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Barrientos-Toro EN, Ding Q, Raso MG. Translational Aspects in Metaplastic Breast Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1433. [PMID: 38611109 PMCID: PMC11011105 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071433] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Metaplastic breast carcinoma (MpBC) is a rare, heterogeneous group of invasive breast carcinomas, which are classified as predominantly triple-negative breast carcinomas (TNBCs; HR-negative/HER2-negative). Histologically, MpBC is classified into six subtypes. Two of these are considered low-grade and the others are high-grade. MpBCs seem to be more aggressive, less responsive to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and have higher rates of chemoresistance than other TNBCs. MpBCs have a lower survival rate than expected for TNBCs. MpBC treatment represents a challenge, leading to a thorough exploration of the tumor immune microenvironment, which has recently opened the possibility of new therapeutic strategies. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition in MpBC is characterized by the loss of intercellular adhesion, downregulation of epithelial markers, underexpression of genes with biological epithelial functions, upregulation of mesenchymal markers, overexpression of genes with biological mesenchymal functions, acquisition of fibroblast-like (spindle) morphology, cytoskeleton reorganization, increased motility, invasiveness, and metastatic capabilities. This article reviews and summarizes the current knowledge and translational aspects of MpBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizve Nairoby Barrientos-Toro
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Qingqing Ding
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Maria Gabriela Raso
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
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2
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Chen T, Jia W, Zhang B, Xie H, Wu Q. EMT transcription factors activated circuits: A novel tool to study EMT dynamics and its therapeutic implications. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2024; 9:1-10. [PMID: 38173810 PMCID: PMC10758624 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2023.11.010] [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: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays significant roles in the progression of cancer and fibrotic disease. Moreover, this process is reversible, resulting in mesenchymal epithelial transition (MET), which plays an important role in cancer metastasis. There is a lack of methods to trace and target EMT cells using synthetic biology circuits, which makes it difficult to study the cell fate or develop targeted treatments. In this study, we introduced responsive EMT sensing circuits, which sense the EMT using specific promoters that respond to transcription factors typical of EMT activation (EMT-TFs). The transcriptional strength of EMT-sensing promoters decreased more than 13-fold in response to the overexpression of the EMT-TF. Then, the NOT gate circuits were built by placing the tetR transcription repressor under the control of EMT sensing promoters and expressed an output signal using the constitutive CMV promoter modified with tetO sites This circuit is named EMT sensing and responding circuits .When the EMT transcription factors was present, we observed a 5.8-fold signal increase in the system. Then, we successfully distinguished mesenchymal breast cancer cells from epithelial cancer cells and repressed the proliferation of EMT tumor cells using our circuits. The EMT sensing and responding circuits are promising tools for the identification of EMT cells, which is crucial for EMT-related disease therapy and investigating the mechanisms underlying the reversible EMT process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianying Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Center for Synthetic and System Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Wangyue Jia
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Center for Synthetic and System Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Center for Synthetic and System Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Hanqi Xie
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Center for Synthetic and System Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Center for Synthetic and System Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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3
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Morozova E, Kariagina A, Busch C, Schwartz RC. Benzophenone-3 alters expression of genes encoding vascularization and epithelial-mesenchymal transition functions during Trp53-null mammary tumorigenesis. Food Chem Toxicol 2024; 186:114540. [PMID: 38387520 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.114540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Benzophenone-3 (also referred to as oxybenzone) is a putative endocrine disrupting chemical and common ingredient in sunscreens and other personal care products. We previously showed that benzophenone-3 was promotional for epithelial tumorigenesis in mice fed adult high-fat diet, while protective against the incidence of more aggressive spindle cell tumors in the same treatment group. In this study, we show that benzophenone-3 reduces epithelial to mesenchymal transition in the epithelial tumors of these mice. This reduction in epithelial to mesenchymal transition is associated with altered expression of several genes involved in regulation of angiogenesis and epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Among the genes altered in expression, Timp1 is of particular interest because benzophenone-3 suppressed both migration and Timp1 expression in a mammary tumor cell line that displays epithelial to mesenchymal transition characteristics. These alterations in gene expression plausibly stabilize the vasculature of epithelial carcinomas and contribute to benzophenone-3 promotion of epithelial tumors, while at the same time suppress epithelial to mesenchymal transition and suppress incidence of spindle cell tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Morozova
- Department of Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Anastasia Kariagina
- Department of Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Calista Busch
- Department of Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Richard C Schwartz
- Department of Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
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4
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Will M, Liang J, Metcalfe C, Chandarlapaty S. Therapeutic resistance to anti-oestrogen therapy in breast cancer. Nat Rev Cancer 2023; 23:673-685. [PMID: 37500767 PMCID: PMC10529099 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00604-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The hormone receptor oestrogen receptor-α (ER) orchestrates physiological mammary gland development, breast carcinogenesis and the progression of breast tumours into lethal, treatment-refractory systemic disease. Selective antagonism of ER signalling has been one of the most successful therapeutic approaches in oncology, benefiting patients as both a cancer preventative measure and a cancer treatment strategy. However, resistance to anti-oestrogen therapy is a major clinical challenge. Over the past decade, we have gained an understanding of how breast cancers evolve under the pressure of anti-oestrogen therapy. This is best depicted by the case of oestrogen-independent mutations in the gene encoding ER (ESR1), which are virtually absent in primary breast cancer but highly prevalent (20-40%) in anti-oestrogen-treated metastatic disease. These and other findings highlight the 'evolvability' of ER+ breast cancer and the need to understand molecular processes by which this evolution occurs. Recent development and approval of next-generation ER antagonists to target ESR1-mutant breast cancer underscores the clinical importance of this evolvability and sets a new paradigm for the treatment of ER+ breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Will
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jackson Liang
- Department of Oncology Biomarker Development, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ciara Metcalfe
- Department of Discovery Oncology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Sarat Chandarlapaty
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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5
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Yang S, Feng L, Zhang Q, Wu L, Zhao Q, Hou Y, Yan B, Zhang S. Overexpression of lncRNA-MEG3 inhibits endometrial cell proliferation and invasion via miR-21-5p/DNMT3B/Twist. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2023; 78:100235. [PMID: 37392565 PMCID: PMC10757281 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinsp.2023.100235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have found that lncRNA-MEG3(MEG3) plays an important role in the development of EMs (Endometriosis), but the specific mechanism needs to be further explored. This study aimed to investigate the effect of MEG3 on the proliferation, invasion of EMs cells. The authors used RT-qPCR to detect the expression of MEG3 and miR-21-5p in EMs tissues and hESCs cells, MTT and Transwell to detect cell proliferation and invasion, western blotting assay to detect the expression of DNMT3B and Twist, MSP to detect the methylation of Twist. The present study's detection results showed that MEG3 was lowly expressed in EMs tissues and hESCs cells, and overexpression of MEG3 could down-regulate miR-21-5p and inhibit endometrial cell proliferation and invasion. In addition, overexpression of MEG3 upregulated the expression of DNMT3B and promoted the methylation of TWIST. In conclusion, the present findings suggest that MEG3 is downregulated in EMs tissues, and overexpression of MEG3 can promote the activity of DNA methyltransferase DNMT3B by downregulating miR-21-5p, thereby promoting the methylation of Twist, downregulating Twist level to inhibits hESCs cells proliferation and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoyan Yang
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Wuhua District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, PR China
| | - Limei Feng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Wuhua District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, PR China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Wuhua District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, PR China
| | - Lu Wu
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Wuhua District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, PR China
| | - Qinghua Zhao
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Wuhua District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, PR China
| | - Youfang Hou
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Wuhua District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, PR China
| | - Bo Yan
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Wuhua District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, PR China
| | - Suxian Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Wuhua District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, PR China.
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Singh S, Saini H, Sharma A, Gupta S, Huddar VG, Tripathi R. Breast cancer: miRNAs monitoring chemoresistance and systemic therapy. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1155254. [PMID: 37397377 PMCID: PMC10312137 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1155254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
With a high mortality rate that accounts for millions of cancer-related deaths each year, breast cancer is the second most common malignancy in women. Chemotherapy has significant potential in the prevention and spreading of breast cancer; however, drug resistance often hinders therapy in breast cancer patients. The identification and the use of novel molecular biomarkers, which can predict response to chemotherapy, might lead to tailoring breast cancer treatment. In this context, accumulating research has reported microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential biomarkers for early cancer detection, and are conducive to designing a more specific treatment plan by helping analyze drug resistance and sensitivity in breast cancer treatment. In this review, miRNAs are discussed in two alternative ways-as tumor suppressors to be used in miRNA replacement therapy to reduce oncogenesis and as oncomirs to lessen the translation of the target miRNA. Different miRNAs like miR-638, miR-17, miR-20b, miR-342, miR-484, miR-21, miR-24, miR-27, miR-23 and miR-200 are involved in the regulation of chemoresistance through diverse genetic targets. For instance, tumor-suppressing miRNAs like miR-342, miR-16, miR-214, and miR-128 and tumor-promoting miRNAs like miR101 and miR-106-25 cluster regulate the cell cycle, apoptosis, epithelial to mesenchymal transition and other pathways to impart breast cancer drug resistance. Hence, in this review, we have discussed the significance of miRNA biomarkers that could assist in providing novel therapeutic targets to overcome potential chemotherapy resistance to systemic therapy and further facilitate the design of tailored therapy for enhanced efficacy against breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivam Singh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Heena Saini
- Integrated translational Molecular Biology laboratory, Department of Rog Nidan and Vikriti vigyan (Pathology), All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, India
| | - Ashok Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Subhash Gupta
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - V. G. Huddar
- Department of Kaya Chikitsa (Internal Medicine), All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, India
| | - Richa Tripathi
- Integrated translational Molecular Biology laboratory, Department of Rog Nidan and Vikriti vigyan (Pathology), All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, India
