1
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Detassis S, Precazzini F, Grasso M, Del Vescovo V, Maines F, Caffo O, Campomenosi P, Denti MA. Plasma microRNA Signature as Companion Diagnostic for Abiraterone Acetate Treatment in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: A Pilot Study. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5573. [PMID: 38891761 PMCID: PMC11171781 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Abiraterone acetate (AA) serves as a medication for managing persistent testosterone production in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). However, its efficacy varies among individuals; thus, the identification of biomarkers to predict and follow treatment response is required. In this pilot study, we explored the potential of circulating microRNAs (c-miRNAs) to stratify patients based on their responsiveness to AA. We conducted an analysis of plasma samples obtained from a cohort of 33 mCRPC patients before and after three, six, and nine months of AA treatment. Using miRNA RT-qPCR panels for candidate discovery and TaqMan RT-qPCR for validation, we identified promising miRNA signatures. Our investigation indicated that a signature based on miR-103a-3p and miR-378a-5p effectively discriminates between non-responder and responder patients, while also following the drug's efficacy over time. Additionally, through in silico analysis, we identified target genes and transcription factors of the two miRNAs, including PTEN and HOXB13, which are known to play roles in AA resistance in mCRPC. In summary, our study highlights two c-miRNAs as potential companion diagnostics of AA in mCRPC patients, offering novel insights for informed decision-making in the treatment of mCRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Detassis
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, TN, Italy; (S.D.)
- OPTOI Srl, Via Vienna 8, 38100 Trento, TN, Italy
| | - Francesca Precazzini
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, TN, Italy; (S.D.)
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, Sezione di Bolzano, Via Laura Conti 4, 39100 Bolzano, BZ, Italy
| | - Margherita Grasso
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, TN, Italy; (S.D.)
- L.N.Age Srl-Link Neuroscience and Healthcare, Via Mario Savini 15, 00136 Roma, RO, Italy
| | - Valerio Del Vescovo
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, TN, Italy; (S.D.)
- Kapadi Italy Srl, Corso Italia 22, 20122 Milano, MI, Italy
| | - Francesca Maines
- Division of Oncology, Santa Chiara Hospital, Largo Medaglie D’oro 9, 38122 Trento, TN, Italy
| | - Orazio Caffo
- Division of Oncology, Santa Chiara Hospital, Largo Medaglie D’oro 9, 38122 Trento, TN, Italy
| | - Paola Campomenosi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences (DBSV), University of Insubria, Via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, VA, Italy
| | - Michela A. Denti
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, TN, Italy; (S.D.)
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2
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Chen M, Zou C, Tian Y, Li W, Li Y, Zhang D. An integrated ceRNA network identifies miR-375 as an upregulated miRNA playing a tumor suppressive role in aggressive prostate cancer. Oncogene 2024; 43:1594-1607. [PMID: 38565944 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03011-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among men worldwide. A number of genes have been implicated in prostate tumorigenesis, but the mechanisms underlying their dysregulation are still incompletely understood. Evidence has established the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) theory as a novel regulatory mechanism for post-transcriptional alterations. Yet, a comprehensive characterization of ceRNA network in PCa lacks. Here we utilize stringent in-silico methods to construct a large ceRNA network across different PCa stages, and provide experimental demonstration for the competing regulation among protumorigenic SEC23A, PHTF2, and their corresponding ceRNA pairs. Using machine learning, we establish a ceRNA-based signature (ceRNA_sig) predictive of androgen receptor (AR) activity, tumor aggressiveness, and patient outcomes. Importantly, we identify miR-375 as a key node in PCa ceRNA network, which is upregulated in PCa relative to normal tissues. Forced expression of miR-375 significantly inhibits, while its inhibition promotes, aggressive behaviors of both AR+ and AR- PCa cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we show that miR-375 predominantly targets genes possessing oncogenic roles (e.g., proliferation, DNA repair, and metastasis), and thus release targets with tumor suppressive functions. This action model well clarifies why an upregulated miRNA plays a tumor suppressive role in PCa. Together, our study provides new insights into understanding of transcriptomic aberrations during PCa evolution, and nominates miR-375 as a potential therapeutic target for combating aggressive PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjie Chen
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, School of BioMedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha, China
| | - Cheng Zou
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, School of BioMedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha, China.
| | - Yu Tian
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, School of BioMedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha, China
| | - Wenchao Li
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yingying Li
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, School of BioMedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha, China
| | - Dingxiao Zhang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, School of BioMedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha, China.
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Hunan University, Shenzhen, China.
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3
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Sachdeva A, Roy A, Mandal S. Protein kinase D2-Aurora kinase A-ERK1/2 signalling axis drives neuroendocrine differentiation of epithelial ovarian cancer. Mol Cell Biochem 2024:10.1007/s11010-024-04986-2. [PMID: 38557789 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-024-04986-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is deadliest gynecological malignancy with poor prognosis and patient survival. Despite development of several therapeutic interventions such as poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, EOC remains unmanageable and discovery of novel early detection biomarkers and treatment targets are highly warranted. Although neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) is implicated in different human cancers including prostate adenocarcinoma and lung cancer, mechanistic studies concerning NED of epithelial ovarian cancer are lacking. We report that Aurora kinase A drives NED of epithelial ovarian cancer in an ERK1/2-dependent manner and pharmacological and genetic inhibition of Aurora kinase A suppress NED of ovarian cancer. Moreover, we demonstrate that protein kinase D2 positively regulated Aurora kinase A to drive NED. Overexpression of catalytically active PKD2 drives NED and collectively, PKD2 cross talks with Aurora kinase A/ERK1/2 signalling axis to positively regulate NED of EOC. PKD2/Aurora kinase A/ERK1/2 signalling axis is a novel therapeutic target against neuroendocrine differentiated EOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abha Sachdeva
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Amity University, Sector 125, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201303, India
| | - Adhiraj Roy
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Amity University, Sector 125, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201303, India.
