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Yagublu V, Bayramov B, Reissfelder C, Hajibabazade J, Abdulrahimli S, Keese M. Microarray-based detection and expression analysis of drug resistance in an animal model of peritoneal metastasis from colon cancer. Clin Exp Metastasis 2024:10.1007/s10585-024-10283-5. [PMID: 38609535 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-024-10283-5] [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: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Chemotherapy drugs efficiently eradicate rapidly dividing differentiated cells by inducing cell death, but poorly target slowly dividing cells, including cancer stem cells and dormant cancer cells, in the later course of treatment. Prolonged exposure to chemotherapy results in a decrease in the proportion of apoptotic cells in the tumour mass. To investigate and characterize the molecular basis of this phenomenon, microarray-based expression analysis was performed to compare tHcred2-DEVD-EGFP-caspase 3-sensor transfected C-26 tumour cells that were harvested after engraftment into mice treated with or without 5-FU. Peritoneal metastasis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of C-26 cells, which were subsequently reisolated from omental metastatic tumours after the mice were sacrificed by the end of the 10th day after tumour injection. The purity of reisolated tHcred2-DEVD-EGFP-caspase 3-sensor-expressing C-26 cells was confirmed using FLIM, and total RNA was extracted for gene expression profiling. The validation of relative transcript levels was carried out via real-time semiquantitative RT‒PCR assays. Our results demonstrated that chemotherapy induced the differential expression of mediators of cancer cell dormancy and cell survival-related genes and downregulation of both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic signalling pathways. Despite the fact that some differentially expressed genes, such as BMP7 and Prss11, have not been thoroughly studied in the context of chemoresistance thus far, they might be potential candidates for future studies on overcoming drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vugar Yagublu
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Bayram Bayramov
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, Genetic Resources Institute of Ministry of Science and Education, Baku, Azerbaijan
- Department of Natural Sciences, Western Caspian University, AZ1001, Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Christoph Reissfelder
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Javahir Hajibabazade
- Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Bowen Science Building, 51 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA, 52242-1009, USA
| | - Shalala Abdulrahimli
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, Genetic Resources Institute of Ministry of Science and Education, Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Michael Keese
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Theresienkrankenhaus and St. Hedwigsklinik, Mannheim, Germany
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Zhou W, Yan K, Xi Q. BMP signaling in cancer stemness and differentiation. CELL REGENERATION (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 12:37. [PMID: 38049682 PMCID: PMC10695912 DOI: 10.1186/s13619-023-00181-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
The BMP (Bone morphogenetic protein) signaling pathway plays a central role in metazoan biology, intricately shaping embryonic development, maintaining tissue homeostasis, and influencing disease progression. In the context of cancer, BMP signaling exhibits context-dependent dynamics, spanning from tumor suppression to promotion. Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a modest subset of neoplastic cells with stem-like attributes, exert substantial influence by steering tumor growth, orchestrating therapy resistance, and contributing to relapse. A comprehensive grasp of the intricate interplay between CSCs and their microenvironment is pivotal for effective therapeutic strategies. Among the web of signaling pathways orchestrating cellular dynamics within CSCs, BMP signaling emerges as a vital conductor, overseeing CSC self-renewal, differentiation dynamics, and the intricate symphony within the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, BMP signaling's influence in cancer extends beyond CSCs, intricately regulating cellular migration, invasion, and metastasis. This multifaceted role underscores the imperative of comprehending BMP signaling's contributions to cancer, serving as the foundation for crafting precise therapies to navigate multifaceted challenges posed not only by CSCs but also by various dimensions of cancer progression. This article succinctly encapsulates the diverse roles of the BMP signaling pathway across different cancers, spanning glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), colorectal cancer, acute myeloid leukemia (AML), lung cancer, prostate cancer, and osteosarcoma. It underscores the necessity of unraveling underlying mechanisms and molecular interactions. By delving into the intricate tapestry of BMP signaling's engagement in cancers, researchers pave the way for meticulously tailored therapies, adroitly leveraging its dualistic aspects-whether as a suppressor or promoter-to effectively counter the relentless march of tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Kun Yan
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Qiaoran Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- Joint Graduate Program of Peking-Tsinghua-NIBS, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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Veschi V, Turdo A, Modica C, Verona F, Di Franco S, Gaggianesi M, Tirrò E, Di Bella S, Iacono ML, Pantina VD, Porcelli G, Mangiapane LR, Bianca P, Rizzo A, Sciacca E, Pillitteri I, Vella V, Belfiore A, Bongiorno MR, Pistone G, Memeo L, Colarossi L, Giuffrida D, Colarossi C, Vigneri P, Todaro M, Stassi G. Recapitulating thyroid cancer histotypes through engineering embryonic stem cells. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1351. [PMID: 36906579 PMCID: PMC10008571 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36922-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid carcinoma (TC) is the most common malignancy of endocrine organs. The cell subpopulation in the lineage hierarchy that serves as cell of origin for the different TC histotypes is unknown. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) with appropriate in vitro stimulation undergo sequential differentiation into thyroid progenitor cells (TPCs-day 22), which maturate into thyrocytes (day 30). Here, we create follicular cell-derived TCs of all the different histotypes based on specific genomic alterations delivered by CRISPR-Cas9 in hESC-derived TPCs. Specifically, TPCs harboring BRAFV600E or NRASQ61R mutations generate papillary or follicular TC, respectively, whereas addition of TP53R248Q generate undifferentiated TCs. Of note, TCs arise by engineering TPCs, whereas mature thyrocytes have a very limited tumorigenic capacity. The same mutations result in teratocarcinomas when delivered in early differentiating hESCs. Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1)/Matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9)/Cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44) ternary complex, in cooperation with Kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R), is involved in TC initiation and progression. Increasing radioiodine uptake, KISS1R and TIMP1 targeting may represent a therapeutic adjuvant option for undifferentiated TCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Veschi
