhances its activated tyrosine phosphorylation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. PRMT5 expression is also induced by STAT3, suggesting the presence of a positive feedback loop in cancer cells. Furthermore, methylation of STAT3 at arginine 609 by PRMT5 is important for its transcriptional activity and support of tumour growth and CSC maintenance. Indeed, NSCLC cells expressing the STAT3 mutant which R609 was replaced to alanine (R609K) show significantly impaired tumour growth in nude mice. Overall, our study reveals a mechanism by which STAT3 remains activated in NSCLC and provides a new target for cancer therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinori Abe
- Laboratory of Molecular Analysis, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takumi Sano
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoki Otsuka
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masashi Ogawa
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Tanaka
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan.
- Division of Cell Physiology, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan.
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2
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Zhang K, Zheng S, Wu J, He J, Ouyang Y, Ao C, Lang R, Jiang Y, Yang Y, Xiao H, Li Y, Li M, Wang H, Li C, Wu D. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes ameliorate renal fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy by targeting Hedgehog/SMO signaling. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23599. [PMID: 38572590 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202302324r] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease globally. Currently, there are no effective drugs for the treatment of DN. Although several studies have reported the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we report that both human umbilical cord MSCs (UC-MSCs) and UC-MSC-derived exosomes (UC-MSC-exo) attenuate kidney damage, and inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and renal fibrosis in streptozotocin-induced DN rats. Strikingly, the Hedgehog receptor, smoothened (SMO), was significantly upregulated in the kidney tissues of DN patients and rats, and positively correlated with EMT and renal fibrosis. UC-MSC and UC-MSC-exo treatment resulted in decrease of SMO expression. In vitro co-culture experiments revealed that UC-MSC-exo reduced EMT of tubular epithelial cells through inhibiting Hedgehog/SMO pathway. Collectively, UC-MSCs inhibit EMT and renal fibrosis by delivering exosomes and targeting Hedgehog/SMO signaling, suggesting that UC-MSCs and their exosomes are novel anti-fibrotic therapeutics for treating DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuo Zheng
- R&D Center, Wuhan Hamilton Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiasheng Wu
- The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jing He
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Ouyang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Chunchun Ao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Ruibo Lang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yijia Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yifan Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Huan Xiao
- School of Life Science, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Li
- School of Life Science, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mao Li
- School of Life Science, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Huiming Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Changyong Li
- Department of Physiology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science & Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Dongcheng Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
- R&D Center, Wuhan Hamilton Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Wuhan, China
- R&D Center, Guangzhou Hamilton Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, China
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3
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Singh R, Ray A. Therapeutic potential of hedgehog signaling in advanced cancer types. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 386:49-80. [PMID: 38782501 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2024.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
In this chapter, we have made an attempt to elucidate the relevance of hedgehog signaling pathway in tumorigenesis. Here, we have described different types of hedgehog signaling (canonical and non-canonical) with emphasis on the different mechanisms (mutation-driven, autocrine, paracrine and reverse paracrine) it adopts during tumorigenesis. We have discussed the role of hedgehog signaling in regulating cell proliferation, invasion and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in both local and advanced cancer types, as reported in different studies based on preclinical and clinical models. We have specifically addressed the role of hedgehog signaling in aggressive neuroendocrine tumors as well. We have also elaborated on the studies showing therapeutic relevance of the inhibitors of hedgehog signaling in cancer. Evidence of the crosstalk of hedgehog signaling components with other signaling pathways and treatment resistance due to tumor heterogeneity have also been briefly discussed. Together, we have tried to put forward a compilation of the studies on therapeutic potential of hedgehog signaling in various cancers, specifically aggressive tumor types with a perspective into what is lacking and demands further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Singh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Anindita Ray
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Lavasidis G, Tzamalis A, Tsinopoulos I, Ziakas N. Exploring vismodegib: A non-surgical breakthrough in the management of advanced periocular basal cell carcinoma. Cancer Treat Res Commun 2024; 39:100796. [PMID: 38367414 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2024.100796] [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: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
The management of periocular basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is challenging due to its proximity to the eyeball. Vismodegib, a Hedgehog pathway inhibitor, has emerged as a therapeutic option for locally advanced and metastatic BCC. To critically appraise the relevant evidence, we conducted a systematic review of observational and experimental studies assessing the efficacy and safety of vismodegib for periocular BCC. Thirty-seven trials, including 435 patients, were eligible. No randomized trials were retrieved. Complete and overall clinical response rates were 20-88 % and 68-100 %, respectively. Disease progression was observed at a maximum rate of 14 %. Recurrence rates varied between 0 % and 31 %. The most common side effects were muscle cramps, dysgeusia, weight loss and alopecia. Treatment with vismodegib improved health-related quality of life. In conclusion, vismodegib represents an important novel treatment for advanced periocular BCC, with good response rates and acceptable tolerability profile. Nevertheless, its full potential needs clarification through randomized controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Lavasidis
- MSc Ocular Surgery, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; Evidence-based Medicine Unit, Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, University Campus, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; Department of Ophthalmology, Elpis General Hospital of Athens, Dimitsanas 7, 11522 Athens, Greece.
| | - Argyrios Tzamalis
- MSc Ocular Surgery, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; 2nd Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Tsinopoulos
- MSc Ocular Surgery, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; 2nd Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Ziakas
- MSc Ocular Surgery, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; 2nd Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece
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5
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Luzzi AJ, Ferrer X, Fang F, Golman M, Song L, Marshall BP, Lee AJ, Kim JJ, Hung CT, Thomopoulos S. Hedgehog Activation for Enhanced Rotator Cuff Tendon-to-Bone Healing. Am J Sports Med 2023; 51:3825-3834. [PMID: 37897335 PMCID: PMC10821775 DOI: 10.1177/03635465231203210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rotator cuff repair is a common orthopaedic procedure, yet the rate of failure to heal after surgery is high. Repair site rupture is due to poor tendon-to-bone healing and lack of regeneration of the native fibrocartilaginous enthesis. During development, the enthesis is formed and mineralized by a pool of progenitors activated by hedgehog signaling. Furthermore, hedgehog signaling drives regenerative enthesis healing in young animals, in contrast to older animals, in which enthesis injuries heal via fibrovascular scar and without participation of hedgehog signaling. HYPOTHESIS Hedgehog activation improves tendon-to-bone healing in an animal model of rotator cuff repair. STUDY DESIGN Controlled laboratory study. METHODS A total of 78 adult Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Supraspinatus tendon injury and repair were completed bilaterally, with microsphere-encapsulated hedgehog agonist administered to right shoulders and control microspheres administered to left shoulders. Animals were sacrificed after 3, 14, 28, or 56 days. Gene expression and histological, biomechanical, and bone morphometric analyses were conducted. RESULTS At 3 days, hedgehog signaling pathway genes Gli1 (1.70; P = .029) and Smo (2.06; P = .0173), as well as Runx2 (1.69; P = .0386), a transcription factor of osteogenesis, were upregulated in treated relative to control repairs. At 14 days, transcription factors of tenogenesis, Scx (4.00; P = .041), and chondrogenesis, Sox9 (2.95; P = .010), and mineralized fibrocartilage genes Col2 (3.18; P = .031) and Colx (1.85; P = .006), were upregulated in treated relative to control repairs. Treatment promoted fibrocartilage formation at the healing interface by 28 days, with improvements in tendon-bone maturity, organization, and continuity. Treatment led to improved biomechanical properties. The material property strength (2.43 vs 1.89 N/m2; P = .046) and the structural property work to failure (29.01 vs 18.09 mJ; P = .030) were increased in treated relative to control repairs at 28 days and 56 days, respectively. Treatment had a marginal effect on bone morphometry underlying the repair. Trabecular thickness (0.08 vs 0.07 mm; P = .035) was increased at 28 days. CONCLUSION Hedgehog agonist treatment activated hedgehog signaling at the tendon-to-bone repair site and prompted increased mineralized fibrocartilage production. This extracellular matrix production and mineralization resulted in improved biomechanical properties, demonstrating the therapeutic potential of hedgehog agonism for improving tendon-to-bone healing after rotator cuff repair. CLINICAL RELEVANCE This study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of hedgehog agonist treatment for improving tendon-to-bone healing after rotator cuff injury and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J. Luzzi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Xavier Ferrer
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Fei Fang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mikhail Golman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lee Song
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Brittany P. Marshall
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Andy J. Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jieon J. Kim
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Clark T. Hung
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Stavros Thomopoulos
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
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Venturi F, Trane L, Silvestri F, Zuccaro B, Magnaterra E, De Giorgi V. Tolerance of sonidegib after intolerance of vismodegib-Experience in two patients with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (Gorlin syndrome). SKIN HEALTH AND DISEASE 2023; 3:e260. [PMID: 37799353 PMCID: PMC10549827 DOI: 10.1002/ski2.260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS, Gorlin syndrome) is a rare genetic condition characterized by the early development of numerous cutaneous basal cell carcinomas (BCCs). Although most BCCs are surgically treated with total resection, some of the lesions may proceed to a locally advanced or metastatic stage. Systemic treatment with a hedgehog inhibitors (HHIs) such as Vismodegib or Sonidegib is indicated in this population. We report cases of two patients with confirmed diagnoses of NBCCS. Both patients had undergone multiple surgical excisions and had been treated with oral Vismodegib 150 mg/day for a locally advanced tumour. They both discontinued the therapy due to its specific adverse effects (AEs) and are now being treated with oral Sonidegib, which has had better tolerability and a complete response. The aims of this report was to demonstrate the efficacy of HHI treatment with Sonidegib in patients with NCBBS who had previously treated with Vismodegib but discontinued it because of its specific AEs. Our experience in two patients shows that Sonidegib can be considered in Gorlin patients intolerant but responding to Vismodegib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Venturi
- Section of DermatologyDepartment of Health SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di BolognaBolognaItaly
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of BolognaBolognaItaly
| | - Luciana Trane
- Cancer Research “Attilia Pofferi” FoundationPistoiaItaly
| | - Flavia Silvestri
- Section of DermatologyDepartment of Health SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Biancamaria Zuccaro
- Section of DermatologyDepartment of Health SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Elisabetta Magnaterra
- Section of DermatologyDepartment of Health SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Vincenzo De Giorgi
- Section of DermatologyDepartment of Health SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
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7
