1
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Feng Z, Wei W, Wang S, Li X, Zhao L, Wan G, Hu R, Yu L. A novel selective FAK inhibitor E2 inhibits ovarian cancer metastasis and growth by inducing cytotoxic autophagy. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 229:116461. [PMID: 39102992 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116461] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the deadliest form of the gynecologic malignancies and effective therapeutic drugs are urgently needed. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is overexpressed in various solid tumors, and could serve as a potential biomarker of ovarian cancer. However, there are no launched drugs targeting FAK. Hence, the development of the novel FAK inhibitors is an emerging approach for the treatment of ovarian cancer. In this work, we characterized a selective FAK inhibitor E2, with a high inhibitory potency toward FAK. Moreover, E2 had cytotoxic, anti-invasion and anti-migration activity on ovarian cancer cells. Mechanistically, after treatment with E2, FAK downstream signaling cascades (e.g., Src and AKT) were suppressed, thus resulting in the ovarian cancer cell arrest at G0/G1 phase and the induction of cytotoxic autophagy. In addition, E2 attenuated the tumor growth of PA-1 and ES-2 ovarian cancer subcutaneous xenografts, as well as suppressed peritoneal metastasis of OVCAR3-luc. Furthermore, E2 exhibited favorable pharmacokinetic properties. Altogether, these findings demonstrate that E2 is a selective FAK inhibitor with potent anti-ovarian cancer activities both in vivo and in vitro, offering new possibilities for OC treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanzhan Feng
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shirui Wang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lifeng Zhao
- Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Guoquan Wan
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Rong Hu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Luoting Yu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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2
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Li A, Wu J. High STAT4 expression correlates with poor prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia and facilitates disease progression by upregulating VEGFA expression. Open Med (Wars) 2024; 19:20230840. [PMID: 38737443 PMCID: PMC11087736 DOI: 10.1515/med-2023-0840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of our study is to explore the mechanism of transcription-4 (STAT4) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). STAT4 level in AML bone marrow samples/cells was analyzed using bioinformatics and quantitative real-time PCR. The correlation between high STAT4 expression and the prognosis of AML patients was analyzed. The viability, apoptosis, and angiogenesis of AML cells were detected. The levels of STAT4, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), and apoptosis-related proteins (Bcl-2 and Bax) in transfected AML cells were examined. STAT4 level was upregulated in AML. STAT4 silencing decreased the viability and angiogenesis, yet increased the apoptosis of AML cells, while overexpressed STAT4 did conversely. VEGFA silencing counteracted the impacts of overexpressed STAT4 upon promoting viability and angiogenesis as well as repressing the apoptosis of AML cells. High STAT4 expression was correlated with poor prognosis of AML patients and facilitated disease progression via upregulating VEGFA expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aohang Li
- Clinical Laboratory Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jingxuan Wu
- Research Ward, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
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3
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Wang W, Lopez McDonald MC, Hariprasad R, Hamilton T, Frank DA. Oncogenic STAT Transcription Factors as Targets for Cancer Therapy: Innovative Strategies and Clinical Translation. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1387. [PMID: 38611065 PMCID: PMC11011165 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in our understanding of molecular aspects of oncogenesis, cancer remains a leading cause of death. The malignant behavior of a cancer cell is driven by the inappropriate activation of transcription factors. In particular, signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs), which regulate many critical cellular processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation, are frequently activated inappropriately in a wide spectrum of human cancers. Multiple signaling pathways converge on the STATs, highlighting their importance in the development and progression of oncogenic diseases. STAT3 and STAT5 are two members of the STAT protein family that are the most frequently activated in cancers and can drive cancer pathogenesis directly. The development of inhibitors targeting STAT3 and STAT5 has been the subject of intense investigations in the last decade, although effective treatment options remain limited. In this review, we investigate the specific roles of STAT3 and STAT5 in normal physiology and cancer biology, discuss the opportunities and challenges in pharmacologically targeting STAT proteins and their upstream activators, and offer insights into novel therapeutic strategies to identify STAT inhibitors as cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyuan Wang
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (W.W.); (M.C.L.M.); (T.H.)
| | - Melanie Cristina Lopez McDonald
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (W.W.); (M.C.L.M.); (T.H.)
| | | | - Tiara Hamilton
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (W.W.); (M.C.L.M.); (T.H.)
| | - David A. Frank
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (W.W.); (M.C.L.M.); (T.H.)
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4
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Pampeno C, Opp S, Hurtado A, Meruelo D. Sindbis Virus Vaccine Platform: A Promising Oncolytic Virus-Mediated Approach for Ovarian Cancer Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2925. [PMID: 38474178 PMCID: PMC10932354 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052925] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
This review article provides a comprehensive overview of a novel Sindbis virus vaccine platform as potential immunotherapy for ovarian cancer patients. Ovarian cancer is the most lethal of all gynecological malignancies. The majority of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) patients are diagnosed with advanced disease. Current treatment options are very aggressive and limited, resulting in tumor recurrences and 50-60% patient mortality within 5 years. The unique properties of armed oncolytic Sindbis virus vectors (SV) in vivo have garnered significant interest in recent years to potently target and treat ovarian cancer. We discuss the molecular biology of Sindbis virus, its mechanisms of action against ovarian cancer cells, preclinical in vivo studies, and future perspectives. The potential of Sindbis virus-based therapies for ovarian cancer treatment holds great promise and warrants further investigation. Investigations using other oncolytic viruses in preclinical studies and clinical trials are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Pampeno
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | | | - Alicia Hurtado
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Daniel Meruelo
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA
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5
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Li C, Zhao J, Kang B, Li S, Tang J, Dong D, Chen Y. Identification and validation of STAT4 as a prognostic biomarker in acute myeloid leukemia. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20231720. [PMID: 38294290 PMCID: PMC10861362 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20231720] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a common malignancy and is supposed to have the ability to escape host immune surveillance. The present study aimed to identify key genes in AML that may affect tumor immunity and to provide prognosis biomarkers of AML. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset was screened for transcription factors (TFs) involved in immunity and influencing survival, combining Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data to validate the impact on patient survival. A prognostic signature was established using four transcription factors, and these genes play an important role in the immune system, with higher regulatory T cell (Treg) scores in high-risk patients compared with the low-risk group. Analysis of individual genes showed that STAT4 and Treg are closely related, which may be due to STAT4 transcribing related genes that affect immunity. STAT4 expression was positively correlated with the proportion of abnormal cells and promoted AML recurrence as verified by AML clinical patient samples. In addition, silencing of STAT4 significantly slowed down the proliferation capacity of HL60 cells. In conclusion, these findings suggest that STAT4 may be a potential biomarker for AML prognosis. As a key gene affecting the prognosis of AML patients, STAT4 has the potential to be a candidate diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyu Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jingyuan Zhao
- Stem Cell Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Bingyu Kang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Shuai Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jingya Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Deshi Dong
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yanwei Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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6
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Śliwa A, Szczerba A, Pięta PP, Białas P, Lorek J, Nowak-Markwitz E, Jankowska A. A Recipe for Successful Metastasis: Transition and Migratory Modes of Ovarian Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:783. [PMID: 38398174 PMCID: PMC10886816 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040783] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the characteristic features of ovarian cancer is its early dissemination. Metastasis and the invasiveness of ovarian cancer are strongly dependent on the phenotypical and molecular determinants of cancer cells. Invasive cancer cells, circulating tumor cells, and cancer stem cells, which are responsible for the metastatic process, may all undergo different modes of transition, giving rise to mesenchymal, amoeboid, and redifferentiated epithelial cells. Such variability is the result of the changing needs of cancer cells, which strive to survive and colonize new organs. This would not be possible if not for the variety of migration modes adopted by the transformed cells. The most common type of metastasis in ovarian cancer is dissemination through the transcoelomic route, but transitions in ovarian cancer cells contribute greatly to hematogenous and lymphatic dissemination. This review aims to outline the transition modes of ovarian cancer cells and discuss the migratory capabilities of those cells in light of the known ovarian cancer metastasis routes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Śliwa
- Chair and Department of Cell Biology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 5D, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Anna Szczerba
- Chair and Department of Cell Biology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 5D, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Paweł Piotr Pięta
- Chair and Department of Cell Biology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 5D, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Piotr Białas
- Chair and Department of Cell Biology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 5D, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Jakub Lorek
- Gynecologic Oncology Department, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 33 Polna Street, 60-101 Poznan, Poland
| | - Ewa Nowak-Markwitz
- Gynecologic Oncology Department, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 33 Polna Street, 60-101 Poznan, Poland
| | - Anna Jankowska
- Chair and Department of Cell Biology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 5D, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
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7
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Wang J, Peng J, Chen Y, Nasser MI, Qin H. The role of stromal cells in epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity and its therapeutic potential. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:13. [PMID: 38244071 PMCID: PMC10799841 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-00867-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical tumor invasion and metastasis process. EMT enables tumor cells to migrate, detach from their original location, enter the circulation, circulate within it, and eventually exit from blood arteries to colonize in foreign sites, leading to the development of overt metastases, ultimately resulting in death. EMT is intimately tied to stromal cells around the tumor and is controlled by a range of cytokines secreted by stromal cells. This review summarizes recent research on stromal cell-mediated EMT in tumor invasion and metastasis. We also discuss the effects of various stromal cells on EMT induction and focus on the molecular mechanisms by which several significant stromal cells convert from foes to friends of cancer cells to fuel EMT processes via their secretions in the tumor microenvironment (TME). As a result, a better knowledge of the role of stromal cells in cancer cells' EMT may pave the path to cancer eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjing Wang
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Junmei Peng
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yonglin Chen
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
- The Hengyang Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Diseases Prevention of Hunan Province Department of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - M I Nasser
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510100, Guangdong, China.
| | - Hui Qin
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China.
- The Hengyang Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Diseases Prevention of Hunan Province Department of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China.
