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Huang S, Zhang J, Wu X, Liang B, Pang N, Yang L, Zhang Z. RP11-874 J12.4 promotes erlotinib resistance in non-small cell lung cancer via increasing AXL expression. Life Sci 2024; 351:122849. [PMID: 38897346 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) resistance is a major challenge for EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. Our previous work revealed that overexpression of AXL promoted EGFR-TKI resistance through epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in a subset of NSCLC patients. Compared with erlotinib resistant and sensitive cells, RP11-874 J12.4 was upregulated in erlotinib-resistant NSCLC cells (HCC827-ER3). Interestingly, the expression of RP11-874 J12.4 positively correlated with AXL. Besides, RP11-874 J12.4 promotes NSCLC cell proliferation and metastasis in vitro. Mechanistically, RP11-874 J12.4 promoted AXL expression through sponge with miR-34a-5p, which was reported to inhibit the translation of AXL mRNA. Meanwhile, the expression of RP11-874 J12.4 in lung cancer tumors were higher than the adjacent tissue, and those patients with high expression of RP11-874 J12.4 showed a poor prognosis in clinical. High expression of RP11-874 J12.4 might be a biomarker for NSCLC patients with erlotinib resistance. These findings reveal a novel insight into the mechanism of erlotinib resistance in NSCLC, and it might be a promising target for the diagnosis and treatment of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaobo Huang
- Cancer center, The Tenth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital), Dongguan, China
| | - Jinling Zhang
- Department of Radiology; Translational Medicine Center and Guangdong Provincial Education, Department Key Laboratory of Nano-Immunoregulation Tumor Microenvironment, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoliang Wu
- Department of Oncology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Baoxia Liang
- The School of Food Science and Biology, Guangdong Polytechnic of Science and Trade, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nengzhi Pang
- Department of Nutrition; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health; School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Nutrition; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health; School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Zhenfeng Zhang
- Department of Radiology; Translational Medicine Center and Guangdong Provincial Education, Department Key Laboratory of Nano-Immunoregulation Tumor Microenvironment, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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2
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Liu Z, Chen L, Zhang J, Yang J, Xiao X, Shan L, Mao W. Recent discovery and development of AXL inhibitors as antitumor agents. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 272:116475. [PMID: 38714043 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
AXL, a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), plays a pivotal role in various cellular functions. It is primarily involved in processes such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumor cells, angiogenesis, apoptosis, immune regulation, and chemotherapy resistance mechanisms. Therefore, targeting AXL is a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of cancer. AXL inhibitors that have entered clinical trials, such as BGB324(1), have shown promising efficacy in the treatment of melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. Additionally, novel AXL-targeted drugs, such as AXL degraders, offer a potential solution to overcome the limitations of traditional small-molecule AXL inhibitors targeting single pathways. We provide an overview of the structure and biological functions of AXL, discusses its correlation with various cancers, and critically analyzes the structure-activity relationship of AXL small-molecule inhibitors in cellular contexts. Additionally, we summarize multiple research and development strategies, offering insights for the future development of innovative AXL inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihang Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Center, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Center, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China
| | - Jifa Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Center, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Center, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xue Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Lianhai Shan
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, Sichuan, China.
| | - Wuyu Mao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Center, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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3
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Apostolo D, Ferreira LL, Vincenzi F, Vercellino N, Minisini R, Latini F, Ferrari B, Burlone ME, Pirisi M, Bellan M. From MASH to HCC: the role of Gas6/TAM receptors. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1332818. [PMID: 38298195 PMCID: PMC10827955 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1332818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is the replacement term for what used to be called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). It is characterized by inflammation and injury of the liver in the presence of cardiometabolic risk factors and may eventually result in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of primary liver cancer. Several pathogenic mechanisms are involved in the transition from MASH to HCC, encompassing metabolic injury, inflammation, immune dysregulation and fibrosis. In this context, Gas6 (Growth Arrest-Specific 6) and TAM (Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK) receptors may play important roles. The Gas6/TAM family is involved in the modulation of inflammation, lipid metabolism, fibrosis, tumor progression and metastasis, processes which play an important role in the pathophysiology of acute and chronic liver diseases. In this review, we discuss MASH-associated HCC and the potential involvement of the Gas6/TAM system in disease development and progression. In addition, since therapeutic strategies for MASH and HCC are limited, we also speculate regarding possible future treatments involving the targeting of Gas6 or TAM receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Apostolo
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Luciana L Ferreira
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Federica Vincenzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Nicole Vercellino
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Rosalba Minisini
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Federico Latini
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Barbara Ferrari
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Michela E Burlone
- Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Maggiore Della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Mario Pirisi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Maggiore Della Carità, Novara, Italy
- Center on Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Mattia Bellan
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Maggiore Della Carità, Novara, Italy
- Center on Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
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4
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Su YF, Lin CS, Shen PC, Chuang SE, Dai YH, Huang TW, Lin CY, Hung YJ, Shieh YS. MiR-34a functions as a tumor suppressor in oral cancer through the inhibition of the Axl/Akt/GSK-3β pathway. J Dent Sci 2024; 19:428-437. [PMID: 38303867 PMCID: PMC10829669 DOI: 10.1016/j.jds.2023.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/purpose Oral cancer is a prevalent malignancy affecting men globally. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory role of miR-34a in oral cancer cells through the Axl/Akt/glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) pathway and its impact on cellular malignancy. Materials and methods We examined the effects of miR-34a overexpression on the malignancy of oral cancer cells. Multiple oral cancer cell lines were assessed to determine the correlation between endogenous miR-34a and Axl levels. Transfection experiments with miR-34a were conducted to analyze its influence on Axl mRNA and protein expression. Luciferase reporter assays were performed to investigate miR-34a's modulation of Axl gene transcription. Manipulation of miR-34a expression was utilized to demonstrate its regulatory effects on oral cancer cells through the Axl/Akt/GSK-3β pathway. Results Overexpression of miR-34a significantly suppressed the malignancy of oral cancer cells. We observed an inverse correlation between endogenous miR-34a and Axl levels across multiple oral cancer cell lines. Transfection of miR-34a resulted in decreased Axl mRNA and protein expression, and luciferase reporter assays confirmed miR-34a-mediated modulation of Axl gene transcription. The study revealed regulatory effects of miR-34a on oral cancer cells through the Axl/Akt/GSK-3β pathway, leading to alterations in downstream target genes involved in cellular proliferation and tumorigenesis. Conclusion Our findings highlight the significance of the miR-34a/Axl/Akt/GSK-3β signaling axis in modulating the malignancy of oral cancer cells. Targeting miR-34a may hold therapeutic potential in oral cancer treatment, as manipulating its expression can attenuate the aggressive behavior of oral cancer cells via the Axl/Akt/GSK-3β pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Fu Su
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Shu Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Chien Shen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shuang-En Chuang
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Yang-Hong Dai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Wang Huang
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Che-Yi Lin
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jen Hung
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Shing Shieh
- Department of Dentistry, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department and Graduate Institute of Biochemistry, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Patil N, Abdelrahim OG, Leupold JH, Allgayer H. JAK1 Is a Novel Target of Tumor- and Invasion-Suppressive microRNA 494-5p in Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:24. [PMID: 38201452 PMCID: PMC10778350 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
MiR-494-5p expression has been suggested to be associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) and its metastases in our previous studies. However, functional investigations on the molecule-mediating actions of this miR in CRC are lacking. In silico analysis in the present study revealed a putative binding sequence within the 3'UTR of JAK1. Overexpression of miR-494-5p in cultured CRC significantly reduced the luciferase activity of a reporter plasmid containing the wild-type JAK1-3'UTR, which was abolished by seed sequence mutation. Furthermore, the overexpression of miR-494-5p in CRC cell lines led to a significant reduction in JAK1 expression, proliferation, in vitro migration, and invasion. These effects were abolished by co-transfection with a specific double-stranded RNA that inhibits endogenous miR-494-5p. Moreover, IL-4-induced migration, invasion, and phosphorylation of JAK1, STAT6, and AKT proteins were reduced after an overexpression of this miR, suggesting that this miR affects one of the most essential pathways in CRC. A Kaplan-Meier plotter analysis revealed that patients with high JAK1 expression show reduced survival. Together, these data suggest that miR-494-5p physically inhibits the expression of JAK1 at the translational level as well as in migration and invasion, supporting the hypothesis of miR-494-5p as an early tumor suppressor and inhibitor of early steps of metastasis in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Heike Allgayer
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)621-383-71630 or +49-(0)621-383-71635; Fax: +49-(0)621-383-71631
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6
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Adam-Artigues A, Arenas EJ, Arribas J, Prat A, Cejalvo JM. AXL - a new player in resistance to HER2 blockade. Cancer Treat Rev 2023; 121:102639. [PMID: 37864955 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2023.102639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
HER2 is a driver in solid tumors, mainly breast, oesophageal and gastric cancer, through activation of oncogenic signaling pathways such as PI3K or MAPK. HER2 overexpression associates with aggressive disease and poor prognosis. Despite targeted anti-HER2 therapy has improved outcomes and is the current standard of care, resistance emerge in some patients, requiring additional therapeutic strategies. Several mechanisms, including the upregulation of receptors tyrosine kinases such as AXL, are involved in resistance. AXL signaling leads to cancer cell proliferation, survival, migration, invasion and angiogenesis and correlates with poor prognosis. In addition, AXL overexpression accompanied by a mesenchymal phenotype result in resistance to chemotherapy and targeted therapies. Preclinical studies show that AXL drives anti-HER2 resistance and metastasis through dimerization with HER2 and activation of downstream pathways in breast cancer. Moreover, AXL inhibition restores response to HER2 blockade in vitro and in vivo. Limited data in gastric and oesophageal cancer also support these evidences. Furthermore, AXL shows a strong value as a prognostic and predictive biomarker in HER2+ breast cancer patients, adding a remarkable translational relevance. Therefore, current studies enforce the potential of co-targeting AXL and HER2 to overcome resistance and supports the use of AXL inhibitors in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Enrique J Arenas
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Spain; Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Spain.
| | - Joaquín Arribas
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Spain; Preclinical Research Program, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Spain; Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Spain; Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Spain.
| | - Aleix Prat
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Spain; Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Spain; SOLTI Breast Cancer Research Group, Spain.
| | - Juan Miguel Cejalvo
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Spain; Preclinical Research Program, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Spain; Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Spain.