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Wang Q, Fu R, Li G, Xiong S, Zhu Y, Zhang H. Hedgehog receptors exert immune-surveillance roles in the epidermis across species. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112929. [PMID: 37527037 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog signaling plays pivotal roles in the development and homeostasis of epithelial barrier tissues. However, whether and how Hedgehog signaling directly regulates innate immunity in epithelial cells remains unknown. By utilizing C. elegans epidermis as the model, we found that several Hedgehog receptors are involved in cell-autonomous regulation of the innate immune response in the epidermis. Particularly, loss of the Patched family receptor induces aberrant up-regulation of epidermal antimicrobial peptides in a STAT-dependent manner. External or internal insult to the epidermis triggers rapid rearrangement of Patched distribution along the plasma membrane, indicating that the Hedgehog (Hh) receptor is likely involved in recognition and defense against epidermal damage. Loss of PTCH1 function in primary human keratinocytes and intact mouse skin also results in STAT-dependent immune activation. These findings reveal an evolutionally conserved immune-surveillance function of Hedgehog receptors and an insult-sensing and response strategy of epithelial tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Rong Fu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Gang Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Shaojie Xiong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Huimin Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
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Aslebagh R, Whitham D, Channaveerappa D, Lowe J, Pentecost BT, Arcaro KF, Darie CC. Proteomics analysis of human breast milk by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) coupled with mass spectrometry to assess breast cancer risk. Electrophoresis 2023; 44:1097-1113. [PMID: 36971330 PMCID: PMC10522790 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202300040] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancers and one of the most common causes for cancer-related mortality. Discovery of protein biomarkers associated with cancer is considered important for early diagnosis and prediction of the cancer risk. Protein biomarkers could be investigated by large-scale protein investigation or proteomics, using mass spectrometry (MS)-based techniques. Our group applies MS-based proteomics to study the protein pattern in human breast milk from women with BC and controls and investigates the alterations and dysregulations of breast milk proteins in comparison pairs of BC versus control. These dysregulated proteins might be considered potential future biomarkers of BC. Identification of potential biomarkers in breast milk may benefit young women without BC, but who could collect the milk for future assessment of BC risk. Previously we identified several dysregulated proteins in different sets of human breast milk samples from BC patients and controls using gel-based protein separation coupled with MS. Here, we performed 2D-PAGE coupled with nano-liquid chromatography-tandem MS (nanoLC-MS/MS) in a small-scale study on a set of six human breast milk pairs (three BC samples vs. three controls) and we identified several dysregulated proteins that have potential roles in cancer progression and might be considered potential BC biomarkers in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshanak Aslebagh
- Biochemistry and Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, NY, 13699-5810, USA
| | - Danielle Whitham
- Biochemistry and Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, NY, 13699-5810, USA
| | - Devika Channaveerappa
- Biochemistry and Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, NY, 13699-5810, USA
| | - James Lowe
- Biochemistry and Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, NY, 13699-5810, USA
| | - Brian T. Pentecost
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Kathleen F. Arcaro
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Costel C. Darie
- Biochemistry and Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, NY, 13699-5810, USA
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Zarzosa P, Garcia-Gilabert L, Hladun R, Guillén G, Gallo-Oller G, Pons G, Sansa-Girona J, Segura MF, Sánchez de Toledo J, Moreno L, Gallego S, Roma J. Targeting the Hedgehog Pathway in Rhabdomyosarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030727. [PMID: 36765685 PMCID: PMC9913695 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030727] [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: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) signalling pathway is known to play an oncogenic role in a wide range of cancers; in the particular case of rhabdomyosarcoma, this pathway has been demonstrated to be an important player for both oncogenesis and cancer progression. In this review, after a brief description of the pathway and the characteristics of its molecular components, we describe, in detail, the main activation mechanisms that have been found in cancer, including ligand-dependent, ligand-independent and non-canonical activation. In this context, the most studied inhibitors, i.e., SMO inhibitors, have shown encouraging results for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma and medulloblastoma, both tumour types often associated with mutations that lead to the activation of the pathway. Conversely, SMO inhibitors have not fulfilled expectations in tumours-among them sarcomas-mostly associated with ligand-dependent Hh pathway activation. Despite the controversy existing regarding the results obtained with SMO inhibitors in these types of tumours, several compounds have been (or are currently being) evaluated in sarcoma patients. Finally, we discuss some of the reasons that could explain why, in some cases, encouraging preclinical data turned into disappointing results in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Zarzosa
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lia Garcia-Gilabert
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raquel Hladun
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gabriela Guillén
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gabriel Gallo-Oller
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Guillem Pons
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julia Sansa-Girona
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel F. Segura
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Sánchez de Toledo
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lucas Moreno
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Soledad Gallego
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (S.G.); (J.R.)
| | - Josep Roma
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (S.G.); (J.R.)
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Hedgehog Signaling as a Therapeutic Target for Airway Remodeling and Inflammation in Allergic Asthma. Cells 2022; 11:cells11193016. [PMID: 36230980 PMCID: PMC9562640 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have shown that variants of patched homolog 1 (PTCH1) are associated with lung function abnormalities in the general population. It has also been shown that sonic hedgehog (SHH), an important ligand for PTCH1, is upregulated in the airway epithelium of patients with asthma and is suggested to be involved in airway remodeling. The contribution of hedgehog signaling to airway remodeling and inflammation in asthma is poorly described. To determine the biological role of hedgehog signaling-associated genes in asthma, gene silencing, over-expression, and pharmacologic inhibition studies were conducted after stimulating human airway epithelial cells or not with transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1), an important fibrotic mediator in asthmatic airway remodeling that also interacts with SHH pathway. TGFβ1 increased hedgehog-signaling-related gene expression including SHH, GLI1 and GLI2. Knockdown of PTCH1 or SMO with siRNA, or use of hedgehog signaling inhibitors, consistently attenuated COL1A1 expression induced by TGFβ1 stimulation. In contrast, Ptch1 over-expression augmented TGFβ1-induced an increase in COL1A1 and MMP2 gene expression. We also showed an increase in hedgehog-signaling-related gene expression in primary airway epithelial cells from controls and asthmatics at different stages of cellular differentiation. GANT61, an inhibitor of GLI1/2, attenuated TGFβ1-induced increase in COL1A1 protein expression in primary airway epithelial cells differentiated in air–liquid interface. Finally, to model airway tissue remodeling in vivo, C57BL/6 wildtype (WT) and Ptch1+/− mice were intranasally challenged with house dust mite (HDM) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) control. Ptch1+/− mice showed reduced sub-epithelial collagen expression and serum inflammatory proteins compared to WT mice in response to HDM challenge. In conclusion, TGFβ1-induced airway remodeling is partially mediated through the hedgehog signaling pathway via the PTCH1-SMO-GLI axis. The Hedgehog signaling pathway is a promising new potential therapeutic target to alleviate airway tissue remodeling in patients with allergic airways disease.
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11
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Rowton M, Perez-Cervantes C, Hur S, Jacobs-Li J, Lu E, Deng N, Guzzetta A, Hoffmann AD, Stocker M, Steimle JD, Lazarevic S, Oubaha S, Yang XH, Kim C, Yu S, Eckart H, Koska M, Hanson E, Chan SSK, Garry DJ, Kyba M, Basu A, Ikegami K, Pott S, Moskowitz IP. Hedgehog signaling activates a mammalian heterochronic gene regulatory network controlling differentiation timing across lineages. Dev Cell 2022; 57:2181-2203.e9. [PMID: 36108627 PMCID: PMC10506397 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2022.08.009] [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: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Many developmental signaling pathways have been implicated in lineage-specific differentiation; however, mechanisms that explicitly control differentiation timing remain poorly defined in mammals. We report that murine Hedgehog signaling is a heterochronic pathway that determines the timing of progenitor differentiation. Hedgehog activity was necessary to prevent premature differentiation of second heart field (SHF) cardiac progenitors in mouse embryos, and the Hedgehog transcription factor GLI1 was sufficient to delay differentiation of cardiac progenitors in vitro. GLI1 directly activated a de novo progenitor-specific network in vitro, akin to that of SHF progenitors in vivo, which prevented the onset of the cardiac differentiation program. A Hedgehog signaling-dependent active-to-repressive GLI transition functioned as a differentiation timer, restricting the progenitor network to the SHF. GLI1 expression was associated with progenitor status across germ layers, and it delayed the differentiation of neural progenitors in vitro, suggesting a broad role for Hedgehog signaling as a heterochronic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Rowton
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Carlos Perez-Cervantes
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Suzy Hur
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jessica Jacobs-Li
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Emery Lu
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nikita Deng
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alexander Guzzetta
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Andrew D Hoffmann
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Matthew Stocker
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Steimle
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sonja Lazarevic
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sophie Oubaha
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Xinan H Yang
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chul Kim
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Shuhan Yu
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Heather Eckart
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mervenaz Koska
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Erika Hanson
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sunny S K Chan
- Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Daniel J Garry
- Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Michael Kyba
- Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Anindita Basu
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kohta Ikegami
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sebastian Pott
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ivan P Moskowitz
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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12
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Machado ER, van de Vlekkert D, Sheppard HS, Perry S, Downing SM, Laxton J, Ashmun R, Finkelstein DB, Neale GA, Hu H, Harwood FC, Koo SC, Grosveld GC, d'Azzo A. Haploinsufficiency of the lysosomal sialidase NEU1 results in a model of pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma in mice. Commun Biol 2022; 5:992. [PMID: 36127469 PMCID: PMC9489700 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03968-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma, the most common pediatric sarcoma, has no effective treatment for the pleomorphic subtype. Still, what triggers transformation into this aggressive phenotype remains poorly understood. Here we used Ptch1+/-/ETV7TG/+/- mice with enhanced incidence of rhabdomyosarcoma to generate a model of pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma driven by haploinsufficiency of the lysosomal sialidase neuraminidase 1. These tumors share mostly features of embryonal and some of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. Mechanistically, we show that the transforming pathway is increased lysosomal exocytosis downstream of reduced neuraminidase 1, exemplified by the redistribution of the lysosomal associated membrane protein 1 at the plasma membrane of tumor and stromal cells. Here we exploit this unique feature for single cell analysis and define heterogeneous populations of exocytic, only partially differentiated cells that force tumors to pleomorphism and promote a fibrotic microenvironment. These data together with the identification of an adipogenic signature shared by human rhabdomyosarcoma, and likely fueling the tumor's metabolism, make this model of pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma ideal for diagnostic and therapeutic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eda R Machado
- Department of Genetics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | | | - Heather S Sheppard
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Scott Perry
- Flow Cytometry Core Facility, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Susanna M Downing
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Jonathan Laxton
- Flow Cytometry Core Facility, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Richard Ashmun
- Flow Cytometry Core Facility, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - David B Finkelstein
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Geoffrey A Neale
- Hartwell Center for Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Huimin Hu
- Department of Genetics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Frank C Harwood
- Department of Genetics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Selene C Koo
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Gerard C Grosveld
- Department of Genetics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA.
| | - Alessandra d'Azzo
- Department of Genetics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA.