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alice Turdo
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Chiara Modica
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Verona
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Simone Di Franco
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Miriam Gaggianesi
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Elena Tirrò
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, A.O.U. Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Di Bella
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Melania Lo Iacono
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Davide Pantina
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gaetana Porcelli
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Laura Rosa Mangiapane
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Paola Bianca
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Elisabetta Sciacca
- Queen Mary University, Experimental Medicine & Rheumatology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Irene Pillitteri
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Veronica Vella
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Bongiorno
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pistone
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Memeo
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, Viagrande, Catania, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Colarossi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, Viagrande, Catania, Italy
| | - Dario Giuffrida
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, Viagrande, Catania, Italy
| | - Cristina Colarossi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, Viagrande, Catania, Italy
| | - Paolo Vigneri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, A.O.U. Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Matilde Todaro
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,A.O.U.P. "Paolo Giaccone", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giorgio Stassi
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
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4
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Yu XJ, Wang YG, Lu R, Guo XZ, Qu YK, Wang SX, Xu HR, Kang H, You HB, Xu Y. BMP7 ameliorates intervertebral disc degeneration in type 1 diabetic rats by inhibiting pyroptosis of nucleus pulposus cells and NLRP3 inflammasome activity. Mol Med 2023; 29:30. [PMID: 36858954 PMCID: PMC9979491 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00623-8] [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: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence indicates that intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is associated with diabetes mellitus (DM), while the underlying mechanisms still remain elusive. Herein, the current study sought to explore the potential molecular mechanism of IDD in diabetic rats based on transcriptome sequencing data. METHODS Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus type 1 (T1DM) rats were used to obtain the nucleus pulposus tissues for transcriptome sequencing. Next, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in transcriptome sequencing data and GSE34000 microarray dataset were obtained and intersected to acquire the candidate genes. Moreover, GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed to analyze the cellular functions and molecular signaling pathways primarily regulated by candidate DEGs. RESULTS A total of 35 key genes involved in IDD of T1DM rats were mainly enriched in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and cytokine adhesion binding-related pathways. NLRP3 inflammasome activation promoted the pyroptosis of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs). Besides, BMP7 could affect the IDD of T1DM rats by regulating the inflammatory responses. Additionally, NPCs were isolated from STZ-induced T1DM rats to illustrate the effects of BMP7 on IDD of T1DM rats using the ectopic expression method. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments validated that BMP7 alleviated IDD of T1DM rats by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis of NPCs. CONCLUSION Collectively, our findings provided novel mechanistic insights for understanding of the role of BMP7 in IDD of T1DM, and further highlighted BMP7 as a potential therapeutic target for preventing IDD in T1DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jun Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying-Guang Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Lu
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin-Zhen Guo
- Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical College, Yantai, 264100, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun-Kun Qu
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan-Xi Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao-Ran Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Kang
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Bo You
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China.
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5
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Wang Z, Chen J, Sun F, Zhao X, Dong Y, Yu S, Li J, Liang H. LncRNA CRLM1 inhibits apoptosis and promotes metastasis through transcriptional regulation cooperated with hnRNPK in colorectal cancer. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:120. [PMID: 35907898 PMCID: PMC9338583 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00849-9] [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: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) continue to have a low survival rate. The number of CRLM regulators and clinical indicators remains limited. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a new master regulator of cell invasion and metastasis. However, the function and regulation mechanism of lncRNAs in colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis are yet unknown. Methods To screen and identify CRLM-related lncRNAs, public transcriptome data were used. Gain and loss of function experiments were carried out to investigate the biological activities of lncRNA CRLM1 in vitro and in vivo. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), chromatin isolation by RNA purification (ChIRP), immunofluorescence (IF), quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), western blotting, and rescue experiments were performed to explore the molecular mechanism of CRLM1. Moreover, identified the proteins, DNAs, and RNAs that interact with CRLM1. Results The investigation of lncRNA expression dynamics in CRLM, primary CRC, and normal tissues in this work resulted in identifying a series of lncRNAs associated with metastasis, including CRLM1. CRLM1 inhibited apoptosis of CRC cells and promoted liver metastasis in Balb/C nude mice. CRLM1 was weakly associated with the chromatin regions of genes involved in cell adhesion and DNA damage, and this association was bidirectionally correlated with CRLM1-regulated pro-metastatic gene expression. CRLM1 physically interacts with the hnRNPK protein and promotes its nuclear localization. CRLM1 effectively enhances hnRNPK promoter occupancy and co-regulates the expression of a panel of metastatic genes. Conclusions The finding of the clinically significant lncRNA CRLM1 in promoting metastasis and regulating gene expression suggests a potential biomarker and target for CRLM therapy. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13578-022-00849-9.