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7
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Macias-Ceja DC, Mendoza-Ballesteros MT, Ortega-Albiach M, Barrachina MD, Ortiz-Masià D. Role of the epithelial barrier in intestinal fibrosis associated with inflammatory bowel disease: relevance of the epithelial-to mesenchymal transition. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1258843. [PMID: 37822869 PMCID: PMC10562728 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1258843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract can lead to tissue damage and remodelling, which can ultimately result in fibrosis. Prolonged injury and inflammation can trigger the activation of fibroblasts and extracellular matrix (ECM) components. As fibrosis progresses, the tissue becomes increasingly stiff and less functional, which can lead to complications such as intestinal strictures, obstructive symptoms, and eventually, organ dysfunction. Epithelial cells play a key role in fibrosis, as they secrete cytokines and growth factors that promote fibroblast activation and ECM deposition. Additionally, epithelial cells can undergo a process called epithelial-mesenchymal transition, in which they acquire a more mesenchymal-like phenotype and contribute directly to fibroblast activation and ECM deposition. Overall, the interactions between epithelial cells, immune cells, and fibroblasts play a critical role in the development and progression of fibrosis in IBD. Understanding these complex interactions may provide new targets for therapeutic interventions to prevent or treat fibrosis in IBD. In this review, we have collected and discussed the recent literature highlighting the contribution of epithelial cells to the pathogenesis of the fibrotic complications of IBD, including evidence of EMT, the epigenetic control of the EMT, the potential influence of the intestinal microbiome in EMT, and the possible therapeutic strategies to target EMT. Finally we discuss the pro-fibrotic interactions epithelial-immune cells and epithelial-fibroblasts cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulce C. Macias-Ceja
- Departamento de Farmacología and CIBEREHD, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | - M. Dolores Barrachina
- Departamento de Farmacología and CIBEREHD, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Dolores Ortiz-Masià
- Departamento de Farmacología and CIBEREHD, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Abdelaal AM, Sohal IS, Iyer S, Sudarshan K, Kothandaraman H, Lanman NA, Low PS, Kasinski AL. A first-in-class fully modified version of miR-34a with outstanding stability, activity, and anti-tumor efficacy. Oncogene 2023; 42:2985-2999. [PMID: 37666938 PMCID: PMC10541324 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02801-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Altered by defects in p53, epigenetic silencing, and genomic loss, the microRNA miR-34a represents one of the most clinically relevant tumor-suppressive microRNAs. Without question, a striking number of patients with cancer would benefit from miR-34a replacement, if poor miR-34a stability, non-specific delivery, and delivery-associated toxicity could be overcome. Here, we highlight a fully modified version of miR-34a (FM-miR-34a) that overcomes these hurdles when conjugated to a synthetically simplistic ligand. FM-miR-34a is orders of magnitude more stable than a partially modified version, without compromising its activity, leading to stronger repression of a greater number of miR-34a targets. FM-miR-34a potently inhibited proliferation and invasion, and induced sustained downregulation of endogenous target genes for >120 h following in vivo delivery. In vivo targeting was achieved through conjugating FM-miR-34a to folate (FM-FolamiR-34a), which inhibited tumor growth leading to complete cures in some mice. These results have the ability to revitalize miR-34a as an anti-cancer agent, providing a strong rationale for clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Abdelaal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Ikjot S Sohal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
| | - Shreyas Iyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Kasireddy Sudarshan
- Department of of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Harish Kothandaraman
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Nadia A Lanman
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Philip S Low
- Department of of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Andrea L Kasinski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
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9
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Mohammadzadeh P, Amberg GC. AXL/Gas6 signaling mechanisms in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1212104. [PMID: 37396176 PMCID: PMC10310921 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1212104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
AXL is a receptor tyrosine kinase commonly associated with a variety of human cancers. Along with its ligand Gas6 (growth arrest-specific protein 6), AXL is emerging as an important regulator of neuroendocrine development and function. AXL signaling in response to Gas6 binding impacts neuroendocrine structure and function at the level of the brain, pituitary, and gonads. During development, AXL has been identified as an upstream inhibitor of gonadotropin receptor hormone (GnRH) production and also plays a key role in the migration of GnRH neurons from the olfactory placode to the forebrain. AXL is implicated in reproductive diseases including some forms of idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and evidence suggests that AXL is required for normal spermatogenesis. Here, we highlight research describing AXL/Gas6 signaling mechanisms with a focus on the molecular pathways related to neuroendocrine function in health and disease. In doing so, we aim to present a concise account of known AXL/Gas6 signaling mechanisms to identify current knowledge gaps and inspire future research.
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10
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Bhadresha K, Mirza S, Penny C, Mughal MJ. Targeting AXL in Mesothelioma: from functional characterization to clinical implication. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023:104043. [PMID: 37268175 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MM) is a highly aggressive and lethal cancer with a poor survival rate. Current treatment approaches primarily rely on chemotherapy and radiation, but their effectiveness is limited. Consequently, there is an urgent need for alternative treatment strategies, a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying MM, and the identification of potential therapeutic targets. Extensive studies over the past decade have emphasized the role of Axl in driving tumor development and metastasis, while high levels of Axl expression have been associated with immune evasion, drug resistance, and reduced patient survival in various cancer types. Ongoing clinical trials are investigating the efficacy of Axl inhibitors for different cancers. However, the precise role of Axl in MM progression, development, and metastasis, as well as its regulatory mechanisms within MM, remain inadequately understood. This review aims to comprehensively investigate the involvement of Axl in MM. We discuss Axl role in MM progression, development, and metastasis, along with its specific regulatory mechanisms. Additionally, we examined the Axl associated signaling pathways, the relationship between Axl and immune evasion, and the clinical implications of Axl for MM treatment. Furthermore, we discussed the potential utility of liquid biopsy as a non-invasive diagnostic technique for early detection of Axl in MM. Lastly, we evaluated the potential of a microRNA signature that targets Axl. By consolidating existing knowledge and identifying research gaps, this review contributes to a better understanding of Axl's role in MM and sets the stage for future investigations and the development of effective therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinjal Bhadresha
- Cancer Genetics and Comparative Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sheefa Mirza
- Department of Internal Medicine, Common Epithelial Cancer Research Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Clement Penny
- Department of Internal Medicine, Common Epithelial Cancer Research Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Muhammed Jameel Mughal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Science, The George Washington University, Washington DC, United States of America.
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11
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Zong G, Wang X, Guo X, Zhao Q, Wang C, Shen S, Xiao W, Yang Q, Jiang W, Shen J, Wan R. NAT10-mediated AXL mRNA N4-acetylcytidine modification promotes pancreatic carcinoma progression. Exp Cell Res 2023; 428:113620. [PMID: 37156457 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Although the patient's survival time in various cancers has significantly increased in recent decades, the overall 5-year survival rate of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has remained virtually unchanged due to rapid progression and metastasis. While N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) has been identified as a regulator of mRNA acetylation in many malignancies, its role in PDAC remains unclear. Here, we found that NAT10 mRNA and protein levels were upregulated in PDAC tissues. Increased NAT10 protein expression was significantly correlated with poor prognosis in PDAC patients. Through our experiments, we demonstrated that NAT10 acted as an oncogene to promote PDAC tumorigenesis and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, NAT10 exerts its oncogenic effects by promoting mRNA stability of receptor tyrosine kinase AXL in an ac4C-dependent manner leading to increased AXL expression and further promoting PDAC cell proliferation and metastasis. Together, our findings highlight the critical of NAT10 in PDAC progression and reveal a novel epigenetic mechanism by which modified mRNA acetylation promotes PDAC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanzhao Zong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing Wang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi Medical College, China
| | - Xingya Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiuyan Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chuanyang Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shien Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenqin Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingqing Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiliang Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Rong Wan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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12
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Crosstalk between Methylation and ncRNAs in Breast Cancer: Therapeutic and Diagnostic Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415759. [PMID: 36555400 PMCID: PMC9779155 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415759] [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: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer, as a highly heterogeneous malignant tumor, is one of the primary causes of death among females worldwide. The etiology of breast cancer involves aberrant epigenetic mechanisms and abnormal expression of certain non-coding RNA (ncRNAs). DNA methylation, N6-methyladenosine(m6A), and histone methylation are widely explored epigenetic regulation types in breast cancer. ncRNAs are a group of unique RNA transcripts, mainly including microRNA (miRNAs), long non-coding RNA (lncRNAs), circular RNA (circRNAs), small interfering RNA (siRNAs), piwi-interacting RNA (piRNAs), etc. Different types of methylation and ncRNAs mutually regulate and interact to form intricate networks to mediate precisely breast cancer genesis. In this review, we elaborate on the crosstalk between major methylation modifications and ncRNAs and discuss the role of their interaction in promoting breast cancer oncogenesis. This review can provide novel insights into establishing a new diagnostic marker system on methylation patterns of ncRNAs and therapeutic perspectives of combining ncRNA oligonucleotides and phytochemical drugs for breast cancer therapy.
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13
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Rokavec M, Huang Z, Hermeking H. Meta-analysis of miR-34 target mRNAs using an integrative online application. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 21:267-274. [PMID: 36582442 PMCID: PMC9764205 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the microRNA-34/miR-34 family are induced by the p53 tumor suppressor and themselves possess tumor suppressive properties, as they inhibit the translation of mRNAs that encode proteins involved in processes, such as proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis. Here we performed a comprehensive integrative meta-analysis of multiple computational and experimental miR-34 related datasets and developed tools to identify and characterize novel miR-34 targets. A miR-34 target probability score was generated for every mRNA to estimate the likelihood of representing a miR-34 target. Experimentally validated miR-34 targets were strongly enriched among mRNAs with the highest scores providing a proof of principle for our analysis. We integrated the results from the meta-analysis in a user-friendly METAmiR34TARGET website (www.metamir34target.com/) that allows to graphically represent the meta-analysis results for every mRNA. Moreover, the website harbors a screen function, which allows to select multiple miR-34-related criteria/analyses and cut-off values to facilitate the stringent and comprehensive prediction of relevant miR-34 targets in expression data obtained from cell lines and tumors/tissues. Furthermore, information on more than 200 miR-34 target mRNAs, that have been experimentally validated so far, has been integrated in the web-tool. The website and datasets provided here should facilitate further investigation into the mechanisms of tumor suppression by the p53/miR-34 connection and identification of potential cancer drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matjaz Rokavec
- Experimental and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany,Corresponding authors at: Experimental and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Thalkirchner Strasse 36, D-80337 Munich, Germany.
| | - Zekai Huang
- Experimental and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
| | - Heiko Hermeking
- Experimental and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Germany,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany,Corresponding authors at: Experimental and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Thalkirchner Strasse 36, D-80337 Munich, Germany.