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13
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Feng L, Pérez-Sánchez H, Bai Q. Studying noncovalent or covalent bond problem between smoothened and cholesterol by molecular dynamics simulation and Markov state model. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2022; 24:19564-19575. [PMID: 35942902 DOI: 10.1039/d2cp01453j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Smoothened (SMO) is an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment and prevention of several malignant tumors of the nervous system. The crystal structure of SMO shows cholesterol interacts with residue Asp95 via the noncovalent bond. However, some studies indicate that cholesterol covalently binds to residue Asp95 of SMO. To study these contradictory results, we performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and Markov state model (MSM) on SMO in complex with noncovalent-bound and covalent-bound cholesterol. The MD simulated results showed that the noncovalent-bound cholesterol was extremely unstable around the position of residue Asp95 of SMO, while the covalent-bound cholesterol could keep the stable connection with residue Asp95 of SMO. The free energy landscape showed that noncovalent-bound cholesterol had more deep energy wells than covalent-bound cholesterol when it dynamically interacted with the extracellular domain of SMO crystal structure. The MSM results showed the noncovalent-bound cholesterol had more dynamic configuration transformation pathways than the covalent-bound cholesterol. These results theoretically revealed cholesterol should have a covalent bond with residue Asp95 if cholesterol could be stable in the near position of residue Asp95 of SMO. Our studies not only elucidate the covalent binding contradictory issue between cholesterol and residue Asp95 of SMO, but also supply helpful information for antagonists design of SMO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liya Feng
- Key Lab of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, P. R. China
| | - Horacio Pérez-Sánchez
- Structural Bioinformatics and High Performance Computing Research Group (BIO-HPC), Computer Engineering Department, UCAM Universidad Católica de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Qifeng Bai
- Key Lab of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, P. R. China
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14
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Sahoo OS, Pethusamy K, Srivastava TP, Talukdar J, Alqahtani MS, Abbas M, Dhar R, Karmakar S. The metabolic addiction of cancer stem cells. Front Oncol 2022; 12:955892. [PMID: 35957877 PMCID: PMC9357939 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.955892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSC) are the minor population of cancer originating cells that have the capacity of self-renewal, differentiation, and tumorigenicity (when transplanted into an immunocompromised animal). These low-copy number cell populations are believed to be resistant to conventional chemo and radiotherapy. It was reported that metabolic adaptation of these elusive cell populations is to a large extent responsible for their survival and distant metastasis. Warburg effect is a hallmark of most cancer in which the cancer cells prefer to metabolize glucose anaerobically, even under normoxic conditions. Warburg's aerobic glycolysis produces ATP efficiently promoting cell proliferation by reprogramming metabolism to increase glucose uptake and stimulating lactate production. This metabolic adaptation also seems to contribute to chemoresistance and immune evasion, a prerequisite for cancer cell survival and proliferation. Though we know a lot about metabolic fine-tuning in cancer, what is still in shadow is the identity of upstream regulators that orchestrates this process. Epigenetic modification of key metabolic enzymes seems to play a decisive role in this. By altering the metabolic flux, cancer cells polarize the biochemical reactions to selectively generate "onco-metabolites" that provide an added advantage for cell proliferation and survival. In this review, we explored the metabolic-epigenetic circuity in relation to cancer growth and proliferation and establish the fact how cancer cells may be addicted to specific metabolic pathways to meet their needs. Interestingly, even the immune system is re-calibrated to adapt to this altered scenario. Knowing the details is crucial for selective targeting of cancer stem cells by choking the rate-limiting stems and crucial branch points, preventing the formation of onco-metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Om Saswat Sahoo
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of technology, Durgapur, India
| | - Karthikeyan Pethusamy
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Joyeeta Talukdar
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Mohammed S. Alqahtani
- Radiological Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- BioImaging Unit, Space Research Centre, Michael Atiyah Building, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Mohamed Abbas
- Electrical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- Computers and communications Department, College of Engineering, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Ruby Dhar
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Subhradip Karmakar
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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15
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Peng W, Wu P, Yuan M, Yuan B, Zhu L, Zhou J, Li Q. Potential Molecular Mechanisms of Recurrent and Progressive Meningiomas: A Review of the Latest Literature. Front Oncol 2022; 12:850463. [PMID: 35712491 PMCID: PMC9196588 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.850463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Meningiomas, the most frequent primary intracranial tumors of the central nervous system in adults, originate from the meninges and meningeal spaces. Surgical resection and adjuvant radiation are considered the preferred treatment options. Although most meningiomas are benign and slow-growing, some patients suffer from tumor recurrence and disease progression, eventually resulting in poorer clinical outcomes, including malignant transformation and death. It is thus crucial to identify these “high-risk” tumors early; this requires an in-depth understanding of the molecular and genetic alterations, thereby providing a theoretical foundation for establishing personalized and precise treatment in the future. Here, we review the most up-to-date knowledge of the cellular biological alterations involved in the progression of meningiomas, including cell proliferation, neo-angiogenesis, inhibition of apoptosis, and immunogenicity. Focused genetic alterations, including chromosomal abnormalities and DNA methylation patterns, are summarized and discussed in detail. We also present latest therapeutic targets and clinical trials for meningiomas' treatment. A further understanding of cellular biological and genetic alterations will provide new prospects for the accurate screening and treatment of recurrent and progressive meningiomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Peng
- Department of Pediatrics, Army Medical Center, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Pei Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Minghao Yuan
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bo Yuan
- Department of Nephrology, The Dazu District People's Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Lian Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, Army Medical Center, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiesong Zhou
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Changhai Hospital Affiliated to Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Army Medical Center, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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16
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Gambini D, Passoni E, Nazzaro G, Beltramini G, Tomasello G, Ghidini M, Kuhn E, Garrone O. Basal Cell Carcinoma and Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitors: Focus on Immune Response. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:893063. [PMID: 35775005 PMCID: PMC9237470 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.893063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer, affecting more often elderly patients, but sometimes even younger ones, particularly if immunocompromised or genetically predisposed. Specifically, the Gorlin-Goltz syndrome, an autosomal dominant genodermatosis, also known as nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome, characterizes for multiple early onset BCCs. It is caused by a germline mutation in PTCH1, a tumor suppressor gene whose product is the key component of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway, which also appears somatically mutated in more than 85% of sporadic BCCs. Hh pathway inhibitors vismodegib and sonidegib are currently indicated for BCC, in adults with advanced or recurred tumor following surgery or radiation therapy. The principal mechanism of action of these drugs is the inhibition of Smoothened (SMO), a transmembrane protein involved in Hh signal transduction, that plays a role in both cellular differentiation and cancer development. Some studies have reported effects of Hh pathway inhibitors at different levels of the immune response, from cytotoxic T cells to a modified local cytokines pattern. Given the specific relation between immune system and BCC development in some conditions, we will review BCC with focus on immune system changes mediated by Hh signaling pathway and induced by the inhibitors vismodegib and sonidegib in the treatment of BCC. Thus, we will give an overview of their effects on the local immune response, as well as a brief note on the supposed function of Hh pathway inhibition on the systemic one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Gambini
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Donatella Gambini
| | - Emanuela Passoni
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Nazzaro
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giada Beltramini
- Maxillofacial Surgery and Odontostomatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical, and Dental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Tomasello
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Ghidini
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Kuhn
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical, and Dental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Elisabetta Kuhn
| | - Ornella Garrone
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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17
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Wilson M, Johnson RP, Senft SC, Pan EY, Krakowski AC. Advanced basal cell carcinoma: What dermatologists need to know about treatment. J Am Acad Dermatol 2022; 86:S14-S24. [PMID: 35577406 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2022.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The treatment of advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC) often requires therapies beyond local surgical excision or radiation due to the invasiveness of the tumor. Historically, cytotoxic chemotherapy was used to treat advanced BCC, but with limited data, no standard regimens were established. The discovery of cyclopamine, a natural inhibitor in the Hedgehog pathway, led to the development of the 2 currently approved Hedgehog inhibitors, vismodegib and sonidegib. Both agents are indicated for locally advanced BCC, while vismodegib is also indicated for metastatic BCC. In patients who progress on hedgehog inhibitors or cannot tolerate hedgehog inhibitors, the programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitor cemiplimab can be used to treat locally advanced or metastatic disease. Complex cases of locally advanced or metastatic BCC may be best discussed through a multidisciplinary approach in order to determine the optimal treatment approach for the individual patient.
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18
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Kandel N, Wang C. Hedgehog Autoprocessing: From Structural Mechanisms to Drug Discovery. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:900560. [PMID: 35669560 PMCID: PMC9163320 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.900560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling plays pivotal roles in embryonic development. In adults, Hh signaling is mostly turned off but its abnormal activation is involved in many types of cancer. Hh signaling is initiated by the Hh ligand, generated from the Hh precursor by a specialized autocatalytic process called Hh autoprocessing. The Hh precursor consists of an N-terminal signaling domain (HhN) and a C-terminal autoprocessing domain (HhC). During Hh autoprocessing, the precursor is cleaved between N- and C-terminal domain followed by the covalent ligation of cholesterol to the last residue of HhN, which subsequently leads to the generation of Hh ligand for Hh signaling. Hh autoprocessing is at the origin of canonical Hh signaling and precedes all downstream signaling events. Mutations in the catalytic residues in HhC can lead to congenital defects such as holoprosencephaly (HPE). The aim of this review is to provide an in-depth summary of the progresses and challenges towards an atomic level understanding of the structural mechanisms of Hh autoprocessing. We also discuss drug discovery efforts to inhibit Hh autoprocessing as a new direction in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabin Kandel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
| | - Chunyu Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Chunyu Wang,
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19
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Bose C, Das U, Kuilya TK, Mondal J, Bhadra J, Banerjee P, Goswami RK, Sinha S. Cananginone Abrogates EMT in Breast Cancer Cells through Hedgehog Signaling. Chem Biodivers 2022; 19:e202100823. [PMID: 35298074 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202100823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cananginones, a family of linear acetogenins found as secondary metabolites in the plant kingdom, show cytotoxicity against several types of cancer cells. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of cananginone and its mechanism as an anti-cancer agent. Our initial screening of Cananginone against HepG2, PC3, A549, and MCF7 cells showed anti-cancer activities and is more potent against MCF7 cells, consistent with the previous report. Next, cell-based assays have revealed that cananginone abrogates cancer stem cell renewal as well as Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and increased the ROS level beyond the threshold level thus reducing the viability of cancer cells. In the connection of Hh-Gli to EMT, our study indicated that cananginone inhibits Gli1 in a non-canonical pathway. Presumably, this is the first report on the inhibitory activity of cananginone in the Hh pathway and is different from Hh-antagonists cyclopamine and GANT 61 considering the mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra Bose
- School of Applied and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Ujjal Das
- School of Applied and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Tapan Kumar Kuilya
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Joyanta Mondal
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Jhuma Bhadra
- School of Applied and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Priyanjalee Banerjee
- School of Applied and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Rajib Kumar Goswami
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Surajit Sinha
- School of Applied and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata, 700032, India
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20
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Pellerino A, Bruno F, Palmiero R, Pronello E, Bertero L, Soffietti R, Rudà R. Clinical Significance of Molecular Alterations and Systemic Therapy for Meningiomas: Where Do We Stand? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092256. [PMID: 35565385 PMCID: PMC9100910 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Meningiomas are the most frequent intracranial tumors and comprise a heterogeneous spectrum of diseases, ranging from small, asymptomatic tumors that do not need treatment to large, symptomatic ones causing seizures or neurological deficits that require surgery and/or radiotherapy. Systemic therapy is reserved for progressive or recurrent meningiomas when surgery and/or radiotherapy options have been exhausted, with only modest activity in terms of disease control and survival. Novel molecular alterations are correlated with grading, location, and prognosis of meningiomas. Moreover, some of these driver alterations regulate meningioma growth and progression and may be targeted by specific drugs that are under investigation in clinical trials. Lastly, the microenvironment surrounding meningiomas may also contribute to regulating tumor growth: in particular, PD-L1 and/or M2 macrophage expression may represent a target for immunotherapy. Abstract Meningiomas are common intracranial tumors that can be treated successfully in most cases with surgical resection and/or adjuvant radiotherapy. However, approximately 20% of patients show an aggressive clinical course with tumor recurrence or progressive disease, resulting in significant morbidity and increased mortality. Despite several studies that have investigated different cytotoxic agents in aggressive meningiomas in the past several years, limited evidence of efficacy and clinical benefit has been reported thus far. Novel molecular alterations have been linked to a particular clinicopathological phenotype and have been correlated with grading, location, and prognosis of meningiomas. In this regard, SMO, AKT, and PIK3CA mutations are typical of anterior skull base meningiomas, whereas KLF4 mutations are specific for secretory histology, and BAP1 alterations are common in progressive rhabdoid meningiomas. Alterations in TERT, DMD, and BAP1 correlate with poor outcomes. Moreover, some actionable mutations, including SMO, AKT1, and PIK3CA, regulate meningioma growth and are under investigation in clinical trials. PD-L1 and/or M2 macrophage expression in the microenvironment provides evidence for the investigation of immunotherapy in progressive meningiomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Pellerino
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department Neuroscience, University and City of Health and Science Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy; (A.P.); (F.B.); (R.P.); (R.R.)
