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Deng Q, Qiang J, Liu C, Ding J, Tu J, He X, Xia J, Peng X, Li S, Chen X, Ma W, Zhang L, Jiang YZ, Shao ZM, Chen C, Liu S, Xu J, Zhang L. SOSTDC1 Nuclear Translocation Facilitates BTIC Maintenance and CHD1-Mediated HR Repair to Promote Tumor Progression and Olaparib Resistance in TNBC. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306860. [PMID: 38864559 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Breast tumor-initiating cells (BTICs) of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) tissues actively repair DNA and are resistant to treatments including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy. Herein, it is found that a previously reported secreted protein, sclerostin domain containing 1 (SOSTDC1), is abundantly expressed in BTICs of TNBC cells and positively correlated with a poor patient prognosis. SOSTDC1 knockdown impairs homologous recombination (HR) repair, BTIC maintenance, and sensitized bulk cells and BTICs to Olaparib. Mechanistically, following Olaparib treatment, SOSTDC1 translocates to the nucleus in an importin-α dependent manner. Nuclear SOSTDC1 interacts with the N-terminus of the nucleoprotein, chromatin helicase DNA-binding factor (CHD1), to promote HR repair and BTIC maintenance. Furthermore, nuclear SOSTDC1 bound to β-transducin repeat-containing protein (β-TrCP) binding motifs of CHD1 is found, thereby blocking the β-TrCP-CHD1 interaction and inhibiting β-TrCP-mediated CHD1 ubiquitination and degradation. Collectively, these findings identify a novel nuclear SOSTDC1 pathway in regulating HR repair and BTIC maintenance, providing insight into the TNBC therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaodan Deng
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Cancer Institutes, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, The International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiankun Qiang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Cancer Institutes, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, The International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Cuicui Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Shanghai Cancer Center and Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Jiajun Ding
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Juchuanli Tu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Cancer Institutes, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, The International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xueyan He
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Cancer Institutes, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, The International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jie Xia
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Cancer Institutes, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, The International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xilei Peng
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Cancer Institutes, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, The International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Siqin Li
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Cancer Institutes, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, The International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xian Chen
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Cancer Institutes, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, The International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wei Ma
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Cancer Institutes, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, The International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Cancer Institutes, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, The International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yi-Zhou Jiang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Shao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ceshi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650201, China
- Academy of Biomedical Engineering & The Third Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650118, China
| | - Suling Liu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Cancer Institutes, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, The International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Jiahui Xu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Cancer Institutes, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, The International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lixing Zhang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Cancer Institutes, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, The International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
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Guan A, Dai Z, Jiang C, Sun J, Yang B, Xie B, Chen Q. PGRMC1 promotes NSCLC stemness phenotypes by disrupting TRIM56-mediated ubiquitination of AHR. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167440. [PMID: 39059592 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167440] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for tumor chemoresistance, and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is indispensable for maintaining CSC characteristics. Here, we aimed to investigate how the interaction between progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1) and AHR contributes to the maintenance of CSC phenotypes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Clinical data and tissue microarray analyses indicated that patients with elevated PGRMC1 expression had poorer prognoses. Moreover, PGRMC1 overexpression enhanced CSC phenotypes and chemotherapy resistance in vitro and in vivo by modulating AHR ubiquitination. We then determined the specific interaction sites between PGRMC1 and AHR. Mass spectrometry screening identified tripartite motif containing 56 (TRIM56) as the E3 ligase targeting AHR. Notably, PGRMC1 overexpression inhibited the interaction between TRIM56 and AHR. Overall, our study revealed a regulatory mechanism that involves PGRMC1, AHR, and TRIM56, providing insights for developing CSC-targeting strategies in NSCLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Guan
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Xiangya Lung Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Ziyu Dai
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Chen Jiang
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Jingyi Sun
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Baishuang Yang
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Bin Xie
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Qiong Chen
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Xiangya Lung Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.
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Li Y, Xie J, Du X, Chen Y, Wang C, Liu T, Yi Z, Wang Y, Zhao M, Li X, Shi S. Oridonin, a small molecule inhibitor of cancer stem cell with potent cytotoxicity and differentiation potential. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 975:176656. [PMID: 38754536 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) drive malignant tumor progression, recurrence, and metastasis with unique characteristics, including self-renewal and resistance to conventional treatments. Conventional differentiation inducers, although promising, have limited cytotoxicity and may inadvertently enhance CSC stemness. To address these challenges, ongoing efforts are dedicated to developing strategies that can effectively combine both cytotoxicity and differentiation-inducing effects. In this study, we introduce oridonin (Ori), a small molecule with dual differentiation-inducing and cytotoxicity properties capable of eliminating tumor CSCs. We isolated CSCs in B16F10 cells using the Hoechst side population method and assessed the differentiation effect of Ori. Ori's differentiation-inducing effect was further evaluated using human acute promyelocytic leukemia. The cytotoxic potential of Ori against MCF-7 and B16F10 cell lines was assessed through various methods. In vivo anti-tumor and anti-CSC efficacy of Ori was investigated using mouse melanoma and CSCs melanoma models. Safety evaluation included zebrafish embryotoxicity and mouse acute toxicity experiments. As a result, Ori effectively dismantles tumorspheres, inhibits proliferation, and reduces the expression of CSC-specific markers. It induces significant differentiation, especially in the case of NB4. Additionally, Ori upregulates TP53 expression, mitigates the hypoxic tumor microenvironment, suppresses stemness, and inhibits PD-L1 expression, prompting a robust anti-cancer immune response. Ori demonstrates pronounced cytotoxicity, inducing notable pro-apoptotic effects on B16F10 and MCF-7 cells, with specific triggering of mitochondrial apoptosis. Importantly, Ori maintains a commendable biosafety record. The dual-action prowess of Ori not only induces the differentiation of CSCs but also dispatches differentiated and residual tumor cells, effectively thwarting the relentless march of tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuke Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinjin Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Du
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Tiantian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhiwen Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Mengnan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaofang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
| | - Sanjun Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
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Guo J, Li L, Chen F, Fu M, Cheng C, Wang M, Hu J, Pei L, Sun J. Forces Bless You: Mechanosensitive Piezo Channels in Gastrointestinal Physiology and Pathology. Biomolecules 2024; 14:804. [PMID: 39062518 PMCID: PMC11274378 DOI: 10.3390/biom14070804] [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: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is an organ actively involved in mechanical processes, where it detects forces via a mechanosensation mechanism. Mechanosensation relies on specialized cells termed mechanoreceptors, which convert mechanical forces into electrochemical signals via mechanosensors. The mechanosensitive Piezo1 and Piezo2 are widely expressed in various mechanosensitive cells that respond to GI mechanical forces by altering transmembrane ionic currents, such as epithelial cells, enterochromaffin cells, and intrinsic and extrinsic enteric neurons. This review highlights recent research advances on mechanosensitive Piezo channels in GI physiology and pathology. Specifically, the latest insights on the role of Piezo channels in the intestinal barrier, GI motility, and intestinal mechanosensation are summarized. Additionally, an overview of Piezo channels in the pathogenesis of GI disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and GI cancers, is provided. Overall, the presence of mechanosensitive Piezo channels offers a promising new perspective for the treatment of various GI disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Guo
- Health and Rehabilitation College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; (J.G.); (C.C.); (M.W.); (J.H.)
| | - Li Li
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, The Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; (L.L.); (F.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Feiyi Chen
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, The Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; (L.L.); (F.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Minhan Fu
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, The Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; (L.L.); (F.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Cheng Cheng
- Health and Rehabilitation College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; (J.G.); (C.C.); (M.W.); (J.H.)
| | - Meizi Wang
- Health and Rehabilitation College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; (J.G.); (C.C.); (M.W.); (J.H.)
| | - Jun Hu
- Health and Rehabilitation College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; (J.G.); (C.C.); (M.W.); (J.H.)
| | - Lixia Pei
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, The Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; (L.L.); (F.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Jianhua Sun
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, The Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China; (L.L.); (F.C.); (M.F.)
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Liu Y, Okesola BO, Osuna de la Peña D, Li W, Lin ML, Trabulo S, Tatari M, Lawlor RT, Scarpa A, Wang W, Knight M, Loessner D, Heeschen C, Mata A, Pearce OMT. A Self-Assembled 3D Model Demonstrates How Stiffness Educates Tumor Cell Phenotypes and Therapy Resistance in Pancreatic Cancer. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2301941. [PMID: 38471128 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301941] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by a dense and stiff extracellular matrix (ECM) associated with tumor progression and therapy resistance. To further the understanding of how stiffening of the tumor microenvironment (TME) contributes to aggressiveness, a three-dimensional (3D) self-assembling hydrogel disease model is developed based on peptide amphiphiles (PAs, PA-E3Y) designed to tailor stiffness. The model displays nanofibrous architectures reminiscent of native TME and enables the study of the invasive behavior of PDAC cells. Enhanced tuneability of stiffness is demonstrated by interacting thermally annealed aqueous solutions of PA-E3Y (PA-E3Yh) with divalent cations to create hydrogels with mechanical properties and ultrastructure similar to native tumor ECM. It is shown that stiffening of PA-E3Yh hydrogels to levels found in PDAC induces ECM deposition, promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), enriches CD133+/CXCR4+ cancer stem cells (CSCs), and subsequently enhances drug resistance. The findings reveal how a stiff 3D environment renders PDAC cells more aggressive and therefore more faithfully recapitulates in vivo tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Babatunde O Okesola
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - David Osuna de la Peña
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Weiqi Li
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Meng-Lay Lin
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Sara Trabulo
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Marianthi Tatari
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Rita T Lawlor
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University of Verona, Verona, 37134, Italy
- ARC-Net, Applied Research on Cancer Centre, University of Verona, Verona, 37134, Italy
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University of Verona, Verona, 37134, Italy
- ARC-Net, Applied Research on Cancer Centre, University of Verona, Verona, 37134, Italy
| | - Wen Wang
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Martin Knight
- Centre for Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
- Centre for Predictive in vitro Models, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Daniela Loessner
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Christopher Heeschen
- Pancreatic Cancer Heterogeneity, Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo (TO), 10060, Italy
| | - Alvaro Mata
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Oliver M T Pearce
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
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Pérez-Moreno P, Riquelme I, Bizama C, Vergara-Gómez L, Tapia JC, Brebi P, García P, Roa JC. LINC00662 Promotes Aggressive Traits by Modulating OCT4 Expression through miR-335-5p in Gallbladder Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6740. [PMID: 38928444 PMCID: PMC11204134 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126740] [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: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are nucleotide sequences that participate in different biological processes and are associated with different pathologies, including cancer. Long intergenic non-protein-coding RNA 662 (LINC00662) has been reported to be involved in different cancers, including colorectal, prostate, and breast cancer. However, its role in gallbladder cancer has not yet been described. In this article, we hypothesize that LINC00662 has an important role in the acquisition of aggressiveness traits such as a stem-like phenotype, invasion, and chemoresistance in gallbladder cancer. Here, we show that LINC00662 is associated with larger tumor size and lymph node metastasis in patients with gallbladder cancer. Furthermore, we show that the overexpression of LINC00662 promotes an increase in CD133+/CD44+ cell populations and the expression of stemness-associated genes. LINC00662 promotes greater invasive capacity and the expression of genes associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In addition, the expression of LINC00662 promotes resistance to cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil, associated with increased expression of chemoresistance-related ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters in gallbladder cancer (GBC) cell lines. Finally, we show that the mechanism by which LINC00662 exerts its function is through a decrease in microRNA 335-5p (miR-335-5p) and an increase in octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) in GBC cells. Thus, our data allow us to propose LINC00662 as a biomarker of poor prognosis and a potential therapeutic target for patients with GBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Pérez-Moreno
- Programa de Comunicación Celular en Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7780272, Chile;
| | - Ismael Riquelme
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Temuco 4810101, Chile;
| | - Carolina Bizama
- Millenium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy (IMII), Centro de Prevención y Control de Cancer (CECAN), Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8380000, Chile; (C.B.); (P.G.)
| | - Luis Vergara-Gómez
- Centre of Excellence in Translational Medicine (CEMT), Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN), Biomedicine and Translational Research Lab, Universidad de la Frontera, Temuco 4810296, Chile;
| | - Julio C. Tapia
- Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile;
| | - Priscilla Brebi
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology (LIBi), Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy (MIII), Center for Excellence in Translational Medicine—Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT-BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4810296, Chile;
| | - Patricia García
- Millenium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy (IMII), Centro de Prevención y Control de Cancer (CECAN), Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8380000, Chile; (C.B.); (P.G.)
| | - Juan Carlos Roa
- Millenium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy (IMII), Centro de Prevención y Control de Cancer (CECAN), Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8380000, Chile; (C.B.); (P.G.)