| | - Supratim Mandal
- Department of Microbiology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal, 741235, India
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4
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Tavares I, Morais M, Dias F, Medeiros R, Teixeira AL. Deregulated miRNAs in enzalutamide resistant prostate cancer: A comprehensive review of key molecular alterations and clinical outcomes. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189067. [PMID: 38160898 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PC) is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in male population worldwide. Since the growth and progression of PC highly depend on the androgen pathway, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the mainstay of systemic treatment. Enzalutamide is a second-generation antiandrogen, which is widely used for the treatment of advanced and metastatic PC. However, treatment failure and disease progression, caused by the emergence of enzalutamide resistant phenotypes, remains an important clinical challenge. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression and have recently emerged as potential biomarkers for being stable and easily analysed in several biological fluids. Several miRNAs that exhibit dysregulated expression patterns in enzalutamide-resistant PC have recently been identified, including miRNAs that modulate critical signalling pathways and genes involved in PC growth, survival and in the acquisition of enzalutamide phenotype. The understanding of molecular mechanisms by which miRNAs promote the development of enzalutamide resistance can provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between miRNAs, gene regulation, and treatment response in PC. Moreover, these miRNAs could serve as valuable tools for monitoring treatment response and disease progression during enzalutamide administration. This review summarises the miRNAs associated with enzalutamide resistance in PC already described in the literature, focusing on their biological roles and on their potential as biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Tavares
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC) Raquel Seruca, Porto, Portugal; ICBAS School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana Morais
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC) Raquel Seruca, Porto, Portugal; ICBAS School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Francisca Dias
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC) Raquel Seruca, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Medeiros
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC) Raquel Seruca, Porto, Portugal; ICBAS School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (UP), Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal; Biomedical Reasearch Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Fernando Pessoa University (UFP), Porto, Portugal; Research Department, LPCC- Portuguese League Against Cancer (NRNorte), Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Luísa Teixeira
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC) Raquel Seruca, Porto, Portugal.
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5
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Kouroukli O, Bravou V, Giannitsas K, Tzelepi V. Tissue-Based Diagnostic Biomarkers of Aggressive Variant Prostate Cancer: A Narrative Review. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:805. [PMID: 38398199 PMCID: PMC10887410 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PC) is a common malignancy among elderly men, characterized by great heterogeneity in its clinical course, ranging from an indolent to a highly aggressive disease. The aggressive variant of prostate cancer (AVPC) clinically shows an atypical pattern of disease progression, similar to that of small cell PC (SCPC), and also shares the chemo-responsiveness of SCPC. The term AVPC does not describe a specific histologic subtype of PC but rather the group of tumors that, irrespective of morphology, show an aggressive clinical course, dictated by androgen receptor (AR) indifference. AR indifference represents an adaptive response to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), driven by epithelial plasticity, an inherent ability of tumor cells to adapt to their environment by changing their phenotypic characteristics in a bi-directional way. The molecular profile of AVPC entails combined alterations in the tumor suppressor genes retinoblastoma protein 1 (RB1), tumor protein 53 (TP53), and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). The understanding of the biologic heterogeneity of castration-resistant PC (CRPC) and the need to identify the subset of patients that would potentially benefit from specific therapies necessitate the development of prognostic and predictive biomarkers. This review aims to discuss the possible pathophysiologic mechanisms of AVPC development and the potential use of emerging tissue-based biomarkers in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Kouroukli
- Department of Pathology, Evaggelismos General Hospital, 10676 Athens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Bravou
- Department of Anatomy-Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece;
| | | | - Vasiliki Tzelepi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
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6
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Zeng F, Li D, Kang X, Wu Q, Song M, Ou Z, Yang Z, Yang J, Luo L. MALAT1 promotes FOXA1 degradation by competitively binding to miR-216a-5p and enhancing neuroendocrine differentiation in prostate cancer. Transl Oncol 2024; 39:101807. [PMID: 38235618 PMCID: PMC10628887 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101807] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Prostate cancer (PC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death in males worldwide. Neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) is a feature of PC that often goes undetected and is associated with poor patient outcomes. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs), and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) play important roles in the development and progression of PC. METHODS In this study, we used transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis to identify key regulators of NED in PC. Specifically, we examined the expression of PC-related lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs in PC cells and correlated these findings with NED phenotypes. RESULTS Our data revealed that metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) and zinc finger protein 91 (ZFP91) were upregulated in PC, while miR-216a-5p was down-regulated. Ectopic expression of MALAT1 induced NED and promoted malignant phenotypes of PC cells. Furthermore, we found that MALAT1 competitively bound to miR-216a-5p, upregulated ZFP91, and promoted the degradation of forkhead box A1 (FOXA1), a key gene involved in NED of PC. CONCLUSION Taken together, these results suggest that MALAT1 plays an oncogenic role in NED and metastasis of PC via the miR-216a-5p/ZFP91/FOXA1 pathway. Our study highlights the potential of targeting this pathway as a novel therapeutic strategy for PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanchang Zeng
- Department of Urology, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou 570311, China
| | - Daoyuan Li
- Department of Urology, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou 570311, China
| | - Xinli Kang
- Department of Urology, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou 570311, China
| | - Qinghui Wu
- Department of Urology, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou 570311, China
| | - Mi Song
- Department of Urology, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou 570311, China
| | - Zhewen Ou
- Department of Urology, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou 570311, China
| | - Zuobing Yang
- Department of Urology, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou 570311, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Urology, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou 570311, China
| | - Liumei Luo
- Department of Scientific Research, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), No. 19, Xiuhua Road, Xiuying District, Haikou, Hainan 570311, China.
