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Rypens C, Van Berckelaer C, Berditchevski F, van Dam P, Van Laere S. Deciphering the molecular biology of inflammatory breast cancer through molecular characterization of patient samples and preclinical models. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 384:77-112. [PMID: 38637101 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.10.006] [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: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Inflammatory breast cancer is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer with dismal patient prognosis and a unique clinical presentation. In the past two decades, molecular profiling technologies have been used in order to gain insight into the molecular biology of IBC and to search for possible targets for treatment. Although a gene signature that accurately discriminates between IBC and nIBC patient samples and preclinical models was identified, the overall genomic and transcriptomic differences are small and ambiguous, mainly due to the limited sample sizes of the evaluated patient series and the failure to correct for confounding effects of the molecular subtypes. Nevertheless, data collected over the past 20 years by independent research groups increasingly support the existence of several IBC-specific biological characteristics. In this review, these features are classified as established, emerging and conceptual hallmarks based on the level of evidence reported in the literature. In addition, a synoptic model is proposed that integrates all hallmarks and that can explain how cancer cell intrinsic mechanisms (i.e. NF-κB activation, genomic instability, MYC-addiction, TGF-β resistance, adaptive stress response, chromatin remodeling, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition) can contribute to the establishment of the dynamic immune microenvironment associated with IBC. It stands to reason that future research projects are needed to further refine (parts of) this model and to investigate its clinical translatability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Rypens
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; CellCarta N V, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Christophe Van Berckelaer
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Fedor Berditchevski
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Peter van Dam
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Multidisciplinary Oncological Centre Antwerp (MOCA), Antwerp University Hospital, Drie Eikenstraat 655, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Steven Van Laere
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
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Iwase T, Wang X, Thi Hanh Phi L, Sridhar N, Ueno NT, Lee J. Advances in targets in inflammatory breast cancer. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 384:125-152. [PMID: 38637096 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Toshiaki Iwase
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States; Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States; University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI, United States.
| | - Xiaoping Wang
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States; Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Lan Thi Hanh Phi
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States; Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Nithya Sridhar
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Naoto T Ueno
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States; Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States; University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Jangsoon Lee
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States; Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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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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Geometric tumor embolic budding characterizes inflammatory breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2023; 197:461-478. [PMID: 36473978 PMCID: PMC9734724 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-022-06819-6] [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: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is characterized by numerous tumor emboli especially within dermal lymphatics. The explanation remains a mystery. METHODS This study combines experimental studies with two different IBC xenografts with image algorithmic studies utilizing human tissue microarrays (TMAs) of IBC vs non-IBC cases to support a novel hypothesis to explain IBC's sina qua non signature of florid lymphovascular emboli. RESULTS In the human TMAs, compared to tumor features like nuclear grade (size), mitosis and Ki-67 immunoreactivity which show that IBC is only modestly more proliferative with larger nuclei than non-IBC, what really sets IBC apart is the markedly greater number of tumor emboli and distinctly smaller emboli whose numbers indicate geometric or exponential differences between IBC and non-IBC. In the experimental xenograft studies, Mary-X gives rise to tight spheroids in vitro which exhibit dynamic budding into smaller daughter spheroids whereas Karen-X exhibits only loose non-budding aggregates. Furthermore Mary-X emboli also bud dramatically into smaller daughter emboli in vivo. The mechanism that regulates this involves the generation of E-cad/NTF1, a calpain-mediated cleavage 100 kDa product of 120 kDa full length membrane E-cadherin. Inhibiting this calpain-mediated cleavage of E-cadherin by blocking either the calpain site of cleavage (SC) or the site of binding (SB) with specific decapeptides that both penetrate the cell membrane and mimic either the cleavage site or the binding site on E-cadherin, inhibits the generation of E-cad/NTF1 in a dose-dependent manner, reduces spheroid compactness and decreases budding. CONCLUSION Since E-cad/NFT1 retains the p120ctn binding site but loses the α-and β-catenin sites, promoting its 360° distribution around the cell's membrane, the vacilating levels of this molecule trigger budding of both the spheroids as well as the emboli. Recurrent and geometric budding of parental emboli into daughter emboli then would account for the plethora of emboli seen in IBC.
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Comparative transcriptional analyses of preclinical models and patient samples reveal MYC and RELA driven expression patterns that define the molecular landscape of IBC. NPJ Breast Cancer 2022; 8:12. [PMID: 35042871 PMCID: PMC8766434 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-021-00379-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is an aggressive disease for which the spectrum of preclinical models was rather limited in the past. More recently, novel cell lines and xenografts have been developed. This study evaluates the transcriptome of an extended series of IBC preclinical models and performed a comparative analysis with patient samples to determine the extent to which the current models recapitulate the molecular characteristics of IBC observed clinically. We demonstrate that the IBC preclinical models are exclusively estrogen receptor (ER)-negative and of the basal-like subtype, which reflects to some extent the predominance of these subtypes in patient samples. The IBC-specific 79-signature we previously reported was retrained and discriminated between IBC and non-IBC preclinical models, but with a relatively high rate of false positive predictions. Further analyses of gene expression profiles revealed important roles for cell proliferation, MYC transcriptional activity, and TNFɑ/NFκB in the biology of IBC. Patterns of MYC expression and transcriptional activity were further explored in patient samples, which revealed interactions with ESR1 expression that are contrasting in IBC and nIBC and notable given the comparatively poor outcomes of ER+ IBC. Our analyses also suggest important roles for NMYC, MXD3, MAX, and MLX in shaping MYC signaling in IBC. Overall, we demonstrate that the IBC preclinical models can be used to unravel cancer cell intrinsic molecular features, and thus constitute valuable research tools. Nevertheless, the current lack of ER-positive IBC models remains a major hurdle, particularly since interactions with the ER pathway appear to be relevant for IBC.
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Three-Dimensional Culture Systems for Dissecting Notch Signalling in Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212473. [PMID: 34830355 PMCID: PMC8618738 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) culture systems opened up new horizons in studying the biology of tissues and organs, modelling various diseases, and screening drugs. Producing accurate in vitro models increases the possibilities for studying molecular control of cell–cell and cell–microenvironment interactions in detail. The Notch signalling is linked to cell fate determination, tissue definition, and maintenance in both physiological and pathological conditions. Hence, 3D cultures provide new accessible platforms for studying activation and modulation of the Notch pathway. In this review, we provide an overview of the recent advances in different 3D culture systems, including spheroids, organoids, and “organ-on-a-chip” models, and their use in analysing the crucial role of Notch signalling in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis, pathology, and regeneration.