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7
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Zhang M, Zhang J, Liang X, Zhang M. Stemness related lncRNAs signature for the prognosis and tumor immune microenvironment of ccRCC patients. BMC Med Genomics 2024; 17:150. [PMID: 38822402 PMCID: PMC11141027 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-024-01920-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and cancer stem cells (CSCs) are crucial for the growth, migration, recurrence, and medication resistance of tumors. However, the impact of lncRNAs related to stemness on the outcome and tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is still unclear. In this study, we aimed to predict the outcome and TIME of ccRCC by constructing a stem related lncRNAs (SRlncRNAs) signature. We firstly downloaded ccRCC patients' clinical data and RNA sequencing data from UCSC and TCGA databases, and abtained the differentially expressed lncRNAs highly correlated with stem index in ccRCC through gene expression differential analysis and Pearson correlation analysis. Then, we selected suitable SRlncRNAs for constructing a prognostic signature of ccRCC patients by LASSO Cox regression. Further, we used nomogram and Kaplan Meier curves to evaluate the SRlncRNA signature for the prognose in ccRCC. At last, we used ssGSEA and GSVA to evaluate the correlation between the SRlncRNAs signature and TIME in ccRCC. Finally, We obtained a signtaure based on six SRlncRNAs, which are correlated with TIME and can effectively predict the ccRCC patients' prognosis. The SRlncRNAs signature may be a noval prognostic indicator in ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjiao Zhang
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Jiqiang Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics/Sports Medicine Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xuemei Liang
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
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8
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Aziz MA. Multiomics approach towards characterization of tumor cell plasticity and its significance in precision and personalized medicine. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024:10.1007/s10555-024-10190-x. [PMID: 38761231 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10190-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Cellular plasticity refers to the ability of cells to change their identity or behavior, which can be advantageous in some cases (e.g., tissue regeneration) but detrimental in others (e.g., cancer metastasis). With a better understanding of cellular plasticity, the complexity of cancer cells, their heterogeneity, and their role in metastasis is being unraveled. The plasticity of the cells could also prove as a nemesis to their characterization. In this review, we have attempted to highlight the possibilities and benefits of using multiomics approach in characterizing the plastic nature of cancer cells. There is a need to integrate fragmented evidence at different levels of cellular organization (DNA, RNA, protein, metabolite, epigenetics, etc.) to facilitate the characterization of different forms of plasticity and cell types. We have discussed the role of cellular plasticity in generating intra-tumor heterogeneity. Different omics level evidence is being provided to highlight the variety of molecular determinants discovered using different techniques. Attempts have been made to integrate some of this information to provide a quantitative assessment and scoring of the plastic nature of the cells. However, there is a huge gap in our understanding of mechanisms that lead to the observed heterogeneity. Understanding of these mechanism(s) is necessary for finding targets for early detection and effective therapeutic interventions in metastasis. Targeting cellular plasticity is akin to neutralizing a moving target. Along with the advancements in precision and personalized medicine, these efforts may translate into better clinical outcomes for cancer patients, especially in metastatic stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Azhar Aziz
- Interdisciplinary Nanotechnology Center, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India.
- Cancer Nanomedicine Consortium, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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9
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Lin YC, Ku CC, Wuputra K, Liu CJ, Wu DC, Satou M, Mitsui Y, Saito S, Yokoyama KK. Possible Strategies to Reduce the Tumorigenic Risk of Reprogrammed Normal and Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5177. [PMID: 38791215 PMCID: PMC11120835 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The reprogramming of somatic cells to pluripotent stem cells has immense potential for use in regenerating or redeveloping tissues for transplantation, and the future application of this method is one of the most important research topics in regenerative medicine. These cells are generated from normal cells, adult stem cells, or neoplastic cancer cells. They express embryonic stem cell markers, such as OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG, and can differentiate into all tissue types in adults, both in vitro and in vivo. However, tumorigenicity, immunogenicity, and heterogeneity of cell populations may hamper the use of this method in medical therapeutics. The risk of cancer formation is dependent on mutations of these stemness genes during the transformation of pluripotent stem cells to cancer cells and on the alteration of the microenvironments of stem cell niches at genetic and epigenetic levels. Recent reports have shown that the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from human fibroblasts could be induced using chemicals, which is a safe, easy, and clinical-grade manufacturing strategy for modifying the cell fate of human cells required for regeneration therapies. This strategy is one of the future routes for the clinical application of reprogramming therapy. Therefore, this review highlights the recent progress in research focused on decreasing the tumorigenic risk of iPSCs or iPSC-derived organoids and increasing the safety of iPSC cell preparation and their application for therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Chu Lin
- School of Dentistry, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
| | - Cha-Chien Ku
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (C.-C.K.); (K.W.)
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (C.-J.L.); (D.-C.W.)
- Cell Therapy and Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
| | - Kenly Wuputra
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (C.-C.K.); (K.W.)
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (C.-J.L.); (D.-C.W.)
- Cell Therapy and Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
- Waseda Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo 169-8555, Japan
| | - Chung-Jung Liu
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (C.-J.L.); (D.-C.W.)
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
| | - Deng-Chyang Wu
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (C.-J.L.); (D.-C.W.)
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
| | - Maki Satou
- Research Institute, Horus Co., Ltd., Iruma 358-0032, Saitama, Japan; (M.S.); (Y.M.)
| | - Yukio Mitsui
- Research Institute, Horus Co., Ltd., Iruma 358-0032, Saitama, Japan; (M.S.); (Y.M.)
| | - Shigeo Saito
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (C.-C.K.); (K.W.)
- Research Institute, Horus Co., Ltd., Iruma 358-0032, Saitama, Japan; (M.S.); (Y.M.)
- Saito Laboratory of Cell Technology, Yaita 329-1571, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Kazunari K. Yokoyama
- School of Dentistry, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (C.-C.K.); (K.W.)
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (C.-J.L.); (D.-C.W.)
- Cell Therapy and Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
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10
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Sloan AR, Silver DJ, Kint S, Gallo M, Lathia JD. Cancer stem cell hypothesis 2.0 in glioblastoma: Where are we now and where are we going? Neuro Oncol 2024; 26:785-795. [PMID: 38394444 PMCID: PMC11066900 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noae011] [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] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past 2 decades, the cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis has provided insight into many malignant tumors, including glioblastoma (GBM). Cancer stem cells have been identified in patient-derived tumors and in some mouse models, allowing for a deeper understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying GBM growth and therapeutic resistance. The CSC hypothesis has been the cornerstone of cellular heterogeneity, providing a conceptual and technical framework to explain this longstanding phenotype in GBM. This hypothesis has evolved to fit recent insights into how cellular plasticity drives tumor growth to suggest that CSCs do not represent a distinct population but rather a cellular state with substantial plasticity that can be achieved by non-CSCs under specific conditions. This has further been reinforced by advances in genomics, including single-cell approaches, that have used the CSC hypothesis to identify multiple putative CSC states with unique properties, including specific developmental and metabolic programs. In this review, we provide a historical perspective on the CSC hypothesis and its recent evolution, with a focus on key functional phenotypes, and provide an update on the definition for its use in future genomic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony R Sloan
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Daniel J Silver
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Sam Kint
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Marco Gallo
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Justin D Lathia
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Rose Ella Burkhardt Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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11
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Loh JJ, Ma S. Hallmarks of cancer stemness. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:617-639. [PMID: 38701757 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stemness is recognized as a key component of tumor development. Previously coined "cancer stem cells" (CSCs) and believed to be a rare population with rigid hierarchical organization, there is good evidence to suggest that these cells exhibit a plastic cellular state influenced by dynamic CSC-niche interplay. This revelation underscores the need to reevaluate the hallmarks of cancer stemness. Herein, we summarize the techniques used to identify and characterize the state of these cells and discuss their defining and emerging hallmarks, along with their enabling and associated features. We also highlight potential future directions in this field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Jian Loh
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Stephanie Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong SAR, China; Centre for Translational and Stem Cell Biology, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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12
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Li Y, Fang J, Singh K, Ortu F, Suntharalingam K. An immunogenic anti-cancer stem cell bi-nuclear copper(II)-flufenamic acid complex. Dalton Trans 2024; 53:6410-6415. [PMID: 38501501 DOI: 10.1039/d4dt00384e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
An asymmetric bi-nuclear copper(II) complex with both cytotoxic and immunogenic activity towards breast cancer stem cells (CSCs) is reported. The bi-nuclear copper(II) complex comprises of two copper(II) centres bound to flufenamic acid and 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline. The bi-nuclear copper(II) complex exhibits sub-micromolar potency towards breast CSCs grown in monolayers and three-dimensional cultures. Remarkably, the bi-nuclear copper(II) complex is up to 25-fold more potent toward breast CSC mammospheres than salinomycin (a gold standard anti-breast CSC agent) and cisplatin (a clinically administered metallodrug). Mechanistic studies showed that the bi-nuclear copper(II) complex readily enters breast CSCs, elevates intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, induces apoptosis, and promotes damage-associated molecular pattern release. The latter triggers phagocytosis of breast CSCs by macrophages. As far as we are aware, this is the first report of a bi-nuclear copper(II) complex to induce engulfment of breast CSCs by immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- School of Chemistry, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK.
| | - Jiaxin Fang
- School of Chemistry, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK.
| | - Kuldip Singh
- School of Chemistry, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK.
| | - Fabrizio Ortu
- School of Chemistry, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK.
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13
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Fakhrioliaei A, Tanhaei S, Pakmehr S, Noori Shakir M, Qasim MT, Hariri M, Nouhi Kararoudi A, Valilo M. Potential Role of Nrf2, HER2, and ALDH in Cancer Stem Cells: A Narrative Review. J Membr Biol 2024; 257:3-16. [PMID: 38356054 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-024-00307-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the main causes of death among humans, second only to cardiovascular diseases. In recent years, numerous studies have been conducted on the pathophysiology of cancer, and it has been established that this disease is developed by a group of stem cells known as cancer stem cells (CSCs). Thus, cancer is considered a stem cell disease; however, there is no comprehensive consensus about the characteristics of these cells. Several different signaling pathways including Notch, Hedgehog, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and WNT/β-catenin pathways cause the self-renewal of CSCs. CSCs change their metabolic pathways in order to access easy energy. Therefore, one of the key objectives of researchers in cancer treatment is to destroy CSCs. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) plays an essential role in the protection of CSCs from reactive oxygen species (ROS) and chemotherapeutic agents by regulating antioxidants and detoxification enzymes. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a member of the tyrosine kinase receptor family, which contributes to the protection of cancer cells against treatment and implicated in the invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and tumorigenesis. Aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) are highly active in CSCs and protect the cells against damage caused by active aldehydes through the regulation of aldehyde metabolism. On the other hand, ALDHs promote the formation and maintenance of tumor cells and lead to drug resistance in tumors through the activation of various signaling pathways, such as the ALDH1A1/HIF-1α/VEGF axis and Wnt/β-catenin, as well as changing the intracellular pH value. Given the growing body of information in this field, in the present narrative review, we attempted to shed light on the function of Nrf2, HER2, and ALDH in CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Maha Noori Shakir
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, AL-Nisour University College, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Maytham T Qasim
- Department of Anesthesia, College of Health and Medical Technology, Al-Ayen University, Thi-Qar, Iraq
| | - Maryam Hariri
- Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36832, USA
| | - Alireza Nouhi Kararoudi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran
| | - Mohammad Valilo
- Dpartment of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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14
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Hu K, Guo J, Zeng J, Shao Y, Wu B, Mo J, Mo G. Current state of research on copper complexes in the treatment of breast cancer. Open Life Sci 2024; 19:20220840. [PMID: 38585632 PMCID: PMC10997149 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer, a malignancy originating from the epithelium or ductal epithelium of the breast, is not only highly prevalent in women but is also the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide. Research has indicated that breast cancer incidence is increasing in younger women, prompting significant interest from scientists actively researching breast cancer treatment. Copper is highly accumulated in breast cancer cells, leading to the development of copper complexes that cause immunogenic cell death, apoptosis, oxidative stress, redox-mediated cell death, and autophagy by regulating the expression of key cell death proteins or assisting in the onset of cell death. However, they have not yet been applied to clinical therapy due to their solubility in physiological buffers and their different and unpredictable mechanisms of action. Herein, we review existing relevant studies, summarize the detailed mechanisms by which they exert anti-breast cancer effects, and propose a potential mechanism by which copper complexes may exert antitumor effects by causing copper death in breast cancer cells. Since copper death in breast cancer is closely related to prognosis and immune infiltration, further copper complex research may provide an opportunity to mitigate the high incidence and mortality rates associated with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kui Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology of Affiliated Hospital, The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524023, China
| | - Jingna Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology of Affiliated Hospital, The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524023, China
| | - Jiemin Zeng
- Department of Anesthesiology of Affiliated Hospital, The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524023, China
| | - Yunhao Shao
- Department of Anesthesiology of Affiliated Hospital, The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524023, China
| | - Binhua Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology of Affiliated Hospital, The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524023, China
- The Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Guangdong Zhanjiang, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524023, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhanjiang), Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524023, China
| | - Jian Mo
- Department of Anesthesiology of Affiliated Hospital, The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524023, China
| | - Guixi Mo
- Department of Anesthesiology of Affiliated Hospital, The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524023, China
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15
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Resendiz-Hernández M, García-Hernández AP, Silva-Cázares MB, Coronado-Uribe R, Hernández-de la Cruz ON, Arriaga-Pizano LA, Prieto-Chávez JL, Salinas-Vera YM, Ibarra-Sierra E, Ortiz-Martínez C, López-Camarillo C. MicroRNA-204 Regulates Angiogenesis and Vasculogenic Mimicry in CD44+/CD24- Breast Cancer Stem-like Cells. Noncoding RNA 2024; 10:14. [PMID: 38392969 PMCID: PMC10891775 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna10010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumors have high requirements in terms of nutrients and oxygen. Angiogenesis is the classical mechanism for vessel formation. Tumoral vascularization has the function of nourishing the cancer cells to support tumor growth. Vasculogenic mimicry, a novel intratumoral microcirculation system, alludes to the ability of cancer cells to organize in three-dimensional (3D) channel-like architectures. It also supplies the tumors with nutrients and oxygen. Both mechanisms operate in a coordinated way; however, their functions in breast cancer stem-like cells and their regulation by microRNAs remain elusive. In the present study, we investigated the functional role of microRNA-204 (miR-204) on angiogenesis and vasculogenic mimicry in breast cancer stem-like cells. Using flow cytometry assays, we found that 86.1% of MDA-MB-231 and 92% of Hs-578t breast cancer cells showed the CD44+/CD24- immunophenotype representative of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs). The MDA-MB-231 subpopulation of CSCs exhibited the ability to form mammospheres, as expected. Interestingly, we found that the restoration of miR-204 expression in CSCs significantly inhibited the number and size of the mammospheres. Moreover, we found that MDA-MB-231 and Hs-578t CSCs efficiently undergo angiogenesis and hypoxia-induced vasculogenic mimicry in vitro. The transfection of precursor miR-204 in both CSCs was able to impair the angiogenesis in the HUVEC cell model, which was observed as a diminution in the number of polygons and sprouting cells. Remarkably, miR-204 mimics also resulted in the inhibition of vasculogenic mimicry formation in MDA-MB-231 and Hs-578t CSCs, with a significant reduction in the number of channel-like structures and branch points. Mechanistically, the effects of miR-204 were associated with a diminution of pro-angiogenic VEGFA and β-catenin protein levels. In conclusion, our findings indicated that miR-204 abrogates the angiogenesis and vasculogenic mimicry development in breast cancer stem-like cells, suggesting that it could be a potential tool for breast cancer intervention based on microRNA replacement therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Resendiz-Hernández
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, CDMX 03100, Mexico; (M.R.-H.); (A.P.G.-H.); (O.N.H.-d.l.C.); (Y.M.S.-V.)
