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Yafi MA, Hisham MHH, Grisanti F, Martin JF, Rahman A, Samee MAH. scGIST: gene panel design for spatial transcriptomics with prioritized gene sets. Genome Biol 2024; 25:57. [PMID: 38408997 PMCID: PMC10895727 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-024-03185-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
A critical challenge of single-cell spatial transcriptomics (sc-ST) technologies is their panel size. Being based on fluorescence in situ hybridization, they are typically limited to panels of about a thousand genes. This constrains researchers to build panels from only the marker genes of different cell types and forgo other genes of interest, e.g., genes encoding ligand-receptor complexes or those in specific pathways. We propose scGIST, a constrained feature selection tool that designs sc-ST panels prioritizing user-specified genes without compromising cell type detection accuracy. We demonstrate scGIST's efficacy in diverse use cases, highlighting it as a valuable addition to sc-ST's algorithmic toolbox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mashrur Ahmed Yafi
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Md Hasibul Husain Hisham
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Francisco Grisanti
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, 77030, TX, USA
| | - James F Martin
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, 77030, TX, USA
- Cardiomyocyte Renewal Laboratory, Texas Heart Institute, Houston, 77030, TX, USA
| | - Atif Rahman
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, 1205, Bangladesh.
| | - Md Abul Hassan Samee
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, 77030, TX, USA.
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Huang L, Woods CM, Dharmawardana N, Michael MZ, Ooi EH. The mechanisms of action of metformin on head and neck cancer in the pre-clinical setting: a scoping review. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1358854. [PMID: 38454932 PMCID: PMC10917904 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1358854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
This scoping review identifies the mechanistic pathways of metformin when used to treat head and neck cancer cells, in the pre-clinical setting. Understanding the underlying mechanisms will inform future experimental designs exploring metformin as a potential adjuvant for head and neck cancer. This scoping review was conducted according to the Joanna-Briggs Institute framework. A structured search identified 1288 studies, of which 52 studies fulfilled the eligibility screen. The studies are presented in themes addressing hallmarks of cancer. Most of the studies demonstrated encouraging anti-proliferative effects in vitro and reduced tumor weight and volume in animal models. However, a few studies have cautioned the use of metformin which supported cancer cell growth under certain conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Huang
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Charmaine M. Woods
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Nuwan Dharmawardana
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Michael Z. Michael
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Eng Hooi Ooi
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Amano Y, Matsubara D, Kihara A, Yoshimoto T, Fukushima N, Nishino H, Mori Y, Niki T. The significance of Hippo pathway protein expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1247625. [PMID: 38444414 PMCID: PMC10912186 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1247625] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Hippo pathway consists of mammalian sterile 20-like kinase 1/2 (MST1/2), large tumor suppressor 1/2 (LATS1/2), and yes-associated protein (YAP)1. Herein, we present the first report on the significance of major Hippo pathway protein expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methods The analyses included oral epithelial dysplasia (OED, n = 7), carcinoma in situ (CIS, n = 14), and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC, n = 109). Results Cytoplasmic expression of MST1, LATS1, and LATS2 was low in OED, CIS, and OSCC. The cytoplasmic expression of MST2 was high in OED (5/7 cases), CIS (9/14 cases), and poorly differentiated OSCC (8/8 cases) but was low/lost in a proportion of differentiated OSCC (60/101 cases). The expression of YAP1 was associated with differentiation; low YAP expression was significantly more frequent in well-differentiated OSCC (35/71 cases), compared to moderately and poorly differentiated OSCC (11/38 cases). An infiltrative invasion pattern was associated with a high expression of MST2 and high expression of YAP1. The high expression of YAP1 was associated with features of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), such as the loss of E-cadherin and high expression of vimentin, laminin 5, and Slug. High expression of protein arginine methyltransferase (PRMT) 1 or 5, which positively regulates YAP activity, was associated with the high expression of YAP1 (p < 0.0001). Conclusion Among the major Hippo pathway proteins, MST2 displayed a distinctive expression pattern in a significant proportion of differentiated OSCC, suggesting a possible differential role for MST2 depending on the course of OSCC progression. A high YAP1 expression may indicate aggressive OSCC with EMT via PRMTs at the invasive front.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Amano
- Department of Integrative Pathology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Daisuke Matsubara
- Department of Integrative Pathology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kihara
- Department of Integrative Pathology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Taichiro Yoshimoto
- Department of Integrative Pathology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Noriyoshi Fukushima