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Vesuna F, Penet MF, Mori N, Bhujwalla ZM, Raman V. Twist alters the breast tumor microenvironment via choline kinase to facilitate an aggressive phenotype. Mol Cell Biochem 2023; 478:939-948. [PMID: 36136285 PMCID: PMC11299248 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04555-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Twist (TWIST1) is a gene required for cell fate specification in embryos and its expression in mammary epithelium can initiate tumorigenesis through the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. To identify downstream target genes of Twist in breast cancer, we performed microarray analysis on the transgenic breast cancer cell line, MCF-7/Twist. One of the targets identified was choline kinase whose upregulation resulted in increased cellular phosphocholine and total choline containing compounds-a characteristic observed in highly aggressive metastatic cancers. To study the interactions between Twist, choline kinase, and their effect on the microenvironment, we used 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy and found significantly higher phosphocholine and total choline, as well as increased phosphocholine/glycerophosphocholine ratio in MCF-7/Twist cells. We also observed significant increases in extracellular glucose, lactate, and [H +] ion concentrations in the MCF-7/Twist cells. Magnetic resonance imaging of MCF-7/Twist orthotopic breast tumors showed a significant increase in vascular volume and permeability surface area product compared to control tumors. In addition, by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we discovered that Twist upregulated choline kinase expression in estrogen receptor negative breast cancer cell lines through FOXA1 downregulation. Moreover, using The Cancer Genome Atlas database, we observed a significant inverse relationship between FOXA1 and choline kinase expression and propose that it could act as a modulator of the Twist/choline kinase axis. The data presented indicate that Twist is a driver of choline kinase expression in breast cancer cells via FOXA1 resulting in the generation of an aggressive breast cancer phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhad Vesuna
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marie-France Penet
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Noriko Mori
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zaver M Bhujwalla
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Venu Raman
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Department of Pharmacology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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8
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Roy S, Saha S, Dhar D, Chakraborty P, Singha Roy K, Mukherjee C, Gupta A, Bhattacharyya S, Roy A, Sengupta S, Roychoudhury S, Nath S. Molecular crosstalk between CUEDC2 and ERα influences the clinical outcome by regulating mitosis in breast cancer. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 29:1697-1706. [PMID: 35732909 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-022-00494-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Development of endocrine resistance in hormone-receptor-positive (HR+ve) subtype and lack of definitive target in triple-negative subtype challenge breast cancer management. Contributing to such endocrine resistance is a protein called CUEDC2. It degrades hormone receptors, estrogen receptor-α (ERα) and progesterone receptor. Higher level of CUEDC2 in ERα+ve breast cancer corresponded to poorer disease prognosis. It additionally influences mitotic progression. However, the crosstalk of these two CUEDC2-driven functions in the outcome of breast cancer remained elusive. We showed that CUEDC2 degrades ERα during mitosis, utilising the mitotic-ubiquitination-machinery. We elucidated the importance of mitosis-specific phosphorylation of CUEDC2 in this process. Furthermore, upregulated CUEDC2 overrode mitotic arrest, increasing aneuploidy. Finally, recruiting a prospective cohort of breast cancer, we found significantly upregulated CUEDC2 in HR-ve cases. Moreover, individuals with higher CUEDC2 levels showed a poorer progression-free-survival. Together, our data confirmed that CUEDC2 up-regulation renders ERα+ve malignancies to behave essentially as HR-ve tumors with the prevalence of aneuploidy. This study finds CUEDC2 as a potential prognostic marker and a therapeutic target in the clinical management of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuti Roy
- Department of Basic and Translational Research, Saroj Gupta Cancer Centre and Research Institute, Thakurpukur, Kolkata, India
| | - Suryendu Saha
- Department of Basic and Translational Research, Saroj Gupta Cancer Centre and Research Institute, Thakurpukur, Kolkata, India
| | - Debanil Dhar
- Department of Basic and Translational Research, Saroj Gupta Cancer Centre and Research Institute, Thakurpukur, Kolkata, India
| | - Puja Chakraborty
- Department of Basic and Translational Research, Saroj Gupta Cancer Centre and Research Institute, Thakurpukur, Kolkata, India
| | - Kumar Singha Roy
- Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | | | - Arnab Gupta
- Department of Surgery, Saroj Gupta Cancer Centre and Research Institute, Thakurpukur, Kolkata, India
| | - Samir Bhattacharyya
- Department of Surgery, Saroj Gupta Cancer Centre and Research Institute, Thakurpukur, Kolkata, India
| | - Anup Roy
- Department of Pathology, Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, India
| | | | - Susanta Roychoudhury
- Department of Basic and Translational Research, Saroj Gupta Cancer Centre and Research Institute, Thakurpukur, Kolkata, India.,CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, CN-06, CN Block, Sector V, Kolkata, India
| | - Somsubhra Nath
- Department of Basic and Translational Research, Saroj Gupta Cancer Centre and Research Institute, Thakurpukur, Kolkata, India.
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Li CL, Moi SH, Lin HS, Hou MF, Chen FM, Shih SL, Kan JY, Kao CN, Wu YC, Kao LC, Chen YH, Lee YC, Chiang CP. Comprehensive Transcriptomic and Proteomic Analyses Identify a Candidate Gene Set in Cross-Resistance for Endocrine Therapy in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810539. [PMID: 36142451 PMCID: PMC9501051 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocrine therapy (ET) of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), selective estrogen receptor downregulators (SERDs), and aromatase inhibitors (AIs) has been used as the gold standard treatment for hormone-receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer. Despite its clinical benefits, approximately 30% of patients develop ET resistance, which remains a major clinical challenge in patients with HR+ breast cancer. The mechanisms of ET resistance mainly focus on mutations in the ER and related pathways; however, other targets still exist from ligand-independent ER reactivation. Moreover, mutations in the ER that confer resistance to SERMs or AIs seldom appear in SERDs. To date, little research has been conducted to identify a critical target that appears in both SERMs/SERDs and AIs. In this study, we conducted comprehensive transcriptomic and proteomic analyses from two cohorts of The Cancer Genome Atlas Breast Invasive Carcinoma (TCGA-BRCA) to identify the critical targets for both SERMs/SERDs and AIs of ET resistance. From a treatment response cohort with treatment response for the initial ET regimen and an endocrine therapy cohort with survival outcomes, we identified candidate gene sets that appeared in both SERMs/SERDs and AIs of ET resistance. The candidate gene sets successfully differentiated progress/resistant groups (PD) from complete response groups (CR) and were significantly correlated with survival outcomes in both cohorts. In summary, this study provides valuable clinical implications for the critical roles played by candidate gene sets in the diagnosis, mechanism, and therapeutic strategy for both SERMs/SERDs and AIs of ET resistance for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Liang Li
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
- Division of Breast Oncology and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
| | - Sin-Hua Moi
- Center of Cancer Program Development, E-Da Cancer Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan
| | - Huei-Shan Lin
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
- Division of Breast Oncology and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Feng Hou
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
- Division of Breast Oncology and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
| | - Fang-Ming Chen
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
- Division of Breast Oncology and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
| | - Shen-Liang Shih
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
- Division of Breast Oncology and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
| | - Jung-Yu Kan
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
- Division of Breast Oncology and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Ni Kao
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
- Division of Breast Oncology and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chia Wu
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
- Division of Breast Oncology and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
| | - Li-Chun Kao
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
- Division of Breast Oncology and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Hsuan Chen
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
- Division of Breast Oncology and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chen Lee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Po Chiang
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
- Division of Breast Oncology and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Biotechnology, Fooyin University, Kaohsiung 83102, Taiwan
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +886-7-312-1101 (ext. 2260)
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10
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Tufail M, Cui J, Wu C. Breast cancer: molecular mechanisms of underlying resistance and therapeutic approaches. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:2920-2949. [PMID: 35968356 PMCID: PMC9360230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) affects over 250,000 women in the US each year. Drug-resistant cancer cells are responsible for most breast cancer fatalities. Scientists are developing novel chemotherapeutic drugs and targeted therapy combinations to overcome cancer cell resistance. Combining drugs can reduce the chances of a tumor developing resistance to treatment. Clinical research has shown that combination chemotherapy enhances or improves survival, depending on the patient's response to treatment. Combination therapy is a highly successful supplemental cancer treatment. This review sheds light on intrinsic resistance to BC drugs and the importance of combination therapy for BC treatment. In addition to recurrence and metastasis of BC, the article discussed biomarkers for BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Tufail
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi UniversityTaiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China
| | - Jia Cui
- Department of Microbiology, Changzhi Medical CollegeChangzhi 046000, Shanxi, China
| | - Changxin Wu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi UniversityTaiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China
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11
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Man X, Li Q, Wang B, Zhang H, Zhang S, Li Z. DNMT3A and DNMT3B in Breast Tumorigenesis and Potential Therapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:916725. [PMID: 35620052 PMCID: PMC9127442 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.916725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer has become a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide. DNA methylation has been revealed to play an enormously important role in the development and progression of breast cancer. DNA methylation is regulated by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), including DNMT1, DNMT2, and DNMT3. DNMT3 family has three members: DNMT3A, DNMT3B, and DNMT3L. The roles and functions of DNMT1 in breast cancer have been well reviewed. In this article, the roles of DNMT3A and DNMT3B in breast tumorigenesis and development are reviewed. We also discuss the SNP and mutations of DNMT3A and DNMT3B in breast cancer. In addition, we summarize how DNMT3A and DNMT3B are regulated by non-coding RNAs and signaling pathways in breast cancer, and targeting the expression levels of DNMT3A and DNMT3B may be a promising therapeutic approach for breast cancer. This review will provide reference for further studies on the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of DNMT3A and DNMT3B in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaxia Man
- Department of Oncologic Gynecology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - Qi Li
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Animal Models of Human Diseases, Academy of Translational Medicine, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - Baogang Wang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - He Zhang
- Department of Oncologic Gynecology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - Songling Zhang
- Department of Oncologic Gynecology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - Ziyi Li
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Animal Models of Human Diseases, Academy of Translational Medicine, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China
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12
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Mohammadi Ghahhari N, Sznurkowska MK, Hulo N, Bernasconi L, Aceto N, Picard D. Cooperative interaction between ERα and the EMT-inducer ZEB1 reprograms breast cancer cells for bone metastasis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2104. [PMID: 35440541 PMCID: PMC9018728 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29723-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been proposed to contribute to the metastatic spread of breast cancer cells. EMT-promoting transcription factors determine a continuum of different EMT states. In contrast, estrogen receptor α (ERα) helps to maintain the epithelial phenotype of breast cancer cells and its expression is crucial for effective endocrine therapies. Determining whether and how EMT-associated transcription factors such as ZEB1 modulate ERα signaling during early stages of EMT could promote the discovery of therapeutic approaches to suppress metastasis. Here we show that, shortly after induction of EMT and while cells are still epithelial, ZEB1 modulates ERα-mediated transcription induced by estrogen or cAMP signaling in breast cancer cells. Based on these findings and our ex vivo and xenograft results, we suggest that the functional interaction between ZEB1 and ERα may alter the tissue tropism of metastatic breast cancer cells towards bone. The epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is important in the metastatic spread of cancer cells. Here, the authors show that the EMT transcription factor, ZEB1, can modify estrogen receptor α during EMT and facilitate the migration of breast cancer cells to the bone
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Magdalena K Sznurkowska
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Hulo
- Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, Université de Genève, 1211, Genève 4, Switzerland
| | - Lilia Bernasconi
- Département de Biologie Cellulaire, Université de Genève, Sciences III, 1211, Genève 4, Switzerland
| | - Nicola Aceto
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Didier Picard
- Département de Biologie Cellulaire, Université de Genève, Sciences III, 1211, Genève 4, Switzerland.