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14
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Malvankar C, Kumar D. AXL kinase inhibitors- A prospective model for medicinal chemistry strategies in anticancer drug discovery. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188786. [PMID: 36058379 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Deviant expressions of the tyrosine kinase AXL receptor are strongly correlated with a plethora of malignancies. Henceforth, the topic of targeting AXL is beginning to gain prominence due to mounting evidence of the protein's substantial connection to poor prognosis and treatment resistance. This year marked a milestone in clinical testing for AXL as an anti-carcinogenic target, with the start of the first AXL-branded inhibitor study. It is critical to emphasize that AXL is a primary and secondary target in various kinase inhibitors that have been approved or are on the verge of being approved while interpreting the present benefits and future potential effects of AXL suppression in the clinical setting. Several research arenas across the globe resolutely affirm the crucial significance of AXL receptors in the case study of several pathophysiologies including AML, prostate cancer, and breast cancer. This review endeavors to delve deeply into the biological, chemical, and structural features of AXL kinase; primary AXL inhibitors that target the enzyme (either purposefully or unintentionally); and the prospects and barriers for turning AXL inhibitors into a feasible treatment alternative. Furthermore, we analyse the co-crystal structure of AXL, which remains extensively unexplored, as well as the mutations of AXL that may be valuable in the development of novel inhibitors in the upcoming future and take a comprehensive look at the medicinal chemistry of AXL inhibitors of recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinmay Malvankar
- Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be) University, Pune, Maharashtra 411038, India
| | - Dileep Kumar
- Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be) University, Pune, Maharashtra 411038, India; Department of Entomology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA; UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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15
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Meng W, Li Y, Chai B, Liu X, Ma Z. miR-199a: A Tumor Suppressor with Noncoding RNA Network and Therapeutic Candidate in Lung Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158518. [PMID: 35955652 PMCID: PMC9369015 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. miR-199a, which has two mature molecules: miR-199a-3p and miR-199a-5p, plays an important biological role in the genesis and development of tumors. We collected recent research results on lung cancer and miR-199a from Google Scholar and PubMed databases. The biological functions of miR-199a in lung cancer are reviewed in detail, and its potential roles in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment are discussed. With miR-199a as the core point and a divergence outward, the interplay between miR-199a and other ncRNAs is reviewed, and a regulatory network covering various cancers is depicted, which can help us to better understand the mechanism of cancer occurrence and provide a means for developing novel therapeutic strategies. In addition, the current methods of diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer are reviewed. Finally, a conclusion was drawn: miR-199a inhibits the development of lung cancer, especially by inhibiting the proliferation, infiltration, and migration of lung cancer cells, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, increasing the apoptosis of lung cancer cells, and affecting the drug resistance of lung cancer cells. This review aims to provide new insights into lung cancer therapy and prevention.
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16
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Adams DE, Zhen Y, Qi X, Shao WH. Axl Expression in Renal Mesangial Cells Is Regulated by Sp1, Ap1, MZF1, and Ep300, and the IL-6/miR-34a Pathway. Cells 2022; 11:cells11121869. [PMID: 35740998 PMCID: PMC9221537 DOI: 10.3390/cells11121869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Axl receptor tyrosine kinase expression in the kidney contributes to a variety of inflammatory renal disease by promoting glomerular proliferation. Axl expression in the kidney is negligible in healthy individuals but upregulated under inflammatory conditions. Little is known about Axl transcriptional regulation. We analyzed the 4.4 kb mouse Axl promoter region and found that many transcription factor (TF)-binding sites and regulatory elements are located within a 600 bp fragment proximal to the translation start site. Among four TFs (Sp1, Ap1, MZF1, and Ep300) identified, Sp1 was the most potent TF that promotes Axl expression. Luciferase assays confirmed the siRNA results and revealed additional mechanisms that regulate Axl expression, including sequences encoding a 5'-UTR mini-intron and potential G-quadruplex forming regions. Deletion of the Axl 5'-UTR mini-intron resulted in a 3.2-fold increases in luciferase activity over the full-length UTR (4.4 kb Axl construct). The addition of TMPyP4, a G-quadruplex stabilizer, resulted in a significantly decreased luciferase activity. Further analysis of the mouse Axl 3'-UTR revealed a miRNA-34a binding site, which inversely regulates Axl expression. The inhibitory role of miRNA-34a in Axl expression was demonstrated in mesangial cells using miRNA-34a mimicry and in primary kidney cells with IL-6 stimulated STAT3 activation. Taken together, Axl expression in mouse kidney is synergistically regulated by multiple factors, including TFs and secondary structures, such as mini-intron and G-quadruplex. A unique IL6/STAT3/miRNA-34a pathway was revealed to be critical in inflammatory renal Axl expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E. Adams
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; (D.E.A.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yuxuan Zhen
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; (D.E.A.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Xiaoyang Qi
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA;
| | - Wen-Hai Shao
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; (D.E.A.); (Y.Z.)
- Correspondence:
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17
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Vascular mimicry: A potential therapeutic target in breast cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 234:153922. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.153922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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18
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Two-Front War on Cancer-Targeting TAM Receptors in Solid Tumour Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102488. [PMID: 35626092 PMCID: PMC9140196 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In recent years, many studies have shown the importance of TAM kinases in both normal and neoplastic cells. In this review, we present and discuss the role of the TAM family (AXL, MERTK, TYRO3) of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) as a dual target in cancer, due to their intrinsic roles in tumour cell survival, migration, chemoresistance, and their immunosuppressive roles in the tumour microenvironment. This review presents the potential of TAMs as emerging therapeutic targets in cancer treatment, focusing on the distinct structures of TAM receptor tyrosine kinases. We analyse and compare different strategies of TAM inhibition, for a full perspective of current and future battlefields in the war with cancer. Abstract Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are transmembrane receptors that bind growth factors and cytokines and contain a regulated kinase activity within their cytoplasmic domain. RTKs play an important role in signal transduction in both normal and malignant cells, and their encoding genes belong to the most frequently affected genes in cancer cells. The TAM family proteins (TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK) are involved in diverse biological processes: immune regulation, clearance of apoptotic cells, platelet aggregation, cell proliferation, survival, and migration. Recent studies show that TAMs share overlapping functions in tumorigenesis and suppression of antitumour immunity. MERTK and AXL operate in innate immune cells to suppress inflammatory responses and promote an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment, while AXL expression correlates with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, and motility in tumours. Therefore, TAM RTKs represent a dual target in cancer due to their intrinsic roles in tumour cell survival, migration, chemoresistance, and their immunosuppressive roles in the tumour microenvironment (TME). In this review, we discuss the potential of TAMs as emerging therapeutic targets in cancer treatment. We critically assess and compare current approaches to target TAM RTKs in solid tumours and the development of new inhibitors for both extra- and intracellular domains of TAM receptor kinases.
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19
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Engelsen AST, Lotsberg ML, Abou Khouzam R, Thiery JP, Lorens JB, Chouaib S, Terry S. Dissecting the Role of AXL in Cancer Immune Escape and Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Inhibition. Front Immunol 2022; 13:869676. [PMID: 35572601 PMCID: PMC9092944 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.869676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The development and implementation of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICI) in clinical oncology have significantly improved the survival of a subset of cancer patients with metastatic disease previously considered uniformly lethal. However, the low response rates and the low number of patients with durable clinical responses remain major concerns and underscore the limited understanding of mechanisms regulating anti-tumor immunity and tumor immune resistance. There is an urgent unmet need for novel approaches to enhance the efficacy of ICI in the clinic, and for predictive tools that can accurately predict ICI responders based on the composition of their tumor microenvironment. The receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) AXL has been associated with poor prognosis in numerous malignancies and the emergence of therapy resistance. AXL is a member of the TYRO3-AXL-MERTK (TAM) kinase family. Upon binding to its ligand GAS6, AXL regulates cell signaling cascades and cellular communication between various components of the tumor microenvironment, including cancer cells, endothelial cells, and immune cells. Converging evidence points to AXL as an attractive molecular target to overcome therapy resistance and immunosuppression, supported by the potential of AXL inhibitors to improve ICI efficacy. Here, we review the current literature on the prominent role of AXL in regulating cancer progression, with particular attention to its effects on anti-tumor immune response and resistance to ICI. We discuss future directions with the aim to understand better the complex role of AXL and TAM receptors in cancer and the potential value of this knowledge and targeted inhibition for the benefit of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnete S. T. Engelsen
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Maria L. Lotsberg
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Raefa Abou Khouzam
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jean-Paul Thiery
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
- Inserm, UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Villejuif, France
| | - James B. Lorens
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Salem Chouaib
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- Inserm, UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Villejuif, France
- Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Faculty of Medicine, University Paris Sud, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Stéphane Terry
- Inserm, UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Villejuif, France
- Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Faculty of Medicine, University Paris Sud, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Research Department, Inovarion, Paris, France
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20
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Kontham SS, Walter CEJ, Shankaran ZS, Ramanathan A, Karuppasamy N, Johnson T. A microRNA binding site polymorphism in the 3' UTR region of VEGF-A gene modifies colorectal cancer risk based on ethnicity: a meta-analysis. J Egypt Natl Canc Inst 2022; 34:18. [PMID: 35462603 DOI: 10.1186/s43046-022-00118-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) plays an integral role in angiogenesis by contributing to growth, development, and metastasis of solid tumors. Recently, a single-nucleotide polymorphism +936C/T located in the VEGF-A 3' untranslated region (UTR) facilitated the susceptibility of colorectal cancer. The association between VEGF-A gene polymorphism +936C/T and colorectal cancer risk has been widely studied in the last decade, but presently, the results furnished remain enigmatic. Hence, the study aimed to investigate the association between VEGF-A +936C/T miRNA binding site polymorphism and the risk of developing colorectal cancer. METHODS This meta-analysis included 13 published case-control studies covering 3465 cases (colorectal cancer) and 3476 healthy controls. Publication bias was examined by means of Begg's funnel plots and Egger's regression tests. The quality of the studies included was evaluated using Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Subgroup analyses were performed in accordance to the various ethnicities of the study subjects and the study quality. RESULTS From the data obtained, it is implied that VEGF-A +936C/T polymorphism did not correlate with elevated colorectal cancer risk in all genetic models. But the results acquired from the subgroup analysis in over dominant model (CT vs. CC + TT: OR = 1.5047, 95% CI = 1.19-1.90) suggest that VEGF-A +936C/T polymorphism leads to the raise in the risk of developing CRC among the East Asian population. No association was observed in Caucasian and South Asian population. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that VEGF-A +936C/T polymorphism is not a risk factor for developing CRC in Caucasian and South Asian population. However, the East Asian population was related to an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer due to the presence of the minor allele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Sushmitha Kontham
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education & Research (formerly Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute), Chennai, India
| | - Charles Emmanuel Jebaraj Walter
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education & Research (formerly Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute), Chennai, India.
| | - Zioni Sangeetha Shankaran
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education & Research (formerly Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute), Chennai, India.,School of Allied Health Sciences, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, India
| | - Arvind Ramanathan
- Human Genetics Laboratory, Sree Balaji Dental College & Hospital, Bharath Institute of Higher Education & Research, Chennai, 600116, India
| | - Nirmala Karuppasamy
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education & Research (formerly Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute), Chennai, India
| | - Thanka Johnson
- Department of Pathology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education & Research (formerly Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute), Chennai, India.,Department of Pathology, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, India
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21
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Nuclear microRNAs release paused Pol II via the DDX21-CDK9 complex. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110673. [PMID: 35417682 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA activation (RNAa) is an uncharacterized mechanism of transcriptional activation mediated by small RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs). A critical issue in RNAa research is that it is difficult to distinguish between changes in gene expression caused indirectly by post-transcriptional regulation and direct induction of gene expression by RNAa. Therefore, in this study, we seek to identify a key factor involved in RNAa, using the induction of ZMYND10 by miR-34a as a system to evaluate RNAa. We identify the positive transcription elongation factors CDK9 and DDX21, which form a complex with nuclear AGO and TNRC6A, as important transcriptional activators of RNAa. In addition, we find that inhibition of DDX21 suppresses RNAa by miR-34a and other miRNAs without inhibiting post-transcriptional regulation. Our findings reveal a strong connection between RNAa and release of paused Pol II, facilitating RNAa research by making it possible to separately analyze post-transcriptional regulation and RNAa.