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Zhao H, Ming T, Tang S, Ren S, Yang H, Liu M, Tao Q, Xu H. Wnt signaling in colorectal cancer: pathogenic role and therapeutic target. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:144. [PMID: 35836256 PMCID: PMC9281132 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01616-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 276] [Impact Index Per Article: 138.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Wnt signaling pathway is a complex network of protein interactions that functions most commonly in embryonic development and cancer, but is also involved in normal physiological processes in adults. The canonical Wnt signaling pathway regulates cell pluripotency and determines the differentiation fate of cells during development. The canonical Wnt signaling pathway (also known as the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway) is a recognized driver of colon cancer and one of the most representative signaling pathways. As a functional effector molecule of Wnt signaling, the modification and degradation of β-catenin are key events in the Wnt signaling pathway and the development and progression of colon cancer. Therefore, the Wnt signaling pathway plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diseases, especially the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Objective Inhibit the Wnt signaling pathway to explore the therapeutic targets of colorectal cancer. Methods Based on studying the Wnt pathway, master the biochemical processes related to the Wnt pathway, and analyze the relevant targets when drugs or inhibitors act on the Wnt pathway, to clarify the medication ideas of drugs or inhibitors for the treatment of diseases, especially colorectal cancer. Results Wnt signaling pathways include: Wnt/β-catenin or canonical Wnt signaling pathway, planar cell polarity (Wnt-PCP) pathway and Wnt-Ca2+ signaling pathway. The Wnt signaling pathway is closely related to cancer cell proliferation, stemness, apoptosis, autophagy, metabolism, inflammation and immunization, microenvironment, resistance, ion channel, heterogeneity, EMT/migration/invasion/metastasis. Drugs/phytochemicals and molecular preparations for the Wnt pathway of CRC treatment have now been developed. Wnt inhibitors are also commonly used clinically for the treatment of CRC. Conclusion The development of drugs/phytochemicals and molecular inhibitors targeting the Wnt pathway can effectively treat colorectal cancer clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Tianqi Ming
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Shun Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Shan Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Han Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Maolun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Qiu Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Haibo Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
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7
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Ehata S, Miyazono K. Bone Morphogenetic Protein Signaling in Cancer; Some Topics in the Recent 10 Years. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:883523. [PMID: 35693928 PMCID: PMC9174896 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.883523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family, are multifunctional cytokines. BMPs have a broad range of functions, and abnormalities in BMP signaling pathways are involved in cancer progression. BMPs activate the proliferation of certain cancer cells. Malignant phenotypes of cancer cells, such as increased motility, invasiveness, and stemness, are enhanced by BMPs. Simultaneously, BMPs act on various cellular components and regulate angiogenesis in the tumor microenvironment. Thus, BMPs function as pro-tumorigenic factors in various types of cancer. However, similar to TGF-β, which shows both positive and negative effects on tumorigenesis, BMPs also act as tumor suppressors in other types of cancers. In this article, we review important findings published in the recent decade and summarize the pro-oncogenic functions of BMPs and their underlying mechanisms. The current status of BMP-targeted therapies for cancers is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shogo Ehata
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
- *Correspondence: Shogo Ehata,
| | - Kohei Miyazono
- Department of Applied Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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8
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Ha SE, Jin B, Jorgensen BG, Zogg H, Wei L, Singh R, Park C, Kurahashi M, Kim S, Baek G, Poudrier SM, Lee MY, Sanders KM, Ro S. Transcriptome profiling of subepithelial PDGFRα cells in colonic mucosa reveals several cell-selective markers. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0261743. [PMID: 35560163 PMCID: PMC9106222 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Subepithelial platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα)+ cells found in the colonic mucosal tissue come in close contact with epithelial cells, immune cells, neurons, capillaries, and lymphatic networks. Mucosal subepithelial PDGFRα+ cells (MuPαC) are important regulators in various intestinal diseases including fibrosis and inflammation. However, the transcriptome of MuPαC has not yet been elucidated. Using Pdgfra-eGFP mice and flow cytometry, we isolated colonic MuPαC and obtained their transcriptome data. In analyzing the transcriptome, we identified three novel, and selectively expressed, markers (Adamdec1, Fin1, and Col6a4) found in MuPαC. In addition, we identified a unique set of MuPαC-enriched genetic signatures including groups of growth factors, transcription factors, gap junction proteins, extracellular proteins, receptors, cytokines, protein kinases, phosphatases, and peptidases. These selective groups of genetic signatures are linked to the unique cellular identity and function of MuPαC. Furthermore, we have added this MuPαC transcriptome data to our Smooth Muscle Genome Browser that contains the transcriptome data of jejunal and colonic smooth muscle cells (SMC), interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), and smooth muscle resident PDGFRα+ cells: (https://med.unr.edu/physio/transcriptome). This online resource provides a comprehensive reference of all currently known genetic transcripts expressed in primary MuPαC in the colon along with smooth muscle resident PDGFRα cells, SMC, and ICC in the murine colon and jejunum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se Eun Ha
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Byungchang Jin
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Brian G. Jorgensen
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Hannah Zogg
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Lai Wei
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Rajan Singh
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Chanjae Park
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Masaaki Kurahashi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Lowa, Lowa City, Lowa, United States of America
| | - Sei Kim
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Gain Baek
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Sandra M. Poudrier
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Moon Young Lee
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
- Department of Physiology, Wonkwang Digestive Disease Research Institute and Institute of Wonkwang Medical Science, School of Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Chonbuk, Korea
| | - Kenton M. Sanders
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Seungil Ro
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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9
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Gaggianesi M, Mangiapane LR, Modica C, Pantina VD, Porcelli G, Di Franco S, Lo Iacono M, D’Accardo C, Verona F, Pillitteri I, Turdo A, Veschi V, Brancato OR, Muratore G, Pistone G, Bongiorno MR, Todaro M, De Maria R, Stassi G. Dual Inhibition of Myc Transcription and PI3K Activity Effectively Targets Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030673. [PMID: 35158939 PMCID: PMC8833549 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Compelling evidence has shown that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for high resistance to conventional anti-cancer therapies. Here, we demonstrate that the tumor microenvironment protects CR-CSCs from EGFR/HER2, BRAF and PI3K targeting, promoting CD44v6 and Myc expression. Alternatively, as a substitution for HER2 and BRAF, the Myc transcription inhibitor can overcome the protective effects of microenvironmental cytokines, impairing the survival of CR-CSCs. These data highlight the targeting of Myc and PI3K activity as a novel therapeutic strategy against advanced colorectal cancer. Abstract Despite advances in the curative approach, the survival rate of advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) patients is still poor, which is likely due to the emergence of cancer cell clones resistant to the available therapeutic options. We have already shown that CD44v6-positive CRC stem cells (CR-CSCs) are refractory toward standard anti-tumor therapeutic agents due to the activation of the PI3K pathway together with high HER2 expression levels. Tumor microenvironmental cytokines confer resistance to CR-CSCs against HER2/PI3K targeting by enhancing activation of the MAPK pathway. Here, we show that the CSC compartment, spared by BRAF inhibitor-based targeted therapy, is associated with increased expression levels of CD44v6 and Myc and retains boosted clonogenic activity along with residual tumorigenic potential. Inhibition of Myc transcription, downstream of the MAPK cascade components, and PI3K pathway activity was able to overcome the protective effects of microenvironmental cytokines, affecting the survival and the clonogenic activity of CR-CSCs, regardless of their mutational background. Likewise, the double targeting induced stabilization of mouse tumor avatars. Altogether, these data outline the rationale for dual kinase targeting of CR-CSCs to prevent their adaptive response, which would lead to disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Gaggianesi