| | - Francesco Bruno
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department Neuroscience, University and City of Health and Science Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy; (A.P.); (F.B.); (R.P.); (R.R.)
| | - Rosa Palmiero
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department Neuroscience, University and City of Health and Science Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy; (A.P.); (F.B.); (R.P.); (R.R.)
| | - Edoardo Pronello
- Department of Neurology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy;
| | - Luca Bertero
- Pathology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University and City of Health and Science Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Riccardo Soffietti
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department Neuroscience, University and City of Health and Science Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy; (A.P.); (F.B.); (R.P.); (R.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-011-6334904
| | - Roberta Rudà
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department Neuroscience, University and City of Health and Science Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy; (A.P.); (F.B.); (R.P.); (R.R.)
- Department of Neurology, Castelfranco Veneto and Treviso Hospital, 31100 Treviso, Italy
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21
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Hassan Nazmy M, Ahmed Mekheimer R, Shoman ME, Abo-Elsebaa M, Abd-Elmonem M, Usef Sadek K. Controlled microwave-assisted reactions: A facile synthesis of polyfunctionally substituted phthalazines as dual EGFR and PI3K inhibitors in CNS SNB-75 cell line. Bioorg Chem 2022; 122:105740. [PMID: 35298961 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.105740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Brain tumors are stubborn cancers with poor prognosis and disappointing survival rates. Targeted cancer therapeutics with higher efficacy and lower resistance are highly demanded. An efficient one-pot synthesis of polyfunctionalized phthalazines derivatives was developed by reacting ethyl 1-aryl-5-cyano-1,6-dihydro-4-methyl-6-oxo-3-pyridazine-carboxylates with cinnamonitrile derivatives and the cycloaddition reaction of thieno[3,4-d]pyridazines with activated double or triple bond systems under controlled microwave heating with high yields. The resultant synthesized phthalazines (5a-e, 9 and 13) were tested for their in vitro anti-cancer activities by using in vitro one dose assay at National Cancer institute, USA. Only phthalazine (5b) showed broad spectrum anti-tumor activity against most tested cancer cell lines from all subpanels with mean % GI = 22.61. Interestingly, all tested compounds showed varying growth inhibitory activity against a particular cell line, CNS SNB-75 cell line, but (5b) exhibited the highest growth inhibitory activity against CNS-SNB-75 cell line with (GI% = 108.81) and (IC50 = 3.703 ± 0.2) compared to erlotinib; (IC50 = 12.5 ± 0.68). It caused Pre-G1 apoptosis and growth arrest at S phase. It also increased percentage of the total apoptotic cells in CNS-SNB-75 cell line (39.26%) compared to control cells (2.17%) in the annexin V-FITC experiment. It revealed pronounced EGFR inhibitory activity (IC50 = 47.27 ± 2.41 ng/mL) compared to erlotinib (IC50 = 30.7 ± 1.56 ng/mL). It also inhibited the different PI3K isoforms α, β, γ and δ (with IC50 of 4.39, 13.6, 12.5 and 3.11 μg/mL, respectively compared to LY294002 (with IC50 of 12.7, 8.57, 6.89 and 5.7 μg/mL, respectively). It also caused significant lower protein expression levels of pPI3K, AKT, pAKT and Bcl2 and higher protein expression levels of BAX, Casp3 and Casp9 when compared to untreated cells. Conclusion: Phthalazine (5b) may be an effective, convenient and safe anti-cancer agent acting via proapoptotic and dual EGFR and PI3K kinase inhibitory actions in CNS SNB-75 cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maiiada Hassan Nazmy
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia 61519, Egypt.
| | | | - Mai E Shoman
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia 61519, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Abo-Elsebaa
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, Minia 61519, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Abd-Elmonem
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, Minia 61519, Egypt
| | - Kamal Usef Sadek
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, Minia 61519, Egypt
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22
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Garg C, khan H, Kaur A, Singh TG, Sharma VK, Singh SK. Therapeutic Implications of Sonic Hedgehog Pathway in Metabolic Disorders: Novel Target for Effective Treatment. Pharmacol Res 2022; 179:106194. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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23
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Hedgehog signaling underlying tendon and enthesis development and pathology. Matrix Biol 2022; 105:87-103. [PMID: 34954379 PMCID: PMC8821161 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling has been widely acknowledged to play essential roles in many developmental processes, including endochondral ossification and growth plate maintenance. Furthermore, a rising number of studies have shown that Hh signaling is necessary for tendon enthesis development. Specifically, the well-tuned regulation of Hh signaling during development drives the formation of a mineral gradient across the tendon enthesis fibrocartilage. However, aberrant Hh signaling can also lead to pathologic heterotopic ossification in tendon or osteophyte formation at the enthesis. Therefore, the therapeutic potential of Hh signaling modulation for treating tendon and enthesis diseases remains uncertain. For example, increased Hh signaling may enhance tendon-to-bone healing by promoting the formation of mineralized fibrocartilage at the healing interface, but pathologic heterotopic ossification may also be triggered in the adjacent tendon. Further work is needed to elucidate the distinct functions of Hh signaling in the tendon and enthesis to support the development of therapies that target the pathway.
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24
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Evaluation of Hedgehog Pathway Inhibition on Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome Fibroblasts and Basal Cell Carcinoma-Associated Fibroblasts: Are Vismodegib and Sonidegib Useful to Target Cancer-Prone Fibroblasts? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225858. [PMID: 34831015 PMCID: PMC8616531 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Activating mutations in the Hh pathway underlies the development of sporadic and familial skin BCC. For these oncogenic proliferations displaying ligand-independent activation of the intracellular pathway, two molecules have been approved for therapeutic purposes: vismodegib and sonidegib. Improper Hh signalling occurs in many human tumours also via a paracrine mechanism (ligand-dependent) in which the secretion of Hh ligands by stromal cells support tumour growth. On the other hand, the mobilization of neoplastic stroma by cancer cells is sustained by the activation of Hh signalling in surrounding fibroblasts suggesting a central role of this bidirectional crosstalk in carcinogenesis. Additionally, loss-of-function mutations in the PTCH1 gene in the context of NBCCS, an autosomal dominant disorder predisposing to multiple BCCs, determine tumour permissive phenotypes in dermal fibroblasts. Here, profiling syndromic and BCC-associated fibroblasts unveiled an extraordinary similarity characterized by overexpression of several Hh target genes and a marked pro-inflammatory outline. Both cell types exposed to Hh inhibitors displayed reversion of the tumour-prone phenotype. Under vismodegib and sonidegib treatment, the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, frequently over-active in tumour stroma, resulted down-regulated by pAKT-GSK3β axis and consequent increase of β-catenin turnover. Overall, this study demonstrated that vismodegib and sonidegib impacting on fibroblast tumour supportive functions might be considered in therapy for BCC independently to the mutation status of Hh components in neoplastic cells.
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25
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Pan J, Ho M. Role of glypican-1 in regulating multiple cellular signaling pathways. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2021; 321:C846-C858. [PMID: 34550795 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00290.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Glypican-1 (GPC1) is one of the six glypican family members in humans. It is composed of a core protein with three heparan sulfate chains and attached to the cell membrane by a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol anchor. GPC1 modulates various signaling pathways including fibroblast growth factors (FGF), vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), Wnt, Hedgehog (Hh), and bone morphogenic protein (BMP) through specific interactions with pathway ligands and receptors. The impact of these interactions on signaling pathways, activating or inhibitory, is dependent upon specific GPC1 domain interaction with pathway components, as well as cell surface context. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the structure of GPC1, as well as its role in regulating multiple signaling pathways. We focus on the functions of GPC1 in cancer cells and how new insights into these signaling processes can inform its translational potential as a therapeutic target in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Pan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.,School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mitchell Ho
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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26
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The Role of the Hedgehog Pathway in Cholangiocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194774. [PMID: 34638259 PMCID: PMC8507550 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is one of the most refractory malignancies with a high mortality rate. Among all the pathways involved in CCA development, emerging evidence highlights Hedgehog (HH) signaling as a substantial player in CCA-genesis and development. The pro-tumoral function of HH provides potential therapeutic implications, and recently the use of HH inhibitors has paved the way for clinical application in various solid tumors. Targeting HH members, namely Hedgehog ligands, SMO transmembrane protein and GLI transcription factors may thus confer therapeutic options for the improvement of CCA treatment outcome. Abstract Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a poorly treatable type of cancer and, along with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the predominant type of primitive liver cancer in adults. The lack of understanding of CCA biology has slowed down the identification of novel targets and the development of effective treatments. While tumors share some general characteristics, detailed knowledge of specific features is essential for the development of effectively tailored therapeutic approaches. The Hedgehog (HH) signaling cascade regulates stemness biology, embryonal development, tissue homeostasis, and cell proliferation and differentiation. Its aberrant activation has been associated with a variety of solid and hematological human malignancies. Several HH-inhibiting compounds have been indeed developed as potential anticancer agents in different types of tumors, with Smoothened and GLI inhibitors showing the most promising results. Beside its well-established function in other tumors, findings regarding the HH signaling in CCA are still controversial. Here we will give an overview of the most important clinical and molecular features of cholangiocarcinoma, and we will discuss the available evidence of the crosstalk between the HH signaling pathway and the cholangiocarcinoma cell biology.