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Xiu M, Wang Y, Li B, Wang X, Xiao F, Chen S, Zhang L, Zhou B, Hua F. The Role of Notch3 Signaling in Cancer Stemness and Chemoresistance: Molecular Mechanisms and Targeting Strategies. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:694141. [PMID: 34195229 PMCID: PMC8237348 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.694141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant Notch signaling profoundly affects cancer progression. Especially the Notch3 receptor was found to be dysregulated in cancer, where its expression is correlated with worse clinicopathological features and poor prognosis. The activation of Notch3 signaling is closely related to the activation of cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small subpopulation in cancer that is responsible for cancer progression. In addition, Notch3 signaling also contributes to tumor chemoresistance against several drugs, including doxorubicin, platinum, taxane, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)–tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and gemcitabine, through complex mechanisms. In this review, we mainly focus on discussing the molecular mechanisms by which Notch3 modulates cancer stemness and chemoresistance, as well as other cancer behaviors including metastasis and angiogenesis. What’s more, we propose potential treatment strategies to block Notch3 signaling, such as non-coding RNAs, antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates, providing a comprehensive reference for research on precise targeted cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxi Xiu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Yongbo Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Baoli Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Xifeng Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Fan Xiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Shoulin Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Lieliang Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Fuzhou Hua
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
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Zhang R, Tu J, Liu S. Novel molecular regulators of breast cancer stem cell plasticity and heterogeneity. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 82:11-25. [PMID: 33737107 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tumors consist of heterogeneous cell populations, and tumor heterogeneity plays key roles in regulating tumorigenesis, metastasis, recurrence and resistance to anti-tumor therapies. More and more studies suggest that cancer stem cells (CSCs) promote tumorigenesis, metastasis, recurrence and drug resistance as well as are the major source for heterogeneity of cancer cells. CD24-CD44+ and ALDH+ are the most common markers for breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). Previous studies showed that different BCSC markers label different BCSC populations, indicating the heterogeneity of BCSCs. Therefore, defining the regulation mechanisms of heterogeneous BCSCs is essential for precisely targeting BCSCs and treating breast cancer. In this review, we summarized the novel regulators existed in BCSCs and their niches for BCSC heterogeneity which has been discovered in recent years, and discussed their regulation mechanisms and the latest corresponding cancer treatments, which will extend our understanding on BCSC heterogeneity and plasticity, and provide better prognosis prediction and more efficient novel therapeutic strategies for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Institutes, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Juchuanli Tu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Institutes, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Suling Liu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Institutes, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, 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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Canté-Barrett K, Holtzer L, van Ooijen H, Hagelaar R, Cordo’ V, Verhaegh W, van de Stolpe A, Meijerink JPP. A Molecular Test for Quantifying Functional Notch Signaling Pathway Activity in Human Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113142. [PMID: 33120947 PMCID: PMC7692325 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The Notch signal transduction pathway is important for various physiological processes, including immune responses, and plays a role in many diseases, for example cancer. We have developed a new assay to quantitatively measure Notch pathway activity, and we validated it using data from various human cancer cell lines. The assay can be applied across different cell types, and offers numerous possibilities to explore the contribution of the Notch pathway to tumor formation and the stratification of cancer patients. We assessed Notch pathway activity in a cohort of T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) patient samples, and found that the pathway activity score more accurately reflects Notch pathway activity than a prediction on the basis of NOTCH1 mutations alone. Finally, we found that patients with low Notch pathway activity had a significantly shorter event-free survival compared to patients who had T-ALL cells with higher activity. Abstract Background: The Notch signal transduction pathway is pivotal for various physiological processes, including immune responses, and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases. The effectiveness of various targeted Notch pathway inhibitors may vary due to variabilities in Notch pathway activity among individual patients. The quantitative measurement of Notch pathway activity is therefore essential to identify patients who could benefit from targeted treatment. Methods: We here describe a new assay that infers a quantitative Notch pathway activity score from the mRNA levels of generally conserved direct NOTCH target genes. Following the calibration and biological validation of our Notch pathway activity model over a wide spectrum of human cancer types, we assessed Notch pathway activity in a cohort of T-ALL patient samples and related it to biological and clinical parameters, including outcome. Results: We developed an assay using 18 select direct target genes and high-grade serous ovarian cancer for calibration. For validation, seven independent human datasets (mostly cancer series) were used to quantify Notch activity in agreement with expectations. For T-ALL, the median Notch pathway activity was highest for samples with strong NOTCH1-activating mutations, and T-ALL patients of the TLX subtype generally had the highest levels of Notch pathway activity. We observed a significant relationship between ICN1 levels and the absence/presence of NOTCH1-activating mutations with Notch pathway activity scores. Patients with the lowest Notch activity scores had the shortest event-free survival compared to other patients. Conclusions: High Notch pathway activity was not limited to T-ALL samples harboring strong NOTCH1 mutations, including juxtamembrane domain mutations or hetero-dimerization combined with PEST-domain or FBXW7 mutations, indicating that additional mechanisms may activate Notch signaling. The measured Notch pathway activity was related to intracellular NOTCH levels, indicating that the pathway activity score more accurately reflects Notch pathway activity than when it is predicted on the basis of NOTCH1 mutations. Importantly, patients with low Notch pathway activity had a significantly shorter event-free survival compared to patients showing higher activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Canté-Barrett
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands; (K.C.-B.); (R.H.); (V.C.)
| | - Laurent Holtzer
- Philips Molecular Pathway Dx, Royal Philips, 5656 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands; (L.H.); (A.v.d.S.)
| | - Henk van Ooijen
- Philips Research, Royal Philips, 5656 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands; (H.v.O.); (W.V.)
| | - Rico Hagelaar
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands; (K.C.-B.); (R.H.); (V.C.)
| | - Valentina Cordo’
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands; (K.C.-B.); (R.H.); (V.C.)
| | - Wim Verhaegh
- Philips Research, Royal Philips, 5656 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands; (H.v.O.); (W.V.)
| | - Anja van de Stolpe
- Philips Molecular Pathway Dx, Royal Philips, 5656 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands; (L.H.); (A.v.d.S.)
| | - Jules P. P. Meijerink
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands; (K.C.-B.); (R.H.); (V.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-6-15064275
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Dobiasova B, Mego M. Biomarkers for Inflammatory Breast Cancer: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Utility. BREAST CANCER-TARGETS AND THERAPY 2020; 12:153-163. [PMID: 33116817 PMCID: PMC7569067 DOI: 10.2147/bctt.s231502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare and highly aggressive subtype of advanced breast cancer. The aggressive behavior, resistance to chemotherapy, angiogenesis, and high metastatic potential are key intrinsic characteristics of IBC caused by many specific factors. Pathogenesis and behavior of IBC are closely related to tumor surrounding inflammatory and immune cells, blood vessels, and extracellular matrix, which are all components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). The tumor microenvironment has a crucial role in the local immune r09esponse. The communication between intrinsic and extrinsic components of IBC and the abundance of cytokines and chemokines in the TME strongly contribute to the aggressiveness and high angiogenic potential of this tumor. Critical modes of interaction are cytokine-mediated communication and direct intercellular contact between cancer cells and tumor microenvironment with a variety of pathway crosstalk. This review aimed to summarize current knowledge of predictive and prognostic biomarkers in IBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Dobiasova
- 2 Department of Oncology, Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine, National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Michal Mego
- 2 Department of Oncology, Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine, National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
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Wu J, Lv Q, Huang H, Zhu M, Meng D. Screening and Identification of Key Biomarkers in Inflammatory Breast Cancer Through Integrated Bioinformatic Analyses. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2020; 24:484-491. [PMID: 32598242 DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2020.0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare type of breast cancer with poor prognoses, moreover its pathogenesis is not entirely clear. The aim of this study was to identify key genes of IBC, which might serve as diagnostic biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets. Methods: Two microarray datasets, GSE23720 and GSE45581, were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, and a differential expression analysis was performed. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were conducted to understand the potential biological functions of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Next, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed and visualized by Cytoscape. Functional modules and hub genes were screened using MCODE and cytohubba plug-ins, and the Cancer Genome Atlas survival analysis along with quantitative reverse transcriptional polymerase chain reactions of clinical samples was used to validate the effect that the hub genes have on IBC. Results: A total of 215 DEGs were identified, consisting of 105 upregulated and 110 downregulated genes. GO and KEGG analyses showed that the enriched terms and pathways were mainly associated with cell cycle, proliferation, drug metabolism, and oncogenesis. From the PPI network, we identified six hub genes, including Cell Division Cycle 45 (CDC45), Polo Like Kinase 1 (PLK1), BUB1 Mitotic Checkpoint Serine/Threonine Kinase B (BUB1B), Cell Division Cycle 20 (CDC20), Aurora Kinase A (AURKA), and Mitotic Arrest Deficient 2 Like 1 (MAD2L1). The survival analyses and expression validation studies verified the robustness of these hub genes. Conclusion: This study provides new insights into the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of IBC; in addition, the identified hub genes may serve as potential targets for diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junqiang Wu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Qing Lv