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.G.); (C.M.); (V.D.P.); (S.D.F.); (M.L.I.); (I.P.); (V.V.); (O.R.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Laura Rosa Mangiapane
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (L.R.M.); (G.P.); (C.D.); (F.V.); (A.T.); (G.P.); (M.R.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Chiara Modica
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.G.); (C.M.); (V.D.P.); (S.D.F.); (M.L.I.); (I.P.); (V.V.); (O.R.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Vincenzo Davide Pantina
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.G.); (C.M.); (V.D.P.); (S.D.F.); (M.L.I.); (I.P.); (V.V.); (O.R.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Gaetana Porcelli
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (L.R.M.); (G.P.); (C.D.); (F.V.); (A.T.); (G.P.); (M.R.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Simone Di Franco
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.G.); (C.M.); (V.D.P.); (S.D.F.); (M.L.I.); (I.P.); (V.V.); (O.R.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Melania Lo Iacono
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.G.); (C.M.); (V.D.P.); (S.D.F.); (M.L.I.); (I.P.); (V.V.); (O.R.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Caterina D’Accardo
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (L.R.M.); (G.P.); (C.D.); (F.V.); (A.T.); (G.P.); (M.R.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Francesco Verona
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (L.R.M.); (G.P.); (C.D.); (F.V.); (A.T.); (G.P.); (M.R.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Irene Pillitteri
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.G.); (C.M.); (V.D.P.); (S.D.F.); (M.L.I.); (I.P.); (V.V.); (O.R.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Alice Turdo
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (L.R.M.); (G.P.); (C.D.); (F.V.); (A.T.); (G.P.); (M.R.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Veronica Veschi
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.G.); (C.M.); (V.D.P.); (S.D.F.); (M.L.I.); (I.P.); (V.V.); (O.R.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Ornella Roberta Brancato
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.G.); (C.M.); (V.D.P.); (S.D.F.); (M.L.I.); (I.P.); (V.V.); (O.R.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Giampaolo Muratore
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.G.); (C.M.); (V.D.P.); (S.D.F.); (M.L.I.); (I.P.); (V.V.); (O.R.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Pistone
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (L.R.M.); (G.P.); (C.D.); (F.V.); (A.T.); (G.P.); (M.R.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Maria Rita Bongiorno
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (L.R.M.); (G.P.); (C.D.); (F.V.); (A.T.); (G.P.); (M.R.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Matilde Todaro
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (L.R.M.); (G.P.); (C.D.); (F.V.); (A.T.); (G.P.); (M.R.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Ruggero De Maria
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico A Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy
- Correspondence: (R.D.M.); (G.S.); Tel.: +39-06-3015-4914 (R.D.M.); +39-091-2389-0813 (G.S.)
| | - Giorgio Stassi
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.G.); (C.M.); (V.D.P.); (S.D.F.); (M.L.I.); (I.P.); (V.V.); (O.R.B.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence: (R.D.M.); (G.S.); Tel.: +39-06-3015-4914 (R.D.M.); +39-091-2389-0813 (G.S.)
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10
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Mouillet-Richard S. ERBB2 in anti-EGFR-resistant colorectal cancer: cancer stem cells come into play. Gut 2022; 71:4-5. [PMID: 33619166 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2020-323924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Mouillet-Richard
- INSERM-U1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Paris, France
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11
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Pagotto S, Colorito ML, Nicotra A, Apuzzo T, Tinari N, Protasi F, Stassi G, Visone R, Di Franco S, Veronese A. A perspective analysis: microRNAs, glucose metabolism, and drug resistance in colon cancer stem cells. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 29:4-9. [PMID: 33526845 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-021-00298-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Pagotto
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Colorito
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Annalisa Nicotra
- Cellular and Molecular Pathophysiology Laboratory, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Tiziana Apuzzo
- Cellular and Molecular Pathophysiology Laboratory, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Nicola Tinari
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Feliciano Protasi
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Department of Medicine and Aging Science, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Giorgio Stassi
- Cellular and Molecular Pathophysiology Laboratory, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Rosa Visone
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Simone Di Franco
- Cellular and Molecular Pathophysiology Laboratory, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Angelo Veronese
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy. .,Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
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12
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Mangiapane LR, Nicotra A, Turdo A, Gaggianesi M, Bianca P, Di Franco S, Sardina DS, Veschi V, Signore M, Beyes S, Fagnocchi L, Fiori ME, Bongiorno MR, Lo Iacono M, Pillitteri I, Ganduscio G, Gulotta G, Medema JP, Zippo A, Todaro M, De Maria R, Stassi G. PI3K-driven HER2 expression is a potential therapeutic target in colorectal cancer stem cells. Gut 2022; 71:119-128. [PMID: 33436496 PMCID: PMC8666826 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2020-323553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cancer stem cells are responsible for tumour spreading and relapse. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression is a negative prognostic factor in colorectal cancer (CRC) and a potential target in tumours carrying the gene amplification. Our aim was to define the expression of HER2 in colorectal cancer stem cells (CR-CSCs) and its possible role as therapeutic target in CRC resistant to anti- epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapy. DESIGN A collection of primary sphere cell cultures obtained from 60 CRC specimens was used to generate CR-CSC mouse avatars to preclinically validate therapeutic options. We also made use of the ChIP-seq analysis for transcriptional evaluation of HER2 activation and global RNA-seq to identify the mechanisms underlying therapy resistance. RESULTS Here we show that in CD44v6-positive CR-CSCs, high HER2 expression levels are associated with an activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway, which promotes the acetylation at the regulatory elements of the Erbb2 gene. HER2 targeting in combination with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitors induces CR-CSC death and regression of tumour xenografts, including those carrying Kras and Pik3ca mutation. Requirement for the triple targeting is due to the presence of cancer-associated fibroblasts, which release cytokines able to confer CR-CSC resistance to PI3K/AKT inhibitors. In contrast, targeting of PI3K/AKT as monotherapy is sufficient to kill liver-disseminating CR-CSCs in a model of adjuvant therapy. CONCLUSIONS While PI3K targeting kills liver-colonising CR-CSCs, the concomitant inhibition of PI3K, HER2 and MEK is required to induce regression of tumours resistant to anti-EGFR therapies. These data may provide a rationale for designing clinical trials in the adjuvant and metastatic setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rosa Mangiapane
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Annalisa Nicotra
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alice Turdo
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Miriam Gaggianesi
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Paola Bianca
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Simone Di Franco
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Davide Stefano Sardina
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Veronica Veschi
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Sven Beyes
- Department of Cellular, Computational, and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Luca Fagnocchi