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7
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Wang W, Kong P, Feng K, Liu C, Gong X, Sun T, Duan X, Sang Y, Jiang Y, Li X, Zhang L, Tao Z, Liu W. Exosomal miR-222-3p contributes to castration-resistant prostate cancer by activating mTOR signaling. Cancer Sci 2023; 114:4252-4269. [PMID: 37671589 PMCID: PMC10637070 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the clinical benefits of androgen deprivation therapy, most patients with advanced androgen-dependent prostate cancer (ADPC) eventually relapse and progress to lethal androgen-independent prostate cancer (AIPC), also termed castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). MiRNAs can be packaged into exosomes (Exos) and shuttled between cells. However, the roles and mechanisms of exosomal miRNAs involved in CRPC progression have not yet been fully elucidated. Here, we find that miR-222-3p is elevated in AIPC cells, which results in remarkable enhancement of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion ability. Furthermore, Exos released by AIPC cells can be uptaken by ADPC cells, thus acclimating ADPC cells to progressing to more aggressive cell types in vitro and in vivo through exosomal transfer of miR-222-3p. Mechanistically, Exos-miR-222-3p promoted ADPC cells transformed to AIPC-like cells, at least in part, by activating mTOR signaling through targeting MIDN. Our results show that AIPC cells secrete Exos containing miRNA cargo. These cargos can be transferred to ADPC cells through paracrine mechanisms that have a strong impact on cellular functional remodeling. The current work underscores the great therapeutic potential of targeting Exo miRNAs, either as a single agent or combined with androgen receptor pathway inhibitors for CRPC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixi Wang
- Department of Laboratory MedicineZhejiang University School of Medicine Second Affiliated HospitalHangzhouChina
| | - Piaoping Kong
- Department of Laboratory MedicineZhejiang University School of Medicine Second Affiliated HospitalHangzhouChina
| | - Kangle Feng
- Department of Laboratory MedicineZhejiang University School of Medicine Second Affiliated HospitalHangzhouChina
| | - Chunhua Liu
- Department of Blood TransfusionZhejiang University School of Medicine Second Affiliated HospitalHangzhouChina
| | - Xubo Gong
- Department of Laboratory MedicineZhejiang University School of Medicine Second Affiliated HospitalHangzhouChina
| | - Tao Sun
- Department of Laboratory MedicineZhejiang University School of Medicine Second Affiliated HospitalHangzhouChina
| | - Xiuzhi Duan
- Department of Laboratory MedicineZhejiang University School of Medicine Second Affiliated HospitalHangzhouChina
| | - Yiwen Sang
- Department of Laboratory MedicineZhejiang University School of Medicine Second Affiliated HospitalHangzhouChina
| | - Yu Jiang
- Department of Laboratory MedicineZhejiang University School of Medicine Second Affiliated HospitalHangzhouChina
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Laboratory MedicineZhejiang University School of Medicine Second Affiliated HospitalHangzhouChina
| | - Lingyu Zhang
- Department of Laboratory MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbuChina
| | - Zhihua Tao
- Department of Laboratory MedicineZhejiang University School of Medicine Second Affiliated HospitalHangzhouChina
| | - Weiwei Liu
- Department of Laboratory MedicineZhejiang University School of Medicine Second Affiliated HospitalHangzhouChina
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8
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Zamora I, Freeman MR, Encío IJ, Rotinen M. Targeting Key Players of Neuroendocrine Differentiation in Prostate Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13673. [PMID: 37761978 PMCID: PMC10531052 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is a highly aggressive subtype of prostate cancer (PC) that commonly emerges through a transdifferentiation process from prostate adenocarcinoma and evades conventional therapies. Extensive molecular research has revealed factors that drive lineage plasticity, uncovering novel therapeutic targets to be explored. A diverse array of targeting agents is currently under evaluation in pre-clinical and clinical studies with promising results in suppressing or reversing the neuroendocrine phenotype and inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis. This new knowledge has the potential to contribute to the development of novel therapeutic approaches that may enhance the clinical management and prognosis of this lethal disease. In the present review, we discuss molecular players involved in the neuroendocrine phenotype, and we explore therapeutic strategies that are currently under investigation for NEPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Zamora
- Department of Health Science, Public University of Navarre, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Michael R. Freeman
- Departments of Urology and Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ignacio J. Encío
- Department of Health Science, Public University of Navarre, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Navarre Institute for Health Research, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Mirja Rotinen
- Department of Health Science, Public University of Navarre, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Navarre Institute for Health Research, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
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9
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Bevere M, Masetto F, Carazzolo ME, Bettega A, Gkountakos A, Scarpa A, Simbolo M. An Overview of Circulating Biomarkers in Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: A Clinical Guide. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2820. [PMID: 37685358 PMCID: PMC10486716 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13172820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a heterogeneous group of diseases that are characterized by different behavior and clinical manifestations. The diagnosis and management of this group of tumors are challenging due to tumor complexity and lack of precise and widely validated biomarkers. Indeed, the current circulating mono-analyte biomarkers (such as chromogranin A) are ineffective in describing such complex tumors due to their poor sensitivity and specificity. In contrast, multi-analytical circulating biomarkers (including NETest) are emerging as more effective tools to determine the real-time profile of the disease, both in terms of accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. In this review, we will analyze the capabilities and limitations of different circulating biomarkers focusing on three relevant questions: (1) accurate and early diagnosis; (2) monitoring of disease progression and response to therapy; and (3) detection of early relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Bevere
- ARC-Net Research Center, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (M.B.); (F.M.); (A.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Francesca Masetto
- ARC-Net Research Center, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (M.B.); (F.M.); (A.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Maria Elena Carazzolo
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (M.E.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Alice Bettega
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (M.E.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Anastasios Gkountakos
- ARC-Net Research Center, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (M.B.); (F.M.); (A.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- ARC-Net Research Center, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (M.B.); (F.M.); (A.G.); (A.S.)
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (M.E.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Michele Simbolo
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (M.E.C.); (A.B.)
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10
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Gao K, Li X, Ni J, Wu B, Guo J, Zhang R, Wu G. Non-coding RNAs in enzalutamide resistance of castration-resistant prostate cancer. Cancer Lett 2023; 566:216247. [PMID: 37263338 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Enzalutamide (Enz) is a next-generation androgen receptor (AR) antagonist used to treat castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Unfortunately, the relapsing nature of CRPC results in the development of Enz resistance in many patients. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are RNA molecules that do not encode proteins, which include microRNAs (miRNA), long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and other ncRNAs with known and unknown functions. Recently, dysregulation of ncRNAs in CRPC, particularly their regulatory function in drug resistance, has attracted more and more attention. Herein, we introduce the roles of dysregulation of different ncRNAs subclasses in the development of CRPC progression and Enz resistance. Recently determined mechanisms of Enz resistance are discussed, focusing mainly on the role of AR-splice variant-7 (AR-V7), mutations, circRNAs and lncRNAs that act as miRNA sponges. Also, the contributions of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and glucose metabolism to Enz resistance are discussed. We summarize the different mechanisms of miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs in the progression of CRPC and Enz resistance, and highlight the prospect of future therapeutic strategies against Enz resistance.
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MESH Headings
- Male
- Humans
- Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant/drug therapy
- Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant/genetics
- Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant/metabolism
- Receptors, Androgen/genetics
- Receptors, Androgen/metabolism
- RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics
- RNA, Long Noncoding/therapeutic use
- RNA, Circular/genetics
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
- Nitriles
- Androgen Receptor Antagonists/therapeutic use
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- MicroRNAs/therapeutic use
- Cell Line, Tumor
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Gao
- Department of Urology, Xi'an People's Hospital(Xi'an Fourth Hospital), School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710199, China; The State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Xiaoshun Li
- Department of Urology, Xi'an People's Hospital(Xi'an Fourth Hospital), School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710199, China.
| | - Jianxin Ni
- Department of Urology, Xi'an People's Hospital(Xi'an Fourth Hospital), School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710199, China.