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Hu Huang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Mingjie Zhu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Dong Meng
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
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Lv Q, Liu Y, Huang H, Zhu M, Wu J, Meng D. Identification of Potential Key Genes and Pathways for Inflammatory Breast Cancer Based on GEO and TCGA Databases. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:5541-5550. [PMID: 32606769 PMCID: PMC7305851 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s255300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare type of breast cancer with poor prognosis, and the pathogenesis of this life-threatening disease is yet to be fully elucidated. This study aims to identify key genes of IBC, which could be potential diagnostic or therapeutic targets. Methods Four datasets GSE5847, GSE22597, GSE23720, and GSE45581 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and differential expression analysis was performed. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were conducted to understand the potential bio-functions of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed for functional modules analysis and hub genes identification, and TCGA survival analysis and qRT-PCR of clinical samples were used to further explore and validate the effect of hub genes on IBC. Results A total of 114 DEGs were identified from the GEO datasets. GO and KEGG analyses showed that the DEGs were mainly enriched in oncogenesis and cell adhesion. From the PPI network, we screened out five hub genes, including PTPRC, IL6, SELL, CD40, and SPN. Survival analysis and expression validation verified the robustness of the hub genes. Discussion The present study provides new insight into the understanding of IBC pathogenesis and the identified hub genes may serve as potential targets for diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Lv
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yansong Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Tumor Hospital of Mudanjiang City, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Hu Huang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingjie Zhu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Junqiang Wu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong Meng
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
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13
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Epigenetics in Inflammatory Breast Cancer: Biological Features and Therapeutic Perspectives. Cells 2020; 9:cells9051164. [PMID: 32397183 PMCID: PMC7291154 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence has emerged implicating epigenetic alterations in inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) origin and progression. IBC is a rare and rapidly progressing disease, considered the most aggressive type of breast cancer (BC). At clinical presentation, IBC is characterized by diffuse erythema, skin ridging, dermal lymphatic invasion, and peau d'orange aspect. The widespread distribution of the tumor as emboli throughout the breast and intra- and intertumor heterogeneity is associated with its poor prognosis. In this review, we highlighted studies documenting the essential roles of epigenetic mechanisms in remodeling chromatin and modulating gene expression during mammary gland differentiation and the development of IBC. Compiling evidence has emerged implicating epigenetic changes as a common denominator linking the main risk factors (socioeconomic status, environmental exposure to endocrine disruptors, racial disparities, and obesity) with IBC development. DNA methylation changes and their impact on the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of IBC are also described. Recent studies are focusing on the use of histone deacetylase inhibitors as promising epigenetic drugs for treating IBC. All efforts must be undertaken to unravel the epigenetic marks that drive this disease and how this knowledge could impact strategies to reduce the risk of IBC development and progression.
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14
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Bertucci F, Rypens C, Finetti P, Guille A, Adélaïde J, Monneur A, Carbuccia N, Garnier S, Dirix P, Gonçalves A, Vermeulen P, Debeb BG, Wang X, Dirix L, Ueno NT, Viens P, Cristofanilli M, Chaffanet M, Birnbaum D, Van Laere S. NOTCH and DNA repair pathways are more frequently targeted by genomic alterations in inflammatory than in non-inflammatory breast cancers. Mol Oncol 2020; 14:504-519. [PMID: 31854063 PMCID: PMC7053236 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the most pro‐metastatic form of breast cancer. Better understanding of its pathophysiology and identification of actionable genetic alterations (AGAs) are crucial to improve systemic treatment. We aimed to define the DNA profiles of IBC vs noninflammatory breast cancer (non‐IBC) clinical samples in terms of copy number alterations (CNAs), mutations, and AGAs. We applied targeted next‐generation sequencing (tNGS) and array‐comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) to 57 IBC and 50 non‐IBC samples and pooled these data with four public datasets profiled using NGS and aCGH, leading to a total of 101 IBC and 2351 non‐IBC untreated primary tumors. The respective percentages of each molecular subtype [hormone receptor‐positive (HR+)/HER2−, HER2+, and triple‐negative] were 68%, 15%, and 17% in non‐IBC vs 25%, 35%, and 40% in IBC. The comparisons were adjusted for both the molecular subtypes and the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage. The 10 most frequently altered genes in IBCs were TP53 (63%), HER2/ERBB2 (30%), MYC (27%), PIK3CA (21%), BRCA2 (14%), CCND1 (13%), GATA3 (13%), NOTCH1 (12%), FGFR1 (11%), and ARID1A (10%). The tumor mutational burden was higher in IBC than in non‐IBC. We identified 96 genes with an alteration frequency (p < 5% and q < 20%) different between IBC and non‐IBC, independently from the molecular subtypes and AJCC stage; 95 were more frequently altered in IBC, including TP53, genes involved in the DNA repair (BRCA2) and NOTCH pathways, and one (PIK3CA) was more frequently altered in non‐IBC. Ninety‐seven percent of IBCs displayed at least one AGA. This percentage was higher than in non‐IBC (87%), notably for drugs targeting DNA repair, NOTCH signaling, and CDK4/6, whose pathways were more frequently altered (DNA repair) or activated (NOTCH and CDK4/6) in IBC than in non‐IBC. The genomic landscape of IBC is different from that of non‐IBC. Enriched AGAs in IBC may explain its aggressiveness and provide clinically relevant targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Bertucci
- Laboratoire d'Oncologie Prédictive, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille Université, France.,Département d'Oncologie Médicale, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Charlotte Rypens
- Translational Cancer Research Unit and Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, GZA Hospitals Sint-Augustinus and University of Antwerp Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Pascal Finetti
- Laboratoire d'Oncologie Prédictive, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille Université, France
| | - Arnaud Guille
- Laboratoire d'Oncologie Prédictive, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille Université, France
| | - José Adélaïde
- Laboratoire d'Oncologie Prédictive, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille Université, France
| | - Audrey Monneur
- Département d'Oncologie Médicale, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Nadine Carbuccia
- Laboratoire d'Oncologie Prédictive, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille Université, France
| | - Séverine Garnier
- Laboratoire d'Oncologie Prédictive, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille Université, France
| | - Piet Dirix
- Translational Cancer Research Unit and Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, GZA Hospitals Sint-Augustinus and University of Antwerp Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Anthony Gonçalves
- Laboratoire d'Oncologie Prédictive, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille Université, France.,Département d'Oncologie Médicale, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Peter Vermeulen
- Translational Cancer Research Unit and Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, GZA Hospitals Sint-Augustinus and University of Antwerp Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Bisrat G Debeb
- MD Anderson Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiaoping Wang
- MD Anderson Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Luc Dirix
- Translational Cancer Research Unit and Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, GZA Hospitals Sint-Augustinus and University of Antwerp Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Naoto T Ueno
- MD Anderson Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Patrice Viens
- Département d'Oncologie Médicale, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Massimo Cristofanilli
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Max Chaffanet
- Laboratoire d'Oncologie Prédictive, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille Université, France
| | - Daniel Birnbaum
- Laboratoire d'Oncologie Prédictive, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille Université, France
| | - Steven Van Laere
- Translational Cancer Research Unit and Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, GZA Hospitals Sint-Augustinus and University of Antwerp Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
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15
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Toward understanding cancer stem cell heterogeneity in the tumor microenvironment. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:148-157. [PMID: 30587589 PMCID: PMC6320545 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1815345116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cell (CSC) formation are two paramount processes driving tumor progression, therapy resistance, and cancer metastasis. Recent experiments show that cells with varying EMT and CSC phenotypes are spatially segregated in the primary tumor. The underlying mechanisms generating such spatiotemporal dynamics in the tumor microenvironment, however, remain largely unexplored. Here, we show through a mechanism-based dynamical model that the diffusion of EMT-inducing signals such as TGF-β, together with noncell autonomous control of EMT and CSC decision making via the Notch signaling pathway, can explain experimentally observed disparate localization of subsets of CSCs with varying EMT phenotypes in the tumor. Our simulations show that the more mesenchymal CSCs lie at the invasive edge, while the hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) CSCs reside in the tumor interior. Further, motivated by the role of Notch-Jagged signaling in mediating EMT and stemness, we investigated the microenvironmental factors that promote Notch-Jagged signaling. We show that many inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 that can promote Notch-Jagged signaling can (i) stabilize a hybrid E/M phenotype, (ii) increase the likelihood of spatial proximity of hybrid E/M cells, and (iii) expand the fraction of CSCs. To validate the predicted connection between Notch-Jagged signaling and stemness, we knocked down JAG1 in hybrid E/M SUM149 human breast cancer cells in vitro. JAG1 knockdown significantly restricted tumor organoid formation, confirming the key role that Notch-Jagged signaling can play in tumor progression. Together, our integrated computational-experimental framework reveals the underlying principles of spatiotemporal dynamics of EMT and CSCs.