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22
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Li Y, Liu X, Ma Z. EGFR, NF-κB and noncoding RNAs in precision medicine. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2022; 190:189-218. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2022.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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23
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Axl regulated survival/proliferation network and its therapeutic intervention in mouse models of glomerulonephritis. Arthritis Res Ther 2022; 24:284. [PMID: 36578056 PMCID: PMC9795606 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-022-02965-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lupus nephritis (LN) is the most common and serious complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). LN pathogenesis is not fully understood. Axl receptor tyrosine kinase is upregulated and contributes to the pathogenic progress in LN. We have reported that Axl disruption attenuates nephritis development in mice. METHODS In this study, we analyzed the gene expression profiles with RNA-seq using renal cortical samples from nephritic mice. Axl-KO mice were bred onto a B6.lpr spontaneous lupus background, and renal disease development was followed and compared to the Axl-sufficient B6.lpr mice. Finally, anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) Ab-induced nephritic mice were treated with Axl small molecule inhibitor, R428, at different stages of nephritis development. Blood urine nitrogen levels and renal pathologies were evaluated. RESULTS Transcriptome analysis revealed that renal Axl activation contributed to cell proliferation, survival, and motility through regulation of the Akt, c-Jun, and actin pathways. Spontaneous lupus-prone B6.lpr mice with Axl deficiency showed significantly reduced kidney damages and decreased T cell infiltration compared to the renal damage and T cell infiltration in Axl-sufficient B6.lpr mice. The improved kidney function was independent of autoAb production. Moreover, R428 significantly reduced anti-GBM glomerulonephritis at different stages of GN development compared to the untreated nephritic control mice. R428 administration reduced inflammatory cytokine (IL-6) production, T cell infiltration, and nephritis disease activity. CONCLUSIONS Results from this study emphasize the important role of Axl signaling in LN and highlight Axl as an attractive target in LN.
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24
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Patil N, Abba ML, Zhou C, Chang S, Gaiser T, Leupold JH, Allgayer H. Changes in Methylation across Structural and MicroRNA Genes Relevant for Progression and Metastasis in Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13235951. [PMID: 34885060 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13235951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
MiRs are important players in cancer and primarily genetic/transcriptional means of regulating their gene expression are known. However, epigenetic changes modify gene expression significantly. Here, we evaluated genome-wide methylation changes focusing on miR genes from primary CRC and corresponding normal tissues. Differentially methylated CpGs spanning CpG islands, open seas, and north and south shore regions were evaluated, with the largest number of changes observed within open seas and islands. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis revealed several of these miRs to act in important cancer-related pathways, including phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. We found 18 miR genes to be significantly differentially methylated, with MIR124-2, MIR124-3, MIR129-2, MIR137, MIR34B, MIR34C, MIR548G, MIR762, and MIR9-3 hypermethylated and MIR1204, MIR17, MIR17HG, MIR18A, MIR19A, MIR19B1, MIR20A, MIR548F5, and MIR548I4 hypomethylated in CRC tumor compared with normal tissue, most of these miRs having been shown to regulate steps of metastasis. Generally, methylation changes were distributed evenly across all chromosomes with predominance for chromosomes 1/2 and protein-coding genes. Interestingly, chromosomes abundantly affected by methylation changes globally were rarely affected by methylation changes within miR genes. Our findings support additional mechanisms of methylation changes affecting (miR) genes that orchestrate CRC progression and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitin Patil
- Department of Experimental Surgery-Cancer Metastasis, Mannheim Medical Faculty, Ruprecht Karls University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Mohammed L Abba
- Department of Experimental Surgery-Cancer Metastasis, Mannheim Medical Faculty, Ruprecht Karls University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Chan Zhou
- Department of Experimental Surgery-Cancer Metastasis, Mannheim Medical Faculty, Ruprecht Karls University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Shujian Chang
- Department of Experimental Surgery-Cancer Metastasis, Mannheim Medical Faculty, Ruprecht Karls University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Timo Gaiser
- Institute of Pathology, Mannheim Medical Faculty, Ruprecht Karls University of Heidelberg, Theodor Kutzer Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jörg H Leupold
- Department of Experimental Surgery-Cancer Metastasis, Mannheim Medical Faculty, Ruprecht Karls University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Heike Allgayer
- Department of Experimental Surgery-Cancer Metastasis, Mannheim Medical Faculty, Ruprecht Karls University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
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Hassanein SS, Ibrahim SA, Abdel-Mawgood AL. Cell Behavior of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Is at EGFR and MicroRNAs Hands. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12496. [PMID: 34830377 PMCID: PMC8621388 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is a complex disease associated with gene mutations, particularly mutations of Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog (KRAS) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) are the two major types of lung cancer. The former includes most lung cancers (85%) and are commonly associated with EGFR mutations. Several EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs), including erlotinib, gefitinib, and osimertinib, are effective therapeutic agents in EGFR-mutated NSCLC. However, their effectiveness is limited by the development (acquired) or presence of intrinsic drug resistance. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key gene regulators that play a profound role in the development and outcomes for NSCLC via their role as oncogenes or oncosuppressors. The regulatory role of miRNA-dependent EGFR crosstalk depends on EGFR signaling pathway, including Rat Sarcoma/Rapidly Accelerated Fibrosarcoma/Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase/Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 1/2 (Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK1/2), Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT), Nuclear Factor Kappa-Light-Chain-Enhancer of Activated B Cells (NF-kB), phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), Janus kinase 1 (JAK1), and growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (GRB2). Dysregulated expression of miRNAs affects sensitivity to treatment with EGFR-TKIs. Thus, abnormalities in miRNA-dependent EGFR crosstalk can be used as diagnostic and prognostic markers, as well as therapeutic targets in NSCLC. In this review, we present an overview of miRNA-dependent EGFR expression regulation, which modulates the behavior and progression of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Sayed Hassanein
- Biotechnology Program, Basic and Applied Sciences (BAS) Institute, Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST), Alexandria 21934, Egypt;
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt;
| | | | - Ahmed Lotfy Abdel-Mawgood
- Biotechnology Program, Basic and Applied Sciences (BAS) Institute, Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST), Alexandria 21934, Egypt;
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Ohta S, Tago K, Kuchimaru T, Funakoshi-Tago M, Horie H, Aoki-Ohmura C, Matsugi J, Yanagisawa K. The role of MerTK in promoting cell migration is enhanced by the oncogenic Ras/IL-33 signaling axis. FEBS J 2021; 289:1950-1967. [PMID: 34743410 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Ras genes are frequently mutated in many cancer types; however, there are currently no conclusively effective anticancer drugs against Ras-induced cancer. Therefore, the downstream effectors of Ras signaling need to be identified for the development of promising novel therapeutic approaches. We previously reported that oncogenic Ras induced the expression of NF-HEV/IL-33, a member of the interleukin-1 family, and showed that intracellular IL-33 was required for oncogenic Ras-induced cellular transformation. In the present study, we demonstrated that the c-Mer proto-oncogene tyrosine kinase (MerTK), a receptor tyrosine kinase, played essential roles in oncogenic Ras/IL-33 signaling. The expression of MerTK was enhanced in transformed NIH-3T3 cells by the expression of oncogenic Ras, H-Ras (G12V), in an IL-33-dependent manner. In human colorectal cancer tissues, MerTK expression also correlated with IL-33 expression. The knockdown of IL-33 or MerTK effectively attenuated the migration of NIH-3T3 cells transformed by H-Ras (G12V) and A549, LoVo, and HCT116 cells harboring an oncogenic K-Ras mutation. Furthermore, the suppression of Ras-induced cell migration by the knockdown of IL-33 was rescued by the enforced expression of MerTK. The present results also revealed that MerTK was effectively phosphorylated in NIH-3T3 cells transformed by Ras (G12V). Ras signaling was essential for the tyrosine phosphorylation of MerTK, and the kinase activity of MerTK was indispensable for accelerating cell migration. Collectively, the present results reveal a novel role for MerTK in cancer malignancy, which may be utilized to develop novel therapeutic strategies that target Ras-transformed cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Ohta
- Department of Biochemistry, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Kenji Tago
- Department of Biochemistry, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | | | | | - Hisanaga Horie
- Department of Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | | | - Jitsuhiro Matsugi
- Department of Biochemistry, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Ken Yanagisawa
- Department of Biochemistry, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
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Functional and Clinical Significance of Dysregulated microRNAs in Liver Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215361. [PMID: 34771525 PMCID: PMC8582514 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Liver cancer has a high mortality rate. Here, we retrospectively discuss the current progress and dilemmas in the clinical research and treatment of liver cancer. We primarily focus on microRNAs because of their extremely high value in applications and research. We discuss whether microRNAs can be used for the development of better biomarkers and/or therapeutic drugs, and address the difficulties, requirements for improved diagnostic technologies, and side effects related to microRNA-based drugs. Abstract Liver cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the world. This mainly reflects the lack of early diagnosis tools and effective treatment methods. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-transcribed RNAs, some of which play important regulatory roles in liver cancer. Here, we discuss microRNAs with key impacts on liver cancer, such as miR-122, miR-21, miR-214, and miR-199. These microRNAs participate in various physiological regulatory pathways of liver cancer cells, and their modulation can have non-negligible effects in the treatment of liver cancer. We discuss whether these microRNAs can be used for better clinical diagnosis and/or drug development. With the advent of novel technologies, fast, inexpensive, and non-invasive RNA-based biomarker research has become a new mainstream approach. However, the clinical application of microRNA-based markers has been limited by the high sequence similarity among them and the potential for off-target problems. Therefore, researchers particularly value microRNAs that are specific to or have special functions in liver cancer. These include miR-122, which is specifically expressed in the liver, and miR-34, which is necessary for the replication of the hepatitis C virus in liver cancer. Clinical treatment drugs have been developed based on miR-34 and miR-122 (MRX34 and Miravirsen, respectively), but their side effects have not yet been overcome. Future research is needed to address these weaknesses and establish a feasible microRNA-based treatment strategy for liver cancer.