- Department of Integrative Pathology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nishino
- Department of Otolaryngology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Mori
- Department of Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saitama Medical Center Jichi Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Toshiro Niki
- Department of Integrative Pathology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
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Shin E, Kwon Y, Jung E, Kim YJ, Kim C, Hong S, Kim J. TM4SF19 controls GABP-dependent YAP transcription in head and neck cancer under oxidative stress conditions. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2314346121. [PMID: 38315837 PMCID: PMC10873613 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2314346121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Tobacco and alcohol are risk factors for human papillomavirus-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HPV- HNSCC), which arises from the mucosal epithelium of the upper aerodigestive tract. Notably, despite the mutagenic potential of smoking, HPV- HNSCC exhibits a low mutational load directly attributed to smoking, which implies an undefined role of smoking in HPV- HNSCC. Elevated YAP (Yes-associated protein) mRNA is prevalent in HPV- HNSCC, irrespective of the YAP gene amplification status, and the mechanism behind this upregulation remains elusive. Here, we report that oxidative stress, induced by major risk factors for HPV- HNSCC such as tobacco and alcohol, promotes YAP transcription via TM4SF19 (transmembrane 4 L six family member 19). TM4SF19 modulates YAP transcription by interacting with the GABP (Guanine and adenine-binding protein) transcription factor complex. Mechanistically, oxidative stress induces TM4SF19 dimerization and topology inversion in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, which in turn protects the GABPβ1 subunit from proteasomal degradation. Conversely, depletion of TM4SF19 impairs the survival, proliferation, and migration of HPV- HNSCC cells, highlighting the potential therapeutic relevance of targeting TM4SF19. Our findings reveal the roles of the key risk factors of HPV- HNSCC in tumor development via oxidative stress, offering implications for upcoming therapeutic approaches in HPV- HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunbie Shin
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon34141, Korea
| | - Yongsoo Kwon
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon34141, Korea
| | - Eunji Jung
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon34141, Korea
| | - Yong Joon Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Severance Hospital, Institute of Vision Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul03722, South Korea
| | - Changgon Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon34141, Korea
| | - Semyeong Hong
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon34141, Korea
| | - Joon Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon34141, Korea
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Jin S, Tsunematsu T, Horiguchi T, Mouri Y, Shao W, Miyoshi K, Hagita H, Sarubo M, Fujiwara N, Qi G, Ishimaru N, Kudo Y. Involvement of the OTUB1-YAP1 axis in driving malignant behaviors of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Med 2023; 12:22156-22169. [PMID: 37986681 PMCID: PMC10757095 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6735] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Comprehending the molecular mechanisms underlying head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is vital for the development of effective treatment strategies. Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs), which regulate ubiquitin-dependent pathways, are potential targets for cancer therapy because of their structural advantages. Here we aimed to identify a potential target for HNSCC treatment among DUBs. METHODS A screening process was conducted using RNA sequencing data and clinical information from HNSCC patients in the TCGA database. A panel of 88 DUBs was analyzed to identify those associated with poor prognosis. Subsequently, HNSCC cells were modified to overexpress specific DUBs, and their effects on cell proliferation and invasion were evaluated. In vivo experiments were performed to validate the findings. RESULTS In HNSCC patients, USP10, USP14, OTUB1, and STAMBP among the screened DUBs were associated with a poor prognosis. Among them, OTUB1 showed the most aggressive characteristics in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Additionally, OTUB1 regulated the stability and nuclear localization of YAP1, a substrate involved in cell proliferation and invasion. Notably, OTUB1 expression exhibited a positive correlation with the HNSCC-YAP score in HNSCC cells. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the critical role of OTUB1 in HNSCC progression via modulating YAP1. Targeting the OTUB1-YAP1 axis holds promise as a potential therapeutic strategy for HNSCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengjian Jin
- Department of Oral BioscienceTokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushimaJapan
| | - Takaaki Tsunematsu
- Department of Oral Molecular PathologyTokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushimaJapan
| | - Taigo Horiguchi
- Department of Oral BioscienceTokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushimaJapan
| | - Yasuhiro Mouri
- Department of Oral BioscienceTokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushimaJapan
| | - Wenhua Shao
- Department of Oral BioscienceTokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushimaJapan
| | - Keiko Miyoshi
- Department of Oral BioscienceTokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushimaJapan
| | - Hiroko Hagita
- Department of Oral BioscienceTokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushimaJapan
| | - Motoharu Sarubo