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13
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Kretzmann JA, Irving KL, Smith NM, Evans CW. Modulating gene expression in breast cancer via DNA secondary structure and the CRISPR toolbox. NAR Cancer 2022; 3:zcab048. [PMID: 34988459 PMCID: PMC8693572 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcab048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in women, and while the survival prognosis of patients with early-stage, non-metastatic disease is ∼75%, recurrence poses a significant risk and advanced and/or metastatic breast cancer is incurable. A distinctive feature of advanced breast cancer is an unstable genome and altered gene expression patterns that result in disease heterogeneity. Transcription factors represent a unique therapeutic opportunity in breast cancer, since they are known regulators of gene expression, including gene expression involved in differentiation and cell death, which are themselves often mutated or dysregulated in cancer. While transcription factors have traditionally been viewed as 'undruggable', progress has been made in the development of small-molecule therapeutics to target relevant protein-protein, protein-DNA and enzymatic active sites, with varying levels of success. However, non-traditional approaches such as epigenetic editing, transcriptional control via CRISPR/dCas9 systems, and gene regulation through non-canonical nucleic acid secondary structures represent new directions yet to be fully explored. Here, we discuss these new approaches and current limitations in light of new therapeutic opportunities for breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Kretzmann
- Laboratory for Biomolecular Nanotechnology, Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich, Am Coulombwall 4a, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Kelly L Irving
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Nicole M Smith
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Cameron W Evans
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
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14
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Saatci O, Huynh-Dam KT, Sahin O. Endocrine resistance in breast cancer: from molecular mechanisms to therapeutic strategies. J Mol Med (Berl) 2021; 99:1691-1710. [PMID: 34623477 PMCID: PMC8611518 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-021-02136-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor-positive (ER +) breast cancer accounts for approximately 75% of all breast cancers. Endocrine therapies, including selective ER modulators (SERMs), aromatase inhibitors (AIs), and selective ER down-regulators (SERDs) provide substantial clinical benefit by reducing the risk of disease recurrence and mortality. However, resistance to endocrine therapies represents a major challenge, limiting the success of ER + breast cancer treatment. Mechanisms of endocrine resistance involve alterations in ER signaling via modulation of ER (e.g., ER downregulation, ESR1 mutations or fusions); alterations in ER coactivators/corepressors, transcription factors (TFs), nuclear receptors and epigenetic modulators; regulation of signaling pathways; modulation of cell cycle regulators; stress signaling; and alterations in tumor microenvironment, nutrient stress, and metabolic regulation. Current therapeutic strategies to improve outcome of endocrine-resistant patients in clinics include inhibitors against mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6, and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) subunit, p110α. Preclinical studies reveal novel therapeutic targets, some of which are currently tested in clinical trials as single agents or in combination with endocrine therapies, such as ER partial agonists, ER proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs), next-generation SERDs, AKT inhibitors, epidermal growth factor receptor 1 and 2 (EGFR/HER2) dual inhibitors, HER2 targeting antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors. In this review, we summarize the established and emerging mechanisms of endocrine resistance, alterations during metastatic recurrence, and discuss the approved therapies and ongoing clinical trials testing the combination of novel targeted therapies with endocrine therapy in endocrine-resistant ER + breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozge Saatci
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, 715, Sumter Street, CLS609D, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Kim-Tuyen Huynh-Dam
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, 715, Sumter Street, CLS609D, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Ozgur Sahin
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, 715, Sumter Street, CLS609D, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
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15
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Twist1 Influences the Expression of Leading Members of the IL-17 Signaling Pathway in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212144. [PMID: 34830027 PMCID: PMC8620489 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is a heterogeneous disease composed of multiple subtypes with different molecular characteristics and clinical outcomes. The metastatic process in BC depends on the transcription factors (TFs) related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), including the master regulator Twist1. However, its role beyond EMT in BC subtypes remains unclear. Our study aimed to investigate the role of Twist1, beyond EMT, in the molecular subtypes of BC. In patients, we observed the overexpression of TWIST1 in the HER2+ group. The silencing of TWIST1 in HER2+ BC cells resulted in the upregulation of 138 genes and the downregulation of 174 genes compared to control cells in a microarray assay. In silico analysis revealed correlations between Twist1 and important biological processes such as the Th17-mediated immune response, suggesting that Twist1 could be relevant for IL-17 signaling in HER2+ BC. IL-17 signaling was then examined, and it was shown that TWIST1 knockdown caused the downregulation of leading members of IL-17 signaling pathway. Taken together, our findings suggest that Twist1 plays a role on IL-17 signaling in HER2+ BC.
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16
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Li W, Wu H, Sui S, Wang Q, Xu S, Pang D. Targeting Histone Modifications in Breast Cancer: A Precise Weapon on the Way. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:736935. [PMID: 34595180 PMCID: PMC8476812 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.736935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone modifications (HMs) contribute to maintaining genomic stability, transcription, DNA repair, and modulating chromatin in cancer cells. Furthermore, HMs are dynamic and reversible processes that involve interactions between numerous enzymes and molecular components. Aberrant HMs are strongly associated with tumorigenesis and progression of breast cancer (BC), although the specific mechanisms are not completely understood. Moreover, there is no comprehensive overview of abnormal HMs in BC, and BC therapies that target HMs are still in their infancy. Therefore, this review summarizes the existing evidence regarding HMs that are involved in BC and the potential mechanisms that are related to aberrant HMs. Moreover, this review examines the currently available agents and approved drugs that have been tested in pre-clinical and clinical studies to evaluate their effects on HMs. Finally, this review covers the barriers to the clinical application of therapies that target HMs, and possible strategies that could help overcome these barriers and accelerate the use of these therapies to cure patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Harbin Medical University Third Hospital: Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Harbin Medical University Third Hospital: Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shiyao Sui
- Harbin Medical University Third Hospital: Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Harbin Medical University Third Hospital: Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shouping Xu
- Harbin Medical University Third Hospital: Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Da Pang
- Harbin Medical University Third Hospital: Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, China
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17
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Dittmer J. Nuclear Mechanisms Involved in Endocrine Resistance. Front Oncol 2021; 11:736597. [PMID: 34604071 PMCID: PMC8480308 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.736597] [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: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocrine therapy is a standard treatment offered to patients with ERα (estrogen receptor α)-positive breast cancer. In endocrine therapy, ERα is either directly targeted by anti-estrogens or indirectly by aromatase inhibitors which cause estrogen deficiency. Resistance to these drugs (endocrine resistance) compromises the efficiency of this treatment and requires additional measures. Endocrine resistance is often caused by deregulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and/or cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 activities allowing inhibitors of these factors to be used clinically to counteract endocrine resistance. The nuclear mechanisms involved in endocrine resistance are beginning to emerge. Exploring these mechanisms may reveal additional druggable targets, which could help to further improve patients' outcome in an endocrine resistance setting. This review intends to summarize our current knowledge on the nuclear mechanisms linked to endocrine resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Dittmer
- Clinic for Gynecology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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18
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Gatti-Mays ME, Gameiro SR, Ozawa Y, Knudson KM, Hicks KC, Palena C, Cordes LM, Steinberg SM, Francis D, Karzai F, Lipkowitz S, Donahue RN, Jochems C, Schlom J, Gulley JL. Improving the Odds in Advanced Breast Cancer With Combination Immunotherapy: Stepwise Addition of Vaccine, Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor, Chemotherapy, and HDAC Inhibitor in Advanced Stage Breast Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 10:581801. [PMID: 33747894 PMCID: PMC7977003 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.581801] [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: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast tumors commonly harbor low mutational burden, low PD-L1 expression, defective antigen processing/presentation, and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). In a malignancy mostly refractory to checkpoint blockade, there is an unmet clinical need for novel combination approaches that increase tumor immune infiltration and tumor control. Preclinical data have guided the development of this clinical trial combining 1) BN-Brachyury (a poxvirus vaccine platform encoding the tumor associated antigen brachyury), 2) bintrafusp alfa (a bifunctional protein composed of the extracellular domain of the TGF-βRII receptor (TGFβ "trap") fused to a human IgG1 anti-PD-L1), 3), entinostat (a class I histone deacetylase inhibitor), and 4) T-DM1 (ado-trastuzumab emtansine, a standard of care antibody-drug conjugate targeting HER2). We hypothesize that this tetratherapy will induce a robust immune response against HER2+ breast cancer with improved response rates through 1) expanding tumor antigen-specific effector T cells, natural killer cells, and immunostimulatory dendritic cells, 2) improving antigen presentation, and 3) decreasing inhibitory cytokines, regulatory T cells, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. In an orthotopic HER2+ murine breast cancer model, tetratherapy induced high levels of antigen-specific T cell responses, tumor CD8+ T cell/Treg ratio, and augmented the presence of IFNγ- or TNFα-producing CD8+ T cells and IFNγ/TNFα bifunctional CD8+ T cells with increased cytokine production. Similar effects were observed in tumor CD4+ effector T cells. Based on this data, a phase 1b clinical trial evaluating the stepwise addition of BN-Brachyury, bintrafusp alfa, T-DM1 and entinostat in advanced breast cancer was designed. Arm 1 (TNBC) receives BN-Brachyury + bintrafusp alfa. Arm 2 (HER2+) receives T-DM1 + BN-Brachyury + bintrafusp alfa. After safety is established in Arm 2, Arm 3 (HER2+) will receive T-DM1 + BN-Brachyury + bintrafusp alfa + entinostat. Reimaging will occur every 2 cycles (1 cycle = 21 days). Arms 2 and 3 undergo research biopsies at baseline and after 2 cycles to evaluate changes within the TME. Peripheral immune responses will be evaluated. Co-primary objectives are response rate and safety. All arms employ a safety assessment in the initial six patients and a 2-stage Simon design for clinical efficacy (Arm 1 if ≥ three responses of eight then expand to 13 patients; Arms 2 and 3 if ≥ four responses of 14 then expand to 19 patients per arm). Secondary objectives include progression-free survival and changes in tumor infiltrating lymphocytes. Exploratory analyses include changes in peripheral immune cells and cytokines. To our knowledge, the combination of a vaccine, an anti-PD-L1 antibody, entinostat, and T-DM1 has not been previously evaluated in the preclinical or clinical setting. This trial (NCT04296942) is open at the National Cancer Institute (Bethesda, MD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret E. Gatti-Mays
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sofia R. Gameiro
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Yohei Ozawa
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Karin M. Knudson
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Kristin C. Hicks
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Claudia Palena
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Lisa M. Cordes
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Seth M. Steinberg
- Biostatistics and Data Management Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Deneise Francis
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Fatima Karzai
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Stanley Lipkowitz
- Women’s Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Renee N. Donahue
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Caroline Jochems
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - James L. Gulley
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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19
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Zeng W, Gu S, Yu Y, Feng Y, Xiao M, Feng XH. ZNF451 stabilizes TWIST2 through SUMOylation and promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:898-915. [PMID: 33791162 PMCID: PMC7994150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the process by which epithelial cells lose their tightly packed polarized characteristics and acquire a migratory mesenchymal phenotype. EMT plays a pivotal role in embryonic development, wound healing, tissue regeneration, organ fibrosis and cancer progression. The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors TWIST1/2 are key EMT-inducing transcription factors that govern transcription of EMT-associated genes. Although regulation of TWIST1 activity and stability has been well studied, little is known about how TWIST2 is post-translationally regulated. Here we have identified ZNF451, a SUMO2/3 specific E3 ligase, as a novel regulator of TWIST2 in promoting its stability. ZNF451 directly binds to and SUMOylates TWIST2 at K129 residue, and consequently blocks ubiquitination and proteasome-dependent degradation of TWIST2. Ectopic expression of ZNF451 increases the protein level of TWIST2 in mammary epithelial cells, leading to increased expression of mesenchymal markers, whereas depletion of ZNF451 suppresses mesenchymal phenotypes. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that ZNF451 plays a vital role in EMT through SUMOylation-dependent stabilization of TWIST2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Zeng
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology of Zhejiang Province, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuchen Gu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology of Zhejiang Province, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Yu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology of Zhejiang Province, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yili Feng
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Surgery of Zhejiang Province, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mu Xiao
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology of Zhejiang Province, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xin-Hua Feng
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology of Zhejiang Province, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
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20
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Twist activates miR-22 to suppress estrogen receptor alpha in breast cancer. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:2295-2306. [PMID: 33582945 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04065-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
TWIST1 (Twist) is a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor that is overexpressed in many cancers and promotes tumor cell invasion, metastasis, and recurrence. In this study, we demonstrate that Twist upregulates expression of microRNA 22 (miR-22) which, in turn, downregulates estrogen receptor alpha (ER) expression in breast cancer. Initial analysis of miR-22 and Twist expression in a panel of breast cancer cell lines showed a direct correlation between Twist and miR-22 levels with miR-22 being highly expressed in ER negative cell lines. Overexpressing Twist caused increased miR-22 levels while downregulating it led to decreased miR-22 expression. To characterize the upstream promoter region of miR-22, we utilized rapid amplification of cDNA ends and identified the transcription start site and the putative promoter region of miR-22. Mechanistically, we determined that Twist, in combination with HDAC1 and DNMT3B, transcriptionally upregulates miR-22 expression by binding to E-boxes in the proximal miR-22 promoter. We also established that miR-22 causes an increase in growth in 3D but not 2D cultures. Importantly, we observed a direct correlation between increased breast cancer grade and Twist and miR-22 expression. We also identified two potential miR-22 binding sites in the 3'-UTR region of ER and confirmed by promoter assays that miR-22 regulates ER expression by binding to both target sites. These results reveal a novel pathway of ER suppression by Twist through miR-22 activation that could potentially promote the ER negative phenotype in breast cancers.