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of Urology, Xi'an People's Hospital(Xi'an Fourth Hospital), School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710199, China.
| | - Jiaheng Guo
- Department of Urology, Xi'an People's Hospital(Xi'an Fourth Hospital), School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710199, China; The State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Rui Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China; The State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Immunology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Guojun Wu
- Department of Urology, Xi'an People's Hospital(Xi'an Fourth Hospital), School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710199, China.
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11
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Zhang X, Barnett E, Smith J, Wilkinson E, Subramaniam RM, Zarrabi A, Rodger EJ, Chatterjee A. Genetic and epigenetic features of neuroendocrine prostate cancer and their emerging applications. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 383:41-66. [PMID: 38359970 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the second most prevalent cancer in men globally. De novo neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is uncommon at initial diagnosis, however, (treatment-induced) t-NEPC emerges in up to 25% of prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD) cases treated with androgen deprivation, carrying a drastically poor prognosis. The transition from PRAD to t-NEPC is underpinned by several key genetic mutations; TP53, RB1, and MYCN are the main genes implicated, bearing similarities to other neuroendocrine tumours. A broad range of epigenetic alterations, such as aberrations in DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, and non-coding RNAs, may drive lineage plasticity from PRAD to t-NEPC. The clinical diagnosis of NEPC is hampered by a lack of accessible biomarkers; recent advances in liquid biopsy techniques assessing circulating tumour cells and ctDNA in NEPC suggest that the advent of non-invasive means of monitoring progression to NEPC is on the horizon. Such techniques are vital for NEPC management; diagnosis of t-NEPC is crucial for implementing effective treatment, and precision medicine will be integral to providing the best outcomes for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xintong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Edward Barnett
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Jim Smith
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; Te Whatu Ora/Health New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Emma Wilkinson
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; Department of Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Rathan M Subramaniam
- Department of Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; Faculty of Medicine, Nursing, Midwifery and Health Sciences, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA, Australia; Department of Radiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Amir Zarrabi
- Te Whatu Ora/Health New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand; Precision Urology, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Euan J Rodger
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Aniruddha Chatterjee
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; Honorary Professor, School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES University, Dehradun, India.
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12
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Robinson H, Roberts MJ, Gardiner RA, Hill MM. Extracellular vesicles for precision medicine in prostate cancer - Is it ready for clinical translation? Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 89:18-29. [PMID: 36681206 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.01.003] [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: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Biofluid-based biomarker tests hold great promise for precision medicine in prostate cancer (PCa) clinical practice. Extracellular vesicles (EV) are established as intercellular messengers in cancer development with EV cargos, including protein and nucleic acids, having the potential to serve as biofluid-based biomarkers. Recent clinical studies have begun to evaluate EV-based biomarkers for PCa diagnosis, prognosis, and disease/therapy resistance monitoring. Promising results have led to PCa EV biomarker validation studies which are currently underway with the next challenge being translation to robust clinical assays. However, EV research studies generally use low throughput EV isolation methods and costly molecular profiling technologies that are not suitable for clinical assays. Here, we consider the technical hurdles in translating EV biomarker research findings into precise and cost-effective clinical biomarker assays. Novel microfluidic devices coupling EV extraction with sensitive antibody-based biomarker detection are already being explored for point-of-care applications for rapid provision in personalised medicine approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harley Robinson
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Matthew J Roberts
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Department of Urology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Robert A Gardiner
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Department of Urology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Michelle M Hill
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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13
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Jain G, Das P, Ranjan P, Neha, Valderrama F, Cieza-Borrella C. Urinary extracellular vesicles miRNA-A new era of prostate cancer biomarkers. Front Genet 2023; 14:1065757. [PMID: 36741322 PMCID: PMC9895092 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1065757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the second most common male cancer worldwide showing the highest rates of incidence in Western Europe. Although the measurement of serum prostate-specific antigen levels is the current gold standard in PCa diagnosis, PSA-based screening is not considered a reliable diagnosis and prognosis tool due to its lower sensitivity and poor predictive score which lead to a 22%-43% overdiagnosis, unnecessary biopsies, and over-treatment. These major limitations along with the heterogeneous nature of the disease have made PCa a very unappreciative subject for diagnostics, resulting in poor patient management; thus, it urges to identify and validate new reliable PCa biomarkers that can provide accurate information in regard to disease diagnosis and prognosis. Researchers have explored the analysis of microRNAs (miRNAs), messenger RNAs (mRNAs), small proteins, genomic rearrangements, and gene expression in body fluids and non-solid tissues in search of lesser invasive yet efficient PCa biomarkers. Although the presence of miRNAs in body fluids like blood, urine, and saliva initially sparked great interest among the scientific community; their potential use as liquid biopsy biomarkers in PCa is still at a very nascent stage with respect to other well-established diagnostics and prognosis tools. Up to date, numerous studies have been conducted in search of PCa miRNA-based biomarkers in whole blood or blood serum; however, only a few studies have investigated their presence in urine samples of which less than two tens involve the detection of miRNAs in extracellular vesicles isolated from urine. In addition, there exists some discrepancy around the identification of miRNAs in PCa urine samples due to the diversity of the urine fractions that can be targeted for analysis such as urine circulating cells, cell-free fractions, and exosomes. In this review, we aim to discuss research output from the most recent studies involving the analysis of urinary EVs for the identification of miRNA-based PCa-specific biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garima Jain
- Centre for Genetic Disorders, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India,*Correspondence: Garima Jain, ; Clara Cieza-Borrella,
| | - Parimal Das
- Centre for Genetic Disorders, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Prashant Ranjan
- Centre for Genetic Disorders, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Neha
- Centre for Genetic Disorders, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Ferran Valderrama
- Centre for Biomedical Education, Cell Biology and Genetics Research Centre, St. George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Clara Cieza-Borrella
- Centre for Biomedical Education, Cell Biology and Genetics Research Centre, St. George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Garima Jain, ; Clara Cieza-Borrella,
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14
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Urabe F, Yamamoto Y, Kimura T. miRNAs in prostate cancer: Intercellular and extracellular communications. Int J Urol 2022; 29:1429-1438. [PMID: 36122303 DOI: 10.1111/iju.15043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most prevalent male cancer in Western Europe and North America. Although new drugs were recently approved, clinical challenges such as accurately predicting and screening drug-resistant prostate cancer remain. microRNAs are short noncoding RNA molecules that participate in gene regulation at the post-transcriptional level by targeting messenger RNAs. There is accumulating evidence that intracellular microRNAs play important roles as promoters or inhibitors of prostate cancer progression. Additionally, recent studies showed that microRNAs are encapsulated in extracellular vesicles and shuttled into the extracellular space. Transfer of extracellular microRNAs contributes to intercellular communication between prostate cancer cells and components of the tumor microenvironment, which can promote prostate cancer progression. Furthermore, due to their encapsulation in extracellular vesicles, extracellular microRNAs can be stably present in body fluids which contain high levels of RNase. Thus, circulating microRNAs have great potential as noninvasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for prostate cancer. Here, we summarize the roles of intracellular and extracellular microRNAs in prostate cancer progression and discuss the potential of microRNA-based therapeutics as a novel treatment strategy for prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumihiko Urabe