- Department of Cellular, Computational, and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Micol Eleonora Fiori
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanita, Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Bongiorno
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Melania Lo Iacono
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Irene Pillitteri
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gloria Ganduscio
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gaspare Gulotta
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Jan Paul Medema
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands,Oncode Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Alessio Zippo
- Department of Cellular, Computational, and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Matilde Todaro
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Ruggero De Maria
- Institute of General Pathology, Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Facolta di Medicina e Chirurgia, Roma, Italy .,Policlinico A Gemelli, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | - Giorgio Stassi
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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13
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Brown KM, Xue A, Smith RC, Samra JS, Gill AJ, Hugh TJ. Cancer-associated stroma reveals prognostic biomarkers and novel insights into the tumour microenvironment of colorectal cancer and colorectal liver metastases. Cancer Med 2021; 11:492-506. [PMID: 34874125 PMCID: PMC8729056 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Cancer‐associated stroma (CAS) is emerging as a key determinant of metastasis in colorectal cancer (CRC); however, little is known about CAS in colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). This study aimed to validate the prognostic significance of stromal protein biomarkers in primary CRC and CRLM. Secondly, this study aimed to describe the transcriptome of the CAS of CRLM and identify novel targetable pathways of metastasis. Methods A case–control study design from a prospectively maintained database was adopted. The prognostic value of epithelial and stromal CALD1, IGFBP7, POSTN, FAP, TGF‐β and pSMAD2 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in multivariate models. Pathway enrichment and sparse partial least square‐discriminant analysis (sPLS‐DA) were performed on a nested cohort after isolating epithelial tumour and CAS by laser capture microdissection. Results 110 CRCs with 124 paired CRLMs, and 110 matched non‐metastatic control CRCs were included. Median follow‐up was 62 and 45 months for primary and CRLM groups, respectively. Stromal FAP and POSTN were independent predictors for the development of CRLM. After CRLM resection, stromal IGFBP7 and POSTN were predictors of poorer survival. sPLS‐DA on the nested cohort identified a number of novel targetable stromal genes and pathways that defined poor prognosis CRC and the CAS of CRLM. Conclusions This study is the first to describe key differences in stromal gene expression between paired primary CRC and CRLM as well as identifying several targetable biomarkers and transcriptomic pathways whose relevance specifically in the CAS of CRC and CRLM have not been previously described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai M Brown
- Cancer Surgery and Metabolism Research Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia.,Upper GI Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital and North Shore Private Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia.,Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Aiqun Xue
- Cancer Surgery and Metabolism Research Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia.,Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ross C Smith
- Cancer Surgery and Metabolism Research Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia.,Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jaswinder S Samra
- Upper GI Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital and North Shore Private Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia.,Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anthony J Gill
- Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Group, University of Sydney, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Thomas J Hugh
- Cancer Surgery and Metabolism Research Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia.,Upper GI Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital and North Shore Private Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia.,Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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14
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Turdo A, D'Accardo C, Glaviano A, Porcelli G, Colarossi C, Colarossi L, Mare M, Faldetta N, Modica C, Pistone G, Bongiorno MR, Todaro M, Stassi G. Targeting Phosphatases and Kinases: How to Checkmate Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:690306. [PMID: 34778245 PMCID: PMC8581442 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.690306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic disease represents the major cause of death in oncologic patients worldwide. Accumulating evidence have highlighted the relevance of a small population of cancer cells, named cancer stem cells (CSCs), in the resistance to therapies, as well as cancer recurrence and metastasis. Standard anti-cancer treatments are not always conclusively curative, posing an urgent need to discover new targets for an effective therapy. Kinases and phosphatases are implicated in many cellular processes, such as proliferation, differentiation and oncogenic transformation. These proteins are crucial regulators of intracellular signaling pathways mediating multiple cellular activities. Therefore, alterations in kinases and phosphatases functionality is a hallmark of cancer. Notwithstanding the role of kinases and phosphatases in cancer has been widely investigated, their aberrant activation in the compartment of CSCs is nowadays being explored as new potential Achille's heel to strike. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the major protein kinases and phosphatases pathways by which CSCs can evade normal physiological constraints on survival, growth, and invasion. Moreover, we discuss the potential of inhibitors of these proteins in counteracting CSCs expansion during cancer development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Turdo
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Caterina D'Accardo
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonino Glaviano
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gaetana Porcelli
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Cristina Colarossi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology (IOM), Catania, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Colarossi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology (IOM), Catania, Italy
| | - Marzia Mare
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology (IOM), Catania, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Modica
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pistone
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Bongiorno
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Matilde Todaro
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico (AOUP), Palermo, Italy
| | - Giorgio Stassi
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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15
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Adipose stem cell niche reprograms the colorectal cancer stem cell metastatic machinery. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5006. [PMID: 34408135 PMCID: PMC8373975 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25333-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a strong risk factor for cancer progression, posing obesity-related cancer as one of the leading causes of death. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms that endow cancer cells with metastatic properties in patients affected by obesity remain unexplored. Here, we show that IL-6 and HGF, secreted by tumor neighboring visceral adipose stromal cells (V-ASCs), expand the metastatic colorectal (CR) cancer cell compartment (CD44v6 + ), which in turn secretes neurotrophins such as NGF and NT-3, and recruits adipose stem cells within tumor mass. Visceral adipose-derived factors promote vasculogenesis and the onset of metastatic dissemination by activation of STAT3, which inhibits miR-200a and enhances ZEB2 expression, effectively reprogramming CRC cells into a highly metastatic phenotype. Notably, obesity-associated tumor microenvironment provokes a transition in the transcriptomic expression profile of cells derived from the epithelial consensus molecular subtype (CMS2) CRC patients towards a mesenchymal subtype (CMS4). STAT3 pathway inhibition reduces ZEB2 expression and abrogates the metastatic growth sustained by adipose-released proteins. Together, our data suggest that targeting adipose factors in colorectal cancer patients with obesity may represent a therapeutic strategy for preventing metastatic disease. Obesity is a major risk factor for cancer related death. Here, the authors show that visceral adipose-derived factors promote vasculogenesis and metastatic dissemination by activation of STAT3, which inhibits miR-200a and enhances ZEB2 expression, effectively reprogramming colorectal cancer cells into a highly metastatic phenotype.