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8
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Liu Z, Li C, Chen Q, Bai C, Wu G, Fu C, He T, Shen M, Feng C, Liu H. Follicular fluid meiosis-activating sterol prevents porcine ovarian granulosa cells from hypoxia-induced apoptosis via inhibiting STAT4 expression. J Anim Sci 2024; 102:skae125. [PMID: 38713167 PMCID: PMC11245709 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skae125] [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: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Follicular fluid meiosis-activating sterol (FF-MAS) is a small molecule compound found in FF, named for its ability to induce oocyte resumption of meiosis. Granulosa cells (GCs) within the follicle are typically located in a hypoxic environment under physiologic conditions due to limited vascular distribution. Previous research suggests that hypoxia-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in GCs may be crucial triggering factors in porcine follicular atresia. However, the impact of FF-MAS on GCs within follicles has not been explored so far. In this study, we uncovered a novel role of FF-MAS in facilitating GC survival under hypoxic conditions by inhibiting STAT4 expression. We found that STAT4 expression was upregulated in porcine GCs exposed to 1% O2. Both gain and loss of function assays confirmed that STAT4 was required for cell apoptosis under hypoxia conditions, and that the GC apoptosis caused by hypoxia was markedly attenuated following FF-MAS treatment through inhibition of STAT4 expression. Correlation analysis in vivo revealed that GC apoptosis was associated with increased STAT4 expression, while the FF-MAS content in follicular fluid was negatively correlated with STAT4 mRNA levels and cell apoptosis. These findings elucidate a novel role of FF-MAS-mediated protection of GCs by inhibiting STAT4 expression under hypoxia, which might contribute to the mechanistic understanding of follicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaojun Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Chengyu Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Qianqian Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Chenyu Bai
- Beijing 101 High School, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Gang Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Chen Fu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Tong He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Ming Shen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Chungang Feng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Honglin Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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9
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Zhou J, Wan F, Wang L, Peng C, Huang R, Peng F. STAT4 facilitates PD-L1 level via IL-12R/JAK2/STAT3 axis and predicts immunotherapy response in breast cancer. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e464. [PMID: 38107057 PMCID: PMC10724500 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4) is a critical transcription factor for T helper cell differentiation and tumor cells. Although its prognostic role and gene function have been reported in several carcinomas, the role of STAT4 in vitro and in vivo in breast cancer remains poorly understood. The effect of STAT4 in immunotherapy is also unclear. Therefore, we integrated bulk transcriptomics, experiments, and single-cell transcriptomics to systematically analyze its function in prognosis and signaling pathway. Several clinical breast cancer cohorts confirmed STAT4 as a T-cell relevant prognostic biomarker. Overexpressed STAT4 increased programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and major histocompatibility complex class II levels in breast cancer cells. In molecular mechanism, transcriptional synergy between STAT4 and STAT3 transactivated interleukin (IL)-12R and involved a positive feedback loop: STAT4/IL-12R/JAK2-STAT3-STAT4, which contributed to the upregulation of PD-L1 expression. The above signaling axis was defined as the STAT4-related pathway and its score was used to predict T-cell expansion and anti-PD1 treatment response. These findings highlight a novel molecular mechanism indirectly regulating PD-L1 through the STAT4-related pathway: IL-12R/JAK2-STAT3-STAT4/PD-L1, and it has potential application in predicting anti-PD-1 immunotherapy response, which may pave the way for stratified immunotherapy in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbo Zhou
- West China School of PharmacySichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Feng Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine ResourcesChengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduChina
| | - Li Wang
- West China School of PharmacySichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine ResourcesChengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduChina
| | - Ruizhen Huang
- Department of CardiovascularHospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduChina
| | - Fu Peng
- West China School of PharmacySichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Key Laboratory of Drug‐Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan ProvinceSichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant‐Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial TechnologySichuan UniversityChengduChina
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10
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Ayoub A, Anugwom CM, Prieto J, Balderramo D, Ferrer JD, Mattos AZ, Arrese M, Carrera E, Groothuismink ZMA, Oliveira J, Boonstra A, Debes JD. Assessment of STAT4 Variants and Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Latin Americans and Europeans. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4530. [PMID: 37760499 PMCID: PMC10527221 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. The STAT4 rs7574865 genetic variant has been associated with an increased risk of developing HCC in Asian populations. However, this association has not been studied in Latin America and is poorly assessed in European populations. This case-control study investigated the association between STAT4 rs7574865 and HCC risk in these populations. We evaluated DNA samples from seven medical institutions across six Latin American countries and one Dutch institution in 1060 individuals (344 HCC and 716 controls). STAT4 rs7574865 SNP was genotyped using TaqMan-genotyping assay and analyzed using logistic regression. We found no significant association between the homozygous risk allele (G) of STAT4 and HCC development in either population, with odds ratios (OR) for GG versus TT of 0.85 (CI: 0.48-1.52, p = 0.58) and 0.81 (CI: 0.34-1.93, p = 0.67) for Latin Americans and Europeans respectively. No correlation was found between the risk allele and HCC based on underlying liver disease. However, we found that Latin Americans of European ancestry were more likely to carry the risk allele. Our results suggest that the STAT4 SNP rs7574865 does not influence the risk of developing HCC in Latin American or European populations, highlighting the importance of evaluating genetic risk factors in various ethnic groups and understanding the possible influence of ancestry on the genetic basis of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Ayoub
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Chimaobi M. Anugwom
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Division of Infectious Disease, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
- Health Partners Digestive Care, Saint Paul, MN 55130, USA
| | - Jhon Prieto
- Centro de Enfermedades Hepaticas y Digestives, Bogota 110121, Colombia;
| | - Domingo Balderramo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital Privado Universitario de Córdoba, Instituto Universitario de Ciencias Biomédicas de Córdoba, Córdoba X5016, Argentina;
| | - Javier Diaz Ferrer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Universidad San Martin de Porres, Lima 15024, Peru;
| | - Angelo Z. Mattos
- Graduate Program in Medicine: Hepatology, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90050-170, Brazil;
| | - Marco Arrese
- Department of Gastroenterology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 3580000, Chile;
| | - Enrique Carrera
- Department of Gastroenterology, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito 170901, Ecuador;
| | - Zwier M. A. Groothuismink
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (Z.M.A.G.); (J.O.); (A.B.)
| | - Jeffrey Oliveira
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (Z.M.A.G.); (J.O.); (A.B.)
| | - Andre Boonstra
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (Z.M.A.G.); (J.O.); (A.B.)
| | - Jose D. Debes
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Division of Infectious Disease, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (Z.M.A.G.); (J.O.); (A.B.)
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11
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Attiq A, Afzal S. Trinity of inflammation, innate immune cells and cross-talk of signalling pathways in tumour microenvironment. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1255727. [PMID: 37680708 PMCID: PMC10482416 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1255727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Unresolved inflammation is a pathological consequence of persistent inflammatory stimulus and perturbation in regulatory mechanisms. It increases the risk of tumour development and orchestrates all stages of tumorigenesis in selected organs. In certain cancers, inflammatory processes create the appropriate conditions for neoplastic transformation. While in other types, oncogenic changes pave the way for an inflammatory microenvironment that leads to tumour development. Of interest, hallmarks of tumour-promoting and cancer-associated inflammation are striking similar, sharing a complex network of stromal (fibroblasts and vascular cells) and inflammatory immune cells that collectively form the tumour microenvironment (TME). The cross-talks of signalling pathways initially developed to support homeostasis, change their role, and promote atypical proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, and subversion of adaptive immunity in TME. These transcriptional and regulatory pathways invariably contribute to cancer-promoting inflammation in chronic inflammatory disorders and foster "smouldering" inflammation in the microenvironment of various tumour types. Besides identifying common target sites of numerous cancer types, signalling programs and their cross-talks governing immune cells' plasticity and functional diversity can be used to develop new fate-mapping and lineage-tracing mechanisms. Here, we review the vital molecular mechanisms and pathways that establish the connection between inflammation and tumour development, progression, and metastasis. We also discussed the cross-talks between signalling pathways and devised strategies focusing on these interaction mechanisms to harness synthetic lethal drug combinations for targeted cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Attiq
- Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Sheryar Afzal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
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12
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Standing D, Feess E, Kodiyalam S, Kuehn M, Hamel Z, Johnson J, Thomas SM, Anant S. The Role of STATs in Ovarian Cancer: Exploring Their Potential for Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092485. [PMID: 37173951 PMCID: PMC10177275 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OvCa) is a deadly gynecologic malignancy that presents many clinical challenges due to late-stage diagnoses and the development of acquired resistance to standard-of-care treatment protocols. There is an increasing body of evidence suggesting that STATs may play a critical role in OvCa progression, resistance, and disease recurrence, and thus we sought to compile a comprehensive review to summarize the current state of knowledge on the topic. We have examined peer reviewed literature to delineate the role of STATs in both cancer cells and cells within the tumor microenvironment. In addition to summarizing the current knowledge of STAT biology in OvCa, we have also examined the capacity of small molecule inhibitor development to target specific STATs and progress toward clinical applications. From our research, the best studied and targeted factors are STAT3 and STAT5, which has resulted in the development of several inhibitors that are under current evaluation in clinical trials. There remain gaps in understanding the role of STAT1, STAT2, STAT4, and STAT6, due to limited reports in the current literature; as such, further studies to establish their implications in OvCa are necessitated. Moreover, due to the deficiency in our understanding of these STATs, selective inhibitors also remain elusive, and therefore present opportunities for discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Standing
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Emma Feess
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Satvik Kodiyalam
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Michael Kuehn
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Zachary Hamel
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Jaimie Johnson
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Sufi Mary Thomas
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Shrikant Anant
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
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Nie S, Ni N, Chen N, Gong M, Feng E, Liu J, Liu Q. Development of a necroptosis-related gene signature and the immune landscape in ovarian cancer. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:82. [PMID: 37095524 PMCID: PMC10127035 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01155-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Necroptosis is a novel type of programmed cell death distinct from apoptosis. However, the role of necroptosis in ovarian cancer (OC) remains unclear. The present study investigated the prognostic value of necroptosis-related genes (NRGs) and the immune landscape in OC. METHODS The gene expression profiling and clinical information were downloaded from the TCGA and GTEx databases. Differentially expressed NRGs (DE-NRGs) between OC and normal tissueswere identified. The regression analyses were conducted to screen the prognostic NRGs and construct the predictive risk model. Patients were then divided into high- and low-risk groups, and the GO and KEGG analyses were performed to explore bioinformatics functions between the two groups. Subsequently, the risk level and immune status correlations were assessed through the ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms. The tumor mutation burden (TMB) and the drug sensitivity were also analyzed based on the two-NRG signature in OC. RESULTS Totally 42 DE-NRGs were identified in OC. The regression analyses screened out two NRGs (MAPK10 and STAT4) with prognostic values for overall survival. The ROC curve showed a better predictive ability in five-year OS using the risk score. Immune-related functions were significantly enriched in the high- and low-risk group. Macrophages M1, T cells CD4 memory activated, T cells CD8, and T cells regulatory infiltration immune cells were associated with the low-risk score. The lower tumor microenvironment score was demonstrated in the high-risk group. Patients with lower TMB in the low-risk group showed a better prognosis, and a lower TIDE score suggested a better immune checkpoint inhibitor response in the high-risk group. Besides, cisplatin and paclitaxel were found to be more sensitive in the low-risk group. CONCLUSIONS MAPK10 and STAT4 can be important prognosis factors in OC, and the two-gene signature performs well in predicting survival outcomes. Our study provided novel ways of OC prognosis estimation and potential treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sipei Nie
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211100, Jiangsu, China
| | - Na Ni
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211100, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ningxin Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211100, Jiangsu, China
| | - Min Gong
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211100, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ercui Feng
- Department of Preventive Health Care, Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211100, China
| | - Jinhui Liu
- Department of Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211100, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Qiaoling Liu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211100, Jiangsu, China.