| | - Alejandra P. García-Hernández
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, CDMX 03100, Mexico; (M.R.-H.); (A.P.G.-H.); (O.N.H.-d.l.C.); (Y.M.S.-V.)
| | - Macrina B. Silva-Cázares
- Unidad Academica Multidisciplinaria Región Altiplano, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Matehuala 78760, San Luis Potosí, Mexico;
| | - Rogelio Coronado-Uribe
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, CDMX 03100, Mexico; (M.R.-H.); (A.P.G.-H.); (O.N.H.-d.l.C.); (Y.M.S.-V.)
| | - Olga N. Hernández-de la Cruz
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, CDMX 03100, Mexico; (M.R.-H.); (A.P.G.-H.); (O.N.H.-d.l.C.); (Y.M.S.-V.)
| | - Lourdes A. Arriaga-Pizano
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunoquímica, Hospital de Especialidades del Centro Médico Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, CDMX 06720, Mexico;
| | - Jessica L. Prieto-Chávez
- Laboratorio de Citometría de Flujo, Centro de Instrumentos, Coordinación de Investigación en Salud, Hospital de Especialidades del Centro Médico Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, CDMX 06720, Mexico;
| | - Yarely M. Salinas-Vera
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, CDMX 03100, Mexico; (M.R.-H.); (A.P.G.-H.); (O.N.H.-d.l.C.); (Y.M.S.-V.)
| | - Eloisa Ibarra-Sierra
- Departamento de Investigación, Instituto Estatal de Cancerologia “Dr. Arturo Beltrán Ortega”, Acapulco 39610, Guerrero, Mexico;
| | - Concepción Ortiz-Martínez
- Servicio de Ginecología Oncológica, Instituto Estatal de Cancerologia “Dr. Arturo Beltrán Ortega”, Acapulco 39610, Guerrero, Mexico;
| | - César López-Camarillo
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, CDMX 03100, Mexico; (M.R.-H.); (A.P.G.-H.); (O.N.H.-d.l.C.); (Y.M.S.-V.)
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16
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Bistué-Rovira À, Rico LG, Bardina J, Juncà J, Granada I, Bradford JA, Ward MD, Salvia R, Solé F, Petriz J. Persistence of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Stem-like Populations under Simultaneous In Vitro Treatment with Curcumin, Fludarabine, and Ibrutinib: Implications for Therapy Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1994. [PMID: 38396682 PMCID: PMC10888954 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25041994] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Leukemic stem cells (LSCs) possess similar characteristics to normal hematopoietic stem cells, including self-renewal capacity, quiescence, ability to initiate leukemia, and drug resistance. These cells play a significant role in leukemia relapse, persisting even after apparent remission. LSCs were first described in 1994 by Lapidot et al. Although they have been extensively studied in acute leukemia, more LSC research is still needed in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) to understand if reduced apoptosis in mature cells should still be considered as the major cause of this disease. Here, we provide new evidence suggesting the existence of stem-like cell populations in CLL, which may help to understand the disease as well as to develop effective treatments. In this study, we identified a potential leukemic stem cell subpopulation using the tetraploid CLL cell line I83. This subpopulation is characterized by diploid cells that were capable of generating the I83 tetraploid population. Furthermore, we adapted a novel flow cytometry analysis protocol to detect CLL subpopulations with stem cell properties in peripheral blood samples and primary cultures from CLL patients. These cells were identified by their co-expression of CD19 and CD5, characteristic markers of CLL cells. As previously described, increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity is indicative of stemness and pluripotency. Moreover, we used this method to investigate the potential synergistic effect of curcumin in combination with fludarabine and ibrutinib to deplete this subpopulation. Our results confirmed the effectiveness of this ALP-based analysis protocol in detecting and monitoring leukemic stem-like cells in CLL. This analysis also identified limitations in eradicating these populations using in vitro testing. Furthermore, our findings demonstrated that curcumin significantly enhanced the effects of fludarabine and ibrutinib on the leukemic fraction, exhibiting synergistic effects (combination drug index, CDI 0.97 and 0.37, respectively). Our results lend support to the existence of potential stem-like populations in CLL cell lines, and to the idea that curcumin could serve as an effective adjuvant in therapies aimed at eliminating these populations and improving treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Àngel Bistué-Rovira
- Departament de Farmacologia, Terapèutica i Toxicologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain;
| | - Laura G. Rico
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08916 Badalona, Spain; (L.G.R.); (R.S.)
| | - Jorge Bardina
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Juncà
- MDS Group, Institut de Recerca Contra la Leucèmia Josep Carreras, 08916 Badalona, Spain; (J.J.); (I.G.); (F.S.)
| | - Isabel Granada
- MDS Group, Institut de Recerca Contra la Leucèmia Josep Carreras, 08916 Badalona, Spain; (J.J.); (I.G.); (F.S.)
| | - Jolene A. Bradford
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Fort Collins, CO 80524, USA; (J.A.B.); (M.D.W.)
| | - Michael D. Ward
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Fort Collins, CO 80524, USA; (J.A.B.); (M.D.W.)
| | - Roser Salvia
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08916 Badalona, Spain; (L.G.R.); (R.S.)
| | - Francesc Solé
- MDS Group, Institut de Recerca Contra la Leucèmia Josep Carreras, 08916 Badalona, Spain; (J.J.); (I.G.); (F.S.)
| | - Jordi Petriz
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08916 Badalona, Spain; (L.G.R.); (R.S.)
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17
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Fang J, Orobator ON, Olelewe C, Passeri G, Singh K, Awuah SG, Suntharalingam K. A Breast Cancer Stem Active Cobalt(III)-Cyclam Complex Containing Flufenamic Acid with Immunogenic Potential. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202317940. [PMID: 38063406 PMCID: PMC10952489 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202317940] [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: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/31/2023]
Abstract
The cytotoxic and immunogenic-activating properties of a cobalt(III)-cyclam complex bearing the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, flufenamic acid is reported within the context of anti-cancer stem cell (CSC) drug discovery. The cobalt(III)-cyclam complex 1 displays sub-micromolar potency towards breast CSCs grown in monolayers, 24-fold and 31-fold greater than salinomycin (an established anti-breast CSC agent) and cisplatin (an anticancer metallopharmaceutical), respectively. Strikingly, the cobalt(III)-cyclam complex 1 is 69-fold and 50-fold more potent than salinomycin and cisplatin towards three-dimensionally cultured breast CSC mammospheres. Mechanistic studies reveal that 1 induces DNA damage, inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 expression, and prompts caspase-dependent apoptosis. Breast CSCs treated with 1 exhibit damage-associated molecular patterns characteristic of immunogenic cell death and are phagocytosed by macrophages. As far as we are aware, 1 is the first cobalt complex of any oxidation state or geometry to display both cytotoxic and immunogenic-activating effects on breast CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Fang
- School of ChemistryUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUK
| | | | | | | | - Kuldip Singh
- School of ChemistryUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUK
| | - Samuel G. Awuah
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKYUSA
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKYUSA
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18
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Hasan U, Chauhan M, Basu SM, R J, Giri J. Overcoming multidrug resistance by reversan and exterminating glioblastoma and glioblastoma stem cells by delivering drug-loaded nanostructure hybrid lipid capsules (nHLCs). Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024; 14:342-359. [PMID: 37587289 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01401-z] [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] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is regarded as a highly aggressive brain cancer with a poor prognosis. There is an increase in the expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), responsible for multidrug resistance (MDR), making it a potential target for improving drug responses. Additionally, glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) increase resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy and play a major role in cancer relapse. In this study, we targeted P-gp using a small molecule inhibitor, reversan (RV), to inhibit MDR that prolonged the retention of drugs in the cytosolic milieu. To eliminate GBM and GSCs, we have used two well-established anti-cancer drugs, regorafenib (RF) and curcumin (CMN). To improve the pharmacokinetics and decrease systemic delivery of drugs, we developed nanostructure hybrid lipid capsules (nHLCs), where hydrophobic drugs can be loaded in the core, and their physicochemical properties were determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and cryo-scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Inhibition of MDR by RV has also shown enhanced retention of nHLC in GBM cells. Co-delivery of drug-loaded nHLCs, pre-treated with RV, exhibited superior cytotoxicity in both GBM and GSCs than their individual doses and effectively reduced the size and stemness of tumor spheres and accelerated the rate of apoptosis, suggesting a promising treatment for glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uzma Hasan
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, India
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Meenakshi Chauhan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Suparna Mercy Basu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Jayakumar R
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Jyotsnendu Giri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, India.