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27
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Patil VM, Masand N, Verma S, Masand V. Chromones: Privileged scaffold in anticancer drug discovery. Chem Biol Drug Des 2021; 98:943-953. [PMID: 34519163 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In the design and discovery of anticancer drugs, various natural heterocyclic scaffolds have attracted considerable interest as privileged structures. For rational drug design, some of the natural scaffolds such as chromones have exhibited wide acceptability due to their drug-like properties. Among the approved anticancer drugs, the scaffolds with high selectivity for a small group of closely related targets are of importance. In the development of selective anticancer agents, the natural, as well as synthetic, can generate highly selective compounds toward cancer targets. The present manuscript includes more particularly the development of cancer inhibitors incorporating the chromone scaffold, with a strong emphasis on their molecular interactions in the anticancer mechanism. It also includes the structure-activity relationship studies and related examples of lead optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaishali M Patil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, KIET School of Pharmacy, KIET Group of Institutions, Delhi-NCR, Ghaziabad, India
| | - Neeraj Masand
- Department of Pharmacy, Lala Lajpat Rai Memorial Medical College, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Saroj Verma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, SGT University, Gurugram, Haryana, India
| | - Vijay Masand
- Department of Chemistry, Vidya Bharati College, Amravati, Maharashtra, India
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28
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Aberrant activation of the Hedgehog signalling pathway in squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva as a potential target for cancer therapy. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17665. [PMID: 34480080 PMCID: PMC8417215 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96940-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In a previous study, we showed that the Hedgehog (Hh) signalling pathway is aberrantly activated in vulval squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC). In this study, we further validated our findings on a prospective cohort of primary VSCC cases, where immunohistochemical staining confirmed that key Hh pathway components were overexpressed in VSCC compared to normal vulval epithelium. We also undertook a series of in vitro studies to determine the extent of Hh pathway activation in VSCC-derived cell lines, and examine the consequences of pathway inhibition on the growth of these cells. We found that of six cell lines tested, four displayed elevated baseline Hh pathway activity that was dependent on SHH ligand, or in one case, a PTCH1 gene mutation. Hh signalling appeared necessary to sustain cell growth, as SHH ligand depletion with Robotikinin or SMO inhibition, either with chemical inhibitors (Itraconazole or LDE-225) or SMO-specific siRNA, attenuated GLI1 activity and cell proliferation in both monolayer and organotypic raft culture. Furthermore, treatment of Hh-dependent cell lines with SMO inhibitors sensitised cells to Cisplatin. Findings from our study offer us the opportunity to explore further the development of targeted chemotherapy for women with VSCC driven by aberrant Hh activation.
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Jo E, Jang HJ, Shen L, Yang KE, Jang MS, Huh YH, Yoo HS, Park J, Jang IS, Park SJ. Cordyceps militaris Exerts Anticancer Effect on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer by Inhibiting Hedgehog Signaling via Suppression of TCTN3. Integr Cancer Ther 2021; 19:1534735420923756. [PMID: 32456485 PMCID: PMC7265736 DOI: 10.1177/1534735420923756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effect of Cordyceps
militaris extract on the proliferation and apoptosis of non–small
cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and determine the underlying mechanisms. We
performed a CCK-8 assay to detect cell proliferation, detection of morphological
changes through transmission electron microscopy (TEM), annexin V–FITC/PI double
staining to analyze apoptosis, and immunoblotting to measure the protein
expression of apoptosis and hedgehog signaling–related proteins, with C
militaris treated NSCLC cells. In this study, we first found that
C militaris reduced the viability and induced morphological
disruption in NSCLC cells. The gene expression profiles indicated a
reprogramming pattern of genes and transcription factors associated with the
action of TCTN3 on NSCLC cells. We also confirmed that the C
militaris–induced inhibition of TCTN3 expression affected the
hedgehog signaling pathway. Immunoblotting indicated that C
militaris–mediated TCTN3 downregulation induced apoptosis in NSCLC
cells, involved in the serial activation of caspases. Moreover, we demonstrated
that the C militaris negatively modulated GLI1 transcriptional
activity by suppressing SMO/PTCH1 signaling, which affects the intrinsic
apoptotic pathway. When hedgehog binds to the PTCH1, SMO dissociates from PTCH1
inhibition at cilia. As a result, the active GLI1 translocates to the nucleus.
C militaris clearly suppressed GLI1 nuclear translocation,
leading to Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL down-regulation. These results suggested that
C militaris induced NSCLC cell apoptosis, possibly through
the downregulation of SMO/PTCH1 signaling and GLI1 activation via inhibition of
TCTN3. Taken together, our findings provide new insights into the treatment of
NSCLC using C militaris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunbi Jo
- Korea Basic Science Institute, Daejeon,
Republic of Korea
- Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of
Korea
| | - Hyun-Jin Jang
- Korea Basic Science Institute, Daejeon,
Republic of Korea
- Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic
of Korea
| | - Lei Shen
- Wonkwang University, Iksan, Republic of
Korea
| | | | | | - Yang Hoon Huh
- Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju,
Republic of Korea
| | | | | | - Ik Soon Jang
- Korea Basic Science Institute, Daejeon,
Republic of Korea
- University of Science and Technology,
Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Ik Soon Jang, Division of Bioconvergence
Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Gwahangno 113, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon
305-333, Republic of Korea.
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30
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Ceccarelli M, D'Andrea G, Micheli L, Gentile G, Cavallaro S, Merlino G, Papoff G, Tirone F. Tumor Growth in the High Frequency Medulloblastoma Mouse Model Ptch1 +/-/Tis21 KO Has a Specific Activation Signature of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway and Is Counteracted by the PI3K Inhibitor MEN1611. Front Oncol 2021; 11:692053. [PMID: 34395258 PMCID: PMC8362831 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.692053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously generated a mouse model (Ptch1+/−/Tis21KO), which displays high frequency spontaneous medulloblastoma, a pediatric tumor of the cerebellum. Early postnatal cerebellar granule cell precursors (GCPs) of this model show, in consequence of the deletion of Tis21, a defect of the Cxcl3-dependent migration. We asked whether this migration defect, which forces GCPs to remain in the proliferative area at the cerebellar surface, would be the only inducer of their high frequency transformation. In this report we show, by further bioinformatic analysis of our microarray data of Ptch1+/−/Tis21KO GCPs, that, in addition to the migration defect, they show activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, as the mRNA levels of several activators of this pathway (e.g., Lars, Rraga, Dgkq, Pdgfd) are up-regulated, while some inhibitors (e.g. Smg1) are down-regulated. No such change is observed in the Ptch1+/− or Tis21KO background alone, indicating a peculiar synergy between these two genotypes. Thus we investigated, by mRNA and protein analysis, the role of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling in MBs and in nodules from primary Ptch1+/−/Tis21KO MB allografted in the flanks of immunosuppressed mice. Activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is seen in full-blown Ptch1+/−/Tis21KO MBs, relative to Ptch1+/−/Tis21WT MBs. In Ptch1+/−/Tis21KO MBs we observe that the proliferation of neoplastic GCPs increases while apoptosis decreases, in parallel with hyper-phosphorylation of the mTOR target S6, and, to a lower extent, of AKT. In nodules derived from primary Ptch1+/−/Tis21KO MBs, treatment with MEN1611, a novel PI3K inhibitor, causes a dramatic reduction of tumor growth, inhibiting proliferation and, conversely, increasing apoptosis, also of tumor CD15+ stem cells, responsible for long-term relapses. Additionally, the phosphorylation of AKT, S6 and 4EBP1 was significantly inhibited, indicating inactivation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Thus, PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activation contributes to Ptch1+/−/Tis21KO MB development and to high frequency tumorigenesis, observed when the Tis21 gene is down-regulated. MEN1611 could provide a promising therapy for MB, especially for patient with down-regulation of Btg2 (human ortholog of the murine Tis21 gene), which is frequently deregulated in Shh-type MBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Ceccarelli
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio D'Andrea
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Micheli
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Gentile
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Catania, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Cavallaro
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Catania, Italy
| | | | - Giuliana Papoff
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Felice Tirone
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
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31
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Affolter A, Lammert A, Kern J, Scherl C, Rotter N. Precision Medicine Gains Momentum: Novel 3D Models and Stem Cell-Based Approaches in Head and Neck Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:666515. [PMID: 34307351 PMCID: PMC8296983 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.666515] [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: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the current progress in the development of new concepts of precision medicine for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), in particular targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibition (CPI), overall survival rates have not improved during the last decades. This is, on the one hand, caused by the fact that a significant number of patients presents with late stage disease at the time of diagnosis, on the other hand HNSCC frequently develop therapeutic resistance. Distinct intratumoral and intertumoral heterogeneity is one of the strongest features in HNSCC and has hindered both the identification of specific biomarkers and the establishment of targeted therapies for this disease so far. To date, there is a paucity of reliable preclinical models, particularly those that can predict responses to immune CPI, as these models require an intact tumor microenvironment (TME). The "ideal" preclinical cancer model is supposed to take both the TME as well as tumor heterogeneity into account. Although HNSCC patients are frequently studied in clinical trials, there is a lack of reliable prognostic biomarkers allowing a better stratification of individuals who might benefit from new concepts of targeted or immunotherapeutic strategies. Emerging evidence indicates that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are highly tumorigenic. Through the process of stemness, epithelial cells acquire an invasive phenotype contributing to metastasis and recurrence. Specific markers for CSC such as CD133 and CD44 expression and ALDH activity help to identify CSC in HNSCC. For the majority of patients, allocation of treatment regimens is simply based on histological diagnosis and on tumor location and disease staging (clinical risk assessments) rather than on specific or individual tumor biology. Hence there is an urgent need for tools to stratify HNSCC patients and pave the way for personalized therapeutic options. This work reviews the current literature on novel approaches in implementing three-dimensional (3D) HNSCC in vitro and in vivo tumor models in the clinical daily routine. Stem-cell based assays will be particularly discussed. Those models are highly anticipated to serve as a preclinical prediction platform for the evaluation of stable biomarkers and for therapeutic efficacy testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Affolter
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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32
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Wang W, Yan T, Guo W, Niu J, Zhao Z, Sun K, Zhang H, Yu Y, Ren T. Constitutive GLI1 expression in chondrosarcoma is regulated by major vault protein via mTOR/S6K1 signaling cascade. Cell Death Differ 2021; 28:2221-2237. [PMID: 33637972 PMCID: PMC8257592 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-021-00749-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog signaling plays a pivotal role in embryonic pattern formation and diverse aspects of the postnatal biological process. Perturbation of the hedgehog pathway and overexpression of GLI1, a downstream transcription factor in the hedgehog pathway, are highly relevant to several malignancies including chondrosarcoma (CS). We previously found that knocking down expression of GLI1 attenuates the disrupted Indian hedgehog (IHH) signal pathway and suppresses cell survival in human CS cells. However, the underlying mechanisms regulating the expression of GLI1 are still unknown. Here, we demonstrated the implication of GLI1 in SMO-independent pathways in CS cells. A GLI1 binding protein, major vault protein (MVP), was identified using the affinity purification method. MVP promoted the nuclear transport and stabilization of GLI1 by compromising the binding affinity of GLI1 with suppressor of fused homolog (SUFU) and increased GLI1 expression via mTOR/S6K1 signaling cascade. Functionally, knockdown of MVP suppressed cell growth and induced apoptosis. Simultaneous inhibition of MVP and GLI1 strongly inhibits the growth of CS in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, IHC results showed that MVP, GLI1, and P-p70S6K1 were highly expressed and positively correlated with each other in 71 human CS tissues. Overall, our findings revealed a novel regulating mechanism for HH-independent GLI1 expression and provide a rationale for combination therapy in patients with advanced CS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Musculoskeletal Tumor Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Beijing, China
| | - Taiqiang Yan
- Musculoskeletal Tumor Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Beijing, China.