- Department of Urology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Laboratory of Integrative Oncology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Yamamoto
- Laboratory of Integrative Oncology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kimura
- Department of Urology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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15
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Gan J, Liu S, Zhang Y, He L, Bai L, Liao R, Zhao J, Guo M, Jiang W, Li J, Li Q, Mu G, Wu Y, Wang X, Zhang X, Zhou D, Lv H, Wang Z, Zhang Y, Qian C, Feng M, Chen H, Meng Q, Huang X. MicroRNA-375 is a therapeutic target for castration-resistant prostate cancer through the PTPN4/STAT3 axis. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:1290-1305. [PMID: 36042375 PMCID: PMC9440249 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00837-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The functional role of microRNA-375 (miR-375) in the development of prostate cancer (PCa) remains controversial. Previously, we found that plasma exosomal miR-375 is significantly elevated in castration-resistant PCa (CRPC) patients compared with castration-sensitive PCa patients. Here, we aimed to determine how miR-375 modulates CRPC progression and thereafter to evaluate the therapeutic potential of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (hucMSC)-derived exosomes loaded with miR-375 antisense oligonucleotides (e-375i). We used miRNA in situ hybridization technique to evaluate miR-375 expression in PCa tissues, gain- and loss-of-function experiments to determine miR-375 function, and bioinformatic methods, dual-luciferase reporter assay, qPCR, IHC and western blotting to determine and validate the target as well as the effects of miR-375 at the molecular level. Then, e-375i complexes were assessed for their antagonizing effects against miR-375. We found that the expression of miR-375 was elevated in PCa tissues and cancer exosomes, correlating with the Gleason score. Forced expression of miR-375 enhanced the expression of EMT markers and AR but suppressed apoptosis markers, leading to enhanced proliferation, migration, invasion, and enzalutamide resistance and decreased apoptosis of PCa cells. These effects could be reversed by miR-375 silencing. Mechanistically, miR-375 directly interfered with the expression of phosphatase nonreceptor type 4 (PTPN4), which in turn stabilized phosphorylated STAT3. Application of e-375i could inhibit miR-375, upregulate PTPN4 and downregulate p-STAT3, eventually repressing the growth of PCa. Collectively, we identified a novel miR-375 target, PTPN4, that functions upstream of STAT3, and targeting miR-375 may be an alternative therapeutic for PCa, especially for CRPC with high AR levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junqing Gan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Shan Liu
- Biotherapy Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Liangzi He
- Department of Anesthesiology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Lu Bai
- Biotherapy Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Ran Liao
- Biotherapy Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Juan Zhao
- Biotherapy Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Madi Guo
- Biotherapy Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Biotherapy Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Jiade Li
- Biotherapy Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Qi Li
- Biotherapy Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Guannan Mu
- Biotherapy Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Yangjiazi Wu
- Biotherapy Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Xinling Wang
- Biotherapy Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Xingli Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Dan Zhou
- Biotherapy Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Huimin Lv
- Biotherapy Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Zhengfeng Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Yanqiao Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Cheng Qian
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - MeiYan Feng
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Urologic Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Qingwei Meng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Xiaoyi Huang
- Biotherapy Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cell Transplantation, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China.
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16
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Zhou H, He Q, Li C, Alsharafi BLM, Deng L, Long Z, Gan Y. Focus on the tumor microenvironment: A seedbed for neuroendocrine prostate cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:955669. [PMID: 35938167 PMCID: PMC9355504 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.955669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a microecology consisting of tumor and mesenchymal cells and extracellular matrices. The TME plays important regulatory roles in tumor proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and differentiation. Neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) is a mechanism by which castration resistance develops in advanced prostate cancer (PCa). NED is induced after androgen deprivation therapy and neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is established finally. NEPC has poor prognosis and short overall survival and is a major cause of death in patients with PCa. Both the cellular and non-cellular components of the TME regulate and induce NEPC formation through various pathways. Insights into the roles of the TME in NEPC evolution, growth, and progression have increased over the past few years. These novel insights will help refine the NEPC formation model and lay the foundation for the discovery of new NEPC therapies targeting the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengfeng Zhou
- Andrology Center, Department of Urology, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qiangrong He
- Andrology Center, Department of Urology, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chao Li
- Andrology Center, Department of Urology, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | | | - Liang Deng
- Andrology Center, Department of Urology, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhi Long
- Andrology Center, Department of Urology, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Zhi Long, ; Yu Gan,
| | - Yu Gan
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Zhi Long, ; Yu Gan,
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17
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BOZGEYIK E, CEYLAN O. Distinct expression signatures of miR-130a, miR-301a, miR-454 in formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue samples of prostate cancer patients. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 234:153897. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.153897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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18
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Role of MicroRNAs in Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer. Noncoding RNA 2022; 8:ncrna8020025. [PMID: 35447888 PMCID: PMC9029336 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna8020025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapy-induced neuroendocrine prostate cancer (t-NEPC/NEPC) is an aggressive variant of prostate cancer (PCa) that frequently emerges in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) under the selective pressure of androgen receptor (AR)-targeted therapies. This variant is extremely aggressive, metastasizes to visceral organs, tissues, and bones despite low serum PSA, and is associated with poor survival rates. It arises via a reversible trans-differentiation process, referred to as ‘neuroendocrine differentiation’ (NED), wherein PCa cells undergo a lineage switch and exhibit neuroendocrine features, characterized by the expression of neuronal markers such as enolase 2 (ENO2), chromogranin A (CHGA), and synaptophysin (SYP). The molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying NED in PCa are complex and not clearly understood, which contributes to a lack of effective molecular biomarkers for diagnosis and therapy of this variant. NEPC is thought to derive from prostate adenocarcinomas by clonal evolution. A characteristic set of genetic alterations, such as dual loss of retinoblastoma (RB1) and tumor protein (TP53) tumor suppressor genes and amplifications of Aurora kinase A (AURKA), NMYC, and EZH2, has been reported to drive NEPC. Recent evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) are important epigenetic players in driving NED in advanced PCa. In this review, we highlight the role of miRNAs in NEPC. These studies emphasize the diverse role that miRNAs play as oncogenes and tumor suppressors in driving NEPC. These studies have unveiled the important role of cellular processes such as the EMT and cancer stemness in determining NED in PCa. Furthermore, miRNAs are involved in intercellular communication between tumor cells and stromal cells via extracellular vesicles/exosomes that contribute to lineage switching. Recent studies support the promising potential of miRNAs as novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for NEPC.