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16
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Gaggianesi M, Di Franco S, Pantina VD, Porcelli G, D'Accardo C, Verona F, Veschi V, Colarossi L, Faldetta N, Pistone G, Bongiorno MR, Todaro M, Stassi G. Messing Up the Cancer Stem Cell Chemoresistance Mechanisms Supported by Tumor Microenvironment. Front Oncol 2021; 11:702642. [PMID: 34354950 PMCID: PMC8330815 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.702642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the recent advances in cancer patient management and in the development of targeted therapies, systemic chemotherapy is currently used as a first-line treatment for many cancer types. After an initial partial response, patients become refractory to standard therapy fostering rapid tumor progression. Compelling evidence highlights that the resistance to chemotherapeutic regimens is a peculiarity of a subpopulation of cancer cells within tumor mass, known as cancer stem cells (CSCs). This cellular compartment is endowed with tumor-initiating and metastasis formation capabilities. CSC chemoresistance is sustained by a plethora of grow factors and cytokines released by neighboring tumor microenvironment (TME), which is mainly composed by adipocytes, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), immune and endothelial cells. TME strengthens CSC refractoriness to standard and targeted therapies by enhancing survival signaling pathways, DNA repair machinery, expression of drug efflux transporters and anti-apoptotic proteins. In the last years many efforts have been made to understand CSC-TME crosstalk and develop therapeutic strategy halting this interplay. Here, we report the combinatorial approaches, which perturb the interaction network between CSCs and the different component of TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Gaggianesi
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Simone Di Franco
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Davide Pantina
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gaetana Porcelli
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Caterina D'Accardo
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Verona
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Veronica Veschi
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Naida Faldetta
- Department of Surgery, Villa Sofia-Cervello Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pistone
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Bongiorno
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Matilde Todaro
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giorgio Stassi
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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17
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McAndrews KM, Vázquez-Arreguín K, Kwak C, Sugimoto H, Zheng X, Li B, Kirtley ML, LeBleu VS, Kalluri R. αSMA + fibroblasts suppress Lgr5 + cancer stem cells and restrain colorectal cancer progression. Oncogene 2021; 40:4440-4452. [PMID: 34108617 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01866-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The development and progression of solid tumors is dependent on cancer cell autonomous drivers and the tumor microenvironment (TME). Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the TME possess both tumor-promoting and tumor-restraining functions. In the current study, we interrogated the role of αSMA+ CAFs in a genetic mouse model of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). Selective depletion of αSMA+ CAFs resulted in increased tumor invasiveness, lymph node metastasis, and reduced overall survival. Depletion of αSMA+ CAFs reduced BMP4 and increased TGFβ1 secretion from stromal cells, and was associated with increased Lgr5+ cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) and the generation of an immunosuppressive TME with increased frequency of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells and suppression of CD8+ T cells. This study demonstrates that αSMA+ CAFs in CRC exert tumor-restraining functions via BMP4/TGFβ1 paracrine signaling that serves to suppress Lgr5+ CSCs and promote anti-tumor immunity, ultimately limiting CRC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M McAndrews
- Metastasis Research Center, Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Karina Vázquez-Arreguín
- Metastasis Research Center, Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Changsoo Kwak
- Metastasis Research Center, Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hikaru Sugimoto
- Metastasis Research Center, Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiaofeng Zheng
- Metastasis Research Center, Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bingrui Li
- Metastasis Research Center, Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michelle L Kirtley
- Metastasis Research Center, Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Valerie S LeBleu
- Metastasis Research Center, Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Raghu Kalluri
- Metastasis Research Center, Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA. .,Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA. .,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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18
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Di Franco S, Parrino B, Gaggianesi M, Pantina VD, Bianca P, Nicotra A, Mangiapane LR, Lo Iacono M, Ganduscio G, Veschi V, Brancato OR, Glaviano A, Turdo A, Pillitteri I, Colarossi L, Cascioferro S, Carbone D, Pecoraro C, Fiori ME, De Maria R, Todaro M, Screpanti I, Cirrincione G, Diana P, Stassi G. CHK1 inhibitor sensitizes resistant colorectal cancer stem cells to nortopsentin. iScience 2021; 24:102664. [PMID: 34169240 PMCID: PMC8209271 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Limited therapeutic options are available for advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). Herein, we report that exposure to a neo-synthetic bis(indolyl)thiazole alkaloid analog, nortopsentin 234 (NORA234), leads to an initial reduction of proliferative and clonogenic potential of CRC sphere cells (CR-CSphCs), followed by an adaptive response selecting the CR-CSphC-resistant compartment. Cells spared by the treatment with NORA234 express high levels of CD44v6, associated with a constitutive activation of Wnt pathway. In CR-CSphC-based organoids, NORA234 causes a genotoxic stress paralleled by G2-M cell cycle arrest and activation of CHK1, driving the DNA damage repair of CR-CSphCs, regardless of the mutational background, microsatellite stability, and consensus molecular subtype. Synergistic combination of NORA234 and CHK1 (rabusertib) targeting is synthetic lethal inducing death of both CD44v6-negative and CD44v6-positive CRC stem cell fractions, aside from Wnt pathway activity. These data could provide a rational basis to develop an effective strategy for the treatment of patients with CRC. CR-CSCs acquire a long-term resistance to the NORA234 treatment Replicative and genotoxic stress induces the activation of CHK1 Adaptive response to NORA234 is associated with high expression levels of CHK1 NORA234 together with targeting of CHK1 leads to depletion of CR-CSC compartment
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Di Franco
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Barbara Parrino
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Miriam Gaggianesi
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Davide Pantina
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Paola Bianca
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Annalisa Nicotra
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Laura Rosa Mangiapane
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Melania Lo Iacono
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gloria Ganduscio
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Veronica Veschi