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21
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Wan X, Hou J, Liu S, Zhang Y, Li W, Zhang Y, Ding Y. Estrogen Receptor α Mediates Doxorubicin Sensitivity in Breast Cancer Cells by Regulating E-Cadherin. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:583572. [PMID: 33614637 PMCID: PMC7889969 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.583572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthracyclines resistance is commonly seen in patients with estrogen receptor α (ERα) positive breast cancer. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is characterized with the loss of epithelial cell polarity, cell adhesion and acquisition of new invasive property, is considered as one of the mechanisms of chemotherapy-induced drug resistance. In order to identify factors that associated with doxorubicin resistance, we performed in vitro and in vivo experiments using human and mouse breast cancer cell lines with different ERα status. Cell survival experiments revealed that ERα-positive cells (MCF-7 and MCF-7/ADR cell lines), were less sensitive to doxorubicin than ERα-negative (MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468) cells, and mouse mammary carcinoma cells (4T-1). The expression of E-cadherin reduced in low-invasive ERα-positive MCF-7 cells after treatment with doxorubicin, indicating epithelial mesenchymal transition. In contrast, the expression of E-cadherin was upregulated in high-invasive ERα-negative cells, showing mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET). Moreover, it was found that the growth inhibition of 4T-1 cells by doxorubicin was positively correlated with the expression of E-cadherin. In a mouse breast cancer xenograft model, E-cadherin was overexpressed in the primary tumor tissues of the doxorubicin-treated mice. In ERα-positive MCF-7 cells, doxorubicin treatment upregulated the expression of EMT-related transcription factors Snail and Twist, that regulate the expression of E-cadherin. Following overexpression of ERα in ERα-negative cells (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468), doxorubicin enhanced the upregulation of Snail and Twist, decreased expression of E-cadherin, and decreased the sensitivity of cells to doxorubicin. In contrast, inhibition of ERα activity increased the sensitivity to doxorubicin in ERα-positive MCF-7 cells. These data suggest that the regulation of Snail and/or Twist varies depends on different ERα status. Therefore, doxorubicin combined with anti-estrogen receptor α therapy could improve the treatment efficacy of doxorubicin in ERα-positive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Wan
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.,Department of Pathophysiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Jiaxin Hou
- School of Physical Education & Sports Science, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China
| | - Shurong Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yanli Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Wenqing Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yanru Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yi Ding
- Department of Pathophysiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.,Key Laboratory of Applied Pharmacology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
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22
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Song H, Liu D, Dong S, Zeng L, Wu Z, Zhao P, Zhang L, Chen ZS, Zou C. Epitranscriptomics and epiproteomics in cancer drug resistance: therapeutic implications. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:193. [PMID: 32900991 PMCID: PMC7479143 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00300-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance is a major hurdle in cancer treatment and a key cause of poor prognosis. Epitranscriptomics and epiproteomics are crucial in cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition. In recent years, epitranscriptomic and epiproteomic modification has been investigated on their roles in overcoming drug resistance. In this review article, we summarized the recent progress in overcoming cancer drug resistance in three novel aspects: (i) mRNA modification, which includes alternative splicing, A-to-I modification and mRNA methylation; (ii) noncoding RNAs modification, which involves miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs; and (iii) posttranslational modification on molecules encompasses drug inactivation/efflux, drug target modifications, DNA damage repair, cell death resistance, EMT, and metastasis. In addition, we discussed the therapeutic implications of targeting some classical chemotherapeutic drugs such as cisplatin, 5-fluorouridine, and gefitinib via these modifications. Taken together, this review highlights the importance of epitranscriptomic and epiproteomic modification in cancer drug resistance and provides new insights on potential therapeutic targets to reverse cancer drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huibin Song
- Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518001, Guangdong, China
| | - Dongcheng Liu
- Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518001, Guangdong, China
| | - Shaowei Dong
- Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518001, Guangdong, China
| | - Leli Zeng
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, 11439 New York, USA.,Tomas Lindahl Nobel Laureate Laboratory, Research Centre, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhuoxun Wu
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, 11439 New York, USA
| | - Pan Zhao
- Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518001, Guangdong, China
| | - Litu Zhang
- Department of Research, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, 11439 New York, USA.
| | - Chang Zou
- Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518001, Guangdong, China. .,Shenzhen Public Service Platform on Tumor Precision Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis, Shenzhen, 518001, Guangdong, China.
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Wang SC, Sun HL, Hsu YH, Liu SH, Lii CK, Tsai CH, Liu KL, Huang CS, Li CC. α-Linolenic acid inhibits the migration of human triple-negative breast cancer cells by attenuating Twist1 expression and suppressing Twist1-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 180:114152. [PMID: 32679125 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
α-Linolenic acid (ALA), an essential fatty acid, has anticancer activity in breast cancer, but the mechanism of its effects in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains unclear. We investigated the effect of ALA on Twist1, which is required to initiate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and promotes tumor metastasis, and Twist1-mediated migration in MDA-MB231, MDA-MB468 and Hs578T cells. Twist1 protein was constitutively expressed in these TNBC cells, particularly MDA-MB-231 cells. Treatment with 100 μM ALA and Twist1 siRNA markedly decreased the Twist1 protein level and cell migration. Moreover, ALA transiently attenuated the nuclear accumulation of STAT3α as well as Twist1 mRNA expression. Treatment with ALA significantly attenuated the phosphorylation of JNK, ERK and Akt and decreased the phosphorylation of Twist1 at serine 68 in MDA-MB-231 cells. ALA accelerated Twist1 degradation in the presence of cycloheximide, whereas the ubiquitination and degradation of Twist1 by ALA was suppressed by MG-132. Pretreatment with ALA mimicked Twist1 siRNA, increased the protein expression of epithelial markers such as E-cadherin, and decreased the protein expression of mesenchymal markers including Twist1, Snail2, N-cadherin, vimentin, and fibronectin. Our findings suggest that ALA can be used not only to abolish EMT but also to suppress Twist1-mediated migration in TNBC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Chung Wang
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Changhua Christian Children's Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Hai-Lun Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Immunology Research Center, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsuan Hsu
- Department of Nutrition, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Hui Liu
- Department of Nutrition, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chong-Kuei Lii
- Department of Nutrition, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Health and Nutrition Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Han Tsai
- Department of Nutrition, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Li Liu
- Department of Nutrition, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Nutrition, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Shiu Huang
- Department of Health and Nutrition Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chun Li
- Department of Nutrition, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Nutrition, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
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24
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Saravanaraman P, Selvam M, Ashok C, Srijyothi L, Baluchamy S. De novo methyltransferases: Potential players in diseases and new directions for targeted therapy. Biochimie 2020; 176:85-102. [PMID: 32659446 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2020.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications govern gene expression by guiding the human genome on 'what to express and what not to'. DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) establish methylation patterns on DNA, particularly in CpG islands, and such patterns play a major role in gene silencing. DNMTs are a family of proteins/enzymes (DNMT1, 2, 3A, 3B, and 3L), among which, DNMT1 (maintenance methyltransferase) and DNMT3 (de novo methyltransferases) that direct mammalian development and genome imprinting are highly investigated. In recent decades, many studies revealed a strong association of DNA methylation patterns with gene expression in various clinical conditions. Differential expression of DNMT3 family proteins and their splice variants result in changes in methylation patterns and such alterations have been associated with the initiation and progression of various diseases, especially cancer. This review will discuss the aberrant modifications generated by DNMT3 proteins under various clinical conditions, suggesting a potential signature for de novo methyltransferases in targeted disease therapy. Further, this review discusses the possibility of using 'CpG island methylation signatures' as promising biomarkers and emphasizes 'targeted hypomethylation' by disrupting the interaction of specific DNMT-protein complexes as the future of cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ponne Saravanaraman
- Department of Biotechnology, Pondicherry Central University, Pondicherry, 605014, India
| | - Murugan Selvam
- Department of Biotechnology, Pondicherry Central University, Pondicherry, 605014, India
| | - Cheemala Ashok
- Department of Biotechnology, Pondicherry Central University, Pondicherry, 605014, India
| | - Loudu Srijyothi
- Department of Biotechnology, Pondicherry Central University, Pondicherry, 605014, India
| | - Sudhakar Baluchamy
- Department of Biotechnology, Pondicherry Central University, Pondicherry, 605014, India.
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25
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Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors Governing the Transcriptional Regulation of ESR1. Discov Oncol 2020; 11:129-147. [PMID: 32592004 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-020-00388-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional regulation of ESR1, the gene that encodes for estrogen receptor α (ER), is critical for regulating the downstream effects of the estrogen signaling pathway in breast cancer such as cell growth. ESR1 is a large and complex gene that is regulated by multiple regulatory elements, which has complicated our understanding of how ESR1 expression is controlled in the context of breast cancer. Early studies characterized the genomic structure of ESR1 with subsequent studies focused on identifying intrinsic (chromatin environment, transcription factors, signaling pathways) and extrinsic (tumor microenvironment, secreted factors) mechanisms that impact ESR1 gene expression. Currently, the introduction of genomic sequencing platforms and additional genome-wide technologies has provided additional insight on how chromatin structures may coordinate with these intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms to regulate ESR1 expression. Understanding these interactions will allow us to have a clearer understanding of how ESR1 expression is regulated and eventually provide clues on how to influence its regulation with potential treatments. In this review, we highlight key studies concerning the genomic structure of ESR1, mechanisms that affect the dynamics of ESR1 expression, and considerations towards affecting ESR1 expression and hormone responsiveness in breast cancer.