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14
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Ritch SJ, Noman ASM, Goyeneche AA, Telleria CM. The metastatic capacity of high-grade serous ovarian cancer cells changes along disease progression: inhibition by mifepristone. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:397. [PMID: 36494669 PMCID: PMC9733158 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02822-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Simplistic two-dimensional (2D) in vitro assays have long been the standard for studying the metastatic abilities of cancer cells. However, tri-dimensional (3D) organotypic models provide a more complex environment, closer to that seen in patients, and thereby provide a more accurate representation of their true capabilities. Our laboratory has previously shown that the antiprogestin and antiglucocorticoid mifepristone can reduce the growth, adhesion, migration, and invasion of various aggressive cancer cells assessed using 2D assays. In this study, we characterize the metastatic capabilities of high-grade serous ovarian cancer cells generated along disease progression, in both 2D and 3D assays, and the ability of cytostatic doses of mifepristone to inhibit them. METHODS High-grade serous ovarian cancer cells collected from two separate patients at different stages of their disease were used throughout the study. The 2D wound healing and Boyden chamber assays were used to study migration, while a layer of extracellular matrix was added to the Boyden chamber to study invasion. A 3D organotypic model, composed of fibroblasts embedded in collagen I and topped with a monolayer of mesothelial cells was used to further study cancer cell adhesion and mesothelial displacement. All assays were studied in cells, which were originally harvested from two patients at different stages of disease progression, in the absence or presence of cytostatic doses of mifepristone. RESULTS 2D in vitro assays demonstrated that the migration and invasive rates of the cells isolated from both patients decreased along disease progression. Conversely, in both patients, cells representing late-stage disease demonstrated a higher adhesion capacity to the 3D organotypic model than those representing an early-stage disease. This adhesive behavior is associated with the in vivo tumor capacity of the cells. Regardless of these differences in adhesive, migratory, and invasive behavior among the experimental protocols used, cytostatic doses of mifepristone were able to inhibit the adhesion, migration, and invasion rates of all cells studied, regardless of their basal capabilities over simplistic or organotypic metastatic in vitro model systems. Finally, we demonstrate that when cells acquire the capacity to grow spontaneously as spheroids, they do attach to a 3D organotypic model system when pre-incubated with conditioned media. Of relevance, mifepristone was able to cause dissociation of these multicellular structures. CONCLUSION Differences in cellular behaviours were observed between 2 and 3D assays when studying the metastatic capabilities of high-grade serous ovarian cancer cells representing disease progression. Mifepristone inhibited these metastatic capabilities in all assays studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina J. Ritch
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Experimental Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Abu Shadat M. Noman
- grid.413089.70000 0000 9744 3393Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chittagong University, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Alicia A. Goyeneche
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Experimental Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC Canada ,grid.63984.300000 0000 9064 4811Cancer Research Program, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Carlos M. Telleria
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Experimental Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC Canada ,grid.63984.300000 0000 9064 4811Cancer Research Program, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC Canada
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15
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Xu T, Liu Z, Huang L, Jing J, Liu X. Modulating the tumor immune microenvironment with nanoparticles: A sword for improving the efficiency of ovarian cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1057850. [PMID: 36532066 PMCID: PMC9751906 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1057850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
With encouraging antitumor effects, immunotherapy represented by immune checkpoint blockade has developed into a mainstream cancer therapeutic modality. However, only a minority of ovarian cancer (OC) patients could benefit from immunotherapy. The main reason is that most OC harbor a suppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Emerging studies suggest that M2 tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), T regulatory cells (Tregs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are enriched in OC. Thus, reversing the suppressive TIME is considered an ideal candidate for improving the efficiency of immunotherapy. Nanoparticles encapsulating immunoregulatory agents can regulate immunocytes and improve the TIME to boost the antitumor immune response. In addition, some nanoparticle-mediated photodynamic and photothermal therapy can directly kill tumor cells and induce tumor immunogenic cell death to activate antigen-presenting cells and promote T cell infiltration. These advantages make nanoparticles promising candidates for modulating the TIME and improving OC immunotherapy. In this review, we analyzed the composition and function of the TIME in OC and summarized the current clinical progress of OC immunotherapy. Then, we expounded on the promising advances in nanomaterial-mediated immunotherapy for modulating the TIME in OC. Finally, we discussed the obstacles and challenges in the clinical translation of this novel combination treatment regimen. We believe this resourceful strategy will open the door to effective immunotherapy of OC and benefit numerous patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jing Jing
- *Correspondence: Xiaowei Liu, ; Jing Jing,
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16
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Gong X, Liu X. In-depth analysis of the expression and functions of signal transducers and activators of transcription in human ovarian cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1054647. [DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1054647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundSignal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) transcription factors, a family of genes encoding transcription factors, have been linked to the development of numerous types of tumors. However, there is a relative paucity of a comprehensive investigation of the expression and functional analysis of STATs in ovarian cancer (OV).MethodGene expression profile interaction analysis (GEPI2A), Metascape, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Kaplan-Meier Plotter, Linkedomics, and CancerSEA databases were used for expression analysis and functional enrichment of STATs in ovarian cancer patients. We screened potential predictive genes and evaluated their prognostic value by constructing the minor absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox proportional risk regression model. We explored STAT5A expression and its effects on cell invasion using ovarian cancer cells and a tissue microarray.ResultsThe expression level of STAT1 was higher, but that of STAT2-6 was lower in cancerous ovarian tissues compared to normal tissues, which were closely associated with the clinicopathological features. Low STAT1, high STAT4, and 6 mRNA levels indicated high overall survival. STAT1, 3, 4, and 5A were collectively constructed as prognostic risk models. STAT3, and 5A, up-regulating in the high-risk group, were regarded as risk genes. In subsequent validation, OV patients with a low level of P-STAT5A but not low STAT5A had a longer survival time (P=0.0042). Besides, a negative correlation was found between the expression of STAT5A and invasion of ovarian cancer cells (R= -0.38, p < 0.01), as well as DNA repair function (R= -0.36, p < 0.01). Furthermore, transient overexpression of STAT5A inhibited wound healing (21.8%, P<0.0001) and cell migration to the lower chamber of the Transwell system (29.3%, P<0.0001), which may be achieved by regulating the expression of MMP2.ConclusionIt is suggested that STAT1, STAT4, and STAT6 may be potential targets for the proper treatment of ovarian cancer. STAT5A and P-STAT5A, biomarkers identified in ovarian cancer, may offer new perspectives for predicting prognosis and assessing therapeutic effects.