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19
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Merkens L, Sailer V, Lessel D, Janzen E, Greimeier S, Kirfel J, Perner S, Pantel K, Werner S, von Amsberg G. Aggressive variants of prostate cancer: underlying mechanisms of neuroendocrine transdifferentiation. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2022; 41:46. [PMID: 35109899 PMCID: PMC8808994 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02255-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is a hormone-driven disease and its tumor cell growth highly relies on increased androgen receptor (AR) signaling. Therefore, targeted therapy directed against androgen synthesis or AR activation is broadly used and continually improved. However, a subset of patients eventually progresses to castration-resistant disease. To date, various mechanisms of resistance have been identified including the development of AR-independent aggressive variant prostate cancer based on neuroendocrine transdifferentiation (NED). Here, we review the highly complex processes contributing to NED. Genetic, epigenetic, transcriptional aberrations and posttranscriptional modifications are highlighted and the potential interplay of the different factors is discussed. Background Aggressive variant prostate cancer (AVPC) with traits of neuroendocrine differentiation emerges in a rising number of patients in recent years. Among others, advanced therapies targeting the androgen receptor axis have been considered causative for this development. Cell growth of AVPC often occurs completely independent of the androgen receptor signal transduction pathway and cells have mostly lost the typical cellular features of prostate adenocarcinoma. This complicates both diagnosis and treatment of this very aggressive disease. We believe that a deeper understanding of the complex molecular pathological mechanisms contributing to transdifferentiation will help to improve diagnostic procedures and develop effective treatment strategies. Indeed, in recent years, many scientists have made important contributions to unravel possible causes and mechanisms in the context of neuroendocrine transdifferentiation. However, the complexity of the diverse molecular pathways has not been captured completely, yet. This narrative review comprehensively highlights the individual steps of neuroendocrine transdifferentiation and makes an important contribution in bringing together the results found so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Merkens
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Verena Sailer
- Institute of Pathology, University of Luebeck and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Davor Lessel
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ella Janzen
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Greimeier
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jutta Kirfel
- Institute of Pathology, University of Luebeck and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Sven Perner
- Institute of Pathology, University of Luebeck and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Luebeck, Germany.,Pathology, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
| | - Klaus Pantel
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.,European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Werner
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.,Mildred Scheel Cancer Career Center Hamburg HaTRiCs4, University Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gunhild von Amsberg
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.,Martini-Klinik, Prostate Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
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20
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Slabáková E, Kahounová Z, Procházková J, Souček K. Regulation of Neuroendocrine-like Differentiation in Prostate Cancer by Non-Coding RNAs. Noncoding RNA 2021; 7:ncrna7040075. [PMID: 34940756 PMCID: PMC8704250 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna7040075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) represents a variant of prostate cancer that occurs in response to treatment resistance or, to a much lesser extent, de novo. Unravelling the molecular mechanisms behind transdifferentiation of cancer cells to neuroendocrine-like cancer cells is essential for development of new treatment opportunities. This review focuses on summarizing the role of small molecules, predominantly microRNAs, in this phenomenon. A published literature search was performed to identify microRNAs, which are reported and experimentally validated to modulate neuroendocrine markers and/or regulators and to affect the complex neuroendocrine phenotype. Next, available patients’ expression datasets were surveyed to identify deregulated microRNAs, and their effect on NEPC and prostate cancer progression is summarized. Finally, possibilities of miRNA detection and quantification in body fluids of prostate cancer patients and their possible use as liquid biopsy in prostate cancer monitoring are discussed. All the addressed clinical and experimental contexts point to an association of NEPC with upregulation of miR-375 and downregulation of miR-34a and miR-19b-3p. Together, this review provides an overview of different roles of non-coding RNAs in the emergence of neuroendocrine prostate cancer.
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21
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Interplay of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 in Prostate Cancer: Beyond Androgen Receptor Transactivation. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143452. [PMID: 34298665 PMCID: PMC8307975 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common cancers in the world and causes thousands of deaths every year. Conventional therapy for PCa includes surgery and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). However, about 10-20% of all PCa cases relapse; there is also the further development of castration resistant adenocarcinoma (CRPC-Adeno) or neuroendocrine (NE) PCa (CRPC-NE). Due to their androgen-insensitive properties, both CRPC-Adeno and CRPC-NE have limited therapeutic options. Accordingly, this study reveals the inductive mechanisms of CRPC (for both CRPC-Adeno and CRPC-NE) and fulfils an urgent need for the treatment of PCa patients. Although previous studies have illustrated the emerging roles of epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR), signal transducer, and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling in the development of CRPC, the regulatory mechanisms of this interaction between EGFR and STAT3 is still unclear. Our recent studies have shown that crosstalk between EGFR and STAT3 is critical for NE differentiation of PCa. In this review, we have collected recent findings with regard to the involvement of EGFR and STAT3 in malignancy progression and discussed their interactions during the development of therapeutic resistance for PCa.