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16
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Mohamed HT, Gadalla R, El-Husseiny N, Hassan H, Wang Z, Ibrahim SA, El-Shinawi M, Sherr DH, Mohamed MM. Inflammatory breast cancer: Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and its target CYP1B1 correlates closely with Wnt5a/b-β-catenin signalling, the stem cell phenotype and disease progression. J Adv Res 2018; 16:75-86. [PMID: 30899591 PMCID: PMC6413307 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2018.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
AHR is over-expressed and hyperactivated in carcinoma tissues of IBC patients. AHR knockdown inhibits expression of CYP1B1 and Wnt5a in IBC cells. AHR and CYP1B1 expression correlates with Wnt5 a/b and b-catenin expression levels. AHR and CYP1B1 expression correlates with percentage of CD44(+)/CD24(−/low) subset in IBC. AHR and its surrogate molecules correlate with IBC poor prognosis.
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression levels of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and its target gene CYP1B1 and to correlate their expression with Wnt5a/b-β-catenin, the CD44+/CD24(−/low) cancer stem cell (CSC) subset and factors associated with poor prognosis in inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) and non-IBC patients. The methods of analysis used were quantitative real-time PCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Compared to non-IBC tissues, IBC tissues exhibited the overexpression of AHR and its target gene/protein CYP1B1. AHR and CYP1B1 mRNA levels were associated with the poor clinical prognosis markers tumour grade, lymphovascular invasion, cell proliferation and lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, AHR expression correlated with the expression of Wnt5a/b and β-catenin signalling molecules, and Wnt5a mRNA expression was downregulated in the SUM149 human IBC cell line and the MDA-MB-231 non-IBC cell line upon inhibition of AHR. AHR gene knockout (CRISPR-Cas9) inhibits CYP1B1 and Wnt5a expression in the IBC cell line. The CD44+/CD24(−/low) subset was significantly correlated with the expression of AHR, CYP1B1, Wnt5a/b and β-catenin in IBC tissues. The overexpression of AHR and its target CYP1B1 correlated with the expression of Wnt5a/b and β-catenin, CSCs, and poor clinical prognostic factors of IBC. Thus, targeting AHR and/or its downstream target molecules CYP1B1 and Wnt5a/b may represent a therapeutic approach for IBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossam T Mohamed
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Ramy Gadalla
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Noura El-Husseiny
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Hebatallah Hassan
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Zhongyan Wang
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Sherif A Ibrahim
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Mohamed El-Shinawi
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - David H Sherr
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Mona M Mohamed
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
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17
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Lim B, Woodward WA, Wang X, Reuben JM, Ueno NT. Inflammatory breast cancer biology: the tumour microenvironment is key. Nat Rev Cancer 2018; 18:485-499. [PMID: 29703913 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-018-0010-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare and aggressive disease that accounts for ~2-4% of all breast cancers. However, despite its low incidence rate, IBC is responsible for 7-10% of breast cancer-related mortality in Western countries. Thus, the discovery of robust biological targets and the development of more effective therapeutics in IBC are crucial. Despite major international efforts to understand IBC biology, genomic studies have not led to the discovery of distinct biological mechanisms in IBC that can be translated into novel therapeutic strategies. In this Review, we discuss these molecular profiling efforts and highlight other important aspects of IBC biology. We present the intrinsic characteristics of IBC, including stemness, metastatic potential and hormone receptor positivity; the extrinsic features of the IBC tumour microenvironment (TME), including various constituent cell types; and lastly, the communication between these intrinsic and extrinsic components. We summarize the latest perspectives on the key biological features of IBC, with particular emphasis on the TME as an important contributor to the aggressive nature of IBC. On the basis of the current understanding of IBC, we hope to develop the next generation of translational studies, which will lead to much-needed survival improvements in patients with this deadly disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bora Lim
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Wendy A Woodward
- Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiaoping Wang
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - James M Reuben
- Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Naoto T Ueno
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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Aburjania Z, Jang S, Whitt J, Jaskula-Stzul R, Chen H, Rose JB. The Role of Notch3 in Cancer. Oncologist 2018; 23:900-911. [PMID: 29622701 PMCID: PMC6156186 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2017-0677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The Notch family is a highly conserved gene group that regulates cell-cell interaction, embryogenesis, and tissue commitment. This review article focuses on the third Notch family subtype, Notch3. Regulation via Notch3 signaling was first implicated in vasculogenesis. However, more recent findings suggest that Notch3 signaling may play an important role in oncogenesis, tumor maintenance, and resistance to chemotherapy. Its role is mainly oncogenic, although in some cancers it appears to be tumor suppressive. Despite the wealth of published literature, it remains relatively underexplored and requires further research to shed more light on its role in cancer development, determine its tissue-specific function, and elaborate novel treatment strategies. Herein we summarize the role of Notch3 in cancer, possible mechanisms of its action, and current cancer treatment strategies targeting Notch3 signaling. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE The Notch family is a highly conserved gene group that regulates cell-cell interaction, embryogenesis, and tissue commitment. This review summarizes the existing data on the third subtype of the Notch family, Notch3. The role of Notch3 in different types of cancers is discussed, as well as implications of its modification and new strategies to affect Notch3 signaling activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zviadi Aburjania
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Samuel Jang
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Jason Whitt
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Renata Jaskula-Stzul
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Herbert Chen
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - J Bart Rose
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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Nowak A, Dziegiel P. Implications of nestin in breast cancer pathogenesis (Review). Int J Oncol 2018; 53:477-487. [PMID: 29901100 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present review was to summarize the current knowledge of the involvement of nestin in breast cancer (BC) pathogenesis. Nestin is a member of the class VI family of intermediate filament proteins, originally identified as a marker of neural stem cells and subsequently demonstrated to be expressed in BC and other cancer types. In normal breast tissue, nestin is expressed in the basal/myoepithelial cells of the mammary gland. In BC, nestin identifies basal-like tumours and predicts aggressive behaviour and poor prognosis. Nestin expression has also been detected in BC stem cells and newly-formed tumour vessels, being a factor in promoting invasion and metastasis. The present review provides an up-to-date overview of the involvement of nestin in processes facilitating BC pathogenesis and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Nowak
- Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Division of Histology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Dziegiel
- Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Division of Histology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
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Li Y, Li L, Chen M, Yu X, Gu Z, Qiu H, Qin G, Long Q, Fu X, Liu T, Li W, Huang W, Shi D, Kang T, Luo M, Wu X, Deng W. MAD2L2 inhibits colorectal cancer growth by promoting NCOA3 ubiquitination and degradation. Mol Oncol 2018; 12:391-405. [PMID: 29360267 PMCID: PMC5830628 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Revised: 11/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptor coactivator 3 (NCOA3) is a transcriptional coactivator that has elevated expression in multiple tumor types, including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the molecular mechanisms that regulate the tumorigenic functions of NCOA3 in CRC remain largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to discover and identify the novel regulatory proteins of NCOA3 and explore their mechanisms of action. Immunoprecipitation (IP) coupled with mass spectrometry (IP-MS) analysis was used to detect, identify, and verify the proteins that interacted with NCOA3 in CRC cells. The biological functions of the candidate proteins and the underlying molecular mechanism were investigated in CRC cells and mouse model in vitro and in vivo. The clinical significance of NCOA3 and its interaction partner protein in CRC patients was also studied. We identified mitotic arrest deficient 2-like protein 2 (MAD2L2, also known as MAD2B or REV7), with two signal peptide sequences of LIPLK and EVYPVGIFQK, to be an interaction partner of NCOA3. Overexpression of MAD2L2 suppressed the proliferation, migration, and clonogenicity of CRC cells by inducing the degradation of NCOA3. The mechanism study showed that increased MAD2L2 expression in CRC cells activated p38, which was required for the phosphorylation of NCOA3 that led to its ubiquitination and degradation by the proteasome. Moreover, we found that MAD2L2 predicted favorable prognosis in CRC patients. We have discovered a novel role of MAD2L2 in the regulation of NCOA3 degradation and proposed that MAD2L2 serves as a tumor suppressor in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Li