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26
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Bai JW, Wei M, Li JW, Zhang GJ. Notch Signaling Pathway and Endocrine Resistance in Breast Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:924. [PMID: 32636747 PMCID: PMC7318302 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nearly 70% of breast cancers express the estrogen receptor (ER) and are hormone-dependent for cell proliferation and survival. Anti-estrogen therapies with aromatase inhibitors (AIs), selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) or selective estrogen receptor down regulators (SERDs) are the standard endocrine therapy approach for ER positive breast cancer patients. However, about 30% of patients receiving endocrine therapy will progress during the therapy or become endocrine resistance eventually. The intrinsic or acquired endocrine resistance has become a major obstacle for endocrine therapy. The mechanism of endocrine resistance is very complicated and recently emerging evidence indicates dysregulation of Notch signaling pathway contributes to endocrine resistance in breast cancer patients. The potential mechanisms include regulation of ER, promotion of cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotype and mesenchymal cell ratio, alteration of the local tumor microenvironment and cell cycle. This review will summarize the latest progress on the investigation of Notch signaling pathway in breast cancer endocrine resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Wen Bai
- Department of Oncology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Min Wei
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ji-Wei Li
- Clinical Central Research Core, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Guo-Jun Zhang
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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27
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Gooding AJ, Schiemann WP. Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Programs and Cancer Stem Cell Phenotypes: Mediators of Breast Cancer Therapy Resistance. Mol Cancer Res 2020; 18:1257-1270. [PMID: 32503922 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-20-0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) programs play essential functions in normal morphogenesis and organogenesis, including that occurring during mammary gland development and glandular regeneration. Historically, EMT programs were believed to reflect a loss of epithelial gene expression signatures and morphologies that give way to those associated with mesenchymal cells and their enhanced migratory and invasive behaviors. However, accumulating evidence now paints EMT programs as representing a spectrum of phenotypic behaviors that also serve to enhance cell survival, immune tolerance, and perhaps even metastatic dormancy. Equally important, the activation of EMT programs in transformed mammary epithelial cells not only enhances their acquisition of invasive and metastatic behaviors, but also expands their generation of chemoresistant breast cancer stem cells (BCSC). Importantly, the net effect of these events results in the appearance of recurrent metastatic lesions that remain refractory to the armamentarium of chemotherapies and targeted therapeutic agents deployed against advanced stage breast cancers. Here we review the molecular and cellular mechanisms that contribute to the pathophysiology of EMT programs in human breast cancers and how these events impact their "stemness" and acquisition of chemoresistant phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex J Gooding
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - William P Schiemann
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.
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28
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Okazaki Y, Chew SH, Nagai H, Yamashita Y, Ohara H, Jiang L, Akatsuka S, Takahashi T, Toyokuni S. Overexpression of miR-199/214 is a distinctive feature of iron-induced and asbestos-induced sarcomatoid mesothelioma in rats. Cancer Sci 2020; 111:2016-2027. [PMID: 32248600 PMCID: PMC7293088 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is one of the most lethal tumors in humans. The onset of MM is linked to exposure to asbestos, which generates reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are believed to be derived from the frustrated phagocytosis and the iron in asbestos. To explore the pathogenesis of MM, peritoneal MM was induced in rats by the repeated intraperitoneal injection of iron saccharate and nitrilotriacetate. In the present study, we used microarray techniques to screen the microRNA (miR) expression profiles of these MM. We observed that the histological subtype impacted the hierarchical clustering of miR expression profiles and determined that miR-199/214 is a distinctive feature of iron saccharate-induced sarcomatoid mesothelioma (SM). Twist1, a transcriptional regulator of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, has been shown to activate miR-199/214 transcription; thus, the expression level of Twist1 was examined in iron-induced and asbestos-induced mesotheliomas in rats. Twist1 was exclusively expressed in iron saccharate-induced SM but not in the epithelioid subtype. The Twist1-miR-199/214 axis is activated in iron saccharate-induced and asbestos-induced SM. The expression levels of miR-214 and Twist1 were correlated in an asbestos-induced MM cell line, suggesting that the Twist1-miR-199/214 axis is preserved. MeT5A, an immortalized human mesothelial cell line, was used for the functional analysis of miR. The overexpression of miR-199/214 promoted cellular proliferation, mobility and phosphorylation of Akt and ERK in MeT5A cells. These results indicate that miR-199/214 may affect the aggressive biological behavior of SM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasumasa Okazaki
- Department of Pathology and Biological ResponsesNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
| | - Shan Hwu Chew
- Department of Pathology and Biological ResponsesNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
| | - Hirotaka Nagai
- Department of Pathology and Biological ResponsesNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
| | - Yoriko Yamashita
- Department of Pathology and Biological ResponsesNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
| | - Hiroki Ohara
- Department of Pathology and Biological ResponsesNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
| | - Li Jiang
- Department of Pathology and Biological ResponsesNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
| | - Shinya Akatsuka
- Department of Pathology and Biological ResponsesNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
| | - Takashi Takahashi
- Division of Molecular CarcinogenesisNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
- Aichi Cancer Center Research InstituteNagoyaJapan
| | - Shinya Toyokuni
- Department of Pathology and Biological ResponsesNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
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29
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Tang L, Gao Y, Song Y, Li Y, Li Y, Zhang H, Li D, Li J, Liu C, Li F. PAK4 phosphorylating RUNX1 promotes ERα-positive breast cancer-induced osteolytic bone destruction. Int J Biol Sci 2020; 16:2235-2247. [PMID: 32549768 PMCID: PMC7294946 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.47225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The biological function of nuclear PAK4 in ERα-positive breast cancer osteolytic bone destruction remains unclear. Here, we find that the nuclear PAK4 promotes osteoclastogenesis and tumor-induced osteolysis via phosphorylating RUNX1. We show that nuclear PAK4 interacts with and phosphorylates RUNX1 at Thr-207, which induces its localization from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and influences direct interaction with SIN3A/HDAC1 and PRMT1. Furthermore, we reveal that RUNX1 phosphorylation by PAK4 at Thr-207 promotes osteolytic bone destruction via targeting downstream genes related to osteoclast differentiation and maturation. Importantly, we verify changes in RUNX1 subcellular localization when nuclear PAK4 is positive in breast cancer bone metastasis tissues. Functionally, we demonstrate that RUNX1 phosphorylation promotes osteolytic bone maturation and ERα-positive breast cancer-induced osteolytic bone damage in the mouse model of orthotopic breast cancer bone metastasis. Our results suggest PAK4 can be a therapeutic target for ERα-positive breast cancer osteolytic bone destruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Tang
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of National Health Commission of the PRC, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education of the PRC, China Medical University, No.77, Puhe Road, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Yunling Gao
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of National Health Commission of the PRC, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education of the PRC, China Medical University, No.77, Puhe Road, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Yongqi Song
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of National Health Commission of the PRC, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education of the PRC, China Medical University, No.77, Puhe Road, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of National Health Commission of the PRC, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education of the PRC, China Medical University, No.77, Puhe Road, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Yanshu Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of National Health Commission of the PRC, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education of the PRC, China Medical University, No.77, Puhe Road, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Hongyan Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of National Health Commission of the PRC, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education of the PRC, China Medical University, No.77, Puhe Road, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Danni Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Jiabin Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of National Health Commission of the PRC, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education of the PRC, China Medical University, No.77, Puhe Road, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Caigang Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of National Health Commission of the PRC, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education of the PRC, China Medical University, No.77, Puhe Road, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
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30
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The role of deubiquitinating enzymes in cancer drug resistance. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2020; 85:627-639. [PMID: 32146496 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-020-04046-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Drug resistance is a well-known phenomenon leading to a reduction in the effectiveness of pharmaceutical treatments. Resistance to chemotherapeutic agents can involve various intrinsic cellular processes including drug efflux, increased resistance to apoptosis, increased DNA damage repair capabilities in response to platinum salts or other DNA-damaging drugs, drug inactivation, drug target alteration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), inherent cell heterogeneity, epigenetic effects, or any combination of these mechanisms. Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) reverse ubiquitination of target proteins, maintaining a balance between ubiquitination and deubiquitination of proteins to maintain cell homeostasis. Increasing evidence supports an association of altered DUB activity with development of several cancers. Thus, DUBs are promising candidates for targeted drug development. In this review, we outline the involvement of DUBs, particularly ubiquitin-specific proteases, and their roles in drug resistance in different types of cancer. We also review potential small molecule DUB inhibitors that can be used as drugs for cancer treatment.