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17
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Wu C, Gu J, Gu H, Zhang X, Zhang X, Ji R. The recent advances of cancer associated fibroblasts in cancer progression and therapy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1008843. [PMID: 36185262 PMCID: PMC9516766 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1008843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As an abundant component of tumor microenvironment, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are heterogeneous cell populations that play important roles in tumor development, progression and therapeutic resistance. Multiple sources of cells can be recruited and educated to become CAFs, such as fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells and adipocytes, which may explain the phenotypic and functional heterogeneity of CAFs. It is widely believed that CAFs regulate tumor progression by remodeling extracellular matrix, promoting angiogenesis, and releasing soluble cytokines, making them a promising cancer therapy target. In this review, we discussed about the origin, subpopulation, and functional heterogeneity of CAFs, with particular attention to recent research advances and clinical therapeutic potential of CAFs in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxi Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, the Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jianmei Gu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong, China
| | - Hongbing Gu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, the Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - XiaoXin Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Runbi Ji
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, the Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- *Correspondence: Runbi Ji,
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18
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Li D, Jiao Y, Gao W, Hu S, Li D, Zhao W, Chen P, Jin L, Zhao Y, Ma Z, Wu X, Yan Y, Sun W, Du X, Dong G. Comprehensive analysis of the prognostic and immunotherapeutic implications of STAT family members in human colorectal cancer. Front Genet 2022; 13:951252. [PMID: 36061181 PMCID: PMC9437353 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.951252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer mortality. Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins are a group of transcription factors implicated in cell signal transduction and gene transcription in several cancer types. However, the level of expression, genetic alterations, and biological function of different STATs, as well as their prognostic and immunotherapeutic value in CRC remain unclear.Methods: The mRNA and protein expression levels, genetic alterations, prognostic value, gene–gene and protein–protein interaction networks, and biological function of STATs in CRC were studied using the GEPIA, HPA, cBioPortal, PrognoScan, Kaplan–Meier plotter, GeneMANIA, STRING, and Metascape databases. The expression of STATs in CRC was confirmed using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Finally, the relationship between STAT expression and immune infiltration as well as immunotherapy-associated indicators was also investigated.Results: The expression levels of STAT2/5A/5B are downregulated in CRC, and the STAT1/3/4/5B expressions were significantly associated with the tumor stage of patients with CRC. The abnormal expression of STAT2/4/5B in patients with CRC is related to the prognosis of patients with CRC. The STATs and their neighboring proteins are primarily associated with lymphocyte activation, cytokine-mediated signaling pathways, positive regulation of immune response, regulation of cytokine production, and growth hormone receptor signaling pathways in cancer. The expression of STATs was significantly associated with immune infiltration and immunotherapy response-associated indicators.Conclusion: This study may help further understand the molecular mechanism of CRC and provide new prognostic biomarkers and immunotherapy targets in patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingchang Li
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yanan Jiao
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wenxing Gao
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shidong Hu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dingling Li
- Medical College of Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Wen Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lujia Jin
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yingjie Zhao
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaofu Ma
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiansheng Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Yan
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaohui Du
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaohui Du, ; Guanglong Dong,
| | - Guanglong Dong
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
- Department of General Surgery, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaohui Du, ; Guanglong Dong,
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19
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Wang C, Qu Z, Chen L, Pan Y, Tang Y, Hu G, Gao R, Niu R, Liu Q, Gao X, Fang Y. Characterization of Lactate Metabolism Score in Breast and Thyroid Cancers to Assist Immunotherapy via Large-Scale Transcriptomic Data Analysis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:928419. [PMID: 35873566 PMCID: PMC9301074 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.928419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) and thyroid cancer (TC) have the highest rate of incidence, especially in women. Previous studies have revealed that lactate provides energetic and anabolic support to cancer cells, thus serving as an important oncometabolite with both extracellular and intracellular signaling functions. However, the correlation of lactate metabolism scores with thyroid and breast cancer immune characteristics remains to be systematically analyzed. To investigate the role of lactate at the transcriptome level and its correlation with the clinical outcome of BC and TC, transcriptome data of 1,217 patients with breast cancer (BC) and 568 patients with thyroid cancer (TC) were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets with their corresponding clinical and somatic mutation data. The lactate metabolism score was calculated based on a single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). The results showed that lactate metabolism-related genes and lactate metabolism scores was significantly associated with the survival of patients with BRCA and THCA. Notably, the lactate metabolism scores were strongly correlated with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) expression, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) infiltration, and interferon (IFN) response in BC and TC. Furthermore, the lactate metabolism score was an independent prognostic factor and could serve as a reliable predictor of overall survival, clinical characteristics, and immune cell infiltration, with the potential to be applied in immunotherapy or precise chemotherapy of BC and TC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Huangpu Branch, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Cheng Wang, ; Yi Fang,
| | - Zheng Qu
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yunhao Pan
- Department of Breast Surgery, Huangpu Branch, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiqing Tang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Huangpu Branch, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangfu Hu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Huangpu Branch, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ran Gao
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ruijie Niu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Huangpu Branch, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xingyan Gao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Huangpu Branch, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Fang
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Cheng Wang, ; Yi Fang,
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20
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Wei R, Zhang H, Cao J, Qin D, Deng W, Li S. Type 1 T Helper Cell-Based Molecular Subtypes and Signature Are Associated with Clinical Outcome in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:839893. [PMID: 35433680 PMCID: PMC9011157 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.839893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymph node metastasis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is shown to be related with poor prognosis. To construct an immune-related gene prognostic risk model for PDAC and clarify the molecular and immune characteristics and the benefit of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy in prognostic risk model-defined subgroups of PDAC, we analyze the association between the density of immune cell infiltration and lymph node metastatic status and further study the potential role of immune cells, immune cell–related genes, and immunotherapy outcomes in PDAC patients using bioinformatics models and machine learning methods. Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), PACA-AU and PACA-CA data sets, 62 immune-related hub genes were identified by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Four genes were selected to construct a molecular subtype identification based on the type 1 T helper cell–related hub genes by using the Cox regression method. We found that lower type 1 T helper cell abundance was correlated with prolonged survival in PDAC patients. Further, prognostic risk score model constructed with the type 1 T helper cell-related signature showed high accuracy in predicting overall survival and response to immunotherapy. This study might improve the understanding of the role of type 1 T helper cells in PDAC patients and aid in the development of immunotherapy and personalized treatments for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Wei
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huihui Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Cell and Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, Pharm-X Center, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianzhong Cao
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dailei Qin
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wuguo Deng
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Wuguo Deng, ; Shengping Li,
| | - Shengping Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Wuguo Deng, ; Shengping Li,
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21
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Qiao L, Chen Y, Liang N, Xie J, Deng G, Chen F, Wang X, Liu F, Li Y, Zhang J. Targeting Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Radioresistance: Crosslinked Mechanisms and Strategies. Front Oncol 2022; 12:775238. [PMID: 35251963 PMCID: PMC8888452 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.775238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy exerts a crucial role in curing cancer, however, its treatment efficiency is mostly limited due to the presence of radioresistance. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a biological process that endows the cancer cells with invasive and metastatic properties, as well as radioresistance. Many potential mechanisms of EMT-related radioresistance being reported have broaden our cognition, and hint us the importance of an overall understanding of the relationship between EMT and radioresistance. This review focuses on the recent progresses involved in EMT-related mechanisms in regulating radioresistance, irradiation-mediated EMT program, and the intervention strategies to increase tumor radiosensitivity, in order to improve radiotherapy efficiency and clinical outcomes of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Qiao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yanfei Chen
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Ning Liang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Jian Xie
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Guodong Deng
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Fangjie Chen
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaojuan Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Fengjun Liu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yupeng Li
- Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.,Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Jiandong Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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22
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Yang F, Liu X, He J, Xian S, Yang P, Mai Z, Li M, Liu Y, Zhang X. Occludin facilitates tumour angiogenesis in bladder cancer by regulating IL8/STAT3 through STAT4. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:2363-2376. [PMID: 35224833 PMCID: PMC8995457 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17257] [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: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BLCA) is a common genitourinary cancer in patients, and tumour angiogenesis is indispensable for its occurrence and development. However, the indepth mechanism of tumour angiogenesis in BLCA remains elusive. According to recent studies, the tight junction protein family member occludin (OCLN) is expressed at high levels in BLCA tissues and correlates with a poor prognosis. Downregulation of OCLN inhibits tumour angiogenesis in BLCA cells and murine xenografts, whereas OCLN overexpression exerts the opposite effect. Mechanistically, the RT‐qPCR analysis and Western blotting results showed that OCLN increased interleukin‐8 (IL8) and p‐signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) levels to promote BLCA angiogenesis. RNA sequencing analysis and dual‐luciferase reporter assays indicated that OCLN regulated IL8 transcriptional activity via the transcription factor STAT4. In summary, our results provide new perspectives on OCLN, as this protein participates in the development of BLCA angiogenesis by activating the IL8/STAT3 pathway via STAT4 and may serve as a novel and unique therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yang
- Department of Pathology The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐Sen University Zhuhai China
| | - Xue‐Qi Liu
- Molecular Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat‐Sen University Sun Yat‐Sen University Shenzhen China
| | - Jian‐Zhong He
- Department of Pathology The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐Sen University Zhuhai China
| | - Shi‐Ping Xian
- Department of Pathology The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐Sen University Zhuhai China
| | - Peng‐Fei Yang
- Department of Pathology The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐Sen University Zhuhai China
| | - Zhi‐Ying Mai
- Molecular Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat‐Sen University Sun Yat‐Sen University Shenzhen China
| | - Miao Li
- Department of Hematology The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital Shenzhen China
| | - Ye Liu
- Department of Pathology The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐Sen University Zhuhai China
| | - Xing‐Ding Zhang
- Molecular Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat‐Sen University Sun Yat‐Sen University Shenzhen China
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23
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GLIS1 in Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Regulates the Migration and Invasion of Ovarian Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042218. [PMID: 35216340 PMCID: PMC8874490 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the most important players that modulate tumor aggressiveness. In this study, we aimed to identify CAF-related genes in ovarian serous carcinomas (OSC) that account for the high incidence and mortality of ovarian cancers (OCs) and to develop therapeutic targets for tumor microenvironment modulation. Here, we performed a microarray analysis of CAFs isolated from three metastatic and three nonmetastatic OSC tissues and compared their gene expression profiles. Among the genes increased in metastatic CAFs (mCAFs), GLIS1 (Glis Family Zinc Finger 1) showed a significant increase in both the gene mRNA and protein expression levels. Knockdown of GLIS1 in mCAFs significantly inhibited migration, invasion, and wound healing ability of OC cells. In addition, an in vivo study demonstrated that knockdown of GLIS1 in CAFs reduced peritoneal metastasis. Taken together, these results suggest that CAFs support migration and metastasis of OC cells by GLIS1 overexpression. It also indicates GLIS1 in CAFs might be a potential therapeutic target to inhibit OC metastasis.
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24
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Capellero S, Erriquez J, Battistini C, Porporato R, Scotto G, Borella F, Di Renzo MF, Valabrega G, Olivero M. Ovarian Cancer Cells in Ascites Form Aggregates That Display a Hybrid Epithelial-Mesenchymal Phenotype and Allows Survival and Proliferation of Metastasizing Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020833. [PMID: 35055018 PMCID: PMC8775835 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Peritoneal metastases are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in ovarian cancer. Cancer cells float in peritoneal fluid, named ascites, together with a definitely higher number of non neo-neoplastic cells, as single cells or multicellular aggregates. The aim of this work is to uncover the features that make these aggregates the metastasizing units. Immunofluorescence revealed that aggregates are made almost exclusively of ovarian cancer cells expressing the specific nuclear PAX8 protein. The same cells expressed epithelial and mesenchymal markers, such as EPCAM and αSMA, respectively. Expression of fibronectin further supported a hybrid epithelia-mesenchymal phenotype, that is maintained when aggregates are cultivated and proliferate. Hematopoietic cells as well as macrophages are negligible in the aggregates, while abundant in the ascitic fluid confirming their prominent role in establishing an eco-system necessary for the survival of ovarian cancer cells. Using ovarian cancer cell lines, we show that cells forming 3D structures neo-expressed thoroughly fibronectin and αSMA. Functional assays showed that αSMA and fibronectin are necessary for the compaction and survival of 3D structures. Altogether these data show that metastasizing units display a hybrid phenotype that allows maintenance of the 3D structures and the plasticity necessary for implant and seeding into peritoneal lining.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Capellero
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (S.C.); (J.E.); (R.P.); (G.S.); (M.F.D.R.); (M.O.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy
| | - Jessica Erriquez
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (S.C.); (J.E.); (R.P.); (G.S.); (M.F.D.R.); (M.O.)