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Ornella Roberta Brancato
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonino Glaviano
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alice Turdo
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Irene Pillitteri
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Colarossi
- Pathology Unit, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, Viagrande, Catania, Italy
| | - Stella Cascioferro
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniela Carbone
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Camilla Pecoraro
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Micol Eleonora Fiori
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Ruggero De Maria
- Institute of General Pathology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Roma, Italy.,Policlinico A Gemelli, Lazio, Roma, Italy
| | - Matilde Todaro
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Girolamo Cirrincione
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Patrizia Diana
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giorgio Stassi
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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19
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Frank MH, Wilson BJ, Gold JS, Frank NY. Clinical Implications of Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells in the Age of Single-Cell Omics and Targeted Therapies. Gastroenterology 2021; 160:1947-1960. [PMID: 33617889 PMCID: PMC8215897 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2020.12.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The cancer stem cell (CSC) concept emerged from the recognition of inherent tumor heterogeneity and suggests that within a given tumor, in analogy to normal tissues, there exists a cellular hierarchy composed of a minority of more primitive cells with enhanced longevity (ie, CSCs) that give rise to shorter-lived, more differentiated cells (ie, cancer bulk populations), which on their own are not capable of tumor perpetuation. CSCs can be responsible for cancer therapeutic resistance to conventional, targeted, and immunotherapeutic treatment modalities, and for cancer progression through CSC-intrinsic molecular mechanisms. The existence of CSCs in colorectal cancer (CRC) was first established through demonstration of enhanced clonogenicity and tumor-forming capacity of this cell subset in human-to-mouse tumor xenotransplantation experiments and subsequently confirmed through lineage-tracing studies in mice. Surface markers for CRC CSC identification and their prospective isolation are now established. Therefore, the application of single-cell omics technologies to CSC characterization, including whole-genome sequencing, RNA sequencing, and epigenetic analyses, opens unprecedented opportunities to discover novel targetable molecular pathways and hence to develop novel strategies for CRC eradication. We review recent advances in this field and discuss the potential implications of next-generation CSC analyses for currently approved and experimental targeted CRC therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus H. Frank
- Transplant Research Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts;,Department of Dermatology, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts;,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts;,School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Brian J. Wilson
- Transplant Research Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts;,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Jason S. Gold
- Department of Surgery, Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts;,Department of Surgery, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Natasha Y. Frank
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts;,Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts;,Division of Genetics, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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20
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Veschi V, Stassi G. The Hippo Show Must Go On: YAP Activation as a Therapeutic Strategy in Colorectal Cancer. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 27:501-502. [PMID: 33007230 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2020.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The role of Hippo pathway in colorectal cancer (CRC) initiation and progression has been controversial. In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Cheung et al. (2020) shed new light on a distinct function of the transcriptional co-activator YAP as a tumor suppressor and Wnt pathway inhibitor in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Veschi
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giorgio Stassi
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy.
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21
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Le Compte M, Komen N, Joye I, Peeters M, Prenen H, Smits E, Deben C, de Maat M. Patient-derived organoids as individual patient models for chemoradiation response prediction in gastrointestinal malignancies. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2020; 157:103190. [PMID: 33310278 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2020.103190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is an important treatment modality for specific gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, as it has been shown to improve clinical outcomes. Recent developments in the neoadjuvant setting such as wait-and-see strategies for rectal as well as for esophageal cancers have even proven that CRT might be an effective organ-sparing treatment. However, due to molecular heterogeneity, only a subset of patients will show a complete response to CRT, which addresses the need for an individualized treatment approach. In recent years, the demand for more physiologically relevant predictive in vitro models has fostered the development of patient-derived tumor organoids. In this review, we describe the current treatment options for patients with GI cancers who are treated with (neo)adjuvant CRT. Furthermore, we provide an in-depth discussion of the organoid technology in the context of predicting CRT response for GI cancers as well as possible challenges for clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim Le Compte
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Building T, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Niels Komen
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650 Edegem, Belgium; Antwerp Surgical Training, Anatomy and Research Centre (ASTRAC), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Building T, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ines Joye
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Iridium Kankernetwerk, Oosterveldlaan 22, Wilrijk, B-2610, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Molecular Imaging, Pathology, Radiotherapy and Oncology (MIPRO), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Building S, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marc Peeters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Building T, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Hans Prenen
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Building T, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Evelien Smits
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Building T, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Christophe Deben
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Building T, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Michiel de Maat
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650 Edegem, Belgium; Antwerp Surgical Training, Anatomy and Research Centre (ASTRAC), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Building T, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium.