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center of Cancer MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Liren Li
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center of Cancer MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Miao Chen
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center of Cancer MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Xinfa Yu
- Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical UniversityFoshanChina
| | - Zhuoyu Gu
- Department of PharmacologyMedical CollegeJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Huijuan Qiu
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center of Cancer MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Ge Qin
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center of Cancer MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Qian Long
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center of Cancer MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Xiaoyan Fu
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center of Cancer MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Tianze Liu
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center of Cancer MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Wenbin Li
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center of Cancer MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Wenlin Huang
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center of Cancer MedicineGuangzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Targeted Drug for Tumors of Guangdong ProvinceGuangzhou Double Bioproduct Inc.GuangzhouChina
| | - Dingbo Shi
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center of Cancer MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Tiebang Kang
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center of Cancer MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Meihua Luo
- Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical UniversityFoshanChina
| | - Xiaojun Wu
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center of Cancer MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Wuguo Deng
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center of Cancer MedicineGuangzhouChina
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Kim MJ, Kim AR, Jeong JY, Kim KI, Kim TH, Lee C, Chung K, Ko YH, An HJ. Correlation of ALDH1 and Notch3 Expression: Clinical implication in Ovarian Carcinomas. J Cancer 2017; 8:3331-3342. [PMID: 29158806 PMCID: PMC5665050 DOI: 10.7150/jca.18955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: ALDH1 is a putative cancer stem cell marker, while the Notch signaling pathway is involved in regulation of cancer stem cell (CSC)s. This study aims to determine the expression of Notch signaling genes in ovarian CSCs, and to assess the clinical impact of expression of ALDH1 and Notch signaling genes in ovarian cancers. Methods: We examined expression of Notch signaling genes in FACS-sorted ALDH1(+) putative ovarian CSCs and expression of ALDH1 and Notch signaling genes in 86 ovarian epithelial tumors and various ovarian cancer cell lines by real-time RT-PCR, including Notch receptors (Notch1-4), Notch ligands (Jagged1 and Jagged2), and the downstream molecule, Hes1. Furthermore, we correlated their expression with clinicopathological parameters and patient's survival in ovarian serous carcinoma (OSC)s, the most prevalent type of ovarian cancer. Results: The higher expression levels of ALDH1 and Notch related genes, especially Notch3 were associated with CSCs and with chemoresistant OSCs and paclitaxel-resistant SKpac ovarian cancer cells. Among the Notch signaling genes, high Notch3 expression was significantly associated with all the parameters of poor prognosis, i.e., advanced stage, lymph node and distant metastases, and chemoresistance, whereas other genes were less correlated with these parameters. A combined upregulation of ALDH1 and Notch3 was an independent poor prognostic factor in OSCs. Conclusions: ALDH1 correlates with Notch3 expression in ovarian carcinomas. ALDH1 and Notch3 overexpression is an independent poor prognostic indicator for worse patient's survival in this subset of OSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Joung Kim
- Institute for Clinical Research, College of Medicine, CHA University, Yatap-dong, Seongnam Si Bundang-gu, Gyeonggi-Do 463-712, Republic of Korea
| | - A-Ram Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, College of Medicine, CHA University, Yatap-dong, Seongnam Si Bundang-gu, Gyeonggi-Do 463-712, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Yeon Jeong
- Institute for Clinical Research, College of Medicine, CHA University, Yatap-dong, Seongnam Si Bundang-gu, Gyeonggi-Do 463-712, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Il Kim
- Institute for Clinical Research, College of Medicine, CHA University, Yatap-dong, Seongnam Si Bundang-gu, Gyeonggi-Do 463-712, Republic of Korea.,Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, CHA University, Yatap-dong, Seongnam Si Bundang-gu, Gyeonggi-Do 463-712, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Heon Kim
- Institute for Clinical Research, College of Medicine, CHA University, Yatap-dong, Seongnam Si Bundang-gu, Gyeonggi-Do 463-712, Republic of Korea.,Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, CHA University, Yatap-dong, Seongnam Si Bundang-gu, Gyeonggi-Do 463-712, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Lee
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, College of Medicine, CHA University, Yatap-dong, Seongnam Si Bundang-gu, Gyeonggi-Do 463-712, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwanghoe Chung
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Medicine, CHA University, Yatap-dong, Seongnam Si Bundang-gu, Gyeonggi-Do 463-712, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Hyeh Ko
- Department of Pathology, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Jung An
- Institute for Clinical Research, College of Medicine, CHA University, Yatap-dong, Seongnam Si Bundang-gu, Gyeonggi-Do 463-712, Republic of Korea.,Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, CHA University, Yatap-dong, Seongnam Si Bundang-gu, Gyeonggi-Do 463-712, Republic of Korea
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22
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Inder S, O'Rourke S, McDermott N, Manecksha R, Finn S, Lynch T, Marignol L. The Notch-3 receptor: A molecular switch to tumorigenesis? Cancer Treat Rev 2017; 60:69-76. [PMID: 28889086 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2017.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Revised: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The Notch pathway is a highly conserved pathway increasingly implicated with the progression of human cancers. Of the four existing receptors associated with the pathway, the deregulation in the expression of the Notch-3 receptor is associated with more aggressive disease and poor prognosis. Selective targeting of this receptor has the potential to enhance current anti-cancer treatments. Molecular profiling strategies are increasingly incorporated into clinical decision making. This review aims to evaluate the clinical potential of Notch-3 within this new era of personalised medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakeel Inder
- Translational Radiobiology and Molecular Oncology, Applied Radiation Therapy Trinity, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Department of Urology, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sinead O'Rourke
- Translational Radiobiology and Molecular Oncology, Applied Radiation Therapy Trinity, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niamh McDermott
- Translational Radiobiology and Molecular Oncology, Applied Radiation Therapy Trinity, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Stephen Finn
- Department of Histopathology, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Thomas Lynch
- Department of Urology, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Laure Marignol
- Translational Radiobiology and Molecular Oncology, Applied Radiation Therapy Trinity, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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23
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Abstract
Metastases claim more than 90% of cancer-related patient deaths and are usually seeded by a subset of circulating tumor cells shed off from the primary tumor. In circulation, circulating tumor cells are found both as single cells and as clusters of cells. The clusters of circulating tumor cells, although many fewer in number, possess much higher metastatic potential as compared to that of individual circulating tumor cells. In this review, we highlight recent insights into molecular mechanisms that can enable the formation of these clusters—(a) hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype of cells that couples their ability to migrate and adhere, and (b) intercellular communication that can spatially coordinate the cluster formation and provide survival signals to cancer cells. Building upon these molecular mechanisms, we also offer a possible mechanistic understanding of why clusters are endowed with a higher metastatic potential. Finally, we discuss the highly aggressive Inflammatory Breast Cancer as an example of a carcinoma that can metastasize via clusters and corroborates the proposed molecular mechanisms.