| | - Wei Guo
- Musculoskeletal Tumor Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Beijing, China.
| | - Jianfang Niu
- Musculoskeletal Tumor Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiqing Zhao
- Musculoskeletal Tumor Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Beijing, China
| | - Kunkun Sun
- Department of Pathology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hongliang Zhang
- Musculoskeletal Tumor Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Beijing, China
| | - Yiyang Yu
- Musculoskeletal Tumor Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Ren
- Musculoskeletal Tumor Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Beijing, China
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33
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Sriramulu S, Sun XF, Malayaperumal S, Ganesan H, Zhang H, Ramachandran M, Banerjee A, Pathak S. Emerging Role and Clinicopathological Significance of AEG-1 in Different Cancer Types: A Concise Review. Cells 2021; 10:1497. [PMID: 34203598 PMCID: PMC8232086 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor breakthrough is driven by genetic or epigenetic variations which assist in initiation, migration, invasion and metastasis of tumors. Astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) protein has risen recently as the crucial factor in malignancies and plays a potential role in diverse complex oncogenic signaling cascades. AEG-1 has multiple roles in tumor growth and development and is found to be involved in various signaling pathways of: (i) Ha-ras and PI3K/AKT; (ii) the NF-κB; (iii) the ERK or mitogen-activated protein kinase and Wnt or β-catenin and (iv) the Aurora-A kinase. Recent studies have confirmed that in all the hallmarks of cancers, AEG-1 plays a key functionality including progression, transformation, sustained angiogenesis, evading apoptosis, and invasion and metastasis. Clinical studies have supported that AEG-1 is actively intricated in tumor growth and progression which includes esophageal squamous cell, gastric, colorectal, hepatocellular, gallbladder, breast, prostate and non-small cell lung cancers, as well as renal cell carcinomas, melanoma, glioma, neuroblastoma and osteosarcoma. Existing studies have reported that AEG-1 expression has been induced by Ha-ras through intrication of PI3K/AKT signaling. Conversely, AEG-1 also activates PI3K/AKT pathway and modulates the defined subset of downstream target proteins via crosstalk between the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Hedgehog signaling cascade which further plays a crucial role in metastasis. Thus, AEG-1 may be employed as a biomarker to discern the patients of those who are likely to get aid from AEG-1-targeted medication. AEG-1 may play as an effective target to repress tumor development, occlude metastasis, and magnify the effectiveness of treatments. In this review, we focus on the molecular mechanism of AEG-1 in the process of carcinogenesis and its involvement in regulation of crosstalk between the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Hedgehog signaling. We also highlight the multifaceted functions, expression, clinicopathological significance and molecular inhibitors of AEG-1 in various cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushmitha Sriramulu
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103, India; (S.S.); (S.M.); (H.G.); (M.R.); (A.B.)
| | - Xiao-Feng Sun
- Department of Oncology, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Sarubala Malayaperumal
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103, India; (S.S.); (S.M.); (H.G.); (M.R.); (A.B.)
| | - Harsha Ganesan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103, India; (S.S.); (S.M.); (H.G.); (M.R.); (A.B.)
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Orebro University, SE-701 82 Orebro, Sweden;
| | - Murugesan Ramachandran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103, India; (S.S.); (S.M.); (H.G.); (M.R.); (A.B.)
| | - Antara Banerjee
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103, India; (S.S.); (S.M.); (H.G.); (M.R.); (A.B.)
| | - Surajit Pathak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103, India; (S.S.); (S.M.); (H.G.); (M.R.); (A.B.)
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Núñez-Carpintero I, Petrizzelli M, Zinovyev A, Cirillo D, Valencia A. The multilayer community structure of medulloblastoma. iScience 2021; 24:102365. [PMID: 33889829 PMCID: PMC8050854 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Multilayer networks allow interpreting the molecular basis of diseases, which is particularly challenging in rare diseases where the number of cases is small compared with the size of the associated multi-omics datasets. In this work, we develop a dimensionality reduction methodology to identify the minimal set of genes that characterize disease subgroups based on their persistent association in multilayer network communities. We use this approach to the study of medulloblastoma, a childhood brain tumor, using proteogenomic data. Our approach is able to recapitulate known medulloblastoma subgroups (accuracy >94%) and provide a clear characterization of gene associations, with the downstream implications for diagnosis and therapeutic interventions. We verified the general applicability of our method on an independent medulloblastoma dataset (accuracy >98%). This approach opens the door to a new generation of multilayer network-based methods able to overcome the specific dimensionality limitations of rare disease datasets. The molecular interpretation of rare diseases is a challenging task Multilayer networks allow patient stratification and explainability We identify subgroup-specific genes and multilayer associations in medulloblastoma Multilayer community analysis enables the molecular interpretation of rare diseases
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marianyela Petrizzelli
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
- INSERM, U900, 75005 Paris, France
- MINES ParisTech, PSL Research University, CBIO-Centre for Computational Biology, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Andrei Zinovyev
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
- INSERM, U900, 75005 Paris, France
- MINES ParisTech, PSL Research University, CBIO-Centre for Computational Biology, 75006 Paris, France
- Lobachevsky University, 603000 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Davide Cirillo
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), C/ Jordi Girona 29, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
- Corresponding author
| | - Alfonso Valencia
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), C/ Jordi Girona 29, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
- ICREA - Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 08010, Barcelona, Spain
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Maurya VK, DeMayo FJ, Lydon JP. Illuminating the "Black Box" of Progesterone-Dependent Embryo Implantation Using Engineered Mice. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:640907. [PMID: 33898429 PMCID: PMC8058370 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.640907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Synchrony between progesterone-driven endometrial receptivity and the arrival of a euploid blastocyst is essential for embryo implantation, a prerequisite event in the establishment of a successful pregnancy. Advancement of embryo implantation within the uterus also requires stromal fibroblasts of the endometrium to transform into epithelioid decidual cells, a progesterone-dependent cellular transformation process termed decidualization. Although progesterone is indispensable for these cellular processes, the molecular underpinnings are not fully understood. Because human studies are restricted, much of our fundamental understanding of progesterone signaling in endometrial periimplantation biology comes from in vitro and in vivo experimental systems. In this review, we focus on the tremendous progress attained with the use of engineered mouse models together with high throughput genome-scale analysis in disclosing key signals, pathways and networks that are required for normal endometrial responses to progesterone during the periimplantation period. Many molecular mediators and modifiers of the progesterone response are implicated in cross talk signaling between epithelial and stromal cells of the endometrium, an intercellular communication system that is critical for the ordered spatiotemporal control of embryo invasion within the maternal compartment. Accordingly, derailment of these signaling systems is causally linked with infertility, early embryo miscarriage and gestational complications that symptomatically manifest later in pregnancy. Such aberrant progesterone molecular responses also contribute to endometrial pathologies such as endometriosis, endometrial hyperplasia and cancer. Therefore, our review makes the case that further identification and functional analysis of key molecular mediators and modifiers of the endometrial response to progesterone will not only provide much-needed molecular insight into the early endometrial cellular changes that promote pregnancy establishment but lend credible hope for the development of more effective mechanism-based molecular diagnostics and precision therapies in the clinical management of female infertility, subfertility and a subset of gynecological morbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vineet K Maurya
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, United States
| | - John P Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, United States
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Targeting Hedgehog signalling in CD133-positive hepatocellular carcinoma: improving Lenvatinib therapeutic efficiency. Med Oncol 2021; 38:41. [PMID: 33730237 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-021-01487-w] [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: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Lenvatinib has been approved as a first-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in recent years. However, Lenvatinib resistance hinders its therapeutic effect, and the underlying mechanism of action of Lenvatinib needs to be better understood. Increasing studies have suggested that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are an important driving force. Hedgehog signalling is important for the maintenance of hepatocellular carcinoma stemness. In the present study, we investigated the therapeutic role of the Hedgehog signalling inhibitor in reversing Lenvatinib resistance in CD133-positive HCC cells. First, we examined the inhibitory impact of Lenvatinib against CD133 expression in HCC cell lines through Western blot. The CCK8 assay showed that GANT61, a Hedgehog signalling inhibitor, has a suppression advantage over other CSCs-related signalling inhibitors regarding cell viability. Moreover, Lenvatinib and GANT61 combined had better inhibitory effects on cell viability and malignant properties, both in vivo and in vitro. In addition, GANT61 reversed the upregulation of CD133 and Hedgehog signalling caused by Lenvatinib in SK-Hep-1 and MHCC97H. Thus, our results suggested that GANT61 reversed Lenvatinib resistance by suppressing Hedgehog signalling in HCC cells, especially in CD133-positive cells and combining Lenvatinib with Hedgehog signalling inhibitors could improve its therapeutic efficacy in HCC patients with high CD133 expression levels.
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Statins repress hedgehog signaling in medulloblastoma with no bone toxicities. Oncogene 2021; 40:2258-2272. [PMID: 33649536 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01701-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway plays an indispensable role in bone development and genetic activation of the pathway results in medulloblastoma (MB), the most common malignant brain tumor in children. Inhibitors of Hh pathway (such as vismodegib and sonedigib), which are used to treat MB, cause irreversible defects in bone growth in young children. Cholesterol is required for the activation of the Hh pathway, and statins, inhibitors of cholesterol biosynthesis, suppress MB growth by repressing Hh signaling in tumor cells. Here, we investigate the role of cholesterol biosynthesis in the proliferation and Hh signaling in chondrocytes, and examine the bone development in mice after statin treatment. Statins significantly inhibited MB growth in young mice, but caused no defects in bone development. Conditional deletion of NADP steroid dehydrogenase-like (NSDHL), an enzyme necessary for cholesterol biosynthesis, suppressed cholesterol synthesis in chondrocytes, and disrupted the growth plate in mouse femur and tibia, indicating the important function of intracellular cholesterol in bone development. Hh pathway activation and the proliferation of chondrocytes were inhibited by statin treatment in vitro; however, statins did not impair bone growth in vivo due to insufficient penetration into the bone. Our studies reveal a critical role of cholesterol in bone development, and support the utilization of statins for treatment of MB as well as other Hh pathway-associated malignancies.