| | - Chiara Battistini
- Unit of Gynaecological Oncology Research, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20100 Milan, Italy;
| | - Roberta Porporato
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (S.C.); (J.E.); (R.P.); (G.S.); (M.F.D.R.); (M.O.)
| | - Giulia Scotto
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (S.C.); (J.E.); (R.P.); (G.S.); (M.F.D.R.); (M.O.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy
| | - Fulvio Borella
- Gynecology and Obstetrics 1, Department of Surgical Sciences, City of Health and Science, University of Turin, 10100 Turin, Italy;
| | - Maria F. Di Renzo
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (S.C.); (J.E.); (R.P.); (G.S.); (M.F.D.R.); (M.O.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy
| | - Giorgio Valabrega
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (S.C.); (J.E.); (R.P.); (G.S.); (M.F.D.R.); (M.O.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-011-993-3521
| | - Martina Olivero
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (S.C.); (J.E.); (R.P.); (G.S.); (M.F.D.R.); (M.O.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy
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25
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Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play important roles in regulating tumor progression, metastasis, and response to therapies. Accurately modeling the interplay between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) requires the use of primary cells from patient samples. Here we describe methods for the isolation of both primary CAFs and fibroblasts from omental tissue using a combination of mechanical dissociation and enzymatic digestion. Primary cells can be used for functional and mechanistic studies and may be safely cryopreserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Zawieracz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology/Section of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mark A Eckert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology/Section of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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26
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JAK2 regulates paclitaxel resistance in triple negative breast cancers. J Mol Med (Berl) 2021; 99:1783-1795. [PMID: 34626199 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-021-02138-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the molecular mechanisms of paclitaxel resistance in TNBC using seven patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models and TNBC cell lines. Among the seven PDX models, four models showed resistance to paclitaxel. Dysregulation of JAK/STAT pathways and JAK2 copy number gains were observed in the four paclitaxel-resistant PDX tumors. In TNBC cell lines, silencing the JAK2 gene showed a significant but mild synergistic effect when combined with paclitaxel in vitro. However, JAK1/2 inhibitor treatment resulted in restoration of paclitaxel sensitivity in two out of four paclitaxel-resistant PDX models and JAK1/2 inhibitor alone significantly suppressed the tumor growth in one out of the two remaining PDX models. Transcriptome data derived from the murine microenvironmental cells revealed an enrichment of genes involved in the cell cycle processes among the four paclitaxel-resistant PDX tumors. Histologic examination of those PDX tumor tissues showed increased Ki67-positive fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment. Among the four different cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) subtypes, cycling CAF exhibiting features of active cell cycle was enriched in the paclitaxel-resistant PDX tumors. Additionally, fibroblasts treated with the conditioned media from the JAK2-silenced breast cancer cells showed downregulation of cell cycle-related genes. Our data suggest that the JAK2 gene may play a critical role in determining responses of TNBC to paclitaxel by modulating the intrinsic susceptibility of cancer cells against paclitaxel and also by eliciting functional transitions of CAF subtypes in the tumor microenvironment. KEY MESSAGES : We investigated the molecular mechanisms of paclitaxel resistance in TNBC. JAK2 signaling was associated with paclitaxel resistance in TNBC PDX models. Paclitaxel-resistant PDX tumors were enriched with microenvironment cCAF subpopulation. JAK2 regulated paclitaxel-resistant CAF phenotype transition.
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27
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Ebersbach C, Beier AMK, Thomas C, Erb HHH. Impact of STAT Proteins in Tumor Progress and Therapy Resistance in Advanced and Metastasized Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4854. [PMID: 34638338 PMCID: PMC8508518 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) are a family of transcription factors involved in several biological processes such as immune response, cell survival, and cell growth. However, they have also been implicated in the development and progression of several cancers, including prostate cancer (PCa). Although the members of the STAT protein family are structurally similar, they convey different functions in PCa. STAT1, STAT3, and STAT5 are associated with therapy resistance. STAT1 and STAT3 are involved in docetaxel resistance, while STAT3 and STAT5 are involved in antiandrogen resistance. Expression of STAT3 and STAT5 is increased in PCa metastases, and together with STAT6, they play a crucial role in PCa metastasis. Further, expression of STAT3, STAT5, and STAT6 was elevated in advanced and high-grade PCa. STAT2 and STAT4 are currently less researched in PCa. Since STATs are widely involved in PCa, they serve as potential therapeutic targets. Several inhibitors interfering with STATs signaling have been tested unsuccessfully in PCa clinical trials. This review focuses on the respective roles of the STAT family members in PCa, especially in metastatic disease and provides an overview of STAT-inhibitors evaluated in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celina Ebersbach
- Department of Urology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (C.E.); (A.-M.K.B.); (C.T.)
- Mildred Scheel Early Career Center, Department of Urology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Alicia-Marie K. Beier
- Department of Urology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (C.E.); (A.-M.K.B.); (C.T.)
- Mildred Scheel Early Career Center, Department of Urology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Christian Thomas
- Department of Urology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (C.E.); (A.-M.K.B.); (C.T.)
| | - Holger H. H. Erb
- Department of Urology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (C.E.); (A.-M.K.B.); (C.T.)
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28
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Brabletz S, Schuhwerk H, Brabletz T, Stemmler MP. Dynamic EMT: a multi-tool for tumor progression. EMBO J 2021; 40:e108647. [PMID: 34459003 PMCID: PMC8441439 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021108647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 324] [Impact Index Per Article: 108.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is fundamental for embryonic morphogenesis. Cells undergoing it lose epithelial characteristics and integrity, acquire mesenchymal features, and become motile. In cancer, this program is hijacked to confer essential changes in morphology and motility that fuel invasion. In addition, EMT is increasingly understood to orchestrate a large variety of complementary cancer features, such as tumor cell stemness, tumorigenicity, resistance to therapy and adaptation to changes in the microenvironment. In this review, we summarize recent findings related to these various classical and non-classical functions, and introduce EMT as a true tumorigenic multi-tool, involved in many aspects of cancer. We suggest that therapeutic targeting of the EMT process will-if acknowledging these complexities-be a possibility to concurrently interfere with tumor progression on many levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1Nikolaus‐Fiebiger Center for Molecular MedicineFriedrich‐Alexander University of Erlangen‐NürnbergErlangenGermany
| | - Harald Schuhwerk
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1Nikolaus‐Fiebiger Center for Molecular MedicineFriedrich‐Alexander University of Erlangen‐NürnbergErlangenGermany
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1Nikolaus‐Fiebiger Center for Molecular MedicineFriedrich‐Alexander University of Erlangen‐NürnbergErlangenGermany
| | - Marc P. Stemmler
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1Nikolaus‐Fiebiger Center for Molecular MedicineFriedrich‐Alexander University of Erlangen‐NürnbergErlangenGermany
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29
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Wang B, Li H, Zhao X, Zhang W, Zhao G, Wu Z, Zhang R, Dong P, Watari H, Tigyi G, Li W, Yue J. A Luminacin D Analog HL142 Inhibits Ovarian Tumor Growth and Metastasis by Reversing EMT and Attenuating the TGFβ and FAK Pathways. J Cancer 2021; 12:5654-5663. [PMID: 34405025 PMCID: PMC8364639 DOI: 10.7150/jca.61066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is known to contribute to tumor metastasis and chemoresistance. Reversing EMT using small molecule inhibitors to target EMT associated gene expression represents an effective strategy for cancer treatment. The purpose of this study is to test whether a new luminacin D analog HL142 reverses EMT in ovarian cancer (OC) and has the therapeutic potential for OC. We chemically synthesized HL142 and tested its functions in OC cells in vitro and its efficacy in inhibiting ovarian tumor growth and metastasis in vivo using orthotopic OC mouse models. We first demonstrate that ASAP1 is co-amplified and interacts with the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) protein in serous ovarian carcinoma. HL142 inhibits ASAP1 and its interaction protein FAK in highly invasive OVCAR8 and moderately invasive OVCAR3 cells. HL142 inhibits EMT phenotypic switch, accompanied by upregulating epithelial marker E-cadherin and cytokeratin-7 and downregulating mesenchymal markers vimentin, β-catenin, and snail2 in both cell lines. Functionally, HL142 inhibits proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion. HL142 also sensitizes cell responses to chemotherapy drug paclitaxel treatment and inhibits ovarian tumor growth and metastasis in orthotopic OC mouse models. We further show that HL142 attenuates the TGFβ and FAK pathways in vitro using OC cells and in vivo using orthotopic mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baojin Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Third Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.,Center for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Hanxuan Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Xinxin Zhao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Third Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.,Center for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- Department of Genetics, Genomics & Informatics, College of Medicine, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Guannan Zhao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.,Center for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Zhongzhi Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Ruitao Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Peixin Dong
- Department of Gynecology, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hidemichi Watari
- Department of Gynecology, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Gabor Tigyi
- Center for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.,Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Junming Yue
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.,Center for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
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30
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Ji W, Liu Y, Xu B, Mei J, Cheng C, Xiao Y, Yang K, Huang W, Jiao J, Liu H, Shao J. Bioinformatics Analysis of Expression Profiles and Prognostic Values of the Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription Family Genes in Glioma. Front Genet 2021; 12:625234. [PMID: 34276757 PMCID: PMC8283826 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.625234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family genes—of which there are seven members: STAT1, STAT2, STAT3, STAT4, STAT5A, STAT5B, and STAT6—have been associated with the progression of multiple cancers. However, their prognostic values in glioma remain unclear. In this study, we systematically investigated the expression, the prognostic value, and the potential mechanism of the STAT family genes in glioma. The expression of STAT1/2/3/5A/6 members were significantly higher and positively correlated with IDH mutations, while the expression of STAT5B was lower and negatively correlated with IDH mutations in glioma. Survival analysis indicated that the upregulation of STAT1/2/3/5A/6 and downregulation of STAT5B expression was associated with poorer overall survival in glioma. Joint effects analysis of STAT1/2/3/5A/5B/6 expression suggested that the prognostic value of the group was more significant than that of each individual gene. Thus, we constructed a risk score model to predict the prognosis of glioma. The receiver operating characteristic curve and calibration curves showed good performance as prognostic indicators in both TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) and the CGGA (Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas) databases. Furthermore, we analyzed the correlation between STAT expression with immune infiltration in glioma. The Protein–protein interaction network and enrichment analysis showed that STAT members and co-expressed genes mainly participated in signal transduction activity, Hepatitis B, the Jak-STAT signaling pathway, transcription factor activity, sequence-specific DNA binding, and the cytokine-mediated signaling pathway in glioma. In summary, our study analyzed the expression, prognostic values, and biological roles of the STAT gene family members in glioma, based on which we developed a new risk score model to predict the prognosis of glioma more precisely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ji
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Nanjing Brain Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuankun Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jie Mei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Chao Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Yong Xiao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanjing Brain Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kun Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanjing Brain Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weiyi Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jiantong Jiao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Hongyi Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanjing Brain Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Junfei Shao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
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31
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A new discovery of STAT4 single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with hepatocellular carcinoma risk in Chinese Han population: a case-control study. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:228970. [PMID: 34100914 PMCID: PMC8314431 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20210124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common fatal malignant tumor worldwide. STAT4 is HCC susceptibility gene identified by genome-wide association study. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between four candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in STAT4 genes and HCC risk in Chinese Han population. METHODS A case-control study was conducted to assess the association between STAT4 SNPs and HCC risk in 1011 Chinese Han population. Agena MassARRAY was used to genotype SNPs. The association between SNPs and HCC susceptibility under different genetic models was evaluated by logistic regression analysis. Multifactorial dimension reduction (MDR) analyzed the interaction of 'SNP-SNP' in HCC risk. The difference of clinical characteristics between different genotypes was completed by ANOVA. RESULTS The results showed that STAT4 rs11889341 was significantly associated with HCC risk under multiple genetic models (homozygote: OR = 0.60, p = 0.033; recessive: OR = 0.63, p = 0.028; log-additive: OR = 0.83, p = 0.032). The results of subgroup analysis showed that STAT4 rs11889341 is significantly associated with HCC risk with participants who were > 55 years, male or smoking. Both STAT4 rs7574865 and rs10174238 were significantly associated with HCC risk among participants who were > 55 years old, smoking or drinking. STAT4 haplotype (Trs11889341Trs7574865) could reduce the risk of HCC. In addition, rs11889341 and rs7574865 were significantly associated with the level of serum ferritin. CONCLUSION STAT4 rs11889341, rs7574865 or rs10174238 is potentially associated with HCC risk in Chinese Han population. In particular, rs11889341 showed outstanding association with HCC risk.