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31
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Tarullo SE, Hill RC, Hansen KC, Behbod F, Borges VF, Nelson AC, Lyons TR. Postpartum breast cancer progression is driven by semaphorin 7a-mediated invasion and survival. Oncogene 2020; 39:2772-2785. [PMID: 32020054 PMCID: PMC7103487 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-1192-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Young women diagnosed with breast cancer (BC) have poor prognosis due to increased rates of metastasis. In addition, women diagnosed within 10 years of most recent childbirth are approximately three times more likely to develop metastasis than age- and stage-matched nulliparous women. We define these cases as postpartum BC (PPBC) and propose that the unique biology of the postpartum mammary gland drives tumor progression. Our published results revealed roles for SEMA7A in breast tumor cell growth, motility, invasion, and tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis, all of which are also increased in preclinical models of PPBC. However, whether SEMA7A drives progression in PPBC remains largely unexplored. Our results presented herein show that silencing of SEMA7A decreases tumor growth in a model of PPBC, while overexpression is sufficient to increase growth in nulliparous hosts. Further, we show that SEMA7A promotes multiple known drivers of PPBC progression including tumor-associated COX-2 expression and fibroblast-mediated collagen deposition in the tumor microenvironment. In addition, we show for the first time that SEMA7A-expressing cells deposit fibronectin to promote tumor cell survival. Finally, we show that co-expression of SEMA7A/COX-2/FN predicts for poor prognosis in breast cancer patient cohorts. These studies suggest SEMA7A as a key mediator of BC progression, and that targeting SEMA7A may open avenues for novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Tarullo
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, CU Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Young Women's BC Translational Program, CU Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Ryan C Hill
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, CU Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Kirk C Hansen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, CU Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Fariba Behbod
- Division of Cancer and Developmental Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Virginia F Borges
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, CU Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Young Women's BC Translational Program, CU Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Andrew C Nelson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Traci R Lyons
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, CU Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
- Young Women's BC Translational Program, CU Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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32
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Ren J, Crowley SD. Twist1: A Double-Edged Sword in Kidney Diseases. KIDNEY DISEASES 2020; 6:247-257. [PMID: 32903940 DOI: 10.1159/000505188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Twist1 is a basic helix-loop-helix domain containing transcription factor that regulates cell differentiation, migration, proliferation, survival, and inflammatory responses by transcriptionally regulating a wide range of downstream target genes. Its homologous protein, Twist2, shares many structural and functional similarities with Twist1. Summary Accumulating evidence from both preclinical and clinical studies suggests that Twist1 is a pivotal regulator of several forms of renal disease. Twist1 is persistently activated following renal insults, particularly in chronic kidney diseases, and contributes to the renal inflammatory responses, tubular cell transformation programs, and possibly fibroblast activation, all of which are involved in the initiation and progression of kidney diseases. Key Message This review will specifically focus on Twist1 and outline our understanding of its functions in kidney disorders along with the introduction of Twist2 where pertinent. The thorough knowledge of Twist1's actions in the pathogenesis of kidney diseases should facilitate the development of novel therapeutics for kidney injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiafa Ren
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University and Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Steven D Crowley
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University and Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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33
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Yu CY, Liu BH, Tang SY, Liang RY, Hsu KH, Chuang SM. HR23A-knockdown lung cancer cells exhibit epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and gain stemness properties through increased Twist1 stability. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2019; 1866:118537. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2019.118537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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34
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Yao N, Fu Y, Chen L, Liu Z, He J, Zhu Y, Xia T, Wang S. Long non-coding RNA NONHSAT101069 promotes epirubicin resistance, migration, and invasion of breast cancer cells through NONHSAT101069/miR-129-5p/Twist1 axis. Oncogene 2019; 38:7216-7233. [PMID: 31444414 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0904-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Drug resistance, including epirubicin-based therapeutic resistance, is one of the major reasons responsible for the unfavorable prognosis of patients diagnosed with breast cancer (BC). Acquired chemoresistance and metastatic properties have been identified to be closely associated with the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Recently, dysregulation of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been increasingly reported to perform promotive or suppressive functions in chemoresistance and EMT process in multiple cancers. However, relevant novel lncRNA participating in epirubicin resistance and EMT and its underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown in BC. Herein, we established the epirubicin-resistant breast cancer cell subline (MCF-7/ADR), which presented mesenchymal phenotype and increased metastatic potential. A panel of differentially expressed lncRNAs, including 268 upregulated and 49 downregulated lncRNAs, were identified by high-flux microarray investigation in MCF-7 and MCF-7/ADR cells. The novel lncRNA NONHSAT101069 was significantly overexpressed in BC specimens, BC cell lines, and epirubicin-resistant cell sublines. The knockdown of NONHSAT101069 significantly repressed, whereas overexpression of NONHSAT101069 promoted the epirubicin resistance, migration, invasion and EMT process of BC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Further mechanism-related researches uncovered that NONHSAT101069 functioned as a ceRNA (competing endogenous RNA) via sponging miR-129-5p. Twist1 was a direct downstream protein of NONHSAT101069/miR-129-5p axis in BC cells. To conclude, NONHSAT101069 was upregulated in BC tissues and promoted epirubicin resistance, migration and invasion of BC cells via regulation of NONHSAT101069/miR-129-5p/Twist1 axis, highlighting its potential as an oncogene and a therapeutic biomarker for BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Yao
- Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
- Department of Thyroid & Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of TCM, Wuxi City Hospital of TCM, Wuxi, 214000, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - Yue Fu
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, 213000, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - Lie Chen
- Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - Zhao Liu
- Department of Thyroid & Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 222100, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - Jing He
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214000, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - Yichao Zhu
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China.
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China.
| | - Tiansong Xia
- Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China.
| | - Shui Wang
- Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China.
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35
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Amorim M, Lobo J, Fontes-Sousa M, Estevão-Pereira H, Salta S, Lopes P, Coimbra N, Antunes L, Palma de Sousa S, Henrique R, Jerónimo C. Predictive and Prognostic Value of Selected MicroRNAs in Luminal Breast Cancer. Front Genet 2019; 10:815. [PMID: 31572437 PMCID: PMC6749838 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BrC) is the most frequent malignancy and the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Approximately 70% of BrC are classified as luminal-like subtype, expressing the estrogen receptor. One of the most common and effective adjuvant therapies for this BrC subtype is endocrine therapy. However, its effectiveness is limited, with relapse occurring in up to 40% of patients. Because microRNAs have been associated with several mechanisms underlying endocrine resistance and sensitivity, they may serve as predictive and/or prognostic biomarkers in this setting. Hence, the main goal of this study was to investigate whether miRNAs deregulated in endocrine-resistant BrC may be clinically relevant as prognostic and predictive biomarkers in patients treated with adjuvant endocrine therapy. A global expression assay allowed for the identification of microRNAs differentially expressed between luminal BrC patients with or without recurrence after endocrine adjuvant therapy. Then, six microRNAs were chosen for validation using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in a larger set of tissue samples. Thus, miR-30c-5p, miR-30b-5p, miR-182-5p, and miR-200b-3p were found to be independent predictors of clinical benefit from endocrine therapy. Moreover, miR-182-5p and miR-200b-3p displayed independent prognostic value for disease recurrence in luminal BrC patients after endocrine therapy. Our results indicate that selected miRNAs’ panels may constitute clinically useful ancillary tools for management of luminal BrC patients. Nevertheless, additional validation, ideally in a multicentric setting, is required to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Amorim
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Porto, Portugal.,Master in Oncology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar-University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - João Lobo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar-University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Mário Fontes-Sousa
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Porto, Portugal.,Department of Medical Oncology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Helena Estevão-Pereira
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Porto, Portugal.,Master in Oncology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar-University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Sofia Salta
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Lopes
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Coimbra
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar-University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Antunes
- Department of Epidemiology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Susana Palma de Sousa
- Department of Medical Oncology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Henrique
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar-University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, IPO Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar-University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
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36
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Menéndez-Menéndez J, Hermida-Prado F, Granda-Díaz R, González A, García-Pedrero JM, Del-Río-Ibisate N, González-González A, Cos S, Alonso-González C, Martínez-Campa C. Deciphering the Molecular Basis of Melatonin Protective Effects on Breast Cells Treated with Doxorubicin: TWIST1 a Transcription Factor Involved in EMT and Metastasis, a Novel Target of Melatonin. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11071011. [PMID: 31331001 PMCID: PMC6679136 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11071011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Melatonin mitigates cancer initiation, progression and metastasis through inhibition of both the synthesis of estrogens and the transcriptional activity of the estradiol-ER (Estrogen receptor) complex in the estrogen-dependent breast cancer cell line MCF-7. Moreover, melatonin improves the sensitivity of MCF-7 to chemotherapeutic agents and protects against their side effects. It has been described that melatonin potentiates the anti-proliferative effects of doxorubicin; however, the molecular changes involving gene expression and the activation/inhibition of intracellular signaling pathways remain largely unknown. Here we found that melatonin enhanced the anti-proliferative effect of doxorubicin in MCF-7 but not in MDA-MB-231 cells. Strikingly, doxorubicin treatment induced cell migration and invasion, and melatonin effectively counteracted these effects in MCF-7 but not in estrogen-independent MDA-MB-231 cells. Importantly, we describe for the first time the ability of melatonin to downregulate TWIST1 (Twist-related protein 1) in estrogen-dependent but not in estrogen-independent breast cancer cells. Combined with doxorubicin, melatonin inhibited the activation of p70S6K and modulated the expression of breast cancer, angiogenesis and clock genes. Moreover, melatonin regulates the levels of TWIST1-related microRNAs, such as miR-10a, miR-10b and miR-34a. Since TWIST1 plays a pivotal role in the epithelial to mesenchymal transition, acquisition of metastatic phenotype and angiogenesis, our results suggest that inhibition of TWIST1 by melatonin might be a crucial mechanism of overcoming resistance and improving the oncostatic potential of doxorubicin in estrogen-dependent breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Menéndez-Menéndez
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria and Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Francisco Hermida-Prado
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, University of Oviedo, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Rocío Granda-Díaz
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, University of Oviedo, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Alicia González
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria and Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Juana María García-Pedrero
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, University of Oviedo, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Nagore Del-Río-Ibisate
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, University of Oviedo, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Alicia González-González
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria and Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Samuel Cos
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria and Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Carolina Alonso-González
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria and Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), 39011 Santander, Spain.
| | - Carlos Martínez-Campa
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria and Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), 39011 Santander, Spain.
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37
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Hata T, Rajabi H, Yamamoto M, Jin C, Ahmad R, Zhang Y, Kui L, Li W, Yasumizu Y, Hong D, Miyo M, Hiraki M, Maeda T, Suzuki Y, Takahashi H, Samur M, Kufe D. Targeting MUC1-C Inhibits TWIST1 Signaling in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2019; 18:1744-1754. [PMID: 31308076 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-19-0156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The oncogenic MUC1-C protein and the TWIST1 epithelial-mesenchymal transition transcription factor (EMT-TF) are aberrantly expressed in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. However, there is no known association between MUC1-C and TWIST1 in TNBC or other cancer cells. Here, we show that MUC1-C activates STAT3, and that MUC1-C and pSTAT3 drive induction of the TWIST1 gene. In turn, MUC1-C binds directly to TWIST1, and MUC1-C/TWIST1 complexes activate MUC1-C expression in an autoinductive circuit. The functional significance of the MUC1-C/TWIST1 circuit is supported by the demonstration that this pathway is sufficient for driving (i) the EMT-TFs, ZEB1 and SNAIL, (ii) multiple genes in the EMT program as determined by RNA-seq, and (iii) the capacity for cell invasion. We also demonstrate that the MUC1-C/TWIST1 circuit drives (i) expression of the stem cell markers SOX2, BMI1, ALDH1, and CD44, (ii) self-renewal capacity, and (iii) tumorigenicity. In concert with these results, we show that MUC1-C and TWIST1 also drive EMT and stemness in association with acquired paclitaxel (PTX) resistance. Of potential therapeutic importance, targeting MUC1-C and thereby TWIST1 reverses the PTX refractory phenotype as evidenced by synergistic activity with PTX against drug-resistant cells. These findings uncover a master role for MUC1-C in driving the induction of TWIST1, EMT, stemness, and drug resistance, and support MUC1-C as a highly attractive target for inhibiting TNBC plasticity and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Hata
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hasan Rajabi
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Masaaki Yamamoto
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Caining Jin
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rehan Ahmad
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yan Zhang
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ling Kui
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Wei Li
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yota Yasumizu
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Deli Hong
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Masaaki Miyo
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Masayuki Hiraki
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Takahiro Maeda
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yozo Suzuki
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hidekazu Takahashi
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mehmet Samur
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Donald Kufe
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
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38
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Strati A, Nikolaou M, Georgoulias V, Lianidou ES. Prognostic Significance of TWIST1, CD24, CD44, and ALDH1 Transcript Quantification in EpCAM-Positive Circulating Tumor Cells from Early Stage Breast Cancer Patients. Cells 2019; 8:cells8070652. [PMID: 31261917 PMCID: PMC6679222 DOI: 10.3390/cells8070652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of EMT-associated (TWIST1) and stem-cell (SC) transcript (CD24, CD44, ALDH1) quantification in EpCAM+ circulating tumor cells (CTCs) of early breast cancer patients. (2) Methods: 100 early stage breast cancer patients and 19 healthy donors were enrolled in the study. CD24, CD44, and ALDH1 transcripts of EpCAM+ cells were quantified using a novel highly sensitive and specific quadraplex RT-qPCR, while TWIST1 transcripts were quantified by single RT-qPCR. All patients were followed up for more than 5 years. (3) Results: A significant positive correlation between overexpression of TWIST1 and CD24−/low/CD44high profile was found. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that the ER/PR-negative (HR-) patients and those patients with more than 3 positive lymph nodes that overexpressed TWIST1 in EpCAM+ cells had a significant lower DFI (log rank test; p < 0.001, p < 0.001) and OS (log rank test; p = 0.006, p < 0.001). Univariate and multivariate analysis also revealed the prognostic value of TWIST1 overexpression and CD24−/low/CD44high and CD24−/low/ALDH1high profile for both DFI and OS. (4) Conclusions: Detection of TWIST1 overexpression and stem-cell (CD24, CD44, ALDH1) transcripts in EpCAM+ CTCs provides prognostic information in early stage breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areti Strati
- Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells Lab, Department of Chemistry, University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Michail Nikolaou
- Medical Oncology Unit, "Elena Venizelou" Hospital, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Evi S Lianidou
- Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells Lab, Department of Chemistry, University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece.