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Bai JY, Jin B, Ma JB, Liu TJ, Yang C, Chong Y, Wang X, He D, Guo P. HOTAIR and androgen receptor synergistically increase GLI2 transcription to promote tumor angiogenesis and cancer stemness in renal cell carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2021; 498:70-79. [PMID: 33157157 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Tumor angiogenesis is a major characteristic of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Herein, we report a novel mechanism of how lncRNA and androgen receptor (AR) drive the Hedgehog pathway to promote tumor angiogenesis in RCC. We found that the high expression of lncRNA HOTAIR in RCC is associated with poor prognosis. Moreover, HOTAIR and AR form a feedback loop to promote the expression of each other. Interestingly, we also found that in RCC, HOTAIR is associated with the Hedgehog pathway, especially GLI2, via bioinformatics analysis. Furthermore, HOTAIR promotes GLI2 expression in the presence of AR. Mechanistically, HOTAIR interacts with AR and they cooperatively bind to GLI2 promoter and increase its transcription activity. We further confirmed how HOTAIR-AR axis regulates GLI2 expression by analyzing its function in RCC cells and found that HOTAIR and AR synergistically enhanced the expression of GLI2 downstream genes, such as VEGFA, PDGFA, and cancer stem cell transcription factors, and promoted tumor angiogenesis and cancer stemness in RCC cells both in vitro and in tumor xenografts. Overall, these findings suggest that HOTAIR and GLI2 could be novel therapeutic targets against RCC.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Carcinoma, Renal Cell/genetics
- Carcinoma, Renal Cell/pathology
- Cell Line
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/genetics
- HEK293 Cells
- Hedgehog Proteins/genetics
- Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
- Humans
- Kidney Neoplasms/genetics
- Kidney Neoplasms/pathology
- Male
- Mice, Nude
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/pathology
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/genetics
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/pathology
- Nuclear Proteins/genetics
- Platelet-Derived Growth Factor/genetics
- Promoter Regions, Genetic/genetics
- RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics
- Receptors, Androgen/genetics
- Signal Transduction/genetics
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- Transcription, Genetic/genetics
- Zinc Finger Protein Gli2/genetics
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Yu Bai
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ben Jin
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jian-Bin Ma
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tian-Jie Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yue Chong
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xinyang Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Oncology Research Lab, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dalin He
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Oncology Research Lab, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Peng Guo
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Oncology Research Lab, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
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Iriana S, Asha K, Repak M, Sharma-Walia N. Hedgehog Signaling: Implications in Cancers and Viral Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1042. [PMID: 33494284 PMCID: PMC7864517 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway is primarily involved in embryonic gut development, smooth muscle differentiation, cell proliferation, adult tissue homeostasis, tissue repair following injury, and tissue polarity during the development of vertebrate and invertebrate organisms. GLIoma-associated oncogene homolog (GLI) family of zinc-finger transcription factors and smoothened (SMO) are the signal transducers of the SHH pathway. Both SHH ligand-dependent and independent mechanisms activate GLI proteins. Various transcriptional mechanisms, posttranslational modifications (phosphorylation, ubiquitination, proteolytic processing, SUMOylation, and acetylation), and nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling control the activity of SHH signaling pathway proteins. The dysregulated SHH pathway is associated with bone and soft tissue sarcomas, GLIomas, medulloblastomas, leukemias, and tumors of breast, lung, skin, prostate, brain, gastric, and pancreas. While extensively studied in development and sarcomas, GLI family proteins play an essential role in many host-pathogen interactions, including bacterial and viral infections and their associated cancers. Viruses hijack host GLI family transcription factors and their downstream signaling cascades to enhance the viral gene transcription required for replication and pathogenesis. In this review, we discuss a distinct role(s) of GLI proteins in the process of tumorigenesis and host-pathogen interactions in the context of viral infection-associated malignancies and cancers due to other causes. Here, we emphasize the potential of the Hedgehog (HH) pathway targeting as a potential anti-cancer therapeutic approach, which in the future could also be tested in infection-associated fatalities.
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Sonic Hedgehog Signature in Pediatric Primary Bone Tumors: Effects of the GLI Antagonist GANT61 on Ewing's Sarcoma Tumor Growth. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113438. [PMID: 33228057 PMCID: PMC7699338 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The poor clinical outcomes for Osteosarcoma (OS) and Ewing’s sarcoma (ES) patients underscore the urgency of developing novel therapeutic strategies for these pathologies. In this context, the emerging role of Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling in cancer has been critically evaluated, focusing on the potential for targeting SHH signaling as an anticancer strategy. The aims of this work were (1) to highlight and to compare a possible SHH/Gli signature between OS and ES, (2) to strengthen our knowledge concerning the role of EWS-FLI1 in the SHH signature in ES and (3) to evaluate the effect of the specific Gli inhibitor GANT61 in vivo on the growth of ES tumors using an orthotopic mice model. Our work identifies Gli1 as a promising therapeutic target in ES and demonstrates that GANT61, through inhibition of Gli1 transcriptional activity, may be a promising therapeutic strategy hindering ES tumor progression, and specifically primary tumor growth. Abstract Osteosarcoma (OS) and Ewing’s sarcoma (ES) are the most common malignant bone tumors in children and adolescents. In many cases, the prognosis remains very poor. The Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway, strongly involved in the development of many cancers, regulate transcription via the transcriptional factors Gli1-3. In this context, RNAseq analysis of OS and ES cell lines reveals an increase of some major compounds of the SHH signaling cascade in ES cells, such as the transcriptional factor Gli1. This increase leads to an augmentation of the transcriptional response of Gli1 in ES cell lines, demonstrating a dysregulation of Gli1 signaling in ES cells and thus the rationale for targeting Gli1 in ES. The use of a preclinical model of ES demonstrates that GANT61, an inhibitor of the transcriptional factor Gli1, reduces ES primary tumor growth. In vitro experiments show that GANT61 decreases the viability of ES cell, mainly through its ability to induce caspase-3/7-dependent cell apoptosis. Taken together, these results demonstrates that GANT61 may be a promising therapeutic strategy for inhibiting the progression of primary ES tumors.
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Zaib S, Khan I. Synthetic and medicinal chemistry of phthalazines: Recent developments, opportunities and challenges. Bioorg Chem 2020; 105:104425. [PMID: 33157344 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.104425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Fused diaza-heterocycles constitute the core structure of numerous bioactive natural products and effective therapeutic drugs. Among them, phthalazines have been recognized as remarkable structural leads in medicinal chemistry due to their wide application in pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. Accessing such challenging pharmaceutical agents/drug candidates with high chemical complexity through synthetically efficient approaches remains an attractive goal in the contemporary medicinal chemistry and drug discovery arena. In this review, we focus on the recent developments in the synthetic routes towards the generation of phthalazine-based active pharmaceutical ingredients and their biological potential against various targets. The general reaction scope of these innovative and easily accessible strategies was emphasized focusing on the functional group tolerance, substrate and coupling partner compatibility/limitation, the choice of catalyst, and product diversification. These processes were also accompanied by the mechanistic insights where deemed appropriate to demonstrate meaningful information. Moreover, the rapid examination of the structure-activity relationship analyses around the phthalazine core enabled by the pharmacophore replacement/integration revealed the generation of robust, efficient, and more selective compounds with pronounced biological effects. A large variety of in silico methods and ADME profiling tools were also employed to provide a global appraisal of the pharmacokinetics profile of diaza-heterocycles. Thus, the discovery of new structural leads offers the promise of improving treatments for various tropical diseases such as tuberculosis, leishmaniasis, malaria, Chagas disease, among many others including various cancers, atherosclerosis, HIV, inflammatory, and cardiovascular diseases. We hope this review would serve as an informative collection of structurally diverse molecules enabling the generation of mature, high-quality, and innovative routes to support the drug discovery endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumera Zaib
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore 54590, Pakistan
| | - Imtiaz Khan
- Department of Chemistry and Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, United Kingdom.
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Han T, Cheng Z, Xu M, Wang X, Wu J, Fang X. Yes-Associated Protein Contributes to Cell Proliferation and Migration of Gastric Cancer via Activation of Gli1. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:10867-10876. [PMID: 33149604 PMCID: PMC7603417 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s266449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective In the present study, we aimed to explore the potential oncogenic property and the internal mechanism of yes-associated protein (YAP) in gastric cancer (GC). Materials and Methods YAP protein levels were evaluated in human GC tissues and paired normal tissues using immunohistochemistry (IHC). The role of YAP in regulating GC cell proliferation and migration was verified by genetic manipulation in vitro. Western blot analysis was used to determine the molecular signaling to explain the mechanism of the observed YAP effects in GC. Results Nuclear YAP protein expression was upregulated in GC tissues, and high nuclear YAP level was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis (LNM) and tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage in patients suffered from GC. YAP knockdown inhibited GC cell proliferation, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) progress in vitro, whereas YAP elevation did the opposite. YAP regulated glioma-associated oncogene-1 (Gli1) expression independent of smoothened homolog (SMO). YAP modulated protein kinase B (AKT)/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in GC cells. Conclusion YAP enhanced GC cell proliferation and migration potentially via its regulation of Gli1 expression through the non-classical Hedgehog pathway, indicating suppression of YAP/Gli1 signaling axis may highlight a new entry point for combination therapy of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Han
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengwu Cheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241000, People's Republic of China
| | - Menglin Xu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoming Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaosan Fang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241000, People's Republic of China
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Wang B, Liang Z, Liu P. Functional aspects of primary cilium in signaling, assembly and microenvironment in cancer. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:3207-3219. [PMID: 33107052 PMCID: PMC7984063 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The primary cilium is an antennae‐like structure extent outside the cell surface. It has an important role in regulating cell‐signaling transduction to affect proliferation, differentiation and migration. Evidence is accumulating that ciliary defects lead to ciliopathies and ciliary deregulation also play crucial roles in cancer formation and progression. Interestingly, restoring the cilia can suppress proliferation in some cancer cell. However, t he role of primary cilia in cancer still be debated. In this article, we review the role of the primary cilium in cancer through architecture, signaling pathways, cilia assembly and disassembly regulators, and summarized the new findings of the primary cilium in tumor microenvironments and different cancers, highlighting novel possibilities for therapeutic target in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zheyong Liang
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Peijun Liu
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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Lu YB, Sun TJ, Chen YT, Cai ZY, Zhao JY, Miao F, Yang YN, Wang SX. Targeting the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer Stem Cells for a Better Clinical Outcome of Glioma. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2020; 19:1533033820948053. [PMID: 33089751 PMCID: PMC7586027 DOI: 10.1177/1533033820948053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioma is one of the most common malignant tumors of the central nervous system with a poor prognosis at present due to lack of effective treatment options. Its initiation, migration, and multipotency are affected by cancer stem cell’s transition. Previous studies imply that changes in the cancer stem cells can affect the malignant differentiation of the tumor. We found that the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related regulatory pathway is an important target for tumor therapy. In this review, we discuss the transition factor of EMT and 3 specific pathways that affect the EMT of cancer stem cells during tumor development. We conclude that targeting the EMT process of cancer stem cells can be a feasible approach in the treatment of glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Bao Lu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.,*Both authors contributed equally to this study and share first authorship