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22
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Guerriero I, Ramberg H, Sagini K, Ramirez-Garrastacho M, Taskén KA, Llorente A. Implication of β2-adrenergic receptor and miR-196a correlation in neurite outgrowth of LNCaP prostate cancer cells. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253828. [PMID: 34191854 PMCID: PMC8244869 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The β2-adrenergic receptor has been shown to be involved in neuroendocrine differentiation and to contribute to the development of aggressive prostate cancer. In this study we have investigated whether miR-196a plays a role in the regulation of the β2-adrenergic receptor in the LNCaP prostate cancer cell line. Our results show that the expression of miR-196a is elevated in LNCaP prostate cancer cells with reduced levels of β2-adrenergic receptor after stably transfection with three different shRNAs. Furthermore, treatment with β-blockers showed that this upregulation is strictly related to the low levels of β2-adrenergic receptor and not to the inhibition of the receptor signaling activity. Finally, we found that the reduced ability of LNCaP cells with low levels of β2-adrenergic receptor to initiate neuroendocrine differentiation under androgen depletion conditions is mediated by miR-196a. In conclusion, this study provides the rational for a role of miR-196a in the β2-adrenergic receptor mediated neuroendocrine differentiation of LNCaP prostate cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Guerriero
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Biogem, Istituto di Biologia e Genetica Molecolare, Ariano Irpino, Avellino, Italy
| | - Håkon Ramberg
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Krizia Sagini
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Manuel Ramirez-Garrastacho
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristin A. Taskén
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Alicia Llorente
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Mechanical, Electronics and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Art and Design, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
- * E-mail:
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23
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Feng Y, Li Y, Zhang Y, Zhang BH, Zhao H, Zhao X, Shi FD, Jin WN, Zhang XA. miR-1224 contributes to ischemic stroke-mediated natural killer cell dysfunction by targeting Sp1 signaling. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:133. [PMID: 34118948 PMCID: PMC8196447 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02181-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain ischemia compromises natural killer (NK) cell-mediated immune defenses by acting on neurogenic and intracellular pathways. Less is known about the posttranscriptional mechanisms that regulate NK cell activation and cytotoxicity after ischemic stroke. METHODS Using a NanoString nCounter® miRNA array panel, we explored the microRNA (miRNA) profile of splenic NK cells in mice subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion. Differential gene expression and function/pathway analysis were applied to investigate the main functions of predicted miRNA target genes. miR-1224 inhibitor/mimics transfection and passive transfer of NK cells were performed to confirm the impact of miR-1224 in NK cells after brain ischemia. RESULTS We observed striking dysregulation of several miRNAs in response to ischemia. Among those miRNAs, miR-1224 markedly increased 3 days after ischemic stroke. Transfection of miR-1224 mimics into NK cells resulted in suppression of NK cell activity, while an miR-1224 inhibitor enhanced NK cell activity and cytotoxicity, especially in the periphery. Passive transfer of NK cells treated with an miR-1224 inhibitor prevented the accumulation of a bacterial burden in the lungs after ischemic stroke, suggesting an enhanced immune defense of NK cells. The transcription factor Sp1, which controls cytokine/chemokine release by NK cells at the transcriptional level, is a predicted target of miR-1224. The inhibitory effect of miR-1224 on NK cell activity was blocked in Sp1 knockout mice. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that miR-1224 may serve as a negative regulator of NK cell activation in an Sp1-dependent manner; this mechanism may be a novel target to prevent poststroke infection specifically in the periphery and preserve immune defense in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Feng
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Bo-Hao Zhang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 7 Kangfu front ST, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 7 Kangfu front ST, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Fu-Dong Shi
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei-Na Jin
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiao-An Zhang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 7 Kangfu front ST, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, China.
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24
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Martínez-González LJ, Sánchez-Conde V, González-Cabezuelo JM, Antunez-Rodríguez A, Andrés-León E, Robles-Fernandez I, Lorente JA, Vázquez-Alonso F, Alvarez-Cubero MJ. Identification of MicroRNAs as Viable Aggressiveness Biomarkers for Prostate Cancer. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9060646. [PMID: 34198846 PMCID: PMC8227559 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9060646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
MiRNAs play a relevant role in PC (prostate cancer) by the regulation in the expression of several pathways’ AR (androgen receptor), cellular cycle, apoptosis, MET (mesenchymal epithelium transition), or metastasis. Here, we report the role of several miRNAs’ expression patterns, such as miR-93-5p, miR-23c, miR-210-3p, miR-221-3p, miR-592, miR-141, miR-375, and miR-130b, with relevance in processes like cell proliferation and MET. Using Trizol® extraction protocol and TaqMan™ specific probes for amplification, we performed miRNAs’ analysis of 159 PC fresh tissues and 60 plasmas from peripheral blood samples. We had clinical data from all samples including PSA, Gleason, TNM, and D’Amico risk. Moreover, a bioinformatic analysis in TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) was included to analyze the effect of the most relevant miRNAs according to aggressiveness in an extensive cohort (n = 531). We found that miR-210-3p, miR-23c, miR-592, and miR-93-5p are the most suitable biomarkers for PC aggressiveness and diagnosis, respectively. In fact, according with our results, miR-93-5p seems the most promising non-invasive biomarker for PC. To sum up, miR-210-3p, miR-23c, miR-592, and miR-93-5p miRNAs are suggested to be potential biomarkers for PC risk stratification that could be included in non-invasive strategies such as liquid biopsy in precision medicine for PC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Javier Martínez-González
- GENYO. Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer, University of Granada, Andalusian Regional Government, Genomics Unit, PTS Granada-Avenida de la Ilustración, 114-18016 Granada, Spain;
- Correspondence: author: (L.J.M.-G.); (M.J.A.-C.); Tel.: +34-958-715-500 (ext. 108) (L.J.M.-G.); +34-958-248-945 (M.J.A.-C.); Fax: +34-958-637-071 (L.J.M.-G.)
| | - Victor Sánchez-Conde
- Urology Department, Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain; (V.S.-C.); (F.V.-A.)
| | | | - Alba Antunez-Rodríguez
- GENYO. Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer, University of Granada, Andalusian Regional Government, Genomics Unit, PTS Granada-Avenida de la Ilustración, 114-18016 Granada, Spain;
| | - Eduardo Andrés-León
- Bioinformatics Unit, Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine “López-Neyra” (IPBLN), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 18016 Granada, Spain;
| | - Inmaculada Robles-Fernandez
- GENYO. Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer, University of Granada, Andalusian Regional Government, Liquid Biopsy and Cancer Interception Group, PTS Granada, 114-18016 Granada, Spain; (I.R.-F.); (J.A.L.)
| | - Jose Antonio Lorente
- GENYO. Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer, University of Granada, Andalusian Regional Government, Liquid Biopsy and Cancer Interception Group, PTS Granada, 114-18016 Granada, Spain; (I.R.-F.); (J.A.L.)
- University of Granada, Legal Medicine and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Fernando Vázquez-Alonso
- Urology Department, Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain; (V.S.-C.); (F.V.-A.)
| | - María Jesus Alvarez-Cubero
- GENYO. Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer, University of Granada, Andalusian Regional Government, Liquid Biopsy and Cancer Interception Group, PTS Granada, 114-18016 Granada, Spain; (I.R.-F.); (J.A.L.)
- University of Granada, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology III, Faculty of Medicine, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Nutrition, Diet and Risk Assessment Group, Bio-Health Research Institute (ibs.GRANADA Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria), 18014 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence: author: (L.J.M.-G.); (M.J.A.-C.); Tel.: +34-958-715-500 (ext. 108) (L.J.M.-G.); +34-958-248-945 (M.J.A.-C.); Fax: +34-958-637-071 (L.J.M.-G.)