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32
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Adeshakin FO, Adeshakin AO, Afolabi LO, Yan D, Zhang G, Wan X. Mechanisms for Modulating Anoikis Resistance in Cancer and the Relevance of Metabolic Reprogramming. Front Oncol 2021; 11:626577. [PMID: 33854965 PMCID: PMC8039382 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.626577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The attachment of cells to the extracellular matrix (ECM) is the hallmark of structure–function stability and well-being. ECM detachment in localized tumors precedes abnormal dissemination of tumor cells culminating in metastasis. Programmed cell death (PCD) is activated during tumorigenesis to clear off ECM-detached cells through “anoikis.” However, cancer cells develop several mechanisms for abrogating anoikis, thus promoting their invasiveness and metastasis. Specific factors, such as growth proteins, pH, transcriptional signaling pathways, and oxidative stress, have been reported as drivers of anoikis resistance, thus enhancing cancer proliferation and metastasis. Recent studies highlighted the key contributions of metabolic pathways, enabling the cells to bypass anoikis. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms driving anoikis resistance could help to counteract tumor progression and prevent metastasis. This review elucidates the dynamics employed by cancer cells to impede anoikis, thus promoting proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. In addition, the authors have discussed other metabolic intermediates (especially amino acids and nucleotides) that are less explored, which could be crucial for anoikis resistance and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Funmilayo O Adeshakin
- Guangdong Immune Cell Therapy Engineering and Technology Research Center, Center for Protein and Cell-Based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Adeleye O Adeshakin
- Guangdong Immune Cell Therapy Engineering and Technology Research Center, Center for Protein and Cell-Based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lukman O Afolabi
- Guangdong Immune Cell Therapy Engineering and Technology Research Center, Center for Protein and Cell-Based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dehong Yan
- Guangdong Immune Cell Therapy Engineering and Technology Research Center, Center for Protein and Cell-Based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guizhong Zhang
- Guangdong Immune Cell Therapy Engineering and Technology Research Center, Center for Protein and Cell-Based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaochun Wan
- Guangdong Immune Cell Therapy Engineering and Technology Research Center, Center for Protein and Cell-Based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Yan C, Chang J, Song X, Qi Y, Ji Z, Liu T, Yu W, Wei F, Yang L, Ren X. Lung cancer-associated mesenchymal stem cells promote tumor metastasis and tumorigenesis by induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and stem-like reprogram. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:9780-9800. [PMID: 33744858 PMCID: PMC8064219 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have attracted more attention in antitumor therapy by using MSCs as vehicles or targeting modulators of MSCs. But their role and mechanisms in tumor progression are less known. In the present study, we successfully isolated pairs of MSCs from lung cancer (LC-MSCs) and adjacent tumor-free tissues. Based on the coculture system in vitro and animal studies in vivo, we originally found that LC-MSCs significantly promoted tumor metastasis and tumorigenesis both in vitro and in vivo. Partial epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) was induced in lung cancer cells by LC-MSCs by the evidence of remarkable increase in snail and slug expression but not in other EMT-associated genes. The expression of stem related genes also escalated significantly. And spheroids perfectly formed when tumor cells were co-incubated with LC-MSCs. These results revealed a close link of partial EMT and acquisition of stem-like traits in lung cancer cells which was induced by LC-MSCs and greatly promoted metastasis and tumorigenesis in lung cancer. Our findings provided a new insight into LC-MSCs in tumor progression and helped to identify LC-MSCs as a potential vehicle or target for lung cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cihui Yan
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Ti-Yuan-Bei, He Xi 300060, Tianjin, China
| | - Jingjing Chang
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Ti-Yuan-Bei, He Xi 300060, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinmiao Song
- Department of Electromyogram, 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei, China
| | - Ying Qi
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Ti-Yuan-Bei, He Xi 300060, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhenyu Ji
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Ti-Yuan-Bei, He Xi 300060, Tianjin, China
| | - Ting Liu
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Ti-Yuan-Bei, He Xi 300060, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenwen Yu
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Ti-Yuan-Bei, He Xi 300060, Tianjin, China
| | - Feng Wei
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Ti-Yuan-Bei, He Xi 300060, Tianjin, China
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Ti-Yuan-Bei, He Xi 300060, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiubao Ren
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Ti-Yuan-Bei, He Xi 300060, Tianjin, China
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Zhang B, Nie X, Miao X, Wang S, Li J, Wang S. Development and verification of an immune-related gene pairs prognostic signature in ovarian cancer. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:2918-2930. [PMID: 33543590 PMCID: PMC7957197 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OV) is the most common gynaecological cancer worldwide. Immunotherapy has recently been proven to be an effective treatment strategy. The work here attempts to produce a prognostic immune-related gene pair (IRGP) signature to estimate OV patient survival. The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases provided the genetic expression profiles and clinical data of OV patients. Based on the InnateDB database and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model, we first identified a 17-IRGP signature associated with survival. The average area under the curve (AUC) values of the training, validation, and all TCGA sets were 0.869, 0.712, and 0.778, respectively. The 17-IRGP signature noticeably split patients into high- and low-risk groups with different prognostic outcomes. As suggested by a functional study, some biological pathways, including the Toll-like receptor and chemokine signalling pathways, were significantly negatively correlated with risk scores; however, pathways such as the p53 and apoptosis signalling pathways had a positive correlation. Moreover, tumour stage III, IV, grade G1/G2, and G3/G4 samples had significant differences in risk scores. In conclusion, an effective 17-IRGP signature was produced to predict prognostic outcomes in OV, providing new insights into immunological biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Xiaocui Nie
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyShenyang women's and children's hospitalShenyangChina
| | - Xinxin Miao
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Shuo Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Shengke Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
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Li Y, Wang J, Chen W, Chen X, Wang J. Overexpression of STAT4 under hypoxia promotes EMT through miR-200a/STAT4 signal pathway. Life Sci 2021; 273:119263. [PMID: 33636177 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Previous reports have found that STAT4 is involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), thereby regulating the metastasis and invasion of ovarian cancer. However, the mechanisms underlying remain unclear. MAIN METHODS We first established hypoxia-induced in vivo and in vitro models. The expression levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4), the markers of EMT and microRNA-200a (miR-200a) were assessed by western blot and qRT-PCR analysis, respectively. Through the bioinformatics analysis and luciferase assay, the relationship between miR-200a and SATA4 was performed. The gain- and loss-function experiments were performed to examine the role of miR-200a/STAT4 axis. KEY FINDINGS The results showed that the protein level of STAT4 was significantly up-regulated in our hypoxia-exposed models, and contributed to the regulating of EMT. Besides, we found STAT4 was a direct target of miR-200a. Overexpression of miR-200a repressed the expression of STAT4, and inhibited EMT progress, whereas the silencing of miR-200a promoted the STAT4-mediated EMT regulation both in vitro and in vivo. SIGNIFICANCE Our results provided a potential molecular mechanism by which miR-200a involved in hypoxia-induced metastasis and invasion in ovarian cancer, suggesting a possible target for the treatment of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Yancheng Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, Jiangsu, 224001, P.R.China.