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19
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Uehara M, Domoto T, Takenaka S, Takeuchi O, Shimasaki T, Miyashita T, Minamoto T. Glycogen synthase kinase 3β: the nexus of chemoresistance, invasive capacity, and cancer stemness in pancreatic cancer. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2024; 7:4. [PMID: 38318525 PMCID: PMC10838383 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2023.84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
The treatment of pancreatic cancer remains a significant clinical challenge due to the limited number of patients eligible for curative (R0) surgery, failures in the clinical development of targeted and immune therapies, and the pervasive acquisition of chemotherapeutic resistance. Refractory pancreatic cancer is typified by high invasiveness and resistance to therapy, with both attributes related to tumor cell stemness. These malignant characteristics mutually enhance each other, leading to rapid cancer progression. Over the past two decades, numerous studies have produced evidence of the pivotal role of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)3β in the progression of over 25 different cancer types, including pancreatic cancer. In this review, we synthesize the current knowledge on the pathological roles of aberrant GSK3β in supporting tumor cell proliferation and invasion, as well as its contribution to gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer. Importantly, we discuss the central role of GSK3β as a molecular hub that mechanistically connects chemoresistance, tumor cell invasion, and stemness in pancreatic cancer. We also discuss the involvement of GSK3β in the formation of desmoplastic tumor stroma and in promoting anti-cancer immune evasion, both of which constitute major obstacles to successful cancer treatment. Overall, GSK3β has characteristics of a promising therapeutic target to overcome chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Uehara
- Division of Translational and Clinical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
- Authors contributed equally
| | - Takahiro Domoto
- Division of Translational and Clinical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
- Authors contributed equally
| | - Satoshi Takenaka
- Division of Translational and Clinical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Transplantation, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
- Department of Surgery, Toyama City Hospital, Toyama 939-8511, Japan
| | - Osamu Takeuchi
- Biomedical Laboratory, Department of Research, Kitasato University Kitasato Institute Hospital, Tokyo 108-8642, Japan
| | - Takeo Shimasaki
- Division of Translational and Clinical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
- Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada 920-0293, Japan
| | - Tomoharu Miyashita
- Division of Translational and Clinical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Transplantation, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
- Department of Surgery, Toyama City Hospital, Toyama 939-8511, Japan
| | - Toshinari Minamoto
- Division of Translational and Clinical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
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20
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Stanger BZ, Wahl GM. Cancer as a Disease of Development Gone Awry. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY 2024; 19:397-421. [PMID: 37832945 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathmechdis-031621-025610] [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: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
In the 160 years since Rudolf Virchow first postulated that neoplasia arises by the same law that regulates embryonic development, scientists have come to recognize the striking overlap between the molecular and cellular programs used by cancers and embryos. Advances in cancer biology and molecular techniques have further highlighted the similarities between carcinogenesis and embryogenesis, where cellular growth, differentiation, motility, and intercellular cross talk are mediated by common drivers and regulatory networks. This review highlights the many connections linking cancer biology and developmental biology to provide a deeper understanding of how a tissue's developmental history may both enable and constrain cancer cell evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Z Stanger
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA;
| | - Geoffrey M Wahl
- Gene Expression Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, USA;
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21
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Amniouel S, Jafri MS. High-accuracy prediction of colorectal cancer chemotherapy efficacy using machine learning applied to gene expression data. Front Physiol 2024; 14:1272206. [PMID: 38304289 PMCID: PMC10830836 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1272206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: FOLFOX and FOLFIRI chemotherapy are considered standard first-line treatment options for colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the criteria for selecting the appropriate treatments have not been thoroughly analyzed. Methods: A newly developed machine learning model was applied on several gene expression data from the public repository GEO database to identify molecular signatures predictive of efficacy of 5-FU based combination chemotherapy (FOLFOX and FOLFIRI) in patients with CRC. The model was trained using 5-fold cross validation and multiple feature selection methods including LASSO and VarSelRF methods. Random Forest and support vector machine classifiers were applied to evaluate the performance of the models. Results and Discussion: For the CRC GEO dataset samples from patients who received either FOLFOX or FOLFIRI, validation and test sets were >90% correctly classified (accuracy), with specificity and sensitivity ranging between 85%-95%. In the datasets used from the GEO database, 28.6% of patients who failed the treatment therapy they received are predicted to benefit from the alternative treatment. Analysis of the gene signature suggests the mechanistic difference between colorectal cancers that respond and those that do not respond to FOLFOX and FOLFIRI. Application of this machine learning approach could lead to improvements in treatment outcomes for patients with CRC and other cancers after additional appropriate clinical validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soukaina Amniouel
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States
| | - Mohsin Saleet Jafri
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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22
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Ni T, Chu Z, Tao L, Zhao Y, Lv M, Zhu M, Luo Y, Sunagawa M, Wang H, Liu Y. Celastrus orbiculatus extract suppresses gastric cancer stem cells through the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. J Nat Med 2024; 78:100-113. [PMID: 37817006 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-023-01748-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the primary source of tumor recurrence and chemoresistance, which complicates tumor treatment and has a significant impact on poor patient prognosis. Therefore, the discovery of inhibitors that specifically target CSCs is warranted. Previous research has established that the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway is critical for the maintenance of CSCs phenotype, thus facilitating CSCs transformation. In this regard, Celastrus orbiculatus ethyl acetate extract (COE) was shown to exert anticancer properties; however, its therapeutic impact on gastric cancer stem cells (GCSCs) remains unknown. We here demonstrate that COE displayed a strong inhibitory effect on GCSCs growth and CSCs markers. Moreover, COE was shown to efficiently inhibit the development of tumor spheres and accelerate GCSCs apoptosis. Mechanistically, we established that COE could suppress the stemness phenotype of GCSCs by inhibiting the activity of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. To summarize, our data indicate that COE suppresses the malignant biological phenotype of GCSCs via the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. These findings shed new light on the anticancer properties of COE and suggest new strategies for the development of efficient GCSCs therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengyang Ni
- TCM Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, No. 136, Jiangyang Middle Road, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China
| | - Zewen Chu
- TCM Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, No. 136, Jiangyang Middle Road, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Tao
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengying Lv
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Miao Zhu
- TCM Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, No. 136, Jiangyang Middle Road, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Luo
- TCM Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, No. 136, Jiangyang Middle Road, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China
| | - Masataka Sunagawa
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Showa University, Tokyo, 142, Japan
| | - Haibo Wang
- TCM Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, No. 136, Jiangyang Middle Road, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yanqing Liu
- TCM Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, No. 136, Jiangyang Middle Road, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China.
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23
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Wang X, Li N, Zheng M, Yu Y, Zhang S. Acetylation and deacetylation of histone in adipocyte differentiation and the potential significance in cancer. Transl Oncol 2024; 39:101815. [PMID: 37935080 PMCID: PMC10654249 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Adipocytes are derived from pluripotent mesenchymal stem cells and can develop into several cell types including adipocytes, myocytes, chondrocytes, and osteocytes. Adipocyte differentiation is regulated by a variety of transcription factors and signaling pathways. Various epigenetic factors, particularly histone modifications, play key roles in adipocyte differentiation and have indispensable functions in altering chromatin conformation. Histone acetylases and deacetylases participate in the regulation of protein acetylation, mediate transcriptional and post-translational modifications, and directly acetylate or deacetylate various transcription factors and regulatory proteins. The adipocyte differentiation of stem cells plays a key role in various metabolic diseases. Cancer stem cells(CSCs) play an important function in cancer metastasis, recurrence, and drug resistance, and have the characteristics of stem cells. They are expressed in various cell lineages, including adipocytes. Recent studies have shown that cancer stem cells that undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transformation can undergo adipocytic differentiation, thereby reducing the degree of malignancy. This opens up new possibilities for cancer treatment. This review summarizes the regulation of acetylation during adipocyte differentiation, involving the functions of histone acetylating and deacetylating enzymes as well as non-histone acetylation modifications. Mechanistic studies on adipogenesis and acetylation during the differentiation of cancer cells into a benign cell phenotype may help identify new targets for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorui Wang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin 300121, China; Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin 300121, China; Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Minying Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin 300121, China
| | - Yongjun Yu
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin 300121, China
| | - Shiwu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin 300121, China.
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24
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Trojan A, Lone YC, Briceno I, Trojan J. Anti-Gene IGF-I Vaccines in Cancer Gene Therapy: A Review of a Case of Glioblastoma. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:1983-2002. [PMID: 38031775 DOI: 10.2174/0109298673237968231106095141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vaccines for the deadliest brain tumor - glioblastoma (GBM) - are generally based on targeting growth factors or their receptors, often using antibodies. The vaccines described in the review were prepared to suppress the principal cancer growth factor - IGF-I, using anti-gene approaches either of antisense (AS) or of triple helix (TH) type. Our objective was to increase the median survival of patients treated with AS and TH cell vaccines. METHODOLOGY The cells were transfected in vitro by both constructed IGF-I AS and IGF-I TH expression episomal vectors; part of these cells was co-cultured with plant phytochemicals, modulating IGF-I expression. Both AS and TH approaches completely suppressed IGF-I expression and induced MHC-1 / B7 immunogenicity related to the IGF-I receptor signal. RESULTS This immunogenicity proved to be stronger in IGF-I TH than in IGF-I AS-prepared cell vaccines, especially in TH / phytochemical cells. The AS and TH vaccines generated an important TCD8+ and TCD8+CD11b- immune response in treated GBM patients and increased the median survival of patients up to 17-18 months, particularly using TH vaccines; in some cases, 2- and 3-year survival was reported. These clinical results were compared with those obtained in therapies targeting other growth factors. CONCLUSION The anti-gene IGF-I vaccines continue to be applied in current GBM personalized medicine. Technical improvements in the preparation of AS and TH vaccines to increase MHC-1 and B7 immunogenicity have, in parallel, allowed to increase in the median survival of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabelle Trojan
- INSERM UMR 1197, Cancer Center & University of Paris / Saclay, PO Box: 94802 Villejuif, France
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Cartagena, PO Box: 130014 Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
| | - Yu-Chun Lone
- INSERM UMR 1197, Cancer Center & University of Paris / Saclay, PO Box: 94802 Villejuif, France
- CEDEA / ICGT - Center of Oncological Diseases Diagnosis, PO Box: 110231 Bogota, Colombia
| | - Ignacio Briceno
- Faculty of Medicine, University of La Sabana, PO Box: 250008 Chia, Colombia
| | - Jerzy Trojan
- INSERM UMR 1197, Cancer Center & University of Paris / Saclay, PO Box: 94802 Villejuif, France
- CEDEA / ICGT - Center of Oncological Diseases Diagnosis, PO Box: 110231 Bogota, Colombia
- National Academy of Medicine - ANM, PO Box: 75272 Paris, France
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25
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Wang Z, Uddin MB, Wang PS, Liu Z, Barzideh D, Yang C. Up-regulation of RNA m 6A methyltransferase like-3 expression contributes to arsenic and benzo[a]pyrene co-exposure-induced cancer stem cell-like property and tumorigenesis. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2023; 481:116764. [PMID: 37972769 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116764] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
While arsenic or BaP alone exposure can cause lung cancer, studies showed that arsenic plus BaP co-exposure displays a significantly stronger lung tumorigenic effect. However, the underlying mechanism has not been well understood. Studies showed that RNA molecules are chemically modified. The most frequently occurring RNA modification in eukaryotic messenger RNAs is the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation. This study aimed to determine whether arsenic plus BaP exposure alters RNA m6A methylation and its role in lung tumorigenic effect of arsenic plus BaP exposure. Human bronchial epithelial cells transformed by exposure to arsenic or BaP alone, and arsenic plus BaP and mouse xenograft tumorigenesis models were used in this study. It was found that arsenic plus BaP exposure-transformed cells have significantly higher levels of RNA m6A methylation than arsenic or BaP alone exposure-transformed human bronchial epithelial cells. Western blot analysis showed that arsenic plus BaP exposure greatly up-regulates the m6A writer methyltransferase like-3 (METTL3) expression levels in cultured cells and mouse lung tissues. METTL3 knockdown in cells transformed by arsenic plus BaP exposure drastically reduced their RNA m6A methylation levels. Functional studies revealed that METTL3 knockdown in cells transformed by arsenic plus BaP exposure greatly reduces their anchorage-dependent and -independent growth, cancer stem cell characters and tumorigenesis. The findings from this study suggest that arsenic plus BaP co-exposure causes epitranscriptomic dysregulation, which may contribute significantly to arsenic plus BaP co-exposure-caused synergistic lung tumorigenic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhishan Wang
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA; Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
| | - Mohammad Burhan Uddin
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky School of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Po-Shun Wang
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Zulong Liu
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - David Barzideh
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Chengfeng Yang
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA; Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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26
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Zhang N, Chen R, Cao X, Wang L. Aberrantly expressed HIF-1α enhances HCC stem cell-like traits via Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation after insufficient radiofrequency ablation. J Cancer Res Ther 2023; 19:1517-1524. [PMID: 38156917 DOI: 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_1458_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radiofrequency ablation has become a favorable treatment modality for small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recently; however, insufficient radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was shown to lead to enhanced invasiveness and metastasis of HCC in our previous study, while the underlying molecular mechanism has not been understood. MATERIALS AND METHODS In order to explore the influence of the hypoxic microenvironment on residual cancer and cancer stem cell (CSC)-like characteristics of HCC cells in this process, an in vitro hypoxic model and an insufficient RFA mouse model were established with HCC cancer cell lines. Immunochemistry staining and western blot were used to examine the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and liver CSC markers. The 3D colon formation assay, tumor cell invasion assay, and gene transfection assays were applied to test the change in liver CSC stemness and HCC cell invasion. RESULTS After insufficient RFA treatment, the upregulated HIF-1α expression was associated with an increase in the CSC-like population in residual cancer. In vitro, hypoxic tumor cells showed aggressive CSC-like properties and phenotypes. Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation was shown to be necessary for the acquisition of liver CSC-like characteristics under hypoxic conditions. CONCLUSION Overall, the aberrantly enhanced HIF-1α expression enhanced the liver CSC-like traits via abnormal Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation after insufficient RFA, and the overexpressed HIF-1α would be a vital factor and useful biomarker during the HCC recurrence and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Zhang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruoxue Chen
- Zhongshan Hospital Institute of Clinical Science, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Cao
- Zhongshan Hospital Institute of Clinical Science, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
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27
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Ibarra AMC, Aguiar EMG, Ferreira CBR, Siqueira JM, Corrêa L, Nunes FD, Franco ALDS, Cecatto RB, Hamblin MR, Rodrigues MFSD. Photodynamic therapy in cancer stem cells - state of the art. Lasers Med Sci 2023; 38:251. [PMID: 37919479 DOI: 10.1007/s10103-023-03911-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite significant efforts to control cancer progression and to improve oncology treatment outcomes, recurrence and tumor resistance are frequently observed in cancer patients. These problems are partly related to the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been developed as a therapeutic approach for solid tumors; however, it remains unclear how this therapy can affect CSCs. In this review, we focus on the effects of PDT on CSCs and the possible changes in the CSC population after PDT exposure. Tumor response to PDT varies according to the photosensitizer and light parameters employed, but most studies have reported the successful elimination of CSCs after PDT. However, some studies have reported that CSCs were more resistant to PDT than non-CSCs due to the increased efflux of photosensitizer molecules and the action of autophagy. Additionally, using different PDT approaches to target the CSCs resulted in increased sensitivity, reduction of sphere formation, invasiveness, stem cell phenotype, and improved response to chemotherapy. Lastly, although mainly limited to in vitro studies, PDT, combined with targeted therapies and/or chemotherapy, could successfully target CSCs in different solid tumors and promote the reduction of stemness, suggesting a promising therapeutic approach requiring evaluation in robust pre-clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Melissa C Ibarra
- Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Nove de Julho University - UNINOVE, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Cássia B R Ferreira
- Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Nove de Julho University - UNINOVE, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Luciana Corrêa
- School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo - FOUSP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabio D Nunes
- School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo - FOUSP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Rebeca B Cecatto
- Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Nove de Julho University - UNINOVE, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michael R Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Maria Fernanda S D Rodrigues
- Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Nove de Julho University - UNINOVE, São Paulo, Brazil.