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AXL Receptor in Cancer Metastasis and Drug Resistance: When Normal Functions Go Askew. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194864. [PMID: 34638349 PMCID: PMC8507788 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary AXL is a member of the TAM (TYRO3, AXL, MER) family of receptor tyrosine kinases. In normal physiological conditions, AXL is involved in removing dead cells and their remains, and limiting the duration of immune responses. Both functions are utilized by cancers in the course of tumour progression. Cancer cells use the AXL pathway to detect toxic environments and to activate molecular mechanisms, thereby ensuring their survival or escape from the toxic zone. AXL is instrumental in controlling genetic programs of epithelial-mesenchymal and mesenchymal-epithelial transitions, enabling cancer cells to metastasize. Additionally, AXL signaling suppresses immune responses in tumour microenvironment and thereby helps cancer cells to evade immune surveillance. The broad role of AXL in tumour biology is the reason why its inhibition sensitizes tumours to a broad spectrum of anti-cancer drugs. In this review, we outline molecular mechanisms underlying AXL function in normal tissues, and discuss how these mechanisms are adopted by cancers to become metastatic and drug-resistant. Abstract The TAM proteins TYRO3, AXL, and MER are receptor tyrosine kinases implicated in the clearance of apoptotic debris and negative regulation of innate immune responses. AXL contributes to immunosuppression by terminating the Toll-like receptor signaling in dendritic cells, and suppressing natural killer cell activity. In recent years, AXL has been intensively studied in the context of cancer. Both molecules, the receptor, and its ligand GAS6, are commonly expressed in cancer cells, as well as stromal and infiltrating immune cells. In cancer cells, the activation of AXL signaling stimulates cell survival and increases migratory and invasive potential. In cells of the tumour microenvironment, AXL pathway potentiates immune evasion. AXL has been broadly implicated in the epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity of cancer cells, a key factor in drug resistance and metastasis. Several antibody-based and small molecule AXL inhibitors have been developed and used in preclinical studies. AXL inhibition in various mouse cancer models reduced metastatic spread and improved the survival of the animals. AXL inhibitors are currently being tested in several clinical trials as monotherapy or in combination with other drugs. Here, we give a brief overview of AXL structure and regulation and discuss the normal physiological functions of TAM receptors, focusing on AXL. We present a theory of how epithelial cancers exploit AXL signaling to resist cytotoxic insults, in order to disseminate and relapse.
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Accelerating AXL targeting for TNBC therapy. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2021; 139:106057. [PMID: 34403827 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2021.106057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The tyrosine kinase receptor AXL of the TAM (TYRO3, AXL and MERTK) family is considered as a promising therapeutic target for different hematological cancers and solid tumors. AXL is involved in multiple pro-tumorigenic processes including cell migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and stemness, and recent studies demonstrated its impact on cancer metastasis and drug resistance. Extensive studies on AXL have highlighted its unique characteristics and physiological functions and suggest that targeting of AXL could be beneficial in combination with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. In this mini review, we discuss possible outcomes of AXL targeting either alone or together with other therapeutic agents and emphasize its impact on triple negative breast cancer (TNBC).
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MicroRNA and cyclooxygenase-2 in breast cancer. Clin Chim Acta 2021; 522:36-44. [PMID: 34389281 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2021.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cancer remains a major public health problem worldwide and the latest statistics show that breast cancer (BC) is among the most frequent in women. MicroRNAs (miRNAs; miRs) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) are new diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for monitoring BC. COX-2 is a prominent tumor-associated inflammatory factor highly expressed in human tumor cells, including BC. Expression of COX-2 contributes to tumor growth, metastasis and recurrence. MiRs are a group of short (~22 nucleotides), noncoding regulatory RNAs that downregulate gene expression post-transcriptionally and play vital roles in regulating cancer development and progression. Interestingly, there are a group of miRNAs differentially expressed in breast tumor tissue. Understanding the pathway linking miRNAs to COX-2 can provide novel insight for suppressing COX-2 expression via gene silencing thereby leading to the development of selective miRNA inhibitors. Further research can also reveal key intermediate players and their potential as therapeutic targets. Given the association between different miRNAs and COX-2 expression in BC, this review presents a comprehensive overview of the current literature concerning how miRNAs and COX-2 signaling interact in BC progression.
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Lang F, Contreras-Gerenas MF, Gelléri M, Neumann J, Kröger O, Sadlo F, Berniak K, Marx A, Cremer C, Wagenknecht HA, Allgayer H. Tackling Tumour Cell Heterogeneity at the Super-Resolution Level in Human Colorectal Cancer Tissue. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13153692. [PMID: 34359592 PMCID: PMC8345115 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153692] [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: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tumour cell heterogeneity is the most fundamental problem in cancer diagnosis and therapy. Micro-diagnostic technologies able to differentiate the heterogeneous molecular, especially metastatic, potential of single cells or cell clones already within early primary tumours of carcinoma patients would be of utmost importance. Single molecule localisation microscopy (SMLM) has recently allowed the imaging of subcellular features at the nanoscale. However, the technology has mostly been limited to cultured cell lines only. We introduce a first-in-field approach for quantitative SMLM-analysis of chromatin nanostructure in individual cells in resected, routine-pathology colorectal carcinoma patient tissue sections, illustrating, as a first example, changes in nuclear chromatin nanostructure and microRNA intracellular distribution within carcinoma cells as opposed to normal cells, chromatin accessibility and microRNAs having been shown to be critical in gene regulation and metastasis. We believe this technology to have an enormous potential for future differential diagnosis between individual cells in the tissue context. Abstract Tumour cell heterogeneity, and its early individual diagnosis, is one of the most fundamental problems in cancer diagnosis and therapy. Single molecule localisation microscopy (SMLM) resolves subcellular features but has been limited to cultured cell lines only. Since nuclear chromatin architecture and microRNAs are critical in metastasis, we introduce a first-in-field approach for quantitative SMLM-analysis of chromatin nanostructure in individual cells in resected, routine-pathology colorectal carcinoma (CRC) patient tissue sections. Chromatin density profiles proved to differ for cells in normal and carcinoma colorectal tissues. In tumour sections, nuclear size and chromatin compaction percentages were significantly different in carcinoma versus normal epithelial and other cells of colorectal tissue. SMLM analysis in nuclei from normal colorectal tissue revealed abrupt changes in chromatin density profiles at the nanoscale, features not detected by conventional widefield microscopy. SMLM for microRNAs relevant for metastasis was achieved in colorectal cancer tissue at the nuclear level. Super-resolution microscopy with quantitative image evaluation algorithms provide powerful tools to analyse chromatin nanostructure and microRNAs of individual cells from normal and tumour tissue at the nanoscale. Our new perspectives improve the differential diagnosis of normal and (metastatically relevant) tumour cells at the single-cell level within the heterogeneity of primary tumours of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Lang
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Fritz-Haber-Weg 6, Campus Süd, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany; (F.L.); (H.-A.W.)
| | - María F. Contreras-Gerenas
- Department of Experimental Surgery—Cancer Metastasis, Mannheim Medical Faculty, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Ludolf-Krehl-Straße 13-17, 68167 Mannheim, Germany;
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Ackermannweg 4, 55128 Mainz, Germany; (M.G.); (J.N.); (C.C.)
| | - Márton Gelléri
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Ackermannweg 4, 55128 Mainz, Germany; (M.G.); (J.N.); (C.C.)
| | - Jan Neumann
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Ackermannweg 4, 55128 Mainz, Germany; (M.G.); (J.N.); (C.C.)
| | - Ole Kröger
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Scientific Computing (IWR), University Heidelberg, Mathematikon B, Im Neuenheimer Feld 205, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (O.K.); (F.S.)
| | - Filip Sadlo
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Scientific Computing (IWR), University Heidelberg, Mathematikon B, Im Neuenheimer Feld 205, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (O.K.); (F.S.)
| | - Krzysztof Berniak
- Department of Cell Biophysics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7 Street, 30-387 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Alexander Marx
- Institute of Pathology, Mannheim Medical Faculty, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1, 68167 Mannheim, Germany;
| | - Christoph Cremer
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Ackermannweg 4, 55128 Mainz, Germany; (M.G.); (J.N.); (C.C.)
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Scientific Computing (IWR), University Heidelberg, Mathematikon B, Im Neuenheimer Feld 205, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (O.K.); (F.S.)
- Institute of Pharmacy & Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hans-Achim Wagenknecht
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Fritz-Haber-Weg 6, Campus Süd, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany; (F.L.); (H.-A.W.)
| | - Heike Allgayer
- Department of Experimental Surgery—Cancer Metastasis, Mannheim Medical Faculty, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Ludolf-Krehl-Straße 13-17, 68167 Mannheim, Germany;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)621-383-71630/-1406/-71635; Fax: +49-(0)621-383-71631
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Morales-Guadarrama G, García-Becerra R, Méndez-Pérez EA, García-Quiroz J, Avila E, Díaz L. Vasculogenic Mimicry in Breast Cancer: Clinical Relevance and Drivers. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071758. [PMID: 34359928 PMCID: PMC8304745 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In solid tumors, vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is the formation of vascular structures by cancer cells, allowing to generate a channel-network able to transport blood and tumor cells. While angiogenesis is undertaken by endothelial cells, VM is assumed by cancer cells. Besides the participation of VM in tumor neovascularization, the clinical relevance of this process resides in its ability to favor metastasis and to drive resistance to antiangiogenic therapy. VM occurs in many tumor types, including breast cancer, where it has been associated with a more malignant phenotype, such as triple-negative and HER2-positive tumors. The latter may be explained by known drivers of VM, like hypoxia, TGFB, TWIST1, EPHA2, VEGF, matrix metalloproteinases, and other tumor microenvironment-derived factors, which altogether induce the transformation of tumor cells to a mesenchymal phenotype with a high expression rate of stemness markers. This review analyzes the current literature in the field, including the participation of some microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs in VM-regulation and tumorigenesis of breast cancer. Considering the clinical relevance of VM and its association with the tumor phenotype and clinicopathological parameters, further studies are granted to target VM in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Morales-Guadarrama
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico; (G.M.-G.); (E.A.M.-P.); (J.G.-Q.); (E.A.)
| | - Rocío García-Becerra
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico;
| | - Edgar Armando Méndez-Pérez
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico; (G.M.-G.); (E.A.M.-P.); (J.G.-Q.); (E.A.)
| | - Janice García-Quiroz
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico; (G.M.-G.); (E.A.M.-P.); (J.G.-Q.); (E.A.)
| | - Euclides Avila
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico; (G.M.-G.); (E.A.M.-P.); (J.G.-Q.); (E.A.)