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25
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Doldi V, El Bezawy R, Zaffaroni N. MicroRNAs as Epigenetic Determinants of Treatment Response and Potential Therapeutic Targets in Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2380. [PMID: 34069147 PMCID: PMC8156532 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common tumor in men worldwide, and the fifth leading cause of male cancer-related deaths in western countries. PC is a very heterogeneous disease, meaning that optimal clinical management of individual patients is challenging. Depending on disease grade and stage, patients can be followed in active surveillance protocols or undergo surgery, radiotherapy, hormonal therapy, and chemotherapy. Although therapeutic advancements exist in both radiatiotherapy and chemotherapy, in a considerable proportion of patients, the treatment remains unsuccessful, mainly due to tumor poor responsiveness and/or recurrence and metastasis. microRNAs (miRNAs), small noncoding RNAs that epigenetically regulate gene expression, are essential actors in multiple tumor-related processes, including apoptosis, cell growth and proliferation, autophagy, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, invasion, and metastasis. Given that these processes are deeply involved in cell response to anti-cancer treatments, miRNAs have been considered as key determinants of tumor treatment response. In this review, we provide an overview on main PCa-related miRNAs and describe the biological mechanisms by which specific miRNAs concur to determine PCa response to radiation and drug therapy. Additionally, we illustrate whether miRNAs can be considered novel therapeutic targets or tools on the basis of the consequences of their expression modulation in PCa experimental models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nadia Zaffaroni
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (V.D.); (R.E.B.)
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26
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Novel, non-invasive markers for detecting therapy induced neuroendocrine differentiation in castration-resistant prostate cancer patients. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8279. [PMID: 33859239 PMCID: PMC8050049 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87441-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), a highly aggressive variant of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), often emerges upon treatment with androgen pathway inhibitors, via neuroendocrine differentiation. Currently, NEPC diagnosis is challenging as available markers are not sufficiently specific. Our objective was to identify novel, extracellular vesicles (EV)-based biomarkers for diagnosing NEPC. Towards this, we performed small RNA next generation sequencing in serum EVs isolated from a cohort of CRPC patients with adenocarcinoma characteristics (CRPC-Adeno) vs CRPC-NE and identified significant dysregulation of 182 known and 4 novel miRNAs. We employed machine learning algorithms to develop an 'EV-miRNA classifier' that could robustly stratify 'CRPC-NE' from 'CRPC-Adeno'. Examination of protein repertoire of exosomes from NEPC cellular models by mass spectrometry identified thrombospondin 1 (TSP1) as a specific biomarker. In view of our results, we propose that a miRNA panel and TSP1 can be used as novel, non-invasive tools to identify NEPC and guide treatment decisions. In conclusion, our study identifies for the first time, novel non-invasive exosomal/extracellular vesicle based biomarkers for detecting neuroendocrine differentiation in advanced castration resistant prostate cancer patients with important translational implications in clinical management of these patients that is currently extremely challenging.
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27
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Javed Z, Khan K, Rasheed A, Sadia H, Shahwani MN, Irshad A, Raza S, Salehi B, Sharifi-Rad J, Suleria HAR, Cruz-Martins N, Quispe C. Targeting androgen receptor signaling with MicroRNAs and Curcumin: a promising therapeutic approach for Prostate Cancer Prevention and intervention. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:77. [PMID: 33499881 PMCID: PMC7836194 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01777-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PC) is a multifactorial disease characterized by the abrogation of androgen receptor signaling. Advancement in microbiology techniques has highlighted the significant role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the progression of PC cells from an androgen-dependent to an androgen-independent state. At that stage, prostate tumors also fail to respond to currently practiced hormone therapies. So, studies in recent decades are focused on investigating the anti-tumor effects of natural compounds in PC. Curcumin is widely recognized and now of huge prestige for its anti-proliferative abilities in different types of cancer. However, its limited solubility, compatibility, and instability in the aqueous phase are major hurdles when administering. Nanoformulations have proven to be an excellent drug delivery system for various drugs and can be used as potential delivery platforms for curcumin in PC. In this review, a shed light is given on the miRNAs-mediated regulation of androgen receptor (AR) signaling and miRNA-curcumin interplay in PC, as well as on curcumin-based nanoformulations that can be used as possible therapeutic solutions for PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeeshan Javed
- Office for Research Innovation and Commercialization, Lahore Garrison University, DHA, Sector-C, Phase VI, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Khushbukhat Khan
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), 44000, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Amna Rasheed
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, 730000, Lanzhou, PR China
| | - Haleema Sadia
- Department of Biotechnology, Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences, Quetta, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Naeem Shahwani
- Department of Biotechnology, Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences, Quetta, Pakistan
| | - Asma Irshad
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Management Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Shahid Raza
- Office for Research Innovation and Commercialization, Lahore Garrison University, DHA, Sector-C, Phase VI, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Bahare Salehi
- Medical Ethics and Law Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Javad Sharifi-Rad
- Phytochemistry Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del Azuay, Cuenca, Ecuador.
| | - Hafiz A R Suleria
- School of Agriculture and Food, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, 3010, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Natália Cruz-Martins
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal. .,Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal. .,Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Cristina Quispe
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Avda. Arturo Prat 2120, 1110939, Iquique, Chile.
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28
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Akoto T, Bhagirath D, Saini S. MicroRNAs in treatment-induced neuroendocrine differentiation in prostate cancer. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2020; 3:804-818. [PMID: 33426506 PMCID: PMC7793563 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2020.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is a condition commonly associated with men worldwide. Androgen deprivation therapy remains one of the targeted therapies. However, after some years, there is biochemical recurrence and metastatic progression into castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). CRPC cases are treated with second-line androgen deprivation therapy, after which, these CRPCs transdifferentiate to form neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), a highly aggressive variant of CRPC. NEPC arises via a reversible transdifferentiation process, known as neuroendocrine differentiation (NED), which is associated with altered expression of lineage markers such as decreased expression of androgen receptor and increased expression of neuroendocrine lineage markers including enolase 2, chromogranin A and synaptophysin. The etiological factors and molecular basis for NED are poorly understood, contributing to a lack of adequate molecular biomarkers for its diagnosis and therapy. Therefore, there is a need to fully understand the underlying molecular basis for this cancer. Recent studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a key epigenetic role in driving therapy-induced NED in prostate cancer. In this review, we briefly describe the role of miRNAs in prostate cancer and CRPCs, discuss some key players in NEPCs and elaborate on miRNA dysregulation as a key epigenetic process that accompanies therapy-induced NED in metastatic CRPC. This understanding will contribute to better clinical management of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Akoto
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Divya Bhagirath
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Sharanjot Saini
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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