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24
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Naik S, MacFarlane M, Sarin A. Notch4 Signaling Confers Susceptibility to TRAIL-Induced Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cells. J Cell Biochem 2016; 116:1371-80. [PMID: 25704336 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Notch signaling has been established as a key regulator of cell fate in development, differentiation, and homeostasis. In breast cancers, increased Notch1 and Notch4 activity have been implicated in tumor progression and, accumulation of the intracellular domain of Notch4 (ICN4), reported in basal breast cancer cells. While, TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) receptor agonists have demonstrated selectively in targeting tumor cells, the majority of primary tumors are resistant to TRAIL. This necessitates the identification of factors that might regulate TRAIL sensitivity. Here we investigate TRAIL sensitivity in tumor cells following the modulation of Notch (1 and 4) activity using siRNA-mediated depletions or ectopic expression of GFP-tagged constructs of the intracellular domains of Notch1 (ICN1) or Notch4 (ICN4). Our findings suggest that Notch4, but not Notch1 signaling, sensitizes breast tumor cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. ICN4-induced sensitization to TRAIL is characterized by CBF1-dependence. Apoptosis was mediated via caspase-8 activation and regulated by the Bcl-2 family pro-apoptotic proteins Bak and Bid. Finally, we present evidence that endogenous Notch4 activity regulates susceptibility to TRAIL in basal-like breast cancer cells but not in cell lines of luminal origin. These experiments reveal a hitherto unexplored Notch4-TRAIL signaling axis in breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shambhavi Naik
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore, 560065, Karnataka, India.,MRC Toxicology Unit, Hodgkin Building, Leicester, UK
| | | | - Apurva Sarin
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore, 560065, Karnataka, India
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25
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Kamdje AHN, Etet PFS, Vecchio L, Tagne RS, Amvene JM, Muller JM, Krampera M, Lukong KE. New targeted therapies for breast cancer: A focus on tumor microenvironmental signals and chemoresistant breast cancers. World J Clin Cases 2014; 2:769-86. [PMID: 25516852 PMCID: PMC4266825 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v2.i12.769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Revised: 07/12/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequent female malignancy worldwide. Current strategies in breast cancer therapy, including classical chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapies, are usually associated with chemoresistance and serious adverse effects. Advances in our understanding of changes affecting the interactome in advanced and chemoresistant breast tumors have provided novel therapeutic targets, including, cyclin dependent kinases, mammalian target of rapamycin, Notch, Wnt and Shh. Inhibitors of these molecules recently entered clinical trials in mono- and combination therapy in metastatic and chemo-resistant breast cancers. Anticancer epigenetic drugs, mainly histone deacetylase inhibitors and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, also entered clinical trials. Because of the complexity and heterogeneity of breast cancer, the future in therapy lies in the application of individualized tailored regimens. Emerging therapeutic targets and the implications for personalized-based therapy development in breast cancer are herein discussed.
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26
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Tumor-suppressive activity of Lunatic Fringe in prostate through differential modulation of Notch receptor activation. Neoplasia 2014; 16:158-67. [PMID: 24709423 DOI: 10.1593/neo.131870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Revised: 01/06/2014] [Accepted: 01/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Elevated Notch ligand and receptor expression has been associated with aggressive forms of prostate cancer, suggesting a role for Notch signaling in regulation of prostate tumor initiation and progression. Here, we report a critical role for Lunatic Fringe (Lfng), which encodes an O-fucosylpeptide 3-ß-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase known to modify epidermal growth factor repeats of Notch receptor proteins, in regulation of prostate epithelial differentiation and proliferation, as well as in prostate tumor suppression. Deletion of Lfng in mice caused altered Notch activation in the prostate, associated with elevated accumulation of Notch1, Notch2, and Notch4 intracellular domains, decreased levels of the putative Notch3 intracellular fragment, as well as increased expression of Hes1, Hes5, and Hey2. Loss of Lfng resulted in expansion of the basal layer, increased proliferation of both luminal and basal cells, and ultimately, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia. The Lfng-null prostate showed down-regulation of prostatic tumor suppressor gene NKX3.1 and increased androgen receptor expression. Interestingly, expression of LFNG and NKX3.1 were positively correlated in publically available human prostate cancer data sets. Knockdown of LFNG in DU-145 prostate cancer cells led to expansion of CD44(+)CD24(-) and CD49f(+)CD24(-) stem/progenitor-like cell population associated with enhanced prostatosphere-forming capacity. Taken together, these data revealed a tumor-suppressive role for Lfng in the prostate through differential regulation of Notch signaling.
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27
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So JY, Lin JJ, Wahler J, Liby KT, Sporn MB, Suh N. A synthetic triterpenoid CDDO-Im inhibits tumorsphere formation by regulating stem cell signaling pathways in triple-negative breast cancer. PLoS One 2014; 9:e107616. [PMID: 25229616 PMCID: PMC4167992 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0107616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 08/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer is associated with poor prognosis because of a high rate of tumor recurrence and metastasis. Previous studies demonstrated that the synthetic triterpenoid, CDDO-Imidazolide (CDDO-Im) induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in triple-negative breast cancer. Since a small subpopulation of cancer stem cells has been suggested to be responsible for drug resistance and metastasis of tumors, our present study determined whether the effects of CDDO-Im in triple-negative breast cancer are due to the inhibition of a cancer stem cell subpopulation. CDDO-Im treatment markedly induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M-phase and apoptosis in the triple-negative breast cancer cell lines, SUM159 and MDA-MB-231. Because SUM159 cells were more sensitive to CDDO-Im than MDA-MB-231 cells, the effects of CDDO-Im on the cancer stem cell subpopulation were further investigated in SUM159 cells. SUM159 cells formed tumorspheres in culture, and the cancer stem cell subpopulation, CD24−/EpCAM+ cells, was markedly enriched in SUM159 tumorspheres. The CD24−/EpCAM+ cells in SUM159 tumorspheres were significantly inhibited by CDDO-Im treatment. CDDO-Im also significantly decreased sphere forming efficiency and tumorsphere size in both primary and secondary sphere cultures. PCR array of stem cell signaling genes showed that expression levels of many key molecules in the stem cell signaling pathways, such as Notch, TGF-β/Smad, Hedgehog and Wnt, were significantly down-regulated by CDDO-Im in SUM159 tumorspheres. Protein levels of Notch receptors (c-Notch1, Notch1 and Notch3), TGF-β/Smad (pSmad2/3) and Hedgehog downstream effectors (GLI1) also were markedly reduced by CDDO-Im. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that the synthetic triterpenoid, CDDO-Im, is a potent anti-cancer agent against triple-negative breast cancer cells by targeting the cancer stem cell subpopulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Young So
- Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Janice J. Lin
- Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Joseph Wahler
- Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Karen T. Liby
- Department of Pharmacology, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Michael B. Sporn
- Department of Pharmacology, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Nanjoo Suh
- Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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28
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Bertucci F, Finetti P, Vermeulen P, Van Dam P, Dirix L, Birnbaum D, Viens P, Van Laere S. Genomic profiling of inflammatory breast cancer: a review. Breast 2014; 23:538-45. [PMID: 24998451 DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2014.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2013] [Revised: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 06/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare but aggressive form of breast cancer. Despite efforts in the past decade to delineate the molecular biology of IBC by applying high-throughput molecular profiling technologies to clinical samples, IBC remains insufficiently characterized. The reasons for that include limited sizes of the study population, heterogeneity with respect to the composition of the IBC and non-IBC control groups and technological differences across studies. In 2008, the World IBC Consortium was founded to foster collaboration between research groups focusing on IBC. One of the initial projects was to redefine the molecular profile of IBC using an unprecedented number of samples and search for gene signatures associated with survival and response to neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. Here, we provide an overview of all the molecular profiling studies that have been performed on IBC clinical samples to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Bertucci
- Département d'Oncologie Moléculaire, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Institut Paoli-Calmettes and UMR1068 Inserm, Marseille, France; Département d'Oncologie Médicale, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Institut Paoli-Calmettes and UMR1068 Inserm, Marseille, France; Faculté de Médecine, Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France.