| | - Lorenza Díaz
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico; (G.M.-G.); (E.A.M.-P.); (J.G.-Q.); (E.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-(55)-5487-0900
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Yadav P, Bandyopadhayaya S, Ford BM, Mandal C. Interplay between DNA Methyltransferase 1 and microRNAs During Tumorigenesis. Curr Drug Targets 2021; 22:1129-1148. [PMID: 33494674 DOI: 10.2174/1389450122666210120141546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a genetic disease resulting from genomic changes; however, epigenetic alterations act synergistically with these changes during tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Epigenetic variations are gaining more attention as an important regulator in tumor progression, metastasis and therapy resistance. Aberrant DNA methylation at CpG islands is a central event in epigeneticmediated gene silencing of various tumor suppressor genes. DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) predominately methylates at CpG islands on hemimethylated DNA substrates in proliferation of cells. DNMT1 has been shown to be overexpressed in various cancer types and exhibits tumor-promoting potential. The major drawbacks to DNMT1-targeted cancer therapy are the adverse effects arising from nucleoside and non-nucleoside based DNMT1 inhibitors. This paper focuses on the regulation of DNMT1 by various microRNAs (miRNAs), which may be assigned as future DNMT1 modulators, and highlights how DNMT1 regulates various miRNAs involved in tumor suppression. Importantly, the role of reciprocal inhibition between DNMT1 and certain miRNAs in tumorigenic potential is approached in this review. Hence, this review seeks to project an efficient and strategic approach using certain miRNAs in conjunction with conventional DNMT1 inhibitors as a novel cancer therapy. It has also been pinpointed to select miRNA candidates associated with DNMT1 regulation that may not only serve as potential biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, but may also predict the existence of aberrant methylation activity in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Yadav
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Kishangarh- 305817, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India
| | - Shreetama Bandyopadhayaya
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Kishangarh- 305817, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India
| | - Bridget M Ford
- Department of Biology, University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX 78209, United States
| | - Chandi Mandal
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Kishangarh- 305817, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India
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Fodor A, Lazar AL, Buchman C, Tiperciuc B, Orasan OH, Cozma A. MicroRNAs: The Link between the Metabolic Syndrome and Oncogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126337. [PMID: 34199293 PMCID: PMC8231835 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents a cluster of disorders that increase the risk of a plethora of conditions, in particular type two diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancers. MetS is a complex entity characterized by a chronic inflammatory state that implies dysregulations of adipokins and proinflammatory cytokins together with hormonal and growth factors imbalances. Of great interest is the implication of microRNA (miRNA, miR), non-coding RNA, in cancer genesis, progression, and metastasis. The adipose tissue serves as an important source of miRs, which represent a novel class of adipokines, that play a crucial role in carcinogenesis. Altered miRs secretion in the adipose tissue, in the context of MetS, might explain their implication in the oncogenesis. The interplay between miRs expressed in adipose tissue, their dysregulation and cancer pathogenesis are still intriguing, taking into consideration the fact that miRNAs show both carcinogenic and tumor suppressor effects. The aim of our review was to discuss the latest publications concerning the implication of miRs dysregulation in MetS and their significance in tumoral signaling pathways. Furthermore, we emphasized the role of miRNAs as potential target therapies and their implication in cancer progression and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Fodor
- Department of Diabetes and Nutrtion, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence: (A.F.); (A.L.L.); (C.B.)
| | - Andrada Luciana Lazar
- Department of Dermatology, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence: (A.F.); (A.L.L.); (C.B.)
| | - Cristina Buchman
- Department of Oncology, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence: (A.F.); (A.L.L.); (C.B.)
| | - Brandusa Tiperciuc
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Olga Hilda Orasan
- Internal Medicine Department, 4th Medical Clinic “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (O.H.O.); (A.C.)
| | - Angela Cozma
- Internal Medicine Department, 4th Medical Clinic “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (O.H.O.); (A.C.)
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Li S, Wei X, He J, Cao Q, Du D, Zhan X, Zeng Y, Yuan S, Sun L. The comprehensive landscape of miR-34a in cancer research. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 40:925-948. [PMID: 33959850 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-021-09973-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNA-34 (miR-34) plays central roles in human diseases, especially cancers. Inactivation of miR-34 is detected in cancer cell lines and tumor tissues versus normal controls, implying its potential tumor-suppressive effect. Clinically, miR-34 has been identified as promising prognostic indicators for various cancers. In fact, members of the miR-34 family, especially miR-34a, have been convincingly proved to affect almost the whole cancer progression process. Here, a total of 512 (miR-34a, 10/21), 85 (miR-34b, 10/16), and 114 (miR-34c, 10/14) putative targets of miR-34a/b/c are predicted by at least ten miRNA databases, respectively. These targets are further analyzed in gene ontology (GO), KEGG pathway, and the Reactome pathway dataset. The results suggest their involvement in the regulation of signal transduction, macromolecule metabolism, and protein modification. Also, the targets are implicated in critical signaling pathways, such as MAPK, Notch, Wnt, PI3K/AKT, p53, and Ras, as well as apoptosis, cell cycle, and EMT-related pathways. Moreover, the upstream regulators of miR-34a, mainly including transcription factors (TFs), lncRNAs, and DNA methylation, will be summarized. Meanwhile, the potential TF upstream of miR-34a/b/c will be predicted by PROMO, JASPAR, Animal TFDB 3.0, and GeneCard databases. Notably, miR-34a is an attractive target for certain cancers. In fact, miR-34a-based systemic delivery combined with chemotherapy or radiotherapy can more effectively control tumor progression. Collectively, this review will provide a panorama for miR-34a in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijing Li
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xiaohui Wei
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Jinyong He
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
- China Cell-Gene Therapy Translational Medicine Research Center, Biotherapy Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Quanquan Cao
- MARBEC, Université Montpellier, UM-CNRS-IRD-IFREMER, cc 092, Place E. Bataillon, 34095, Montpellier Cedex 05, France
| | - Danyu Du
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xiaoman Zhan
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yuqi Zeng
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Shengtao Yuan
- Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Li Sun
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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Du W, Phinney NZ, Huang H, Wang Z, Westcott J, Toombs JE, Zhang Y, Beg MS, Wilkie TM, Lorens JB, Brekken RA. AXL Is a Key Factor for Cell Plasticity and Promotes Metastasis in Pancreatic Cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2021; 19:1412-1421. [PMID: 33811159 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-20-0860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), a leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, has a high metastatic rate, and is associated with persistent immune suppression. AXL, a member of the TAM (TYRO3, AXL, MERTK) receptor tyrosine kinase family, is a driver of metastasis and immune suppression in multiple cancer types. Here we use single-cell RNA-sequencing to reveal that AXL is expressed highly in tumor cells that have a mesenchymal-like phenotype and that AXL expression correlates with classic markers of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. We demonstrate that AXL deficiency extends survival, reduces primary and metastatic burden, and enhances sensitivity to gemcitabine in an autochthonous model of PDA. PDA in AXL-deficient mice displayed a more differentiated histology, higher nucleoside transporter expression, and a more active immune microenvironment compared with PDA in wild-type mice. Finally, we demonstrate that AXL-positive poorly differentiated tumor cells are critical for PDA progression and metastasis, emphasizing the potential of AXL as a therapeutic target in PDA. IMPLICATIONS: These studies implicate AXL as a marker of undifferentiated PDA cells and a target for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Du
- Department of Surgery and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Natalie Z Phinney
- Department of Surgery and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Huocong Huang
- Department of Surgery and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Zhaoning Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Jill Westcott
- Department of Surgery and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Jason E Toombs
- Department of Surgery and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Yuqing Zhang
- Department of Surgery and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Muhammad S Beg
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Thomas M Wilkie
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - James B Lorens
- Department of Biomedicine, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, Norwegian Centre of Excellence, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Rolf A Brekken
- Department of Surgery and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas. .,Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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37
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Pishkari S, Hadavi R, Koochaki A, Razaviyan J, Paryan M, Hashemi M, Mohammadi-Yeganeh S. Assessment of AXL and mTOR genes expression in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) cell line in relation with over expression of miR-144 and miR-34a. Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig 2021; 42:265-271. [PMID: 33769725 DOI: 10.1515/hmbci-2020-0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of AXL and mTOR genes and their targeting microRNAs (miRNAs) including miR-34a and miR-144 in Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC) cell line, TT, and determine the effect of these two miRNAs on their target genes to introduce new molecular markers or therapeutics. METHODS The expression of miR-34a, miR-144, and their targets genes including AXL and mTOR was evaluated by quantitative Real-time PCR. Luciferase assay was performed to confirm the interaction between miRNAs and their target mRNAs. The expression level of AXL and mTOR was evaluated before and after miRNAs induction in TT cell line compared with Cos7 as control cells. RESULTS The expression of AXL and mTOR were up-regulated significantly, while miR-34a and miR-144 were down-regulated in TT cell line compared to Cos7. After transduction, the overexpression of miR-34a and 144 caused down-regulation of both genes. Luciferase assay results showed that the mTOR is targeted by miR-34a and miR-144 and the intensity of luciferase decreased in the presence of miRNAs. CONCLUSIONS Based on the results of the present study and since AXL and mTOR genes play a critical role in variety of human cancers, suppression of these genes by their targeting miRNAs, especially miR-34a and miR-144, can be propose as a new strategy for MTC management. However, more studies are needed to approve the hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaghayegh Pishkari
- Department of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Razie Hadavi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ameneh Koochaki
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Razaviyan
- Student Research Committee, Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Paryan
- Department of Research and Development, Production and Research Complex, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Hashemi
- Department of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Mohammadi-Yeganeh
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Mohr R, Özdirik B, Lambrecht J, Demir M, Eschrich J, Geisler L, Hellberg T, Loosen SH, Luedde T, Tacke F, Hammerich L, Roderburg C. From Liver Cirrhosis to Cancer: The Role of Micro-RNAs in Hepatocarcinogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1492. [PMID: 33540837 PMCID: PMC7867354 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In almost all cases, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develops as the endpoint of a sequence that starts with chronic liver injury, progresses to liver cirrhosis, and finally, over years and decades, results in liver cancer. Recently, the role of non-coding RNA such as microRNA (miRNA) has been demonstrated in the context of chronic liver diseases and HCC. Moreover, data from a phase II trial suggested a potential role of microRNAs as therapeutics in hepatitis-C-virus infection, representing a significant risk factor for development of liver cirrhosis and HCC. Despite progress in the clinical management of chronic liver diseases, pharmacological treatment options for patients with liver cirrhosis and/or advanced HCC are still limited. With their potential to regulate whole networks of genes, miRNA might be used as novel therapeutics in these patients but could also serve as biomarkers for improved patient stratification. In this review, we discuss available data on the role of miRNA in the transition from liver cirrhosis to HCC. We highlight opportunities for clinical translation and discuss open issues applicable to future developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Mohr
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Charité University Medicine Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (B.Ö.); (J.L.); (M.D.); (J.E.); (L.G.); (T.H.); (F.T.); (L.H.); (C.R.)
| | - Burcin Özdirik
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Charité University Medicine Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (B.Ö.); (J.L.); (M.D.); (J.E.); (L.G.); (T.H.); (F.T.); (L.H.); (C.R.)
| | - Joeri Lambrecht
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Charité University Medicine Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (B.Ö.); (J.L.); (M.D.); (J.E.); (L.G.); (T.H.); (F.T.); (L.H.); (C.R.)
| | - Münevver Demir
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Charité University Medicine Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (B.Ö.); (J.L.); (M.D.); (J.E.); (L.G.); (T.H.); (F.T.); (L.H.); (C.R.)
| | - Johannes Eschrich
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Charité University Medicine Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (B.Ö.); (J.L.); (M.D.); (J.E.); (L.G.); (T.H.); (F.T.); (L.H.); (C.R.)
| | - Lukas Geisler
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Charité University Medicine Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (B.Ö.); (J.L.); (M.D.); (J.E.); (L.G.); (T.H.); (F.T.); (L.H.); (C.R.)
| | - Teresa Hellberg
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Charité University Medicine Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (B.Ö.); (J.L.); (M.D.); (J.E.); (L.G.); (T.H.); (F.T.); (L.H.); (C.R.)
| | - Sven H. Loosen
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (S.H.L.); (T.L.)
| | - Tom Luedde
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (S.H.L.); (T.L.)