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, PR China.
| | - Wenyu Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Yancheng Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, Jiangsu, 224001, P.R.China
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Yancheng Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, Jiangsu, 224001, P.R.China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Yancheng Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, Jiangsu, 224001, P.R.China
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36
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Cummings M, Freer C, Orsi NM. Targeting the tumour microenvironment in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 77:3-28. [PMID: 33607246 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer typically presents at an advanced stage, and although the majority of cases initially respond well to platinum-based therapies, chemoresistance almost always occurs leading to a poor long-term prognosis. While various cellular autonomous mechanisms contribute to intrinsic or acquired platinum resistance, the tumour microenvironment (TME) plays a central role in resistance to therapy and disease progression by providing cancer stem cell niches, promoting tumour cell metabolic reprogramming, reducing chemotherapy drug perfusion and promoting an immunosuppressive environment. As such, the TME is an attractive therapeutic target which has been the focus of intense research in recent years. This review provides an overview of the unique ovarian cancer TME and its role in disease progression and therapy resistance, highlighting some of the latest preclinical and clinical data on TME-targeted therapies. In particular, it focuses on strategies targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts, tumour-associated macrophages, cancer stem cells and cancer cell metabolic vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Cummings
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, St James's University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF, United Kingdom
| | - C Freer
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, St James's University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF, United Kingdom
| | - N M Orsi
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, St James's University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF, United Kingdom; St James's Institute of Oncology, Bexley Wing, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF, United Kingdom.
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37
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Zhang Y, Shi X, Zhang J, Chen X, Zhang P, Liu A, Zhu T. A comprehensive analysis of somatic alterations in Chinese ovarian cancer patients. Sci Rep 2021; 11:387. [PMID: 33432021 PMCID: PMC7801677 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79694-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is one of the most common cancers in women and is often diagnosed as advanced stage because of the subtle symptoms of early ovarian cancer. To identify the somatic alterations and new biomarkers for the diagnosis and targeted therapy of Chinese ovarian cancer patients, a total of 65 Chinese ovarian cancer patients were enrolled for detection of genomic alterations. The most commonly mutated genes in ovarian cancers were TP53 (86.15%, 56/65), NF1 (13.85%, 9/65), NOTCH3 (10.77%, 7/65), and TERT (10.77%, 7/65). Statistical analysis showed that TP53 and LRP1B mutations were associated with the age of patients, KRAS, TP53, and PTEN mutations were significantly associated with tumor differentiation, and MED12, LRP2, PIK3R2, CCNE1, and LRP1B mutations were significantly associated with high tumor mutational burden. The mutation frequencies of LRP2 and NTRK3 in metastatic ovarian cancers were higher than those in primary tumors, but the difference was not significant (P = 0.072, for both). Molecular characteristics of three patients responding to olapanib supported that BRCA mutation and HRD related mutations is the target of olaparib in platinum sensitive patients. In conclusion we identified the somatic alterations and suggested a group of potential biomarkers for Chinese ovarian cancer patients. Our study provided a basis for further exploration of diagnosis and molecular targeted therapy for Chinese ovarian cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingli Zhang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (ICBM), Chinese Academy of Science, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Department of Gynecological Surgery, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Department of Gynecological Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, No 1, East Banshan Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou, 310022, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoliang Shi
- OrigiMed Co. Ltd, Shanghai, 201114, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiejie Zhang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (ICBM), Chinese Academy of Science, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Department of Gynecological Surgery, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Department of Gynecological Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, No 1, East Banshan Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou, 310022, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (ICBM), Chinese Academy of Science, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Department of Gynecological Surgery, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Department of Gynecological Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, No 1, East Banshan Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou, 310022, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Zhang
- OrigiMed Co. Ltd, Shanghai, 201114, People's Republic of China
| | - Angen Liu
- OrigiMed Co. Ltd, Shanghai, 201114, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Zhu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (ICBM), Chinese Academy of Science, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Gynecological Surgery, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Gynecological Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, No 1, East Banshan Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou, 310022, People's Republic of China.
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38
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Ruan Y, Ogana H, Gang E, Kim HN, Kim YM. Wnt Signaling in the Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1270:107-121. [PMID: 33123996 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-47189-7_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulated Wnt signaling plays a central role in initiation, progression, and metastasis in many types of human cancers. Cancer development and resistance to conventional cancer therapies are highly associated with the tumor microenvironment (TME), which is composed of numerous stable non-cancer cells, including immune cells, extracellular matrix (ECM), fibroblasts, endothelial cells (ECs), and stromal cells. Recently, increasing evidence suggests that the relationship between Wnt signaling and the TME promotes the proliferation and maintenance of tumor cells, including leukemia. Here, we review the Wnt pathway, the role of Wnt signaling in different components of the TME, and therapeutic strategies for targeting Wnt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongsheng Ruan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Heather Ogana
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Eunji Gang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hye Na Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yong-Mi Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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39
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Chen S, Zhang J, Chen Q, Cheng J, Chen X, Mao Y, Chen W, Liu C, Wu H, Lv Y, Lin Y. MicroRNA-200a and microRNA-141 have a synergetic effect on the suppression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in liver cancer by targeting STAT4. Oncol Lett 2020; 21:137. [PMID: 33552256 PMCID: PMC7798046 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.12398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are non-coding small RNAs that target specific messenger RNAs to inhibit protein translation. miR-200a and miR-141 function as tumor suppressors by targeting STAT4. These two miRNAs belong to the same family, and their expression is often decreased in various cancer types, but are located on different chromosomes of the human genome. The present study showed that the expression levels of miR-141 and miR-200a in serum and cells of liver cancer are significantly downregulated. The expression levels of miR-141 and miR-200a are closely associated with clinicopathological features of liver cancer, especially metastasis and invasion. It is first reported that STAT4 is the new common target gene of miR-141 and miR-200a. In the present study, miR-141 and miR-200a were confirmed to inhibit the expression of E-cadherin and vimentin synergistically during epithelial-mesenchymal transition to regulate the proliferation, migration and invasion of liver cancer cells by targeting STAT4. Simultaneous overexpression of miR-200a and miR-141 resulted in stronger effects compared with each miRNA alone. In addition, overexpression of STAT4 significantly reversed the tumor suppressive roles of miR-200a and miR-141 in liver cancer cells. These findings enrich the tumor suppressor mechanisms of the miR-200 family, and may also provide new experimental and theoretical basis for the use of miRNAs for early diagnosis, prognosis and thorough treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuying Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Jingjun Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Qiudan Chen
- Department of Central Laboratory, Clinical Laboratory, Jingan District Central Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Juan Cheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, P.R. China
| | - Xiaotong Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Yinqi Mao
- School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| | - Wei Chen
- School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| | - Chenbin Liu
- School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| | - Han Wu
- School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Lv
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Yong Lin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
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40
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Ali M, Bakr MH, Abdelzaher LA, Sayed SA, Mali V, Desai AA, Radwan E. Lisofylline mitigates cardiac inflammation in a mouse model of obesity through improving insulin secretion and activating cardiac AMPK signaling pathway. Cytokine 2020; 138:155398. [PMID: 33341003 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2020.155398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Obesity has emerged as a leading cause of death in the last few decades, mainly due to associated cardiovascular diseases. Obesity, inflammation, and insulin resistance are strongly interlinked. Lisofylline (LSF), an anti-inflammatory agent, demonstrated protection against type 1 diabetes, as well as reduced obesity-induced insulin resistance and adipose tissue inflammation. However, its role in mitigating cardiac inflammation associated with obesity is not well studied. Mice were divided into 4 groups; the first group was fed regular chow diet, the second was fed regular chow diet and treated with LSF, the third was fed high fat diet (HFD), and the fourth was fed HFD and treated with LSF. Cardiac inflammation was interrogated via expression levels of TNF α, interleukins 6 and 10, phosphorylated STAT4 and lipoxygenases 12 and 12/15. Apoptosis and expression of the survival gene, AMPK, were also evaluated. We observed that LSF alleviated obesity-induced cardiac injury indirectly by improving both pancreatic β-cell function and insulin sensitivity, as well as, directly via upregulation of cardiac AMPK expression and downregulation of cardiac inflammation and apoptosis. LSF may represent an effective therapy targeting obesity-induced metabolic and cardiovascular complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Ali
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Marwa H Bakr
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.
| | - Lobna A Abdelzaher
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Sally A Sayed
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Vishal Mali
- Krannert Institute of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Ankit A Desai
- Krannert Institute of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Eman Radwan
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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41
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Shigemura M, Welch LC, Sznajder JI. Hypercapnia Regulates Gene Expression and Tissue Function. Front Physiol 2020; 11:598122. [PMID: 33329047 PMCID: PMC7715027 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.598122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is produced in eukaryotic cells primarily during aerobic respiration, resulting in higher CO2 levels in mammalian tissues than those in the atmosphere. CO2 like other gaseous molecules such as oxygen and nitric oxide, is sensed by cells and contributes to cellular and organismal physiology. In humans, elevation of CO2 levels in tissues and the bloodstream (hypercapnia) occurs during impaired alveolar gas exchange in patients with severe acute and chronic lung diseases. Advances in understanding of the biology of high CO2 effects reveal that the changes in CO2 levels are sensed in cells resulting in specific tissue responses. There is accumulating evidence on the transcriptional response to elevated CO2 levels that alters gene expression and activates signaling pathways with consequences for cellular and tissue functions. The nature of hypercapnia-responsive transcriptional regulation is an emerging area of research, as the responses to hypercapnia in different cell types, tissues, and species are not fully understood. Here, we review the current understanding of hypercapnia effects on gene transcription and consequent cellular and tissue functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiko Shigemura
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Lynn C Welch
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Jacob I Sznajder
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
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42
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Role of the JAK/STAT Pathway in Cervical Cancer: Its Relationship with HPV E6/E7 Oncoproteins. Cells 2020; 9:cells9102297. [PMID: 33076315 PMCID: PMC7602614 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway is associated with the regulation of essential cellular mechanisms, such as proliferation, invasion, survival, inflammation, and immunity. Aberrant JAK/STAT signaling contributes to cancer progression and metastatic development. STAT proteins play an essential role in the development of cervical cancer, and the inhibition of the JAK/STAT pathway may be essential for enhancing tumor cell death. Persistent activation of different STATs is present in a variety of cancers, including cervical cancer, and their overactivation may be associated with a poor prognosis and poor overall survival. The oncoproteins E6 and E7 play a critical role in the progression of cervical cancer and may mediate the activation of the JAK/STAT pathway. Inhibition of STAT proteins appears to show promise for establishing new targets in cancer treatment. The present review summarizes the knowledge about the participation of the different components of the JAK/STAT pathway and the participation of the human papillomavirus (HPV) associated with the process of cellular malignancy.