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39
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Hartsough EJ, Weiss MB, Heilman SA, Purwin TJ, Kugel CH, Rosenbaum SR, Erkes DA, Tiago M, HooKim K, Chervoneva I, Aplin AE. CADM1 is a TWIST1-regulated suppressor of invasion and survival. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:281. [PMID: 30911007 PMCID: PMC6433918 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1515-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Metastatic cancer remains a clinical challenge; however, patients diagnosed prior to metastatic dissemination have a good prognosis. The transcription factor, TWIST1 has been implicated in enhancing the migration and invasion steps within the metastatic cascade, but the range of TWIST1-regulated targets is poorly described. In this study, we performed expression profiling to identify the TWIST1-regulated transcriptome of melanoma cells. Gene ontology pathway analysis revealed that TWIST1 and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) were inversely correlated with levels of cell adhesion molecule 1 (CADM1). Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) studies and promoter assays demonstrated that TWIST1 physically interacts with the CADM1 promoter, suggesting TWIST1 directly represses CADM1 levels. Increased expression of CADM1 resulted in significant inhibition of motility and invasiveness of melanoma cells. In addition, elevated CADM1 elicited caspase-independent cell death in non-adherent conditions. Expression array analysis suggests that CADM1 directed non-adherent cell death is associated with loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and subsequent failure of oxidative phosphorylation pathways. Importantly, tissue microarray analysis and clinical data from TCGA indicate that CADM1 expression is inversely associated with melanoma progression and positively correlated with better overall survival in patients. Together, these data suggest that CADM1 exerts tumor suppressive functions in melanoma by reducing invasive potential and may be considered a biomarker for favorable prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward J Hartsough
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.,Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Physiology at Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - Michele B Weiss
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Shea A Heilman
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Timothy J Purwin
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Curtis H Kugel
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Sheera R Rosenbaum
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Dan A Erkes
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Manoela Tiago
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Kim HooKim
- Departments of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Inna Chervoneva
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.,Division of Biostatistics in Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Andrew E Aplin
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA. .,Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.
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40
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Chemoresistance mechanisms of breast cancer and their countermeasures. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 114:108800. [PMID: 30921705 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.108800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemoresistance is one of the major challenges for the breast cancer treatment. Owing to its heterogeneous nature, the chemoresistance mechanisms of breast cancer are complicated, and not been fully elucidated. The existing treatments fall short of offering adequate solution to drug resistance, so more effective approaches are desperately needed to improve existing therapeutic regimens. To overcome this hurdle, a number of strategies are being investigated, such as novel agents or drug carriers and combination treatment. In addition, some new therapeutics including gene therapy and immunotherapy may be promising for dealing with the resistance. In this article, we review the mechanisms of chemoresistance in breast cancer. Furthermore, the potential therapeutic methods to overcome the resistance were discussed.
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41
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Pineda B, Diaz-Lagares A, Pérez-Fidalgo JA, Burgués O, González-Barrallo I, Crujeiras AB, Sandoval J, Esteller M, Lluch A, Eroles P. A two-gene epigenetic signature for the prediction of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in triple-negative breast cancer patients. Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:33. [PMID: 30786922 PMCID: PMC6381754 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0626-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) varies between 30 and 40% approximately. To provide further insight into the prediction of pCR, we evaluated the role of an epigenetic methylation-based signature. Methods Epigenetic assessment of DNA extracted from biopsy archived samples previous to NAC from TNBC patients was performed. Patients included were categorized according to previous response to NAC in responder (pCR or residual cancer burden, RCB = 0) or non-responder (non-pCR or RCB > 0) patients. A methyloma study was performed in a discovery cohort by the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip (450K array) from Illumina. The epigenetic silencing of those methylated genes in the discovery cohort were validated by bisulfite pyrosequencing (PyroMark Q96 System version 2.0.6, Qiagen) and qRT-PCR in an independent cohort of TN patients and in TN cell lines. Results Twenty-four and 30 patients were included in the discovery and validation cohorts, respectively. In the discovery cohort, nine genes were differentially methylated: six presented higher methylation in non-responder patients (LOC641519, LEF1, HOXA5, EVC2, TLX3, CDKL2) and three greater methylation in responder patients (FERD3L, CHL1, and TRIP10). After validation, a two-gene (FER3L and TRIP10) epigenetic score predicted RCB = 0 with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) = 0.905 (95% CI = 0.805–1.000). Patients with a positive epigenetic two-gene score showed 78.6% RCB = 0 versus only 10.7% RCB = 0 if signature were negative. Conclusions These results suggest that pCR in TNBC could be accurately predicted with an epigenetic signature of FERD3L and TRIP10 genes. Further prospective validation of these findings is warranted. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13148-019-0626-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Begoña Pineda
- Biomedical Research Institute (INCLIVA), Valencia, Spain.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Angel Diaz-Lagares
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain.,Present Address: Cancer Epigenomics, Translational Medical Oncology (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago (IDIS), University Clinical Hospital of Santiago (CHUS/SERGAS), CIBERONC, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - José Alejandro Pérez-Fidalgo
- Biomedical Research Institute (INCLIVA), Valencia, Spain.,Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Oncology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Octavio Burgués
- Biomedical Research Institute (INCLIVA), Valencia, Spain.,Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Pathology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Ana B Crujeiras
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain.,Present Address: Laboratory of Epigenomics in Endocrinology and Nutrition, Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria (IDIS), Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago (CHUS), Santiago de Compostela University (USC) and CIBER Fisiopatologia de la Obesidad y Nutricion (CIBERobn), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Sandoval
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain.,Biomarkers and Precision Medicne Unit (UByMP), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLaFeValencia), Valencia, Spain
| | - Manel Esteller
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain.,Physiological Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Ana Lluch
- Biomedical Research Institute (INCLIVA), Valencia, Spain.,Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Oncology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Pilar Eroles
- Biomedical Research Institute (INCLIVA), Valencia, Spain. .,Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain. .,COST action, CA15204, Brussels, Belgium.
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Ventura C, Zappia CD, Lasagna M, Pavicic W, Richard S, Bolzan AD, Monczor F, Núñez M, Cocca C. Effects of the pesticide chlorpyrifos on breast cancer disease. Implication of epigenetic mechanisms. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 186:96-104. [PMID: 30290214 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2018.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is an organophosphorus pesticide used for agricultural pest control all over the world. We have previously demonstrated that environmental concentrations of this pesticide alter mammary gland histological structure and hormonal balance in rats chronically exposed. In this work, we analyzed the effects of CPF on mammary tumors development. Our results demonstrated that CPF increases tumor incidence and reduces latency of NMU-induced mammary tumors. Although no changes were observed in tumor growth rate, we found a reduced steroid hormone receptor expression in the tumors of animals exposed to the pesticide. Moreover, we analyzed the role of epigenetic mechanisms in CPF effects. Our results indicated that CPF alters HDAC1 mRNA expression in mammary gland, although no changes were observed in DNA methylation. In summary, we demonstrate that the exposure to CPF promotes mammary tumors development with a reduced steroid receptors expression. It has also been found that CPF affects HDAC1 mRNA levels in mammary tissue pointing that CPF may act as a breast cancer risk factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ventura
- Laboratorio de Radioisótopos, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratorio de Citogenética y Mutagénesis, IMBICE (CONICET La Plata-UNLP-CICPBA), Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - C D Zappia
- Laboratorio de Farmacología de Receptores, ININFA, UBA-CONICET, Argentina
| | - M Lasagna
- Laboratorio de Radioisótopos, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - W Pavicic
- Laboratorio de Citogenética y Mutagénesis, IMBICE (CONICET La Plata-UNLP-CICPBA), Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - S Richard
- Laboratorio de Citogenética y Mutagénesis, IMBICE (CONICET La Plata-UNLP-CICPBA), Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - A D Bolzan
- Laboratorio de Citogenética y Mutagénesis, IMBICE (CONICET La Plata-UNLP-CICPBA), Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - F Monczor
- Laboratorio de Farmacología de Receptores, ININFA, UBA-CONICET, Argentina
| | - M Núñez
- Laboratorio de Radioisótopos, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - C Cocca
- Laboratorio de Radioisótopos, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas "Prof. Alejandro C. Paladini", IQUIFIB UBA-CONICET, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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43
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He C, Plattner R, Rangnekar V, Zhou B, Liu C, Stewart RL, Huang B, Wang C, Tucker TC. Potential protein markers for breast cancer recurrence: a retrospective cohort study. Cancer Causes Control 2018; 30:41-51. [PMID: 30488343 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-018-1099-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We evaluated five key proteins involved in various cancer-related pathways and assessed their relation to breast cancer recurrence. METHODS We used the Kentucky Cancer Registry to retrospectively identify primary invasive breast cancer cases (n = 475) that were diagnosed and treated at University of Kentucky Medical Center between 2000 and 2007. Breast cancer recurrence was observed in 62 cases during the 5-year follow-up after diagnosis. Protein expression or activity level was analyzed from surgery tissue using immuno-histochemical assays. RESULTS Compared to ER+/PR+/HER2- patients without recurrence, those with recurrence had higher TWIST expression (p = 0.049) but lower ABL1/ABL2 activity (p = 0.003) in primary tumors. We also found that triple-negative breast cancer patients with recurrence had higher SNAI1 expression compared to those without recurrence (p = 0.03). After adjusting for potential confounders, the higher ABL1/ABL2 activity in primary tumors was associated with a decreased risk of recurrence (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.85-0.90) among ER+/PR+/HER2- patients. In addition, among patients with recurrence we observed that the activity level of ABL1/ABL2 was significantly increased in recurrent tumors compared to the matched primary tumors regardless of the subtype (p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS These findings provide evidence that the expression/activity level of various proteins may be differentially associated with risk of recurrence of breast tumor subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan He
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, 744 Rose Street, Combs 206, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA. .,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
| | - Rina Plattner
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, 744 Rose Street, Combs 206, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Vivek Rangnekar
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, 744 Rose Street, Combs 206, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.,Department of Radiation Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Binhua Zhou
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, 744 Rose Street, Combs 206, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Chunming Liu
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, 744 Rose Street, Combs 206, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Rachel L Stewart
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Bin Huang
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, 744 Rose Street, Combs 206, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Chi Wang
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, 744 Rose Street, Combs 206, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Thomas C Tucker
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, 744 Rose Street, Combs 206, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA. .,Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA. .,Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, 2365 Harrodsburg Road, Suite A230, Lexington, KY, 40504, USA.