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Charité University Medicine Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (B.Ö.); (J.L.); (M.D.); (J.E.); (L.G.); (T.H.); (F.T.); (L.H.); (C.R.)
| | - Linda Hammerich
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Charité University Medicine Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (B.Ö.); (J.L.); (M.D.); (J.E.); (L.G.); (T.H.); (F.T.); (L.H.); (C.R.)
| | - Christoph Roderburg
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Charité University Medicine Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (B.Ö.); (J.L.); (M.D.); (J.E.); (L.G.); (T.H.); (F.T.); (L.H.); (C.R.)
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (S.H.L.); (T.L.)
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Huang X, Zhu X, Yu Y, Zhu W, Jin L, Zhang X, Li S, Zou P, Xie C, Cui R. Dissecting miRNA signature in colorectal cancer progression and metastasis. Cancer Lett 2020; 501:66-82. [PMID: 33385486 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and leading cause of cancer related deaths worldwide. Despite recent advancements in surgical and molecular targeted therapies that improved the therapeutic efficacy in CRC, the 5 years survival rate of CRC patients still remains frustratingly poor. Accumulated evidences indicate that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in the progression and metastasis of CRC. Dysregulated miRNAs are closely associated with cancerous phenotypes (e.g. enhanced proliferative and invasive ability, evasion of apoptosis, cell cycle aberration, and promotion of angiogenesis) by regulating their target genes. In this review, we provide an updated overview of tumor suppressive and oncogenic miRNAs, circulatory miRNAs, and the possible causes of dysregulated miRNAs in CRC. In addition, we discuss the important functions of miRNAs in drug resistance of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangjie Huang
- Cancer and Anticancer Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Xinping Zhu
- Cancer and Anticancer Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Yun Yu
- Cancer and Anticancer Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Wangyu Zhu
- Affiliated Zhoushan Hospital, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Libo Jin
- Institute of Life Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China; Wenzhou University-Wenzhou Medical University Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Shaotang Li
- First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Peng Zou
- Cancer and Anticancer Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China; Institute of Life Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China; Wenzhou University-Wenzhou Medical University Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Congying Xie
- First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Ri Cui
- Cancer and Anticancer Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China; Institute of Life Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China; Wenzhou University-Wenzhou Medical University Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China.
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40
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Lim D, Cho JG, Yun E, Lee A, Ryu HY, Lee YJ, Yoon S, Chang W, Lee MS, Kwon BS, Kim J. MicroRNA 34a-AXL Axis Regulates Vasculogenic Mimicry Formation in Breast Cancer Cells. Genes (Basel) 2020; 12:genes12010009. [PMID: 33374832 PMCID: PMC7823537 DOI: 10.3390/genes12010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [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: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting the tumor vasculature is an attractive strategy for cancer treatment. However, the tumor vasculature is heterogeneous, and the mechanisms involved in the neovascularization of tumors are highly complex. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) refers to the formation of vessel-like structures by tumor cells, which can contribute to tumor neovascularization, and is closely related to metastasis and a poor prognosis. Here, we report a novel function of AXL receptor tyrosine kinase (AXL) in the regulation of VM formation in breast cancer cells. MDA-MB-231 cells exhibited VM formation on Matrigel cultures, whereas MCF-7 cells did not. Moreover, AXL expression was positively correlated with VM formation. Pharmacological inhibition or AXL knockdown strongly suppressed VM formation in MDA-MB-231 cells, whereas the overexpression of AXL in MCF-7 cells promoted VM formation. In addition, AXL knockdown regulated epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) features, increasing cell invasion and migration in MDA-MB-231 cells. Finally, the overexpression of microRNA-34a (miR-34a), which is a well-described EMT-inhibiting miRNA and targets AXL, inhibited VM formation, migration, and invasion in MDA-MB 231 cells. These results identify a miR-34a–AXL axis that is critical for the regulation of VM formation and may serve as a therapeutic target to inhibit tumor neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dansaem Lim
- Division of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea; (D.L.); (J.G.C.); (E.Y.); (A.L.); (S.Y.); (M.-S.L.)
| | - Jin Gu Cho
- Division of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea; (D.L.); (J.G.C.); (E.Y.); (A.L.); (S.Y.); (M.-S.L.)
| | - Eunsik Yun
- Division of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea; (D.L.); (J.G.C.); (E.Y.); (A.L.); (S.Y.); (M.-S.L.)
| | - Aram Lee
- Division of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea; (D.L.); (J.G.C.); (E.Y.); (A.L.); (S.Y.); (M.-S.L.)
- Research Institute for Women’s Health, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea
| | - Hong-Yeoul Ryu
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, College of National Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea;
| | - Young Joo Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, 23, Seoul 02447, Korea;
| | - Sukjoon Yoon
- Division of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea; (D.L.); (J.G.C.); (E.Y.); (A.L.); (S.Y.); (M.-S.L.)
- Research Institute for Women’s Health, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea
| | - Woochul Chang
- Department of Biology Education, College of Education, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea;
| | - Myeong-Sok Lee
- Division of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea; (D.L.); (J.G.C.); (E.Y.); (A.L.); (S.Y.); (M.-S.L.)
- Research Institute for Women’s Health, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea
| | - Byung Su Kwon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, 23, Seoul 02447, Korea;
- Correspondence: (B.S.K.); (J.K.); Tel.: + 82-2958-8837 (B.S.K.); +82-2710-9553 (J.K.); Fax: +82-2958-8835 (B.S.K.); +82-2-2077-7322 (J.K.)
| | - Jongmin Kim
- Division of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea; (D.L.); (J.G.C.); (E.Y.); (A.L.); (S.Y.); (M.-S.L.)
- Research Institute for Women’s Health, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea
- Correspondence: (B.S.K.); (J.K.); Tel.: + 82-2958-8837 (B.S.K.); +82-2710-9553 (J.K.); Fax: +82-2958-8835 (B.S.K.); +82-2-2077-7322 (J.K.)
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41
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AXL Receptor in Breast Cancer: Molecular Involvement and Therapeutic Limitations. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228419. [PMID: 33182542 PMCID: PMC7696061 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228419] [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: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer was one of the first malignancies to benefit from targeted therapy, i.e., treatments directed against specific markers. Inhibitors against HER2 are a significant example and they improved the life expectancy of a large cohort of patients. Research on new biomarkers, therefore, is always current and important. AXL, a member of the TYRO-3, AXL and MER (TAM) subfamily, is, today, considered a predictive and prognostic biomarker in many tumor contexts, primarily breast cancer. Its oncogenic implications make it an ideal target for the development of new pharmacological agents; moreover, its recent role as immune-modulator makes AXL particularly attractive to researchers involved in the study of interactions between cancer and the tumor microenvironment (TME). All these peculiarities characterize AXL as compared to other members of the TAM family. In this review, we will illustrate the biological role played by AXL in breast tumor cells, highlighting its molecular and biological features, its involvement in tumor progression and its implication as a target in ongoing clinical trials.
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Ruicci KM, Meens J, Plantinga P, Stecho W, Pinto N, Yoo J, Fung K, MacNeil D, Mymryk JS, Barrett JW, Howlett CJ, Boutros PC, Ailles L, Nichols AC. TAM family receptors in conjunction with MAPK signalling are involved in acquired resistance to PI3Kα inhibition in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2020; 39:217. [PMID: 33059733 PMCID: PMC7559997 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01713-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Background Aberrant activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway is common in many malignancies, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Despite pre-clinical and clinical studies, outcomes from targeting the PI3K pathway have been underwhelming and the development of drug resistance poses a significant barrier to patient treatment. In the present study, we examined mechanisms of acquired resistance to the PI3Kα inhibitor alpelisib (formerly BYL719) in HNSCC cell lines and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). Methods Five unique PDX mouse models and three HNSCC cell lines were used. All cell lines and xenografts underwent genomic characterization prior to study. Serial drug treatment was conducted in vitro and in vivo to develop multiple, clinically-significant models of resistance to alpelisib. We then used reverse phase protein arrays (RPPAs) to profile the expression of proteins in parental and drug-resistant models. Top hits were validated by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Flow cytometric analysis and RNA interference studies were then used to interrogate the molecular mechanisms underlying acquired drug resistance. Results Prolonged treatment with alpelisib led to upregulation of TAM family receptor tyrosine kinases TYRO3 and AXL. Importantly, a significant shift in expression of both TYRO3 and AXL to the cell surface was detected in drug-resistant cells. Targeted knockdown of TYRO3 and AXL effectively re-sensitized resistant cells to PI3Kα inhibition. In vivo, resistance to alpelisib emerged following 20–35 days of treatment in all five PDX models. Elevated TYRO3 expression was detected in drug-resistant PDX tissues. Downstream of TYRO3 and AXL, we identified activation of intracellular MAPK signalling. Inhibition of MAPK signalling also re-sensitized drug-resistant cells to alpelisib. Conclusions We have identified TYRO3 and AXL receptors to be key mediators of resistance to alpelisib, both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings suggest that pan-TAM inhibition is a promising avenue for combinatorial or second-line therapy alongside PI3Kα inhibition. These findings advance our understanding of the role TAM receptors play in modulating the response of HNSCC to PI3Kα inhibition and suggest a means to prevent, or at least delay, resistance to PI3Kα inhibition in order to improve outcomes for HNSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara M Ruicci
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, Room B3-431A, 800 Commissioners Road East, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada.,Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jalna Meens
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Paul Plantinga
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - William Stecho
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Nicole Pinto
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, Room B3-431A, 800 Commissioners Road East, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - John Yoo
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, Room B3-431A, 800 Commissioners Road East, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada.,Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Kevin Fung
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, Room B3-431A, 800 Commissioners Road East, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada.,Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Danielle MacNeil
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, Room B3-431A, 800 Commissioners Road East, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada.,Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Joe S Mymryk
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, Room B3-431A, 800 Commissioners Road East, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada.,Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - John W Barrett
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, Room B3-431A, 800 Commissioners Road East, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Christopher J Howlett
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Paul C Boutros
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Institute for Precision Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Centre, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Laurie Ailles
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anthony C Nichols
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, Room B3-431A, 800 Commissioners Road East, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada. .,Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada. .,Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
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43
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von Itzstein MS, Burke MC, Brekken RA, Aguilera TA, Zeh HJ, Beg MS. Targeting TAM to Tame Pancreatic Cancer. Target Oncol 2020; 15:579-588. [PMID: 32996059 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-020-00751-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is expected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related death within the next few years. Current therapeutic strategies have limited effectiveness and therefore there is an urgency to develop novel effective therapies. The receptor tyrosine kinase subfamily TAM (Tyro3, Axl, MerTK) is directly implicated in the pathogenesis of the metastatic, chemoresistant, and immunosuppressive phenotype in pancreatic cancer. TAM inhibitors are promising investigational therapies for pancreatic cancer due to their potential to target multiple aspects of pancreatic cancer biology. Specifically, recent mechanistic investigations and therapeutic combinations in the preclinical setting suggest that TAM inhibition with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy should be evaluated clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell S von Itzstein
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390-8852, USA
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Michael C Burke
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390-8852, USA
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Rolf A Brekken
- Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Todd A Aguilera
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Herbert J Zeh
- Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Muhammad Shaalan Beg
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390-8852, USA.