- Department of Oral BioscienceTokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushimaJapan
| | - Natsumi Fujiwara
- Department of Oral Healthcare ManagementTokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushimaJapan
| | - Guangying Qi
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental RegulationGuilin Medical UniversityGuilinChina
| | - Naozumi Ishimaru
- Department of Oral Molecular PathologyTokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushimaJapan
| | - Yasusei Kudo
- Department of Oral BioscienceTokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushimaJapan
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Li Q, Tie Y, Alu A, Ma X, Shi H. Targeted therapy for head and neck cancer: signaling pathways and clinical studies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:31. [PMID: 36646686 PMCID: PMC9842704 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01297-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is malignant, genetically complex and difficult to treat and is the sixth most frequent cancer, with tobacco, alcohol and human papillomavirus being major risk factors. Based on epigenetic data, HNC is remarkably heterogeneous, and treatment remains challenging. There is a lack of significant improvement in survival and quality of life in patients with HNC. Over half of HNC patients experience locoregional recurrence or distal metastasis despite the current multiple traditional therapeutic strategies and immunotherapy. In addition, resistance to chemotherapy, radiotherapy and some targeted therapies is common. Therefore, it is urgent to explore more effective and tolerable targeted therapies to improve the clinical outcomes of HNC patients. Recent targeted therapy studies have focused on identifying promising biomarkers and developing more effective targeted therapies. A well understanding of the pathogenesis of HNC contributes to learning more about its inner association, which provides novel insight into the development of small molecule inhibitors. In this review, we summarized the vital signaling pathways and discussed the current potential therapeutic targets against critical molecules in HNC, as well as presenting preclinical animal models and ongoing or completed clinical studies about targeted therapy, which may contribute to a more favorable prognosis of HNC. Targeted therapy in combination with other therapies and its limitations were also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingfang Li
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Tie
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Aqu Alu
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuelei Ma
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Huashan Shi
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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Jin S, Kudo Y, Horiguchi T. The Role of Deubiquitinating Enzyme in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010552. [PMID: 36613989 PMCID: PMC9820089 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitination and deubiquitination are two popular ways for the post-translational modification of proteins. These two modifications affect intracellular localization, stability, and function of target proteins. The process of deubiquitination is involved in histone modification, cell cycle regulation, cell differentiation, apoptosis, endocytosis, autophagy, and DNA repair after damage. Moreover, it is involved in the processes of carcinogenesis and cancer development. In this review, we discuss these issues in understanding deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB) function in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and their potential therapeutic strategies for HNSCC patients are also discussed.
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Fluid Biomarkers in HPV and Non-HPV Related Oropharyngeal Carcinomas: From Diagnosis and Monitoring to Prognostication-A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214336. [PMID: 36430813 PMCID: PMC9696529 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214336] [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: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomarkers are crucial in oncology, from detection and monitoring to guiding management and predicting treatment outcomes. Histological assessment of tissue biopsies is currently the gold standard for oropharyngeal cancers, but is technically demanding, invasive, and expensive. This systematic review aims to review current markers that are detectable in biofluids, which offer promising non-invasive alternatives in oropharyngeal carcinomas (OPCs). A total of 174 clinical trials from the PubMed search engine in the last 5 years were identified and screened by 4 independent reviewers. From these, 38 eligible clinical trials were found and subsequently reviewed. The biomarkers involved, categorized by human papillomavirus (HPV)-status, were further divided according to molecular and cellular levels. Recent trials investigating biomarkers for both HPV-positive and HPV-negative OPCs have approaches from various levels and different biofluids including plasma, oropharyngeal swabs, and oral rinse. Promising candidates have been found to aid in detection, staging, and predicting prognosis, in addition to well-established factors including HPV-status, drinking and smoking status. These studies also emphasize the possibility of enhancing prediction results and increasing statistical significance by multivariate analyses. Liquid biopsies offer promising assistance in enhancing personalized medicine for cancer treatment, from lowering barriers towards early screening, to facilitating de-escalation of treatment. However, further research is needed, and the combination of liquid biopsies with pre-existing methods, including in vivo imaging and invasive techniques such as neck dissections, could also be explored in future trials.