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28
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Doustmihan A, Fathi M, Mazloomi M, Salemi A, Hamblin MR, Jahanban-Esfahlan R. Molecular targets, therapeutic agents and multitasking nanoparticles to deal with cancer stem cells: A narrative review. J Control Release 2023; 363:57-83. [PMID: 37739017 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that malignant tumors are initiated and maintained by a sub-population of tumor cells that have similar biological properties to normal adult stem cells. This very small population of Cancer Stem Cells (CSC) comprises tumor initiating cells responsible for cancer recurrence, drug resistance and metastasis. Conventional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery, in addition to being potentially toxic and non-specific, may paradoxically increase the population, spread and survival of CSCs. Next-generation sequencing and omics technologies are increasing our understanding of the pathways and factors involved in the development of CSCs, and can help to discover new therapeutic targets against CSCs. In addition, recent advances in nanomedicine have provided hope for the development of optimal specific therapies to eradicate CSCs. Moreover, the use of artificial intelligence and nano-informatics can elucidate new drug targets, and help to design drugs and nanoparticles (NPs) to deal with CSCs. In this review, we first summarize the properties of CSCs and describe the signaling pathways and molecular characteristics responsible for the emergence and survival of CSCs. Also, the location of CSCs within the tumor and the effect of host factors on the creation and maintenance of CSCs are discussed. Newly discovered molecular targets involved in cancer stemness and some novel therapeutic compounds to combat CSCs are highlighted. The optimum properties of anti-CSC NPs, including blood circulation and stability, tumor accumulation and penetration, cellular internalization, drug release, endosomal escape, and aptamers designed for specific targeting of CSCs are covered. Finally, some recent smart NPs designed for therapeutic and theranostic purposes to overcome CSCs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abolfazl Doustmihan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Marziyeh Fathi
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - MirAhmad Mazloomi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Aysan Salemi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Michael R Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, 2028, South Africa.
| | - Rana Jahanban-Esfahlan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Li Y, Giovannini S, Wang T, Fang J, Li P, Shao C, Wang Y, Shi Y, Candi E, Melino G, Bernassola F. p63: a crucial player in epithelial stemness regulation. Oncogene 2023; 42:3371-3384. [PMID: 37848625 PMCID: PMC10638092 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02859-4] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial tissue homeostasis is closely associated with the self-renewal and differentiation behaviors of epithelial stem cells (ESCs). p63, a well-known marker of ESCs, is an indispensable factor for their biological activities during epithelial development. The diversity of p63 isoforms expressed in distinct tissues allows this transcription factor to have a wide array of effects. p63 coordinates the transcription of genes involved in cell survival, stem cell self-renewal, migration, differentiation, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Through the regulation of these biological processes, p63 contributes to, not only normal epithelial development, but also epithelium-derived cancer pathogenesis. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of p63 in epithelial stemness regulation, including self-renewal, differentiation, proliferation, and senescence. We describe the differential expression of TAp63 and ΔNp63 isoforms and their distinct functional activities in normal epithelial tissues and in epithelium-derived tumors. Furthermore, we summarize the signaling cascades modulating the TAp63 and ΔNp63 isoforms as well as their downstream pathways in stemness regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Li
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Sara Giovannini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Tingting Wang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Jiankai Fang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Peishan Li
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Changshun Shao
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yufang Shi
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China.
| | - Eleonora Candi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Istituto Dermopatico Immacolata (IDI-IRCCS), 00100, Rome, Italy.
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Bernassola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
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30
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Xin Y, Li K, Huang M, Liang C, Siemann D, Wu L, Tan Y, Tang X. Biophysics in tumor growth and progression: from single mechano-sensitive molecules to mechanomedicine. Oncogene 2023; 42:3457-3490. [PMID: 37864030 PMCID: PMC10656290 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02844-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Evidence from physical sciences in oncology increasingly suggests that the interplay between the biophysical tumor microenvironment and genetic regulation has significant impact on tumor progression. Especially, tumor cells and the associated stromal cells not only alter their own cytoskeleton and physical properties but also remodel the microenvironment with anomalous physical properties. Together, these altered mechano-omics of tumor tissues and their constituents fundamentally shift the mechanotransduction paradigms in tumorous and stromal cells and activate oncogenic signaling within the neoplastic niche to facilitate tumor progression. However, current findings on tumor biophysics are limited, scattered, and often contradictory in multiple contexts. Systematic understanding of how biophysical cues influence tumor pathophysiology is still lacking. This review discusses recent different schools of findings in tumor biophysics that have arisen from multi-scale mechanobiology and the cutting-edge technologies. These findings range from the molecular and cellular to the whole tissue level and feature functional crosstalk between mechanotransduction and oncogenic signaling. We highlight the potential of these anomalous physical alterations as new therapeutic targets for cancer mechanomedicine. This framework reconciles opposing opinions in the field, proposes new directions for future cancer research, and conceptualizes novel mechanomedicine landscape to overcome the inherent shortcomings of conventional cancer diagnosis and therapies.
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Grants
- R35 GM150812 NIGMS NIH HHS
- This work was financially supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Project no. 11972316, Y.T.), Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission (Project no. JCYJ20200109142001798, SGDX2020110309520303, and JCYJ20220531091002006, Y.T.), General Research Fund of Hong Kong Research Grant Council (PolyU 15214320, Y. T.), Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF18191421, Y.T.), Hong Kong Polytechnic University (1-CD75, 1-ZE2M, and 1-ZVY1, Y.T.), the Cancer Pilot Research Award from UF Health Cancer Center (X. T.), the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under award number R35GM150812 (X. T.), the National Science Foundation under grant number 2308574 (X. T.), the Air Force Office of Scientific Research under award number FA9550-23-1-0393 (X. T.), the University Scholar Program (X. T.), UF Research Opportunity Seed Fund (X. T.), the Gatorade Award (X. T.), and the National Science Foundation REU Site at UF: Engineering for Healthcare (Douglas Spearot and Malisa Sarntinoranont). We are deeply grateful for the insightful discussions with and generous support from all members of Tang (UF)’s and Tan (PolyU)’s laboratories and all staff members of the MAE/BME/ECE/Health Cancer Center at UF and BME at PolyU.
- National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)
- Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xin
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Keming Li
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Miao Huang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Chenyu Liang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Dietmar Siemann
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Lizi Wu
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Youhua Tan
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
- Research Institute of Smart Ageing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Xin Tang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Kumari P, Ghosh S, Acharya S, Mitra P, Roy S, Ghosh S, Maji M, Singh S, Mukherjee A. Cytotoxic Imidazolyl-Mesalazine Ester-Based Ru(II) Complexes Reduce Expression of Stemness Genes and Induce Differentiation of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. J Med Chem 2023; 66:14061-14079. [PMID: 37831489 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
The aggressiveness and recurrence of cancer is linked to cancer stem cells (CSCs), but drugs targeting CSCs may not succeed in the clinic due to the lack of a distinct CSC subpopulation. Clinical Pt(II) drugs can increase stemness. We screened 15 RuII or IrIII complexes with mesalazine or 3-aminobenzoate Schiff bases of the general formulas [Ru(p-cym)L]+, [Ru(p-cym)L], and [Ir(Cp*)L]+ (L = L1-L9) and found three complexes (2, 12, and 13) that are active against oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) CSCs. There is a putative oncogenic role of transcription factors (viz. NOTCH1, SOX2, c-MYC) to enhance the stemness. Our work shows that imidazolyl-mesalazine ester-based RuII complexes inhibit growth of CSC-enriched OSCC 3D spheroids at low micromolar doses (2 μM). Complexes 2, 12, and 13 reduce stemness gene expression and induce differentiation markers (Involucrin, CK10) in OSCC 3D cultures. The imidazolyl-mesalazine ester-based RuII complex 13 shows the strongest effect. Downregulating c-MYC suggests that RuII complexes may target c-MYC-driven cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragya Kumari
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Centre for Advance Functional Materials, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur-741246, Nadia, West Bengal, India
| | - Subhashis Ghosh
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani-741251, West Bengal, India
| | - Sourav Acharya
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Centre for Advance Functional Materials, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur-741246, Nadia, West Bengal, India
| | - Paromita Mitra
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani-741251, West Bengal, India
| | - Souryadip Roy
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Centre for Advance Functional Materials, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur-741246, Nadia, West Bengal, India
| | - Shilpendu Ghosh
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Centre for Advance Functional Materials, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur-741246, Nadia, West Bengal, India
| | - Moumita Maji
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Centre for Advance Functional Materials, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur-741246, Nadia, West Bengal, India
| | - Sandeep Singh
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani-741251, West Bengal, India
| | - Arindam Mukherjee
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Centre for Advance Functional Materials, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur-741246, Nadia, West Bengal, India
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32
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Li YR, Ochoa CJ, Zhu Y, Kramer A, Wilson M, Fang Y, Chen Y, Singh T, Di Bernardo G, Zhu E, Lee D, Moatamed NA, Bando J, Zhou JJ, Memarzadeh S, Yang L. Profiling ovarian cancer tumor and microenvironment during disease progression for cell-based immunotherapy design. iScience 2023; 26:107952. [PMID: 37810241 PMCID: PMC10558812 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is highly lethal due to late detection and frequent recurrence. Initial treatments, comprising surgery and chemotherapy, lead to disease remission but are invariably associated with subsequent relapse. The identification of novel therapies and an improved understanding of the molecular and cellular characteristics of OC are urgently needed. Here, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of primary tumor cells and their microenvironment from 16 chemonaive and 10 recurrent OC patient samples. Profiling OC tumor biomarkers allowed for the identification of potential molecular targets for developing immunotherapies, while profiling the microenvironment yielded insights into its cellular composition and property changes between chemonaive and recurrent samples. Notably, we identified CD1d as a biomarker of the OC microenvironment and demonstrated its targeting by invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells. Overall, our study presents a comprehensive immuno-profiling of OC tumor and microenvironment during disease progression, guiding the development of immunotherapies for OC treatment, especially for recurrent disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ruide Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Christopher J Ochoa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yichen Zhu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Adam Kramer
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Matthew Wilson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ying Fang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yuning Chen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Tanya Singh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Gabriella Di Bernardo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Enbo Zhu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Derek Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Neda A Moatamed
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Joanne Bando
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jin J Zhou
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Sanaz Memarzadeh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- The VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Wan Q, Ren X, Tang J, Ma K, Deng YP. Cross talk between tumor stemness and microenvironment for prognosis and immunotherapy of uveal melanoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:11951-11968. [PMID: 37420017 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05061-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Tumor stem cells have emerged as a crucial focus of investigation and a therapeutic target in the context of cancer metastasis and drug resistance. They represent a promising novel approach to address the treatment of uveal melanoma (UVM). METHODS According to the one-class logistic regression (OCLR) approach, we first estimated two stemness indices (mDNAsi and mRNAsi) in a cohort of UVM (n = 80). The prognostic value of stemness indices among four subtypes of UVM (subtype A-D) was investigated. Moreover, univariate Cox regression and Lasso-penalized algorithms were conducted to identify a stemness-associated signature and verify in several independent cohorts. Besides, UVM patients classified into subgroups based on the stemness-associated signature. The differences in clinical outcomes, tumor microenvironment, and probability of immunotherapeutic response were investigated further. RESULTS We observed that mDNAsi was significantly linked with overall survival (OS) time of UVM, but no association was discovered between mRNAsi and OS. Stratification analysis indicated that the prognostic value of mDNAsi was only limited in subtype D of UVM. Besides, we established and verified a prognostic stemness-associated gene signature which can classify UVM patients into subgroups with distinct clinical outcomes, tumor mutation, immune microenvironment, and molecular pathways. The high risk of UVM is more sensitive to immunotherapy. Finally, a well-performed nomogram was constructed to predict the mortality of UVM patients. CONCLUSIONS This study offers a comprehensive examination of UVM stemness characteristics. We discovered mDNAsi-associated signatures improved the prediction capacity of individualized UVM prognosis and indicated prospective targets for stemness-regulated immunotherapy. Analysis of the interaction between stemness and tumor microenvironment may shed light on combinational treatment that targets both stem cell and the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wan
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xiang Ren
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jing Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ke Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China.
| | - Ying-Ping Deng
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China.