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22
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Plotnikov A, Kozer N, Cohen G, Carvalho S, Duberstein S, Almog O, Solmesky LJ, Shurrush KA, Babaev I, Benjamin S, Gilad S, Kupervaser M, Levin Y, Gershovits M, Ben-Avraham D, Barr HM. PRMT1 inhibition induces differentiation of colon cancer cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20030. [PMID: 33208761 PMCID: PMC7676271 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77028-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Differentiation therapy has been recently revisited as a prospective approach in cancer therapy by targeting the aberrant growth, and repairing the differentiation and cell death programs of cancer cells. However, differentiation therapy of solid tumors is a challenging issue and progress in this field is limited. We performed High Throughput Screening (HTS) using a novel dual multiplex assay to discover compounds, which induce differentiation of human colon cancer cells. Here we show that the protein arginine methyl transferase (PRMT) type 1 inhibitor, MS023, is a potent inducer of colon cancer cell differentiation with a large therapeutic window. Differentiation changes in the highly aggressive human colon cancer cell line (HT-29) were proved by proteomic and genomic approaches. Growth of HT-29 xenograft in nude mice was significantly delayed upon MS023 treatment and immunohistochemistry of tumor indicated differentiation changes. These findings may lead to development of clinically effective anti-cancer drugs based on the mechanism of cancer cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Plotnikov
- Wohl Institute for Drug Discovery, High Throughput Screening Unit, Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Noga Kozer
- Wohl Institute for Drug Discovery, High Throughput Screening Unit, Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Galit Cohen
- Wohl Institute for Drug Discovery, High Throughput Screening Unit, Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Silvia Carvalho
- Wohl Institute for Drug Discovery, High Throughput Screening Unit, Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shirly Duberstein
- Wohl Institute for Drug Discovery, High Throughput Screening Unit, Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ofir Almog
- Wohl Institute for Drug Discovery, High Throughput Screening Unit, Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Leonardo Javier Solmesky
- Wohl Institute for Drug Discovery, High Throughput Screening Unit, Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Khriesto A Shurrush
- Wohl Institute for Drug Discovery, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ilana Babaev
- Wohl Institute for Drug Discovery, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Sima Benjamin
- Crown Institute for Genomics, Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shlomit Gilad
- Crown Institute for Genomics, Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Meital Kupervaser
- de Botton Institute for Proteomics, Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yishai Levin
- de Botton Institute for Proteomics, Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Michael Gershovits
- Mantoux Institute for Bioinformatics, Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Danny Ben-Avraham
- Mantoux Institute for Bioinformatics, Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Haim Michael Barr
- Wohl Institute for Drug Discovery, High Throughput Screening Unit, Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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23
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Sistigu A, Musella M, Galassi C, Vitale I, De Maria R. Tuning Cancer Fate: Tumor Microenvironment's Role in Cancer Stem Cell Quiescence and Reawakening. Front Immunol 2020; 11:2166. [PMID: 33193295 PMCID: PMC7609361 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cell dormancy is a common feature of human tumors and represents a major clinical barrier to the long-term efficacy of anticancer therapies. Dormant cancer cells, either in primary tumors or disseminated in secondary organs, may reawaken and relapse into a more aggressive disease. The mechanisms underpinning dormancy entry and exit strongly resemble those governing cancer cell stemness and include intrinsic and contextual cues. Cellular and molecular components of the tumor microenvironment persistently interact with cancer cells. This dialog is highly dynamic, as it evolves over time and space, strongly cooperates with intrinsic cell nets, and governs cancer cell features (like quiescence and stemness) and fate (survival and outgrowth). Therefore, there is a need for deeper insight into the biology of dormant cancer (stem) cells and the mechanisms regulating the equilibrium quiescence-versus-proliferation are vital in our pursuit of new therapeutic opportunities to prevent cancer from recurring. Here, we review and discuss microenvironmental regulations of cancer dormancy and its parallels with cancer stemness, and offer insights into the therapeutic strategies adopted to prevent a lethal recurrence, by either eradicating resident dormant cancer (stem) cells or maintaining them in a dormant state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Sistigu
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Musella
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Galassi
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilio Vitale
- IIGM - Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine, c/o IRCSS Candiolo (TO), Candiolo, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Ruggero De Maria
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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24
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Du X, Yin H, Pan Z, Wu W, Shang P, Chamba Y, Li Q. BMP7 is a candidate gene for reproductive traits in Yorkshire sows. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 221:106598. [PMID: 32937257 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7) is of the BMP subfamily, and has effects on female fertility by regulating steroidogenesis, granulosa cell states, and follicular development. In the present study, there was assessment of the combined genotypes formed by the three variants within the 3'-UTR of BMP7 gene as associations with sow reproductive functions. The 3'-UTR of the BMP7 gene of pigs was identified using the 3' RACE assay, and its full-length sequence was found to be 1538 bp in length. Multiple RNA regulatory elements were detected in this region, luciferase activity assays were performed and results indicated miR-22-3p affects BMP7 by directly binding to the miRNA response element in the 3'-UTR (c.2358-2382). In addition, two novel complete linkage variants, c.2256 G > C and a 7-bp indel (c.2259-2265), were identified within the 3'-UTR of the BMP7 gene of pigs. Importantly, combined genotypes with these two novel variants and c.1569A > G, a variant previously identified in the BMP7 3'-UTR of pigs, were associated with sow reproductive traits, including the total number of piglets born, number of dead piglets at birth, and litter weight in the Yorkshire pig population studies. Results from the present study confirm that BMP7 is a candidate gene for the reproductive traits in Yorkshire sows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Du
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Hang Yin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Zengxiang Pan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Wangjun Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Peng Shang
- College of Animal Science, Tibet Agriculture and Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi, Tibet 860000, China
| | - Yongzom Chamba
- College of Animal Science, Tibet Agriculture and Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi, Tibet 860000, China
| | - Qifa Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
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25
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Po A, Citarella A, Catanzaro G, Besharat ZM, Trocchianesi S, Gianno F, Sabato C, Moretti M, De Smaele E, Vacca A, Fiori ME, Ferretti E. Hedgehog-GLI signalling promotes chemoresistance through the regulation of ABC transporters in colorectal cancer cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13988. [PMID: 32814794 PMCID: PMC7438531 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70871-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer death. Chemoresistance is a pivotal feature of cancer cells leading to treatment failure and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are responsible for the efflux of several molecules, including anticancer drugs. The Hedgehog-GLI (HH-GLI) pathway is a major signalling in CRC, however its role in chemoresistance has not been fully elucidated. Here we show that the HH-GLI pathway favours resistance to 5-fluorouracil and Oxaliplatin in CRC cells. We identified potential GLI1 binding sites in the promoter region of six ABC transporters, namely ABCA2, ABCB1, ABCB4, ABCB7, ABCC2 and ABCG1. Next, we investigated the binding of GLI1 using chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments and we demonstrate that GLI1 transcriptionally regulates the identified ABC transporters. We show that chemoresistant cells express high levels of GLI1 and of the ABC transporters and that GLI1 inhibition disrupts the transporters up-regulation. Moreover, we report that human CRC tumours express high levels of the ABCG1 transporter and that its expression correlates with worse patients' prognosis. This study identifies a new mechanism where HH-GLI signalling regulates CRC chemoresistance features. Our results indicate that the inhibition of Gli1 regulates the ABC transporters expression and therefore should be considered as a therapeutic option in chemoresistant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnese Po
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Citarella
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Catanzaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Zein Mersini Besharat
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Sofia Trocchianesi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gianno
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Sabato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Moretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Vacca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Micol Eleonora Fiori
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Ferretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy.
- Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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