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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44
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Di Stasi R, De Rosa L, D'Andrea LD. Therapeutic aspects of the Axl/Gas6 molecular system. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:2130-2148. [PMID: 33002607 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Axl receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) and its ligand, growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6), are involved in several biological functions and participate in the development and progression of a range of malignancies and autoimmune disorders. In this review, we present this molecular system from a drug discovery perspective, highlighting its therapeutic implications and challenges that need to be addressed. We provide an update on Axl/Gas6 axis biology, exploring its role in fields ranging from angiogenesis, cancer development and metastasis, immune response and inflammation to viral infection. Finally, we summarize the molecules that have been developed to date to target the Axl/Gas6 molecular system for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Di Stasi
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Lucia De Rosa
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Luca D D'Andrea
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Torino, Italy.
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45
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Kirchmeyer M, Servais F, Ginolhac A, Nazarov PV, Margue C, Philippidou D, Nicot N, Behrmann I, Haan C, Kreis S. Systematic Transcriptional Profiling of Responses to STAT1- and STAT3-Activating Cytokines in Different Cancer Types. J Mol Biol 2020; 432:5902-5919. [PMID: 32950480 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2020.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines orchestrate responses to pathogens and in inflammatory processes, but they also play an important role in cancer by shaping the expression levels of cytokine response genes. Here, we conducted a large profiling study comparing miRNome and mRNA transcriptome data generated following different cytokine stimulations. Transcriptomic responses to STAT1- (IFNγ, IL-27) and STAT3-activating cytokines (IL6, OSM) were systematically compared in nine cancerous and non-neoplastic cell lines of different tissue origins (skin, liver and colon). The largest variation in our datasets was seen between cell lines of the three different tissues rather than stimuli. Notably, the variability in miRNome datasets was a lot more pronounced than in mRNA data. Our data also revealed that cells of skin, liver and colon tissues respond very differently to cytokines and that the cell signaling networks activated or silenced in response to STAT1- or STAT3-activating cytokines are specific to the tissue and the type of cytokine. However, globally, STAT1-activating cytokines had stronger effects than STAT3-inducing cytokines with most significant responses in liver cells, showing more genes upregulated and with higher fold change. A more detailed analysis of gene regulations upon cytokine stimulation in these cells provided insights into STAT1- versus STAT3-driven processes in hepatocarcinogenesis. Finally, independent component analysis revealed interconnected transcriptional networks distinct between cancer cells and their healthy counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Kirchmeyer
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 6 Avenue du Swing, L-4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Florence Servais
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 6 Avenue du Swing, L-4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Aurélien Ginolhac
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 6 Avenue du Swing, L-4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Petr V Nazarov
- Quantitative Biology Unit, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1AB rue Thomas Edison, L-1445 Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Christiane Margue
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 6 Avenue du Swing, L-4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Demetra Philippidou
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 6 Avenue du Swing, L-4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Nathalie Nicot
- Quantitative Biology Unit, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1AB rue Thomas Edison, L-1445 Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Iris Behrmann
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 6 Avenue du Swing, L-4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Claude Haan
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 6 Avenue du Swing, L-4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Stephanie Kreis
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 6 Avenue du Swing, L-4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg.
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46
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Ryu J, Ahn Y, Kook H, Kim YK. The roles of non-coding RNAs in vascular calcification and opportunities as therapeutic targets. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 218:107675. [PMID: 32910935 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Vascular calcification (VC) is characterized by an accumulation of calcium phosphate crystals inside the vessel wall. VC is often associated with diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD), atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Even though the number of patients with VC remains prevalent, there are still no approved therapies for the treatment of VC. Since the pathogenesis of VC is diverse and involves multiple factors and mechanisms, it is critical to reveal the novel mechanisms involved in VC. Although protein-coding RNAs involved in VC have been extensively studied, the roles of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are not yet fully understood. The field of ncRNAs has recently received attention, and accumulating evidence from studies in VC suggests that ncRNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), play an important role in the regulation of VC. NcRNAs can modulate VC by acting as promoters or inhibitors and may be useful in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of VC. In this article, we review and discuss ncRNAs that regulate VC and present the therapeutic implications of these ncRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juhee Ryu
- Basic Research Laboratory for Vascular Remodeling, Chonnam National University Medical School, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Creative Biomedical Scientists at Chonnam National University, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea; Department of Biochemistry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea; Department of Pharmacology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngkeun Ahn
- Basic Research Laboratory for Vascular Remodeling, Chonnam National University Medical School, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea; Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Center, Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Kook
- Basic Research Laboratory for Vascular Remodeling, Chonnam National University Medical School, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Creative Biomedical Scientists at Chonnam National University, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea; Department of Pharmacology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea.
| | - Young-Kook Kim
- Basic Research Laboratory for Vascular Remodeling, Chonnam National University Medical School, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Creative Biomedical Scientists at Chonnam National University, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea; Department of Biochemistry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea.
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Yang X, Feng KX, Li H, Wang L, Xia H. MicroRNA-199a Inhibits Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion and Activates AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway by Targeting B7-H3 in Cervical Cancer. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2020; 19:1533033820942245. [PMID: 32856542 PMCID: PMC7457410 DOI: 10.1177/1533033820942245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is a deadly disease. Some microRNAs are involved in tumor invasion and metastasis. Decreased expression of microRNA-199a has been correlated with tumorigenesis. In our study, the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction results indicated that microRNA-199a was expressed at lower levels in cervical cancer tissues, and the expression level of B7-H3 was significantly increased compared with that in the adjacent normal tissues, and the expression levels of B7-H3 and microRNA-199a in cervical cancer tissues and in adjacent normal tissues were inversely correlated. We also found that the expression of microRNA-199a was downregulated in cervical cancer cell lines when compared to immortalized cells. In this study, B7-H3 was identified as a novel target of microRNA-199a in cervical cancer. TargetScan (http://www.targetscan.org/) bioinformatics analysis was used to predict that the 3'-untranslated region of B7-H3 is a direct target of microRNA-199a. The result was also verified by the luciferase reporter assay. MicroRNA-199a could directly target the 3'-untranslated region of B7-H3, but the specific signaling pathways that were involved in regulating B7-H3 expression remained unclear. To clarify whether the suppressive effect of microRNA-199a was mediated through B7-H3, a series of experiments were performed. We found that the overexpression of microRNA-199a inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via direct binding to B7-H3. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition is a major factor involved in cervical cancer metastasis. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot results indicated that microRNA-199a inhibits tumor progression in cervical cancer by targeting B7-H3. The microRNAs regulatory network is quite complex. We further examined the effect of microRNA-199a on the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. We explored the regulatory role of microRNA-199a and first demonstrated that highly expressed microRNA-199a inhibits tumor growth and activates the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway by targeting B7-H3 in vivo and in vitro. Our findings not only provide a better understanding of the pathogenesis of cervical cancer but also provide novel findings and theoretical support for potential targeted therapeutic tools for cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Yang
- Department of Gynecology, 477093Central Hospital of Panyu District, Shiqiao, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai-Xun Feng
- Department of Gynecology, 477093Central Hospital of Panyu District, Shiqiao, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hu Li
- Department of Gynecology, 477093Central Hospital of Panyu District, Shiqiao, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Gynecology, 477093Central Hospital of Panyu District, Shiqiao, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Xia
- Department of Gynecology, 477093Central Hospital of Panyu District, Shiqiao, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
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48
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Casalino L, Verde P. Multifaceted Roles of DNA Methylation in Neoplastic Transformation, from Tumor Suppressors to EMT and Metastasis. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E922. [PMID: 32806509 PMCID: PMC7463745 DOI: 10.3390/genes11080922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the major mechanisms involved in tumorigenesis, DNA methylation is an important epigenetic modification impacting both genomic stability and gene expression. Methylation of promoter-proximal CpG islands (CGIs) and transcriptional silencing of tumor suppressors represent the best characterized epigenetic changes in neoplastic cells. The global cancer-associated effects of DNA hypomethylation influence chromatin architecture and reactivation of repetitive elements. Moreover, recent analyses of cancer cell methylomes highlight the role of the DNA hypomethylation of super-enhancer regions critically controlling the expression of key oncogenic players. We will first summarize some basic aspects of DNA methylation in tumorigenesis, along with the role of dysregulated DNA methyltransferases and TET (Ten-Eleven Translocation)-family methylcytosine dioxygenases. We will then examine the potential contribution of epimutations to causality and heritability of cancer. By reviewing some representative genes subjected to hypermethylation-mediated silencing, we will survey their oncosuppressor functions and roles as biomarkers in various types of cancer. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the gain of stem-like properties are critically involved in cancer cell dissemination, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. However, the driver vs passenger roles of epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation in EMT, are still poorly understood. Therefore, we will focus our attention on several aspects of DNA methylation in control of EMT and metastasis suppressors, including both protein-coding and noncoding genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Casalino
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “Adriano Buzzati Traverso”, CNR, 80100 Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Verde
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “Adriano Buzzati Traverso”, CNR, 80100 Naples, Italy
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49
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Zaker B, Ardalan M. Vascular calcification; Stony bridge between kidney and heart. J Cardiovasc Thorac Res 2020; 12:165-171. [PMID: 33123321 PMCID: PMC7581848 DOI: 10.34172/jcvtr.2020.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular calcification is a high prevalent complication that arises as a consequence of impaired calcium and phosphate balance amongst cardiovascular patients. Multiple inducer/ inhibitory molecules and pathways as well as genetic background and lifestyle play role in this phenomenon. According to which vessel layer (intima, media or both) is involved different types of vascular calcification take place. Actual mechanism and consensus pathways have not been elucidated yet and needs further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behzad Zaker
- Kidney Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
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50
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Roles for receptor tyrosine kinases in tumor progression and implications for cancer treatment. Adv Cancer Res 2020; 147:1-57. [PMID: 32593398 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2020.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Growth factors and their receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), a group of transmembrane molecules harboring cytoplasm-facing tyrosine-specific kinase functions, play essential roles in migration of multipotent cell populations and rapid proliferation of stem cells' descendants, transit amplifying cells, during embryogenesis and tissue repair. These intrinsic functions are aberrantly harnessed when cancer cells undergo intertwined phases of cell migration and proliferation during cancer progression. For example, by means of clonal expansion growth factors fixate the rarely occurring driver mutations, which initiate tumors. Likewise, autocrine and stromal growth factors propel angiogenesis and penetration into the newly sprouted vessels, which enable seeding micro-metastases at distant organs. We review genetic and other mechanisms that preempt ligand-mediated activation of RTKs, thereby supporting sustained cancer progression. The widespread occurrence of aberrant RTKs and downstream signaling pathways in cancer, identifies molecular targets suitable for pharmacological intervention. We list all clinically approved cancer drugs that specifically intercept oncogenic RTKs. These are mainly tyrosine kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, which can inhibit cancer but inevitably become progressively less effective due to adaptive rewiring processes or emergence of new mutations, processes we overview. Similarly important are patient treatments making use of radiation, chemotherapeutic agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors. The many interfaces linking RTK-targeted therapies and these systemic or local regimens are described in details because of the great promise offered by combining pharmacological modalities.
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