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Feng X, Ge J, Fu H, Miao L, Zhao F, Wang J, Sun Y, Li Y, Li Y. Discovery of small molecule β-catenin suppressors that enhance immunotherapy. Bioorg Chem 2023; 139:106754. [PMID: 37536216 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106754] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Small molecules directly downregulating β-catenin could potentially offer a more effective therapeutic approach for combating against cancer stem cells, as compared to targeting the downstream components of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. The challenge, however, lies in the fact that very few β-catenin suppressors have proven clinically effective, leaving a significant gap in medical solutions. Given that E-cadherin has a natural affinity for β-catenin, it stands to reason that agents designed to increase E-cadherin expression might provide an alternative method of regulating β-catenin levels. In this study, we report our discovery of DSS-C12 and DSS-B8, specific ester-based drugs derived from Dan-Shen-Su (DSS) extracted from the herb Salvia miltiorrhiza. Remarkably, these compounds display a potent ability to downregulate β-catenin, while also improving overall survival in post-surgery mice. Additionally, when these drugs are used in combination with PD-L1 checkpoint blockade, they stimulate enhanced systemic immune responses leading to significant suppression of primary tumor growth. In-depth mechanistic studies revealed that DSS-B8 functions as a vitamin D receptor agonist without inducing hypercalcemic effects. Collectively, our findings indicate that DSS-derived small molecules have considerable potential as clinically viable therapeutic strategies for β-catenin deactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuchen Feng
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jun Ge
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Hui Fu
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin China
| | - Lin Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Feng Zhao
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jingyu Wang
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yujiao Sun
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yingpeng Li
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.
| | - Yunfei Li
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
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35
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Zhang Z, Qiao Y, Sun Q, Peng L, Sun L. A novel SLC25A1 inhibitor, parthenolide, suppresses the growth and stemness of liver cancer stem cells with metabolic vulnerability. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:350. [PMID: 37741815 PMCID: PMC10518014 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01640-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) are recognized as key contributors to hepatocarcinogenesis, progression, and recurrence. Consequently, eradicating LCSCs has a great chance of increasing long-term survival in patients with liver cancer. Parthenolide (PTL), a natural sesquiterpene lactone product, possesses robust antitumor activity. However, the effects of PTL on LCSCs and underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Here we show that administration of PTL stimulated cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase, induced apoptosis, and decreased the stemness of LCSCs. Further research indicates that PTL caused the production of ROS and the reduction of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) levels of LCSCs. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) further shows that PTL decreased SLC25A1 expression at the mRNA level and that inhibition of SLC25A1 synergistically decreased the expression of IDH2 and several pivotal genes involved in mitochondrial respiratory chain complex, resulting in the production of ROS and mitochondrial dysfunction. In addition, the inhibitory effect of PTL on mitochondrial function and self-renewal capacity of LCSCs was abolished by the knockdown of SLC25A1 or treatment with SLC25A1 inhibitor CTPI-2. Importantly, PTL prevented liver cancer growth in vivo without clearly causing toxicity. Our research shows that PTL inhibits the growth and stemness of LCSCs through SLC25A1-mediated mitochondrial function. PTL may be a potential candidate natural agent for liver cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichun Zhang
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Yuan Qiao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Medical Science, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Qiuyue Sun
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Liang Peng
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Medical Science, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Lichao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
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36
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Ilkhanizadeh S, Gracias A, Åslund AK, Bäck M, Simon R, Kavanagh E, Migliori B, Neofytou C, Nelander S, Westermark B, Uhrbom L, Forsberg-Nilsson K, Konradsson P, Teixeira AI, Uhlén P, Joseph B, Hermanson O, Nilsson KPR. Live Detection of Neural Progenitors and Glioblastoma Cells by an Oligothiophene Derivative. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2023; 6:3790-3797. [PMID: 37647213 PMCID: PMC10521023 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00447] [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: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent need for simple and non-invasive identification of live neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) in the developing and adult brain as well as in disease, such as in brain tumors, due to the potential clinical importance in prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the nervous system. Here, we report a luminescent conjugated oligothiophene (LCO), named p-HTMI, for non-invasive and non-amplified real-time detection of live human patient-derived glioblastoma (GBM) stem cell-like cells and NSPCs. While p-HTMI stained only a small fraction of other cell types investigated, the mere addition of p-HTMI to the cell culture resulted in efficient detection of NSPCs or GBM cells from rodents and humans within minutes. p-HTMI is functionalized with a methylated imidazole moiety resembling the side chain of histidine/histamine, and non-methylated analogues were not functional. Cell sorting experiments of human GBM cells demonstrated that p-HTMI labeled the same cell population as CD271, a proposed marker for stem cell-like cells and rapidly migrating cells in glioblastoma. Our results suggest that the LCO p-HTMI is a versatile tool for immediate and selective detection of neural and glioma stem and progenitor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aileen Gracias
- Department
of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - Andreas K.O. Åslund
- IFM,
Department of Chemistry, Linköping
University, Linköping 581 83, Sweden
| | - Marcus Bäck
- IFM,
Department of Chemistry, Linköping
University, Linköping 581 83, Sweden
| | - Rozalyn Simon
- IFM,
Department of Chemistry, Linköping
University, Linköping 581 83, Sweden
| | - Edel Kavanagh
- Institute
of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - Bianca Migliori
- Department
of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - Christina Neofytou
- Department
of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - Sven Nelander
- Department
of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, and Science for Life Laboratory,
Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala 751 85, Sweden
| | - Bengt Westermark
- Department
of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, and Science for Life Laboratory,
Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala 751 85, Sweden
| | - Lene Uhrbom
- Department
of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, and Science for Life Laboratory,
Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala 751 85, Sweden
| | - Karin Forsberg-Nilsson
- Department
of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, and Science for Life Laboratory,
Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala 751 85, Sweden
| | - Peter Konradsson
- IFM,
Department of Chemistry, Linköping
University, Linköping 581 83, Sweden
| | - Ana I. Teixeira
- Department
of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - Per Uhlén
- Department
of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - Bertrand Joseph
- Institute
of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - Ola Hermanson
- Department
of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - K. Peter R. Nilsson
- IFM,
Department of Chemistry, Linköping
University, Linköping 581 83, Sweden
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37
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Heawchaiyaphum C, Yoshiyama H, Iizasa H, Burassakarn A, Tumurgan Z, Ekalaksananan T, Pientong C. Epstein-Barr Virus Promotes Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Stemness through the Warburg Effect. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14072. [PMID: 37762374 PMCID: PMC10531857 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with various human malignancies. An association between EBV infection and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has recently been reported. We established EBV-positive OSCC cells and demonstrated that EBV infection promoted OSCC progression. However, the mechanisms by which EBV promotes OSCC progression remain poorly understood. Therefore, we performed metabolic analyses of EBV-positive OSCC cells and established a xenograft model to investigate the viral contribution to OSCC progression. Here, we demonstrated that EBV infection induced mitochondrial stress by reducing the number of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copies. Microarray data from EBV-positive OSCC cells showed altered expression of glycolysis-related genes, particularly the upregulation of key genes involved in the Warburg effect, including LDHA, GLUT1, and PDK1. Furthermore, lactate production and LDH activity were elevated in EBV-positive OSCC cells. EBV infection significantly upregulated the expression levels of cancer stem cell (CSC) markers such as CD44 and CD133 in the xenograft model. In this model, tumor growth was significantly increased in EBV-positive SCC25 cells compared with that in uninfected cells. Furthermore, tumorigenicity increased after serial passages of EBV-positive SCC25 tumors. This study revealed the oncogenic role of EBV in OSCC progression by inducing the Warburg effect and cancer stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chukkris Heawchaiyaphum
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University (Rangsit Center), Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand;
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Shimane 693-8501, Japan; (H.I.); (A.B.); (Z.T.)
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand;
| | - Hironori Yoshiyama
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Shimane 693-8501, Japan; (H.I.); (A.B.); (Z.T.)
| | - Hisashi Iizasa
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Shimane 693-8501, Japan; (H.I.); (A.B.); (Z.T.)
| | - Ati Burassakarn
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Shimane 693-8501, Japan; (H.I.); (A.B.); (Z.T.)
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand;
| | - Zolzaya Tumurgan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Shimane 693-8501, Japan; (H.I.); (A.B.); (Z.T.)
| | - Tipaya Ekalaksananan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand;
- HPV & EBV and Carcinogenesis Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Chamsai Pientong
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand;
- HPV & EBV and Carcinogenesis Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
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38
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Johnson A, Feng X, Singh K, Ortu F, Suntharalingam K. The Anti-Breast Cancer Stem Cell Potency of Copper(I)-Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Complexes. Molecules 2023; 28:6401. [PMID: 37687229 PMCID: PMC10489748 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28176401] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are thought to be partly responsible for metastasis and cancer relapse. Currently, there are no effective therapeutic options that can remove CSCs at clinically safe doses. Here, we report the synthesis, characterisation, and anti-breast CSC properties of a series of copper(I) complexes, comprising of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and triphenylphosphine ligands (1-3). The copper(I) complexes are able to reduce the viability of breast CSCs grown in two- and three-dimensional cultures at micromolar concentrations. The potency of the copper(I) complexes towards breast CSCs was similar to salinomycin (an established anti-breast CSC agent) and cisplatin (a clinically used metallopharmaceutical). Cell-based studies showed that the copper(I) complexes are readily, and similarly, internalised by breast CSCs. The copper(I) complexes significantly increase the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in breast CSCs, and their ROS generation profile with respect to time is dependent on the NSAID component present. The generation of intracellular ROS by the copper(I) complexes could be part of the underlying mechanism by which they evoke breast CSC death. As far as we are aware, this is the first study to explore the anti-breast CSC properties of copper(I) complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Johnson
- School of Chemistry, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK; (A.J.); (X.F.); (K.S.)
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK
| | - Xiao Feng
- School of Chemistry, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK; (A.J.); (X.F.); (K.S.)
| | - Kuldip Singh
- School of Chemistry, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK; (A.J.); (X.F.); (K.S.)
| | - Fabrizio Ortu
- School of Chemistry, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK; (A.J.); (X.F.); (K.S.)
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Abruzzese E, Bocchia M, Trawinska MM, Raspadori D, Bondanini F, Sicuranza A, Pacelli P, Re F, Cavalleri A, Farina M, Malagola M, Russo D, De Fabritiis P, Bernardi S. Minimal Residual Disease Detection at RNA and Leukemic Stem Cell (LSC) Levels: Comparison of RT-qPCR, d-PCR and CD26+ Stem Cell Measurements in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) Patients in Deep Molecular Response (DMR). Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4112. [PMID: 37627140 PMCID: PMC10452239 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
A Deep Molecular Response (DMR), defined as a BCR::ABL1 transcript at levels ≤ 0.01% by RT-qPCR, is the prerequisite for the successful interruption of treatment among patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). However, approximately 50% of patients in Treatment-Free Remission (TFR) studies had to resume therapy after their BCR::ABL1 transcript levels rose above the 0.1% threshold. To improve transcript detection sensitivity and accuracy, transcript levels can be analyzed using digital PCR (dPCR). dPCR increases BCR::ABL1 transcript detection sensitivity 10-100 fold; however, its ability to better select successful TFR patients remains unclear. Beyond the role of the immune system, relapses may be due to the presence of residual leukemic stem cells (LSCs) that are transcriptionally silent. Flow cytometry can be used to identify and quantify circulating bone marrow Ph+ LSCs CD34+/CD38- co-expressing CD26 (dipeptidylpeptidase-IV). To date, the significance of circulating Ph+ LSCs in TFR is unclear. The aim of this work is to compare and examine the values obtained using the three different methods of detecting minimal residual disease (MRD) in CML at RNA (RT-qPCR and dPCR) and LSC (flowcytometry) levels among patients in TFR or exhibiting a DMR. The twenty-seven patients enrolled received treatment with either imatinib (12), dasatinib (6), nilotinib (7), bosutinib (1), or interferon (1). Twelve patients were in TFR, while the rest exhibited a DMR. The TFR patients had stopped therapy for less than 1 year (3), <3 years (2), 6 years (6), and 17 years (1). Blood samples were collected and tested using the three methods at the same time. Both d-PCR and LSCs showed higher sensitivity than RT-qPCR, exhibiting positive results in samples that were undetectable using RT-qPCR (17/27). None of the patients tested negative with d-PCR; however, 23/27 were under the threshold of 0.468 copies/μL, corresponding to a stable DMR. The results were divided into quartiles, and the lowest quartiles defined the lowest MRD. These data were strongly correlated in 15/27 patients, corresponding to almost half of the TFR patients. Indeed, the TFR patients, some lasting up to 17 years, corresponded to the lowest detectable DMR categories. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to analyze and compare DMRs in a CML population using standard (RT-qPCR) and highly sensitive (dPCR and LSCs) methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Abruzzese
- Hematology Unit, S. Eugenio Hospital, ASL Roma 2, Tor Vergata University, 00144 Rome, Italy; (M.M.T.); (P.D.F.)