| | - Pascal Finetti
- Département d'Oncologie Moléculaire, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Institut Paoli-Calmettes and UMR1068 Inserm, Marseille, France
| | - Peter Vermeulen
- Translational Cancer Research Unit, GZA Hospitals Sint-Augustinus, Wilrijk, Belgium; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Peter Van Dam
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Luc Dirix
- Translational Cancer Research Unit, GZA Hospitals Sint-Augustinus, Wilrijk, Belgium; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Daniel Birnbaum
- Département d'Oncologie Moléculaire, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Institut Paoli-Calmettes and UMR1068 Inserm, Marseille, France
| | - Patrice Viens
- Département d'Oncologie Médicale, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Institut Paoli-Calmettes and UMR1068 Inserm, Marseille, France; Faculté de Médecine, Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France
| | - Steven Van Laere
- Translational Cancer Research Unit, GZA Hospitals Sint-Augustinus, Wilrijk, Belgium; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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29
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Golde TE, Koo EH, Felsenstein KM, Osborne BA, Miele L. γ-Secretase inhibitors and modulators. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2013; 1828:2898-907. [PMID: 23791707 PMCID: PMC3857966 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2013.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
γ-Secretase is a fascinating, multi-subunit, intramembrane cleaving protease that is now being considered as a therapeutic target for a number of diseases. Potent, orally bioavailable γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) have been developed and tested in humans with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cancer. Preclinical studies also suggest the therapeutic potential for GSIs in other disease conditions. However, due to inherent mechanism based-toxicity of non-selective inhibition of γ-secretase, clinical development of GSIs will require empirical testing with careful evaluation of benefit versus risk. In addition to GSIs, compounds referred to as γ-secretase modulators (GSMs) remain in development as AD therapeutics. GSMs do not inhibit γ-secretase, but modulate γ-secretase processivity and thereby shift the profile of the secreted amyloid β peptides (Aβ) peptides produced. Although GSMs are thought to have an inherently safe mechanism of action, their effects on substrates other than the amyloid β protein precursor (APP) have not been extensively investigated. Herein, we will review the current state of development of GSIs and GSMs and explore pertinent biological and pharmacological questions pertaining to the use of these agents for select indications. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Intramembrane Proteases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd E Golde
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
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30
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Mezquita B, Mezquita J, Barrot C, Carvajal S, Pau M, Mezquita P, Mezquita C. A Truncated-Flt1 Isoform of Breast Cancer Cells Is Upregulated by Notch and Downregulated by Retinoic Acid. J Cell Biochem 2013; 115:52-61. [DOI: 10.1002/jcb.24632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Belén Mezquita
- Laboratori de Genètica Molecular, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques I, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS); Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
| | - Jovita Mezquita
- Laboratori de Genètica Molecular, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques I, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS); Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
| | - Carme Barrot
- Departament de Salut Pública; Facultat de Medicina; Universitat de Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
| | - Silvia Carvajal
- Department de Ciències Bàsiques; Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut; Universitat Internacional de Catalunya; Sant Cugat del Vallès Spain
| | - Montserrat Pau
- Laboratori de Genètica Molecular, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques I, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS); Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
| | - Pau Mezquita
- Department de Ciències Bàsiques; Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut; Universitat Internacional de Catalunya; Sant Cugat del Vallès Spain
| | - Cristóbal Mezquita
- Laboratori de Genètica Molecular, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques I, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS); Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
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31
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Ling H, Sylvestre JR, Jolicoeur P. Cyclin D1-dependent induction of luminal inflammatory breast tumors by activated notch3. Cancer Res 2013; 73:5963-73. [PMID: 23928992 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-13-0409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that Notch3 (N3) is involved in breast cancer development, but its precise contributions are not well understood. Here, we report that pregnant mice expressing an activated intracellular form of N3 (N3(IC)) exhibit a cyclin D1-dependent expansion of premalignant CD24(+) CD29(low) luminal progenitors with enhanced differentiation potential in vitro and in vivo. Parous mice developed luminal mammary tumors in a cyclin D1-dependent manner. Notably, mice expressing higher levels of N3(IC) exhibited tumors resembling inflammatory breast cancer that frequently metastasized. N3(IC)-induced tumors contained a large percentage of tumor-initiating cells, but these were reduced significantly in tumors derived from N3(IC) transgenic mice that were heterozygous for cyclin D1. After transplantation in the presence of normal mammary cells, N3(IC)-expressing tumor cells became less malignant, differentiating into CK6(+) CK18(+) CK5(-) alveolar-like structures akin to expanded luminal progenitors from which they were likely derived. Taken together, our results argue that activated N3 signaling primarily affects luminal progenitors among mammary cell subsets, with more pronounced levels of activation influencing tumor type, and provide a novel model of inflammatory breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Ling
- Authors' Affiliations: Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Clinical Research Institute of Montreal; Department of Microbiology and Immunology Université de Montréal; and Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Abstract
The numerous processes involved in the etiology of breast cancer such as cell survival, metabolism, proliferation, differentiation, and angiogenesis are currently being elucidated. However, underlying mechanisms that drive breast cancer progression and drug resistance are still poorly understood. As we discuss here in detail, the Notch signaling pathway is an important regulatory component of normal breast development, cell fate of normal breast stem cells, and proliferation and survival of breast cancer initiating cells. Notch exerts a wide range of critical effects through a canonical pathway where it is expressed as a type I membrane precursor heterodimer followed by at least two subsequent cleavages induced by ligand engagement to ultimately release an intracellular form to function as a transcriptional activator. Notch and its ligands are overexpressed in breast cancer, and one method of effectively blocking Notch activity is preventing its cleavage at the cell surface with γ-secretase inhibitors. In the context of Notch signaling, the application of clinically relevant anti-Notch drugs in treatment regimens may contribute to novel therapeutic interventions and promote more effective clinical response in women with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roma Olsauskas-Kuprys
- The Oncology Institute, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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33
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Howard JD, Moriarty WF, Park J, Riedy K, Panova IP, Chung CH, Suh KY, Levchenko A, Alani RM. Notch signaling mediates melanoma-endothelial cell communication and melanoma cell migration. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2013; 26:697-707. [DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 06/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Katherine Riedy
- Department of Dermatology; Boston University School of Medicine; Boston; MA; USA
| | - Izabela P. Panova
- Department of Dermatology; Boston University School of Medicine; Boston; MA; USA
| | | | - Kahp-Yang Suh
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering; Seoul National University; Seoul; South Korea
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Fernandez SV, Robertson FM, Pei J, Aburto-Chumpitaz L, Mu Z, Chu K, Alpaugh RK, Huang Y, Cao Y, Ye Z, Cai KQ, Boley KM, Klein-Szanto AJ, Devarajan K, Addya S, Cristofanilli M. Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC): clues for targeted therapies. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2013; 140:23-33. [PMID: 23784380 PMCID: PMC4273486 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-013-2600-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2013] [Accepted: 06/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the most aggressive type of advanced breast cancer characterized by rapid proliferation, early metastatic development and poor prognosis. Since there are few preclinical models of IBC, there is a general lack of understanding of the complexity of the disease. Recently, we have developed a new model of IBC derived from the pleural effusion of a woman with metastatic secondary IBC. FC-IBC02 cells are triple negative and form clusters (mammospheres) in suspension that are strongly positive for E-cadherin, β-catenin and TSPAN24, all adhesion molecules that play an important role in cell migration and invasion. FC-IBC02 cells expressed stem cell markers and some, but not all of the characteristics of cells undergoing epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). Breast tumor FC-IBC02 xenografts developed quickly in SCID mice with the presence of tumor emboli and the development of lymph node and lung metastases. Remarkably, FC-IBC02 cells were able to produce brain metastasis in mice on intracardiac or intraperitoneal injections. Genomic studies of FC-IBC02 and other IBC cell lines showed that IBC cells had important amplification of 8q24 where MYC, ATAD2 and the focal adhesion kinase FAK1 are located. MYC and ATAD2 showed between 2.5 and 7 copies in IBC cells. FAK1, which plays important roles in anoikis resistance and tumor metastasis, showed 6–4 copies in IBC cells. Also, CD44 was amplified in triple-negative IBC cells (10–3 copies). Additionally, FC-IBC02 showed amplification of ALK and NOTCH3. These results indicate that MYC, ATAD2, CD44, NOTCH3, ALK and/or FAK1 may be used as potential targeted therapies against IBC.