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Ando T, Okamoto K, Shintani T, Yanamoto S, Miyauchi M, Gutkind JS, Kajiya M. Integrating Genetic Alterations and the Hippo Pathway in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma for Future Precision Medicine. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12101544. [PMID: 36294681 PMCID: PMC9604790 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12101544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic alterations and dysregulation of signaling pathways are indispensable for the initiation and progression of cancer. Understanding the genetic, molecular, and signaling diversities in cancer patients has driven a dynamic change in cancer therapy. Patients can select a suitable molecularly targeted therapy or immune checkpoint inhibitor based on the driver gene alterations determined by sequencing of cancer tissue. This “precision medicine” approach requires detailed elucidation of the mechanisms connecting genetic alterations of driver genes and aberrant downstream signaling pathways. The regulatory mechanisms of the Hippo pathway and Yes-associated protein/transcriptional co-activator with PDZ binding motif (YAP/TAZ) that have central roles in cancer cell proliferation are not fully understood, reflecting their recent discovery. Nevertheless, emerging evidence has shown that various genetic alterations dysregulate the Hippo pathway and hyperactivate YAP/TAZ in cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Here, we summarize the latest evidence linking genetic alterations and the Hippo pathway in HNSCC, with the aim of contributing to the continued development of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshinori Ando
- Center of Oral Clinical Examination, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-82-257-5727
| | - Kento Okamoto
- Department of Oral Oncology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Shintani
- Center of Oral Clinical Examination, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Souichi Yanamoto
- Department of Oral Oncology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Mutsumi Miyauchi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathobiology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - J. Silvio Gutkind
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Mikihito Kajiya
- Center of Oral Clinical Examination, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
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Zhang J, He X, Wan Y, Zhang H, Tang T, Zhang M, Yu S, Zhao W, Chen L. CD44 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression via upregulation of YAP. Exp Hematol Oncol 2021; 10:54. [PMID: 34798909 PMCID: PMC8603576 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-021-00247-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy in human. CD44 is a transmembrane glycoprotein which is frequently overexpressed in cancer of various origins. The function and mechanism of CD44 in HCC remains elusive. In this study, we reported that CD44 was overexpressed in HCC to promote the proliferation and migration of HCC cells via oncogenic YAP, which is the key downstream regulator in Hippo pathway. These findings suggest that CD44-YAP is a probable important axis in pathogenesis of HCC, providing an insight in to HCC pathogenesis as well as potential targets for the intervention of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xilin He
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yajie Wan
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Honghong Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Taizhou People's Hospital, Taizhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tao Tang
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shiyi Yu
- School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Weiyong Zhao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China. .,Department of Oncology, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Liming Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China.
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Affolter A, Lammert A, Kern J, Scherl C, Rotter N. Precision Medicine Gains Momentum: Novel 3D Models and Stem Cell-Based Approaches in Head and Neck Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:666515. [PMID: 34307351 PMCID: PMC8296983 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.666515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the current progress in the development of new concepts of precision medicine for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), in particular targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibition (CPI), overall survival rates have not improved during the last decades. This is, on the one hand, caused by the fact that a significant number of patients presents with late stage disease at the time of diagnosis, on the other hand HNSCC frequently develop therapeutic resistance. Distinct intratumoral and intertumoral heterogeneity is one of the strongest features in HNSCC and has hindered both the identification of specific biomarkers and the establishment of targeted therapies for this disease so far. To date, there is a paucity of reliable preclinical models, particularly those that can predict responses to immune CPI, as these models require an intact tumor microenvironment (TME). The "ideal" preclinical cancer model is supposed to take both the TME as well as tumor heterogeneity into account. Although HNSCC patients are frequently studied in clinical trials, there is a lack of reliable prognostic biomarkers allowing a better stratification of individuals who might benefit from new concepts of targeted or immunotherapeutic strategies. Emerging evidence indicates that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are highly tumorigenic. Through the process of stemness, epithelial cells acquire an invasive phenotype contributing to metastasis and recurrence. Specific markers for CSC such as CD133 and CD44 expression and ALDH activity help to identify CSC in HNSCC. For the majority of patients, allocation of treatment regimens is simply based on histological diagnosis and on tumor location and disease staging (clinical risk assessments) rather than on specific or individual tumor biology. Hence there is an urgent need for tools to stratify HNSCC patients and pave the way for personalized therapeutic options. This work reviews the current literature on novel approaches in implementing three-dimensional (3D) HNSCC in vitro and in vivo tumor models in the clinical daily routine. Stem-cell based assays will be particularly discussed. Those models are highly anticipated to serve as a preclinical prediction platform for the evaluation of stable biomarkers and for therapeutic efficacy testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Affolter
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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