| | - Monica Bocchia
- Chair of Hematology, University of Siena, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.B.); (D.R.); (A.S.); (P.P.)
| | - Malgorzata Monika Trawinska
- Hematology Unit, S. Eugenio Hospital, ASL Roma 2, Tor Vergata University, 00144 Rome, Italy; (M.M.T.); (P.D.F.)
| | - Donatella Raspadori
- Chair of Hematology, University of Siena, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.B.); (D.R.); (A.S.); (P.P.)
| | - Francesco Bondanini
- Laboratory Medicine Unit, S. Eugenio Hospital, ASL Roma 2, 00144 Rome, Italy;
| | - Anna Sicuranza
- Chair of Hematology, University of Siena, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.B.); (D.R.); (A.S.); (P.P.)
| | - Paola Pacelli
- Chair of Hematology, University of Siena, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.B.); (D.R.); (A.S.); (P.P.)
| | - Federica Re
- Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, ASST-Spedali Civili di Brescia, Chair of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (F.R.); (A.C.); (M.F.); (M.M.); (D.R.)
| | - Alessia Cavalleri
- Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, ASST-Spedali Civili di Brescia, Chair of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (F.R.); (A.C.); (M.F.); (M.M.); (D.R.)
| | - Mirko Farina
- Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, ASST-Spedali Civili di Brescia, Chair of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (F.R.); (A.C.); (M.F.); (M.M.); (D.R.)
| | - Michele Malagola
- Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, ASST-Spedali Civili di Brescia, Chair of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (F.R.); (A.C.); (M.F.); (M.M.); (D.R.)
| | - Domenico Russo
- Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, ASST-Spedali Civili di Brescia, Chair of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (F.R.); (A.C.); (M.F.); (M.M.); (D.R.)
| | - Paolo De Fabritiis
- Hematology Unit, S. Eugenio Hospital, ASL Roma 2, Tor Vergata University, 00144 Rome, Italy; (M.M.T.); (P.D.F.)
| | - Simona Bernardi
- Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, ASST-Spedali Civili di Brescia, Chair of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (F.R.); (A.C.); (M.F.); (M.M.); (D.R.)
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40
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Valent P, Sadovnik I, Peter B, Ivanov D, Schulenburg A, Hadzijusufovic E, Willmann M, Rülicke T, Herrmann H, Rabitsch W, Karlic H, Gleixner KV, Sperr WR, Hoermann G, Dahlhoff M, Pfeilstöcker M, Keil F, Lion T, Grunt TW. Vienna Cancer Stem Cell Club (VCSCC): 20 year jubilee and future perspectives. Expert Rev Hematol 2023; 16:659-670. [PMID: 37493441 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2023.2232545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Vienna Cancer Stem Cell Club (VCSCC) was launched by a group of scientists in Vienna in 2002. AREAS COVERED Major aims of the VCSCC are to support research on cancer stem cells (CSC) in hematopoietic malignancies and to translate CSC-related markers and targets into clinical application. A primary focus of research in the VCSCC is the leukemic stem cell (LSC). Between 2013 and 2021, members of the VCSCC established a special research program on myeloproliferative neoplasms and since 2008, members of the VCSCC run the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology. In all these years, the VCSCC provided a robust intellectual platform for translational hematology and LSC research in Vienna. Furthermore, the VCSCC interacts with several national and international study groups and societies in the field. Representatives of the VCSCC also organized a number of international meetings and conferences on neoplastic stem cells, including LSC, in the past 15 years, and contributed to the definition and classification of CSC/LSC and related pre-malignant and malignant conditions. EXPERT OPINION The VCSCC will continue to advance the field and to develop LSC-detecting and LSC-eradicating concepts through which diagnosis, prognostication, and therapy of blood cancer patients should improve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Valent
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Irina Sadovnik
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Peter
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Ivanov
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Axel Schulenburg
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Stem Cell Transplantation Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Emir Hadzijusufovic
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, Internal Medicine Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Willmann
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University Clinic for Small Animals, Internal Medicine Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Rülicke
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro Models, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Harald Herrmann
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Werner Rabitsch
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Stem Cell Transplantation Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heidrun Karlic
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karoline V Gleixner
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang R Sperr
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gregor Hoermann
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- MLL Munich Leukemia Laboratory, Munich, Germany
| | - Maik Dahlhoff
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro Models, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Pfeilstöcker
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Third Medical Department for Hematology and Oncology, Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Felix Keil
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Third Medical Department for Hematology and Oncology, Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Lion
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- St.Anna Children´s Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas W Grunt
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Clinical Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Li R, Wang D, Li H, Lei X, Liao W, Liu XY. Identification of Piezo1 as a potential target for therapy of colon cancer stem-like cells. Discov Oncol 2023; 14:95. [PMID: 37306789 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00712-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Colon cancer is a common malignancy of the digestive tract. Colon cancer stem-like cells (CCSCs) are theoretically one of the key drivers of the initiation, relapse, metastasis, and chemo-resistance of colon tumors. Piezo1 is a mechanosensitive cationic channel protein involved in cancer progression. However, little is known regarding the possible role of Piezo1 in maintaining the stemness of CCSCs. In this study, we found that Piezo1 was highly expressed in CD133+/CD44+ colon cancer tissues, and the Piezo1high/CD133+CD44+ population was associated with the clinical stage. Furthermore, CCSCs isolated from colon cell lines expressed higher Piezo1 levels compared to the non-CCSCs, and Piezo1 knockdown inhibited their tumorigenicity and self-renewal capacity. Mechanistically, Piezo1 maintained the stemness of CCSCs through Ca2+/NFAT1 signaling, and knocking down Piezo1 promoted degradation of NFAT1. Taken together, Piezo1 is involved in the stage of colon cancer and is a promising therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Li
- Department of Pathology, Ganzhou Cancer Hospital, No. 19, HuaYuan Qian Road, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Dongmei Wang
- Department of Pathology, Ganzhou Cancer Hospital, No. 19, HuaYuan Qian Road, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Huijuan Li
- Department of Pathology, Ganzhou Cancer Hospital, No. 19, HuaYuan Qian Road, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xianhua Lei
- Department of Pathology, Ganzhou Cancer Hospital, No. 19, HuaYuan Qian Road, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Weilian Liao
- Department of Pathology, Ganzhou Cancer Hospital, No. 19, HuaYuan Qian Road, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Liu
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Avenue, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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Lynch-Sutherland CF, McDougall LI, Stockwell PA, Almomani SN, Weeks RJ, Ludgate JL, Gamage TKJB, Chatterjee A, James JL, Eccles MR, Macaulay EC. The transposable element-derived transcript of LIN28B has a placental origin and is not specific to tumours. Mol Genet Genomics 2023:10.1007/s00438-023-02033-1. [PMID: 37269361 PMCID: PMC10363060 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-023-02033-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are genetic elements that have evolved as crucial regulators of human development and cancer, functioning as both genes and regulatory elements. When TEs become dysregulated in cancer cells, they can serve as alternate promoters to activate oncogenes, a process known as onco-exaptation. This study aimed to explore the expression and epigenetic regulation of onco-exaptation events in early human developmental tissues. We discovered co-expression of some TEs and oncogenes in human embryonic stem cells and first trimester and term placental tissues. Previous studies identified onco-exaptation events in various cancer types, including an AluJb SINE element-LIN28B interaction in lung cancer cells, and showed that the TE-derived LIN28B transcript is associated with poor patient prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. This study further characterized the AluJb-LIN28B transcript and confirmed that its expression is restricted to the placenta. Targeted DNA methylation analysis revealed differential methylation of the two LIN28B promoters between placenta and healthy somatic tissues, indicating that some TE-oncogene interactions are not cancer-specific but arise from the epigenetic reactivation of developmental TE-derived regulatory events. In conclusion, our findings provide evidence that some TE-oncogene interactions are not limited to cancer and may originate from the epigenetic reactivation of TE-derived regulatory events that are involved in early development. These insights broaden our understanding of the role of TEs in gene regulation and suggest the potential importance of targeting TEs in cancer therapy beyond their conventional use as cancer-specific markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiemi F Lynch-Sutherland
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand.
| | - Lorissa I McDougall
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Peter A Stockwell
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Suzan N Almomani
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Robert J Weeks
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Jackie L Ludgate
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Teena K J B Gamage
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Aniruddha Chatterjee
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Level 2, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Joanna L James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michael R Eccles
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Level 2, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Erin C Macaulay
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
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Roarty K. Unlocking the secrets of cancer stem cells: Immune checkpoint inhibitors face their formidable foes. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:743-744. [PMID: 37267909 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Beziaud et al.1 show that immunotherapy induces stem-like properties in models of breast cancer. Strikingly, T-cell-derived IFNγ promotes cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotypes, therapy resistance, and metastasis. Targeting BCAT1 downstream offers promise for enhancing immunotherapy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Roarty
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Salemme V, Centonze G, Avalle L, Natalini D, Piccolantonio A, Arina P, Morellato A, Ala U, Taverna D, Turco E, Defilippi P. The role of tumor microenvironment in drug resistance: emerging technologies to unravel breast cancer heterogeneity. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1170264. [PMID: 37265795 PMCID: PMC10229846 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1170264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease, at both inter- and intra-tumor levels, and this heterogeneity is a crucial determinant of malignant progression and response to treatments. In addition to genetic diversity and plasticity of cancer cells, the tumor microenvironment contributes to tumor heterogeneity shaping the physical and biological surroundings of the tumor. The activity of certain types of immune, endothelial or mesenchymal cells in the microenvironment can change the effectiveness of cancer therapies via a plethora of different mechanisms. Therefore, deciphering the interactions between the distinct cell types, their spatial organization and their specific contribution to tumor growth and drug sensitivity is still a major challenge. Dissecting intra-tumor heterogeneity is currently an urgent need to better define breast cancer biology and to develop therapeutic strategies targeting the microenvironment as helpful tools for combined and personalized treatment. In this review, we analyze the mechanisms by which the tumor microenvironment affects the characteristics of tumor heterogeneity that ultimately result in drug resistance, and we outline state of the art preclinical models and emerging technologies that will be instrumental in unraveling the impact of the tumor microenvironment on resistance to therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Salemme
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Molecular Biotechnology Center (MBC) “Guido Tarone”, Turin, Italy
| | - Giorgia Centonze
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Molecular Biotechnology Center (MBC) “Guido Tarone”, Turin, Italy
| | - Lidia Avalle
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Molecular Biotechnology Center (MBC) “Guido Tarone”, Turin, Italy
| | - Dora Natalini
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Molecular Biotechnology Center (MBC) “Guido Tarone”, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessio Piccolantonio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Molecular Biotechnology Center (MBC) “Guido Tarone”, Turin, Italy
| | - Pietro Arina
- UCL, Bloomsbury Institute of Intensive Care Medicine, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alessandro Morellato
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Molecular Biotechnology Center (MBC) “Guido Tarone”, Turin, Italy
| | - Ugo Ala
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Daniela Taverna
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Molecular Biotechnology Center (MBC) “Guido Tarone”, Turin, Italy
| | - Emilia Turco
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Defilippi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Molecular Biotechnology Center (MBC) “Guido Tarone”, Turin, Italy
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Bu J, Zhang Y, Wu S, Li H, Sun L, Liu Y, Zhu X, Qiao X, Ma Q, Liu C, Niu N, Xue J, Chen G, Yang Y, Liu C. KK-LC-1 as a therapeutic target to eliminate ALDH + stem cells in triple negative breast cancer. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2602. [PMID: 37147285 PMCID: PMC10163259 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38097-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Failure to achieve complete elimination of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) stem cells after adjuvant therapy is associated with poor outcomes. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) is a marker of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), and its enzymatic activity regulates tumor stemness. Identifying upstream targets to control ALDH+ cells may facilitate TNBC tumor suppression. Here, we show that KK-LC-1 determines the stemness of TNBC ALDH+ cells via binding with FAT1 and subsequently promoting its ubiquitination and degradation. This compromises the Hippo pathway and leads to nuclear translocation of YAP1 and ALDH1A1 transcription. These findings identify the KK-LC-1-FAT1-Hippo-ALDH1A1 pathway in TNBC ALDH+ cells as a therapeutic target. To reverse the malignancy due to KK-LC-1 expression, we employ a computational approach and discover Z839878730 (Z8) as an small-molecule inhibitor which may disrupt KK-LC-1 and FAT1 binding. We demonstrate that Z8 suppresses TNBC tumor growth via a mechanism that reactivates the Hippo pathway and decreases TNBC ALDH+ cell stemness and viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Bu
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translation Medicine Lab, Department of Oncology, Innovative Cancer Drug Research and Development Engineering Center of Liaoning Province, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China
| | - Yixiao Zhang
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translation Medicine Lab, Department of Oncology, Innovative Cancer Drug Research and Development Engineering Center of Liaoning Province, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China
| | - Sijin Wu
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translation Medicine Lab, Department of Oncology, Innovative Cancer Drug Research and Development Engineering Center of Liaoning Province, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China
- Shenzhen Jingtai Technology Co., Ltd. (XtalPi), International Biomedical Industrial Park (Phase II) 3F, 2 Hongliu Rd, Futian District, 16023, Shenzhen, China
| | - Haonan Li
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, 116023, Dalian, China
| | - Lisha Sun
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translation Medicine Lab, Department of Oncology, Innovative Cancer Drug Research and Development Engineering Center of Liaoning Province, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 110016, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 110016, Shenyang, China
| | - Xudong Zhu
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translation Medicine Lab, Department of Oncology, Innovative Cancer Drug Research and Development Engineering Center of Liaoning Province, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China
| | - Xinbo Qiao
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translation Medicine Lab, Department of Oncology, Innovative Cancer Drug Research and Development Engineering Center of Liaoning Province, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China
| | - Qingtian Ma
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translation Medicine Lab, Department of Oncology, Innovative Cancer Drug Research and Development Engineering Center of Liaoning Province, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translation Medicine Lab, Department of Oncology, Innovative Cancer Drug Research and Development Engineering Center of Liaoning Province, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China
| | - Nan Niu
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translation Medicine Lab, Department of Oncology, Innovative Cancer Drug Research and Development Engineering Center of Liaoning Province, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China
| | - Jinqi Xue
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translation Medicine Lab, Department of Oncology, Innovative Cancer Drug Research and Development Engineering Center of Liaoning Province, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China
| | - Guanglei Chen
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translation Medicine Lab, Department of Oncology, Innovative Cancer Drug Research and Development Engineering Center of Liaoning Province, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China
| | - Yongliang Yang
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translation Medicine Lab, Department of Oncology, Innovative Cancer Drug Research and Development Engineering Center of Liaoning Province, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China.