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Ye Y, Gao JX, Tian H, Yearsley K, Lange AR, Robertson FM, Barsky SH. Early to Intermediate Steps of Tumor Embolic Formation Involve Specific Proteolytic Processing of E-Cadherin Regulated by Rab7. Mol Cancer Res 2012; 10:713-26. [DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-12-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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The genesis and unique properties of the lymphovascular tumor embolus are because of calpain-regulated proteolysis of E-cadherin. Oncogene 2012; 32:1702-13. [DOI: 10.1038/onc.2012.180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Thiaville MM, Stoeck A, Chen L, Wu RC, Magnani L, Oidtman J, Shih IM, Lupien M, Wang TL. Identification of PBX1 target genes in cancer cells by global mapping of PBX1 binding sites. PLoS One 2012; 7:e36054. [PMID: 22567123 PMCID: PMC3342315 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0036054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2011] [Accepted: 03/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PBX1 is a TALE homeodomain transcription factor involved in organogenesis and tumorigenesis. Although it has been shown that ovarian, breast, and melanoma cancer cells depend on PBX1 for cell growth and survival, the molecular mechanism of how PBX1 promotes tumorigenesis remains unclear. Here, we applied an integrated approach by overlapping PBX1 ChIP-chip targets with the PBX1-regulated transcriptome in ovarian cancer cells to identify genes whose transcription was directly regulated by PBX1. We further determined if PBX1 target genes identified in ovarian cancer cells were co-overexpressed with PBX1 in carcinoma tissues. By analyzing TCGA gene expression microarray datasets from ovarian serous carcinomas, we found co-upregulation of PBX1 and a significant number of its direct target genes. Among the PBX1 target genes, a homeodomain protein MEOX1 whose DNA binding motif was enriched in PBX1-immunoprecipicated DNA sequences was selected for functional analysis. We demonstrated that MEOX1 protein interacts with PBX1 protein and inhibition of MEOX1 yields a similar growth inhibitory phenotype as PBX1 suppression. Furthermore, ectopically expressed MEOX1 functionally rescued the PBX1-withdrawn effect, suggesting MEOX1 mediates the cellular growth signal of PBX1. These results demonstrate that MEOX1 is a critical target gene and cofactor of PBX1 in ovarian cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M. Thiaville
- Departments of Pathology and Oncology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Alexander Stoeck
- Departments of Pathology and Oncology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Li Chen
- Departments of Pathology and Oncology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Arlington, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Ren-Chin Wu
- Departments of Pathology and Oncology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Luca Magnani
- Institute of Quantitative Biomedical Sciences, Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Jessica Oidtman
- Departments of Pathology and Oncology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ie-Ming Shih
- Departments of Pathology and Oncology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Mathieu Lupien
- Institute of Quantitative Biomedical Sciences, Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Tian-Li Wang
- Departments of Pathology and Oncology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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Pre-clinical studies of Notch signaling inhibitor RO4929097 in inflammatory breast cancer cells. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2012; 134:495-510. [PMID: 22547109 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-012-2075-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2011] [Accepted: 04/17/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Basal breast cancer, common among patients presenting with inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), has been shown to be resistant to radiation and enriched in cancer stem cells. The Notch pathway plays an important role in self-renewal of breast cancer stem cells and contributes to inflammatory signaling which promotes the breast cancer stem cell phenotype. Herein, we inhibited Notch signaling using a gamma secretase inhibitor, RO4929097, in an in vitro model that enriches for cancer initiating cells (3D clonogenic assay) and conventional 2D clonogenic assay to compare the effect on radiosensitization of the SUM149 and SUM190 IBC cell lines. RO4929097 downregulated the Notch target genes Hes1, Hey1, and HeyL, and showed a significant reduction in anchorage independent growth in SUM190 and SUM149. However, the putative self-renewal assay mammosphere formation efficiency was increased with the drug. To assess radiosensitization of putative cancer stem cells, cells were exposed to increasing doses of radiation with or without 1 μM RO4929097 in their standard (2D) and self-renewal enriching (3D) culture conditions. In the conventional 2D clonogenic assay, RO4929097 significantly sensitized SUM190 cells to ionizing radiation and has a modest radiosensitization effect in SUM149 cells. In the 3D clonogenic assays, however, a radioprotective effect was seen in both SUM149 and SUM190 cells at higher doses. Both cell lines express IL-6 and IL-8 cytokines known to mediate the efficacy of Notch inhibition and to promote self-renewal of stem cells. We further showed that RO429097 inhibits normal T-cell synthesis of some inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, a potential mediator of IL-6 and IL-8 production in the microenvironment. These data suggest that additional targeting agents may be required to selectively target IBC stem cells through Notch inhibition, and that evaluation of microenvironmental influences may shed further light on the potential effects of this inhibitor.
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Pioneer factors: directing transcriptional regulators within the chromatin environment. Trends Genet 2011; 27:465-74. [PMID: 21885149 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2011.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2011] [Revised: 07/09/2011] [Accepted: 07/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Chromatin is a well-known obstacle to transcription as it controls DNA accessibility, which directly impacts the recruitment of the transcriptional machinery. The recent burst of functional genomic studies provides new clues as to how transcriptional competency is regulated in this context. In this review, we discuss how these studies have shed light on a specialized subset of transcription factors, defined as pioneer factors, which direct recruitment of downstream transcription factors to establish lineage-specific transcriptional programs. In particular, we present evidence of an interplay between pioneer factors and the epigenome that could be central to this process. Finally, we discuss how pioneer factors, whose expression and function are altered in tumors, are also being considered for their prognostic value and should therefore be regarded as potential therapeutic targets. Thus, pioneer factors emerge as key players that connect the epigenome and transcription in health and disease.
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