| | - Tian-Jiao Sun
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.,*Both authors contributed equally to this study and share first authorship
| | - Yu-Tong Chen
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Zong-Yan Cai
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Jia-Yu Zhao
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Feng Miao
- Zhangye People's Hospital Affiliated to Hexi University, Zhangye, Gansu, China
| | - Yong-Na Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First People's Hospital of Lanzhou City, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Shi-Xin Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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Little JC, Garcia-Garcia E, Sul A, Kalderon D. Drosophila hedgehog can act as a morphogen in the absence of regulated Ci processing. eLife 2020; 9:61083. [PMID: 33084577 PMCID: PMC7679133 DOI: 10.7554/elife.61083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular Hedgehog (Hh) proteins induce transcriptional changes in target cells by inhibiting the proteolytic processing of full-length Drosophila Ci or mammalian Gli proteins to nuclear transcriptional repressors and by activating the full-length Ci or Gli proteins. We used Ci variants expressed at physiological levels to investigate the contributions of these mechanisms to dose-dependent Hh signaling in Drosophila wing imaginal discs. Ci variants that cannot be processed supported a normal pattern of graded target gene activation and the development of adults with normal wing morphology, when supplemented by constitutive Ci repressor, showing that Hh can signal normally in the absence of regulated processing. The processing-resistant Ci variants were also significantly activated in the absence of Hh by elimination of Cos2, likely acting through binding the CORD domain of Ci, or PKA, revealing separate inhibitory roles of these two components in addition to their well-established roles in promoting Ci processing. Morphogens play a crucial role in determining how cells are organized in developing organisms. These chemical signals act over a wide area, and the amount of signal each cell receives typically initiates a sequence of events that spatially pattern the multiple cells of an organ or tissue. One of the most well-studied groups of morphogens are the hedgehog proteins, which are involved in the development of many animals, ranging from flies to humans. In fruit flies, hedgehog proteins kickstart a cascade of molecular changes that switch on a set of 'target' genes. They do this by ultimately altering the activity of a protein called cubitus interruptus, which comes in two lengths: a long version called Ci-155 and a short version called Ci-75. When hedgehog is absent, Ci-155 is kept in an inactive state in the cytoplasm, where it is slowly converted into its shorter form, Ci-75: this repressor protein is then able to access the nucleus, where it switches ‘off’ the target genes. However, when a hedgehog signal is present, the processing of Ci into its shorter form is inhibited. Instead, Ci-155 becomes activated by a separate mechanism that allows the long form protein to enter the nucleus and switch ‘on’ the target genes. But it was unclear whether hedgehog requires both of these mechanisms in order to act as a morphogen and regulate the activity of developmental genes. To answer this question, Little et al. mutated the gene for Ci in the embryo of fruit flies, so that the Ci-155 protein could no longer be processed into Ci-75. Examining the developing wings of these flies revealed that the genes targeted by hedgehog are still activated in the correct pattern. In some parts of the wing, Ci-75 is required to switch off specific sets of genes. But when Little et al. blocked these genes, by adding a gene that constantly produces the Ci repressor in the presence or absence of hedgehog, the adult flies still developed normally structured wings. This suggests that hedgehog does not need to regulate the processing of Ci-155 into Ci-75 in order to perform its developmental role. Previous work showed that when one of the major mechanisms used by hedgehog to activate Ci-155 is blocked, fruit flies are still able to develop normal wings. Taken together with the findings of Little et al., this suggests that the two mechanisms induced by hedgehog can compensate for each other, and independently regulate the development of the fruit fly wing. These mechanisms, which are also found in humans, have been linked to birth defects and several common types of cancer, and understanding how they work could help the development of new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie C Little
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, United States
| | - Elisa Garcia-Garcia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, United States
| | - Amanda Sul
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, United States
| | - Daniel Kalderon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, United States
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Abe Y, Tanaka N. Fine-Tuning of GLI Activity through Arginine Methylation: Its Mechanisms and Function. Cells 2020; 9:cells9091973. [PMID: 32859041 PMCID: PMC7565022 DOI: 10.3390/cells9091973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The glioma-associated oncogene (GLI) family consists of GLI1, GLI2, and GLI3 in mammals. This family has important roles in development and homeostasis. To achieve these roles, the GLI family has widespread outputs. GLI activity is therefore strictly regulated at multiple levels, including via post-translational modifications for context-dependent GLI target gene expression. The protein arginine methyl transferase (PRMT) family is also associated with embryogenesis, homeostasis, and cancer mainly via epigenetic modifications. In the PRMT family, PRMT1, PRMT5, and PRMT7 reportedly regulate GLI1 and GLI2 activity. PRMT1 methylates GLI1 to upregulate its activity and target gene expression. Cytoplasmic PRMT5 methylates GLI1 and promotes GLI1 protein stabilization. Conversely, nucleic PRMT5 interacts with MENIN to suppress growth arrest-specific protein 1 expression, which assists Hedgehog ligand binding to Patched, indirectly resulting in downregulated GLI1 activity. PRMT7-mediated GLI2 methylation upregulates its activity through the dissociation of GLI2 and Suppressor of Fused. Together, PRMT1, PRMT5, and PRMT7 regulate GLI activity at multiple revels. Furthermore, the GLI and PRMT families have strong links with various cancers through cancer stem cell maintenance. Therefore, PRMT-mediated regulation of GLI activity would have important roles in cancer stem cell maintenance.
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DeMayo FJ, Lydon JP. 90 YEARS OF PROGESTERONE: New insights into progesterone receptor signaling in the endometrium required for embryo implantation. J Mol Endocrinol 2020; 65:T1-T14. [PMID: 31809260 PMCID: PMC7261627 DOI: 10.1530/jme-19-0212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Progesterone's ability to maintain pregnancy in eutherian mammals highlighted this steroid as the 'hormone of pregnancy'. It was the unique 'pro-gestational' bioactivity of progesterone that enabled eventual purification of this ovarian steroid to crystalline form by Willard Myron Allen in the early 1930s. While a functional connection between normal progesterone responses ('progestational proliferation') of the uterus with the maintenance of pregnancy was quickly appreciated, an understanding of progesterone's involvement in the early stages of pregnancy establishment was comparatively less well understood. With the aforementioned as historical backdrop, this review focuses on a selection of key advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which progesterone, through its nuclear receptor (the progesterone receptor), drives the development of endometrial receptivity, a transient uterine state that allows for embryo implantation and the establishment of pregnancy. Highlighted in this review are the significant contributions of advanced mouse engineering and genome-wide transcriptomic and cistromic analytics which reveal the pivotal molecular mediators and modifiers that are essential to progesterone-dependent endometrial receptivity and decidualization. With a clearer understanding of the molecular landscape that underpins uterine responsiveness to progesterone during the periimplantation period, we predict that common gynecologic morbidities due to abnormal progesterone responsiveness will be more effectively diagnosed and/or treated in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco J. DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
| | - John P. Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030
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Kim DH, Lee HS, Mun YH, Koh S, Park JS, Lee SM, Kang NW, Lee MY, Cho CW, Kim DD, Lee JY. An overview of chondrosarcoma with a focus on nanoscale therapeutics. JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL INVESTIGATION 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40005-020-00492-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Minopoli M, Sarno S, Di Carluccio G, Azzaro R, Costantini S, Fazioli F, Gallo M, Apice G, Cannella L, Rea D, Stoppelli MP, Boraschi D, Budillon A, Scotlandi K, De Chiara A, Carriero MV. Inhibiting Monocyte Recruitment to Prevent the Pro-Tumoral Activity of Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Chondrosarcoma. Cells 2020; 9:E1062. [PMID: 32344648 PMCID: PMC7226304 DOI: 10.3390/cells9041062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Chondrosarcomas (CHS) are malignant cartilaginous neoplasms with diverse morphological features, characterized by resistance to chemo- and radiation therapies. In this study, we investigated the role of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM)s in tumor tissues from CHS patients by immunohistochemistry. Three-dimensional organotypic co-cultures were set up in order to evaluate the contribution of primary human CHS cells in driving an M2-like phenotype in monocyte-derived primary macrophages, and the capability of macrophages to promote growth and/or invasiveness of CHS cells. Finally, with an in vivo model of primary CHS cells engrafted in nude mice, we tested the ability of a potent peptide inhibitor of cell migration (Ac-d-Tyr-d-Arg-Aib-d-Arg-NH2, denoted RI-3) to reduce recruitment and infiltration of monocytes into CHS neoplastic lesions. We found a significant correlation between alternatively activated M2 macrophages and intratumor microvessel density in both conventional and dedifferentiated CHS human tissues, suggesting a link between TAM abundance and vascularization in CHS. In 3D and non-contact cu-culture models, soluble factors produced by CHS induced a M2-like phenotype in macrophages that, in turn, increased motility, invasion and matrix spreading of CHS cells. Finally, we present evidence that RI-3 successfully prevent both recruitment and infiltration of monocytes into CHS tissues, in nude mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Minopoli
- Neoplastic Progression Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS ‘Fondazione G. Pascale’, Naples 80131, Italy; (M.M.); (G.D.C.)
| | - Sabrina Sarno
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Gioconda Di Carluccio
- Neoplastic Progression Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS ‘Fondazione G. Pascale’, Naples 80131, Italy; (M.M.); (G.D.C.)
| | - Rosa Azzaro
- Transfusion Medicine Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS ‘Fondazione G. Pascale’, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Susan Costantini
- Experimental Pharmacology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS ‘Fondazione G. Pascale’, 80131 Naples, Italy; (S.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Flavio Fazioli
- Division of Musculoskeletal Surgery, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS ‘Fondazione G. Pascale’, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.F.); (M.G.)
| | - Michele Gallo
- Division of Musculoskeletal Surgery, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS ‘Fondazione G. Pascale’, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.F.); (M.G.)
| | - Gaetano Apice
- Division of Medical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS ‘Fondazione G. Pascale’, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.A.); (L.C.)
| | - Lucia Cannella
- Division of Medical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS ‘Fondazione G. Pascale’, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.A.); (L.C.)
| | - Domenica Rea
- Animal Facility, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS ‘Fondazione G. Pascale’, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | | | - Diana Boraschi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Alfredo Budillon
- Experimental Pharmacology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS ‘Fondazione G. Pascale’, 80131 Naples, Italy; (S.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Katia Scotlandi
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Annarosaria De Chiara
- Pathology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS ‘Fondazione G. Pascale’, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Maria Vincenza Carriero
- Neoplastic Progression Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS ‘Fondazione G. Pascale’, Naples 80131, Italy; (M.M.); (G.D.C.)
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Abstract
In the last few decades, the number of targeted chemotherapies approved for cancer treatment and undergoing clinical trials has risen. In comparison to conventional chemotherapy, targeted therapies (TTs) act on specific molecular targets involved in cancer development and progression, with reduced detrimental effects to normal tissues. TTs have now been recognised as key treatments in a number of common cancers, including solid tumours and haematological malignancies. The number of patients undergoing novel cancer treatment will continue to increase, and a significant population will likely present to the dental environment. This paper aims to provide an insight into TTs currently available, including monoclonal antibodies, fusion proteins, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, histone deacetylase inhibitors, mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors, phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitors, proteasome inhibitors and hedgehog pathway inhibitors. The mechanisms of action, indications for use and how to identify the medications will be summarised. Dental implications of these novel therapies include medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, delayed healing, immunosuppression and thrombocytopenia. These will be discussed to ensure oral healthcare providers are aware of their impact in a dental setting.
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