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, 116023, Dalian, China.
| | - Caigang Liu
- Cancer Stem Cell and Translation Medicine Lab, Department of Oncology, Innovative Cancer Drug Research and Development Engineering Center of Liaoning Province, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China.
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Dillman RO, Nistor GI, Keirstead HS. Autologous dendritic cells loaded with antigens from self-renewing autologous tumor cells as patient-specific therapeutic cancer vaccines. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023:2198467. [PMID: 37133853 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2198467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A promising personal immunotherapy is autologous dendritic cells (DC) loaded ex vivo with autologous tumor antigens (ATA) derived from self-renewing autologous cancer cells. DC-ATA are suspended in granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor at the time of each subcutaneous injection. Previously, irradiated autologous tumor cell vaccines have produced encouraging results in 150 cancer patients, but the DC-ATA vaccine demonstrated superiority in single-arm and randomized trials in metastatic melanoma. DC-ATA have been injected into more than 200 patients with melanoma, glioblastoma, and ovarian, hepatocellular, and renal cell cancers. Key observations include: [1] greater than 95% success rates for tumor cell cultures and monocyte collection for dendritic cell production; [2] injections are well-tolerated; [3] the immune response is rapid and includes primarily TH1/TH17 cellular responses; [4] efficacy has been suggested by delayed but durable complete tumor regressions in patients with measurable disease, by progression-free survival in glioblastoma, and by overall survival in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriel I Nistor
- Research and Development, AIVITA Biomedical Inc, Irvine, CA, USA
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Luo Q, Liu P, Yu P, Qin T. Cancer Stem Cells are Actually Stem Cells with Disordered Differentiation: the Monophyletic Origin of Cancer. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023; 19:827-838. [PMID: 36648606 PMCID: PMC10185654 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10508-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play an important role in cancer development. Based on advancements in CSC research, we propose a monophyletic model of cancer. This model is based on the idea that CSCs are stem cells with disordered differentiation whose original purpose was to repair damaged tissues. Inflammatory responses and damage repair signals are crucial for the creation and maintenance of CSCs. Normal quiescent stem cells are activated by environmental stimulation, such as an inflammatory response, and undergo cell division and differentiation. In the initial stage of cancer development, stem cell differentiation leads to heteromorphism due to the accumulation of gene mutations, resulting in the development of metaplasia or precancerosis. In the second stage, accumulated mutations induce poor differentiation and lead to cancer development. The monophyletic model illustrates the evolution, biological behavior, and hallmarks of CSCs, proposes a concise understanding of the origin of cancer, and may encourage a novel therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiankun Luo
- Department of Hepatobilliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Jinshui District, No. 7, Weiwu Rd., Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Pan Liu
- Department of Hepatobilliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Jinshui District, No. 7, Weiwu Rd., Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Pengfei Yu
- Department of Hepatobilliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Jinshui District, No. 7, Weiwu Rd., Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Tao Qin
- Department of Hepatobilliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Jinshui District, No. 7, Weiwu Rd., Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China.
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48
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Ghosh S, Mitra P, Saha U, Nandi R, Jena S, Ghosh A, Roy SS, Acharya M, Biswas NK, Singh S. NOTCH pathway inactivation reprograms stem-like oral cancer cells to JAK-STAT dependent state and provides the opportunity of synthetic lethality. Transl Oncol 2023; 32:101669. [PMID: 37054548 PMCID: PMC10122064 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101669] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have recently provided the evidence of interconvertible cellular states, driving non-genetic heterogeneity among stem-like oral cancer cells (oral-SLCCs). Here, NOTCH pathway-activity status is explored as one of the possible mechanisms behind this stochastic plasticity. METHODS Oral-SLCCs were enriched in 3D-spheroids. Constitutively-active and inactive status of NOTCH pathway was achieved by genetic or pharmacological approaches. RNA sequencing and real-time PCR was performed for gene expression studies. in vitro cytotoxicity assessments were performed by AlamarBlue assay and in vivo effects were studied by xenograft growth in zebrafish embryo. RESULTS We have observed stochastic plasticity in oral-SLCCs, spontaneously maintaining both NOTCH-active and inactive states. While cisplatin refraction was associated with post-treatment adaptation to the active-state of NOTCH pathway, oral-SLCCs with inactive NOTCH pathway status showed aggressive tumor growth and poor prognosis. RNAseq analysis clearly suggested the upregulation of JAK-STAT pathway in NOTCH pathway-inactive subset. The 3D-spheroids with lower NOTCH-activity status displayed significantly higher sensitivity to JAK-selective drugs, Ruxolitinib or Tofacitinib or siRNA mediated downregulation of tested partners STAT3/4. Oral-SLCCs were programmed to adapt the inactive status of NOTCH pathway by exposing to γ-secretase inhibitors, LY411575 or RO4929097, followed by targeting with JAK-inhibitors, Ruxolitinib or Tofacitinib. This approach resulted in a very significant inhibition in viability of 3D-spheroids as well as xenograft initiation in Zebrafish embryos. CONCLUSION Study revealed for the first time that NOTCH pathway-inactive state exhibit activation of JAK-STAT pathways, as synthetic lethal pair. Therefore, co-inhibition of these pathway may serve as novel therapeutic strategy against aggressive oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhashis Ghosh
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, West Bengal 741251, India
| | - Paromita Mitra
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, West Bengal 741251, India
| | - Uday Saha
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, West Bengal 741251, India
| | - Rimpa Nandi
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, West Bengal 741251, India
| | - Subhashree Jena
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, West Bengal 741251, India
| | - Arnab Ghosh
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, West Bengal 741251, India
| | - Shantanu Saha Roy
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, West Bengal 741251, India
| | - Moulinath Acharya
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, West Bengal 741251, India
| | - Nidhan Kumar Biswas
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, West Bengal 741251, India
| | - Sandeep Singh
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, West Bengal 741251, India.
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Guan T, Li M, Song Y, Chen J, Tang J, Zhang C, Wen Y, Yang X, Huang L, Zhu Y, Wang H, Ding K, Zheng J, Zhang H, Liu T. Phosphorylation of USP29 by CDK1 Governs TWIST1 Stability and Oncogenic Functions. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2205873. [PMID: 36782089 PMCID: PMC10104637 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly lethal malignancy with limited therapy options. TWIST1, a key transcriptional factor of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), contributes to self-renewal of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs), chemo-resistance, metastasis, and TNBC-related death. However, the mechanism by which TWIST1 is deregulated in TNBC remains elusive. Here, USP29 is identified as a bona fide deubiquitinase of TWIST1. The deubiquitination of TWIST1 catalyzed by USP29 is required for its stabilization and subsequent EMT and CSC functions in TNBC, thereby conferring chemotherapeutic resistance and metastasis. Furthermore, the results unexpectedly reveal that CDK1 functions as the direct USP29 activator. Mechanistically, CDK1-mediated phosphorylation of USP29 is essential for its deubiquitinase activity toward TWIST1 and TWIST1 driven-malignant phenotypes in TNBC, which could be markedly mitigated by the genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition of CDK1. Moreover, the histological analyses show that CDK1 and USP29 are highly upregulated in TNBC samples, which positively correlate with the expression of TWIST1. Taken together, the findings reveal a previously unrecognized tumor-promoting function and clinical significance of the CDK1-USP29 axis through stabilizing TWIST1 and provide the preclinical evidence that targeting this axis is an appealing therapeutic strategy to conquer chemo-resistance and metastasis in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tangming Guan
- College of Pharmacy/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of ChinaJinan UniversityGuangzhou510632China
| | - Mei Li
- College of Pharmacy/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of ChinaJinan UniversityGuangzhou510632China
| | - Yan Song
- Department of PathologyNational Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijing100021China
| | - Jiayi Chen
- College of Pharmacy/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of ChinaJinan UniversityGuangzhou510632China
| | - Jiaxin Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Genome Stability and Disease PreventionCollege of Life Sciences and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhen518055China
| | - Caishi Zhang
- College of Pharmacy/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of ChinaJinan UniversityGuangzhou510632China
| | - Yalei Wen
- College of Pharmacy/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of ChinaJinan UniversityGuangzhou510632China
| | - Xiao Yang
- College of Pharmacy/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of ChinaJinan UniversityGuangzhou510632China
| | - Lei Huang
- College of Pharmacy/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of ChinaJinan UniversityGuangzhou510632China
| | - Yingjie Zhu
- College of Pharmacy/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of ChinaJinan UniversityGuangzhou510632China
| | - Hongxian Wang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast SurgeryShenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital & The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen518052China
| | - Ke Ding
- College of Pharmacy/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of ChinaJinan UniversityGuangzhou510632China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioorganic and Nature Product ChemistryShanghai Institute of organic chemistryShanghai200032China
| | - Junxia Zheng
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical SciencesGuangdong University of TechnologyGuangzhou510006China
| | - Haoxing Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Genome Stability and Disease PreventionCollege of Life Sciences and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhen518055China
| | - Tongzheng Liu
- College of Pharmacy/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of ChinaJinan UniversityGuangzhou510632China
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50
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Hallis SP, Kim JM, Kwak MK. Emerging Role of NRF2 Signaling in Cancer Stem Cell Phenotype. Mol Cells 2023; 46:153-164. [PMID: 36994474 PMCID: PMC10070166 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2023.2196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small population of tumor cells characterized by self-renewal and differentiation capacity. CSCs are currently postulated as the driving force that induces intra-tumor heterogeneity leading to tumor initiation, metastasis, and eventually tumor relapse. Notably, CSCs are inherently resistant to environmental stress, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy due to high levels of antioxidant systems and drug efflux transporters. In this context, a therapeutic strategy targeting the CSC-specific pathway holds a promising cure for cancer. NRF2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2; NFE2L2) is a master transcription factor that regulates an array of genes involved in the detoxification of reactive oxygen species/electrophiles. Accumulating evidence suggests that persistent NRF2 activation, observed in multiple types of cancer, supports tumor growth, aggressive malignancy, and therapy resistance. Herein, we describe the core properties of CSCs, focusing on treatment resistance, and review the evidence that demonstrates the roles of NRF2 signaling in conferring unique properties of CSCs and the associated signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffanus P. Hallis
- Department of Pharmacy, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Korea
| | - Jin Myung Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Korea
| | - Mi-Kyoung Kwak
- Department of Pharmacy, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Korea
- College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Korea
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