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44
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A novel somatic mutation of SIN3A detected in breast cancer by whole-exome sequencing enhances cell proliferation through ERα expression. Sci Rep 2018; 8:16000. [PMID: 30375428 PMCID: PMC6207735 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34290-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequent tumor in women, and in nearly two-thirds of cases, the tumors express estrogen receptor α (ERα, encoded by ESR1). Here, we performed whole-exome sequencing of 16 breast cancer tissues classified according to ESR1 expression and 12 samples of whole blood, and detected 310 somatic mutations in cancer tissues with high levels of ESR1 expression. Of the somatic mutations validated by a different deep sequencer, a novel nonsense somatic mutation, c.2830 C>T; p.Gln944*, in transcriptional regulator switch-independent 3 family member A (SIN3A) was detected in breast cancer of a patient. Part of the mutant protein localized in the cytoplasm in contrast to the nuclear localization of ERα, and induced a significant increase in ESR1 mRNA. The SIN3A mutation obviously enhanced MCF7 cell proliferation. In tissue sections from the breast cancer patient with the SIN3A c.2830 C>T mutation, cytoplasmic SIN3A localization was detected within the tumor regions where nuclear enlargement was observed. The reduction in SIN3A mRNA correlates with the recurrence of ER-positive breast cancers on Kaplan-Meier plots. These observations reveal that the SIN3A mutation has lost its transcriptional repression function due to its cytoplasmic localization, and that this repression may contribute to the progression of breast cancer.
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45
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Glackin CA. Nanoparticle Delivery of TWIST Small Interfering RNA and Anticancer Drugs: A Therapeutic Approach for Combating Cancer. Enzymes 2018; 44:83-101. [PMID: 30360816 DOI: 10.1016/bs.enz.2018.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Breast and ovarian cancer are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women in the United States with over 232,000 new Breast Cancer (BC) diagnoses expected in 2018 and almost 40,000 deaths and an estimated 239,000 new ovarian cancer (OC) cases and 152,000 deaths worldwide annually. OC is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy. This high mortality rate is due to tumor recurrence and metastasis, primarily caused by chemoresistant cancer stem-like cells (CSCs). Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) patients also become resistant to chemotherapy due to recurrence of CSCs. Currently, no ovarian or breast cancer therapies target CSC specifically. TWIST is overexpressed in the majority of chemoresistant cancers resulting in a low survival rate. Our long-term goal is to develop novel treatments for women with ovarian and breast cancer, specifically treatments that sensitize chemoresistant tumors. Despite successful initial surgery and chemotherapy, over 70% of advanced EOC will recur, and only 15-30% of recurrent disease will respond to chemotherapy (Cortez et al., 2017; Berezhnaya, 2010; Jackson et al., 2015). Moreover, drug resistance causes treatment failure in over 90% of patients with metastatic disease (Solmaz et al., 2015). Thus, recurrent metastatic disease is a major clinical challenge without effective therapy. One of the major challenges in the treatment of breast cancer is the presence of a subpopulation of cancer cells that are chemoresistant (CRC) and metastatic. Given that metastasis is the driving force behind mortality for breast and ovarian cancer patients, it is essential to identify the characteristics of these aberrant cancer cells that allow them to spread to distant sites in the body and develop into metastatic tumors. Understanding the metastatic mechanisms driving cancer cell dispersal will open the door to developing novel therapies that prevent metastasis and improve long-term outcomes for patients. In this chapter we assess the feasibility of targeting the Twist and EMT signaling pathways in breast and ovarian cancer. Additional discussions of the pathways that mediate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process that can give rise to chemoresistance. We review potential treatment strategies for targeting EMT and drug resistance as well as the problems that may arise with these targeted delivery therapeutic approaches. Finally, we examine recent advances in the field, including cancer stem cell targeted nanoparticle delivery and small interference RNA (siRNA) technology, and discuss the impact that these approaches may have on translating much needed therapeutic approaches into the clinic, for the benefit of patients battling this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta A Glackin
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA, United States.
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46
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Li Y, Zhang H, Zhao Y, Wang C, Cheng Z, Tang L, Gao Y, Liu F, Li J, Li Y, Li Y, Geng N, Rui X, Teng Y, Liu Y, Cao L, Kumar R, Jin F, Li F. A mandatory role of nuclear PAK4-LIFR axis in breast-to-bone metastasis of ERα-positive breast cancer cells. Oncogene 2018; 38:808-821. [PMID: 30177834 PMCID: PMC6367215 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0456-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The mechanism of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-positive breast cancer-associated bone metastasis is poorly understood. In this article, we report that nuclear p21-activated kinase 4 (nPAK4) is a novel repressor of ERα-mediated transactivation in a 17β-estradiol (E2)-dependent manner and promotes PAK4–ERα axis-mediated bone metastasis by targeting leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR) in ERα-positive breast cancer. An evaluation of clinical breast cancer samples revealed that nPAK4 is linked to ERα expression and appears to be associated with a poor prognosis in bone metastatic breast cancer. PAK4 bound and co-translocated with ERα from the cytoplasm to the nucleus upon stimulation with E2. nPAK4 enhanced the invasive potential of ERα-positive breast cancer cells in vitro and promoted breast cancer metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, nPAK4 promoted the metastasis of ERα-positive breast cancer cells by targeting LIFR, a bone metastasis suppressor. Strikingly, the nuclear accumulation of PAK4 might promote aggressive phenotypes, highlighting nPAK4 as a novel predictive biomarker for ERα-positive breast cancer bone metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanshu Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Hongyan Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Chunyu Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhenguo Cheng
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Lina Tang
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yunling Gao
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Furong Liu
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Jiabin Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Nanxi Geng
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xue Rui
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155, North Nanjing Street, Heping District, 110001, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yuee Teng
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155, North Nanjing Street, Heping District, 110001, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yunpeng Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155, North Nanjing Street, Heping District, 110001, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Liu Cao
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, 695014, Kerala, India
| | - Feng Jin
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155, North Nanjing Street, Heping District, 110001, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
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47
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van Staalduinen J, Baker D, Ten Dijke P, van Dam H. Epithelial-mesenchymal-transition-inducing transcription factors: new targets for tackling chemoresistance in cancer? Oncogene 2018; 37:6195-6211. [PMID: 30002444 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0378-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chemoresistance remains a major complication of cancer treatments. Recent data provide strong evidence that chemoresistance is linked to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a latent developmental process, which is re-activated during cancer progression. EMT involves transcriptional reprogramming and is driven by specific EMT transcription factors (EMT-TFs). In this review, we provide support for the idea that EMT-TFs contribute to the development of resistance against cancer therapy and discuss how EMT-TFs might be targeted to advance novel therapeutic approaches to the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jente van Staalduinen
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - David Baker
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Peter Ten Dijke
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.
| | - Hans van Dam
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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48
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Pan Y, Zhu Y, Yang W, Tycksen E, Liu S, Palucki J, Zhu L, Sasaki Y, Sharma MK, Kim AH, Zhang B, Yano H. The role of Twist1 in mutant huntingtin-induced transcriptional alterations and neurotoxicity. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:11850-11866. [PMID: 29891550 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra117.001211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by an abnormal expansion of polyglutamine repeats in the huntingtin protein (Htt). Transcriptional dysregulation is an early event in the course of HD progression and is thought to contribute to disease pathogenesis, but how mutant Htt causes transcriptional alterations and subsequent cell death in neurons is not well understood. RNA-Seq analysis revealed that expression of a mutant Htt fragment in primary cortical neurons leads to robust gene expression changes before neuronal death. Basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor Twist1, which is essential for embryogenesis and is normally expressed at low levels in mature neurons, was substantially up-regulated in mutant Htt-expressing neurons in culture and in the brains of HD mouse models. Knockdown of Twist1 by RNAi in mutant Htt-expressing primary cortical neurons reversed the altered expression of a subset of genes involved in neuronal function and, importantly, abrogated neurotoxicity. Using brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf), which is known to be involved in HD pathogenesis, as a model gene, we found that Twist1 knockdown could reverse mutant Htt-induced DNA hypermethylation at the Bdnf regulatory region and reactivate Bdnf expression. Together, these results suggest that Twist1 is an important upstream mediator of mutant Htt-induced neuronal death and may in part operate through epigenetic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ying Zhu
- From the Department of Neurological Surgery
| | - Wei Yang
- Genome Technology Access Center.,Department of Genetics
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Albert H Kim
- From the Department of Neurological Surgery.,Department of Genetics.,Department of Developmental Biology.,Center of Regenerative Medicine.,Department of Neurology, and.,Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Developmental Biology.,Center of Regenerative Medicine
| | - Hiroko Yano
- From the Department of Neurological Surgery, .,Department of Genetics.,Center of Regenerative Medicine.,Department of Neurology, and.,Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
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49
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Patel HK, Bihani T. Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) and selective estrogen receptor degraders (SERDs) in cancer treatment. Pharmacol Ther 2018; 186:1-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2017.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 194] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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50
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Ma H, Li L, Dou G, Wang C, Li J, He H, Wu M, Qi H. Z-ligustilide restores tamoxifen sensitivity of ERa negative breast cancer cells by reversing MTA1/IFI16/HDACs complex mediated epigenetic repression of ERa. Oncotarget 2018; 8:29328-29345. [PMID: 28415616 PMCID: PMC5438733 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates epigenetic modification represses estrogen receptor α (ERα) and contributes to the resistance to tamoxifen in aggressive ERα-negative (ERα−) breast cancer. Z-ligustilide is a major compound in Radix Angelica sinensis, an herb from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) most frequently prescribed for breast cancer. However, the role of Z-ligustilide in ERα− breast cancer and epigenetic modification remains largely unknown. Herein we showed, for the first time, that Z-ligustilide restored the growth inhibition of tamoxifen on ERα− breast cancer cells. Apoptosis and S and G2/M phases cell cycle arrest were induced by combinatorial Z-ligustilide and tamoxifen. Importantly, Z-ligustilide reactivated the ERα expression and transcriptional activity, which is proved to be indispensable for restoring the sensitivity to tamoxifen. Interestingly, Z-ligustilide increased Ace-H3 (lys9/14) enrichment in the ERα promoter. Moreover, Z-ligustilide dramatically reduced the enrichment of metastasis-associated protein 1 (MTA1) as well as IFN-γ-inducible protein 16 (IFI16) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) onto the ERα promoter. Meanwhile, Z-ligustilide downregulated MTA1, IFI16 and HDACs, which caused destabilization of the corepressor complex. Collectively, our study not only highlights Z-ligustilide as a novel epigenetic modulator, but also opens new possibilities from TCM for treating aggressive tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ma
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Li Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Guojun Dou
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Chengqiang Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Juan Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Hui He
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Mingxia Wu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Hongyi Qi
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
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