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43
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Peng Y, Li Y, Li Y, Wu A, Fan L, Huang W, Fu C, Deng Z, Wang K, Zhang Y, Shu G, Yin G. HOXC10 promotes tumour metastasis by regulating the EMT-related gene Slug in ovarian cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:19375-19398. [PMID: 32897245 PMCID: PMC7732328 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The mortality rate of ovarian cancer is the highest among gynaecological cancers, primarily due to metastatic symptoms. Recent studies have shown that HOX genes are crucial in tumour progression, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, HOXC10 expression was examined in ovarian cancer tissues. The function of HOXC10 in ovarian cancer metastasis was investigated in vitroand via intraperitoneal injection in vivo. A total of 158 ovarian cancer patients with adequate records were enrolled for analysis. HOXC10 was associated with metastasis and poor prognosis in ovarian cancer. In vitro, HOXC10 overexpression promoted ovarian cancer cell migration. Moreover, HOXC10 positively regulated Slug expression, altering the migration ability of cancer cells. Furthermore, our study showed that miR-222-3p was a suppressor of HOXC10. In vivo, a decrease in hepatic metastasis was seen in xenograft mice harbouring tumours with stable HOXC10 overexpression after miR-222-3p agomir (an overexpression reagent) injection. This study provides the first evidence that HOXC10 promotes ovarian cancer metastasis by regulating the transcription of the EMT-related gene Slug. Moreover, we found that HOXC10 is regulated by miR-222-3p. These data highlight the crucial role of HOXC10 in enhancing ovarian cancer metastasis and may provide a therapeutic target for ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulong Peng
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yimin Li
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Anqi Wu
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Lili Fan
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Wenli Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Chunyan Fu
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zhenghao Deng
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Kuansong Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Xiangya Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Guang Shu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Gang Yin
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
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The influence of secreted factors and extracellular vesicles in ovarian cancer metastasis. EJC Suppl 2020; 15:38-48. [PMID: 33240441 PMCID: PMC7573474 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcsup.2019.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer cells mainly metastasise within the peritoneal cavity, the lethal consequence of tumour progression in this cancer type. Classically, changes in tumour cells, such as epithelial to mesenchymal transition, involve the down-regulatinon of E-cadherin, activation of extracellular proteases and integrin-mediated adhesion. However, our current understanding of ovarian tumour progression suggests the implication of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. It has been proposed that ovarian cancer metastases are a consequence of the crosstalk between cancer cells and the tumour microenvironment by soluble factors and extracellular vesicles. Characterisation of the alterations in both the tumour cells and the surrounding microenvironment has emerged as a new research field to understand ovarian cancer metastasis. In this mini review, we will summarise the most recent findings, focusing our attention on the role of secreted factors and extracellular vesicles in ovarian cancer metastasis. During ovarian cancer metastasis, tumour cells metastasise in the mesothelium as primarily ‘soil’ for ovarian cancer ‘seeds’. Soluble factors and extracellular vesicles secreted by tumor cells are involved in the generation of the pre-metastatic niche. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) represent the majority of stromal cells in various types of human carcinoma, including ovarian cancer. Analysis of early metastasis to the omentum indicates that ovarian cancer cells rely on the interaction with immune cells such as macrophages. Liquid biopsy analyses in ovarian cancer may help to define novel biomarkers improving patient survival and reduce lethality.
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45
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Microenvironment remodeled by tumor and stromal cells elevates fibroblast-derived COL1A1 and facilitates ovarian cancer metastasis. Exp Cell Res 2020; 394:112153. [PMID: 32589888 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.112153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Wide peritoneal metastasis is the cause of the highest lethality of ovarian cancer in gynecologic malignancies. Ascites play a key role in ovarian cancer metastasis, but involved mechanism is uncertain. Here, we performed a quantitative proteomics of ascites, and found that collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1) was notably elevated in ascites from epithelial ovarian cancer patients compared to normal peritoneal fluids, and verified that elevated COL1A1 was mainly originated from fibroblasts. COL1A1 promoted migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells, but such effects were partially eliminated by COL1A1 antibodies. Intraperitoneally injected COL1A1 accelerated intraperitoneal metastasis of ovarian cancer xenograft in NOD/SCID mice. Further, COL1A1 activated downstream AKT phosphorylation by binding to membrane surface receptor integrin β1 (ITGB1). Knockdown or blockage of ITGB1 reversed COL1A1 enhanced migration and invasion in ovarian cancer cells. Conversely, ovarian cancer ascites and fibrinogen promoted fibroblasts to secrete COL1A1. Elevated fibrinogen in ascites might be associated with increased vascular permeability induced by ovarian cancer. Our findings suggest that microenvironment remodeled by tumor cells and stromal cells promotes fibroblasts to secrete COL1A1 and facilitates the metastasis of ovarian cancer, which may provide a new approach for ovarian cancer therapeutics.
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46
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Yang H, Zhao K, Kang H, Wang M, Wu A. Exploring immune-related genes with prognostic value in microenvironment of breast cancer from TCGA database. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e19561. [PMID: 32243373 PMCID: PMC7220520 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000019561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies in women worldwide. Many studies have shown that tumor microenvironment cells, immune cells, and stromal cell infiltration have an important impact on prognosis, so it is important to identify biomarkers for achieving better treatment and prognosis.To better understand the relationship between immune and stromal cell-related genes and prognosis, we screened patients with breast cancer in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and divided them into high and low groups based on immune/stromal scores. We next identified differentially expressed immune-related genes that are significantly associated with the prognosis of patients with breast cancer for functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction networks, respectively. Finally, we selected a separate breast cancer cohort in gene expression synthesis (GEO) for validation.Both immune scores and stromal scores are meaningful in the correlation of subtype classification. Disease-free survival of cases with the high score group of immune scores is statistically longer than the cases in the low score group. Differentially expressed immune-related genes extracted from the comparison can effectively evaluate the prognosis of patients with breast cancer and these genes are primarily involved in immune responses, extracellular matrix, and chemokine activity. At last, we obtained a series of verified tumor immune-related genes that predict the prognosis of patients with breast cancer.Combining the Estimation of Stromal and Immune Cells in Malignant Tumor Tissues using Expression database and the TCGA database to extract the list of tumor microenvironment related genes which may help to outline the prognosis of patients with breast cancer. Some previously overlooked genes have the potential to become additional biomarkers for breast cancer. Further research on these genes can reveal a new understanding of the potential relationship between tumor microenvironment and breast cancer prognosis.
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47
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Jiang Y, Wang C, Zhou S. Targeting tumor microenvironment in ovarian cancer: Premise and promise. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1873:188361. [PMID: 32234508 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecological cancer-related mortality globally. The majority of ovarian cancer patients suffer from relapse after standard of care therapies and the clinical benefits from cancer therapies are not satisfactory owing to drug resistance. Certain novel drugs targeting the components of tumor microenvironment (TME) have been approved by US Food and Drug Administration in solid cancers. As such, the passion is rekindled to exploit the role of TME in ovarian cancer progression and metastasis for discovery of novel therapeutics for this deadly disease. In the current review, we revisit the recent mechanistic insights into the contributions of TME to the development, progression, prognosis prediction and therapeutic efficacy of ovarian cancer via modulating cancer hallmarks. We also explored potentially promising predictive and prognostic biomarkers for ovarian cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Chengdi Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Medical School/West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shengtao Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, PR China.
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48
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Yang C, Mai H, Peng J, Zhou B, Hou J, Jiang D. STAT4: an immunoregulator contributing to diverse human diseases. Int J Biol Sci 2020; 16:1575-1585. [PMID: 32226303 PMCID: PMC7097918 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.41852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4) is a member of the STAT family and localizes to the cytoplasm. STAT4 is phosphorylated after a variety of cytokines bind to the membrane, and then dimerized STAT4 translocates to the nucleus to regulate gene expression. We reviewed the essential role played by STAT4 in a wide variety of cells and the pathogenesis of diverse human diseases, especially many kinds of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, via activation by different cytokines through the Janus kinase (JAK)-STAT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chou Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, GuangZhou, China
| | - Haoming Mai
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, GuangZhou, China
| | - Jinxin Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, GuangZhou, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, GuangZhou, China
| | - Jinlin Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, GuangZhou, China
| | - Deke Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, GuangZhou, China
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49
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Capece D, Verzella D, Di Francesco B, Alesse E, Franzoso G, Zazzeroni F. NF-κB and mitochondria cross paths in cancer: mitochondrial metabolism and beyond. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2020; 98:118-128. [PMID: 31132468 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
NF-κB plays a pivotal role in oncogenesis. This transcription factor is best known for promoting cancer cell survival and tumour-driving inflammation. However, several lines of evidence support a crucial role for NF-κB in governing energy homeostasis and mediating cancer metabolic reprogramming. Mitochondria are central players in many metabolic processes altered in cancer. Beyond their bioenergetic activity, several facets of mitochondria biology, including mitochondrial dynamics and oxidative stress, promote and sustain malignant transformation. Recent reports revealed an intimate connection between NF-κB pathway and the oncogenic mitochondrial functions. NF-κB can impact mitochondrial respiration and mitochondrial dynamics, and, reciprocally, mitochondria can sense stress signals and convert them into cell biological responses leading to NF-κB activation. In this review we discuss their emerging reciprocal regulation and the significance of this interplay for anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Capece
- Centre for Cell Signalling and Inflammation, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, W12 0NN London, UK.
| | - Daniela Verzella
- Centre for Cell Signalling and Inflammation, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, W12 0NN London, UK.
| | - Barbara Di Francesco
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L'Aquila, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Edoardo Alesse
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L'Aquila, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Guido Franzoso
- Centre for Cell Signalling and Inflammation, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, W12 0NN London, UK.
| | - Francesca Zazzeroni
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L'Aquila, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
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50
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Verhoeven Y, Tilborghs S, Jacobs J, De Waele J, Quatannens D, Deben C, Prenen H, Pauwels P, Trinh XB, Wouters A, Smits EL, Lardon F, van Dam PA. The potential and controversy of targeting STAT family members in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 60:41-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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