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Ma L, Yin Y, Yu Z, Xu N, Ma L, Qiao W, Zhen X, Yang F, Zhang N, Yu Y. Toll-like receptor 6 inhibits colorectal cancer progression by suppressing NF-κB signaling. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26984. [PMID: 38509947 PMCID: PMC10951511 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26984] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of inflammation-associated cancers, except their role in regulating innate immunity. Specifically, a berrant expression of TLR6 has been observed in colorectal cancers (CRC). However, the effect of abnormal TLR6 expression on CRC remians unclear. Therefore, the present study evaluated TLR6 expression in CRC, its effect on CRC proliferation, and its underlying mechanism. Methods The expression of TLR6 in CRC was assessed using data from TCGA, GTEx, and HPA datasets and immunohistochemical assays of tumor tissues from patients with CRC. In human CRC cell lines, TLR6 signaling was activated using the TLR6 agonist Pam2CSK4 and was blocked using antiTLR6-IgG; subsequently, cell growth, migration, invasion, cell cycle, and apoptosis were compared in CRC cells. The levels of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and the apoptotic protein Bax were identified using western blotting. In addition, the effect of TLR6 knockdown by shRNAs in CRC cells was observed both in vitro and in vivo. Nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) level was evaluated using immunofluorescence and western bolt. Results TLR6 expression was significantly downregulated in CRC tissues. The activation of TLR6 by Pam2CSK4 (100 pg/mL to 10 ng/mL) inhibited the proliferation of CRC cells. Compared with blocking TLR6 signaling using antiTLR6-IgG, activating TLR6 signaling significantly inhibited CRC cell growth, migration, and invasion as well as decreased the proportion of cells in the S and G2/M phases and promoted apoptosis. Furthermore, the knockdown of TLR6 by shRNA promoted the biological activity of CRC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the activation of TLR6 signaling by Pam2CSK4 significantly downregulated NF-κB and Bcl-2 levels but upregulated Bax levels. Conclusion The findings of this study demonstrate that TLR6 may play a inhibitive role in CRC tumorigenesis by suppressing the activity of NF-κB signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Ma
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua West Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
- Department of Diagnostics, The Second School of Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Road, Laishan, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China
| | - Yancun Yin
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Road, Laishan, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China
| | - Zhenhai Yu
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Road, Laishan, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China
| | - Ning Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, 717 Jinbu Street, Yantai, Shandong, 264100, China
| | - Lianhuan Ma
- Department of Diagnostics, The Second School of Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Road, Laishan, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China
| | - Weiwei Qiao
- Department of Diagnostics, The Second School of Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Road, Laishan, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China
| | - Xiaowen Zhen
- Department of Diagnostics, The Second School of Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Road, Laishan, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Diagnostics, The Second School of Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Road, Laishan, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China
| | - Naili Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Road, Laishan, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China
| | - Yue Yu
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua West Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
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2
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Lundy J. A Humanized Patient-Derived Xenograft Model for Pancreatic Cancer. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2806:91-100. [PMID: 38676798 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3858-3_8] [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] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is associated with a high mortality rate, and there are still very few effective treatment options. Patient-derived xenografts have proven to be invaluable preclinical disease models to study cancer biology and facilitate testing of novel therapeutics. However, the severely immune-deficient mice used to generate standard models lack any functional immune system, thereby limiting their utility as a tool to investigate the tumor-immune cell interface. This chapter will outline a method for establishment of "humanized" patient-derived xenografts, which are reconstituted with human immune cells to imitate the immune-rich microenvironment of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Lundy
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Molecular Translational Science, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
- Peninsula Clinical School, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
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Aslani S, Saad MI. Patient-Derived Xenograft Models in Cancer Research: Methodology, Applications, and Future Prospects. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2806:9-18. [PMID: 38676792 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3858-3_2] [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] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) have emerged as a pivotal tool in translational cancer research, addressing limitations of traditional methods and facilitating improved therapeutic interventions. These models involve engrafting human primary malignant cells or tissues into immunodeficient mice, allowing for the investigation of cancer mechanobiology, validation of therapeutic targets, and preclinical assessment of treatment strategies. This chapter provides an overview of PDXs methodology and their applications in both basic cancer research and preclinical studies. Despite current limitations, ongoing advancements in humanized xenochimeric models and autologous immune cell engraftment hold promise for enhancing PDX model accuracy and relevance. As PDX models continue to refine and extend their applications, they are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of translational cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Aslani
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Mohamed I Saad
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
- South Australian immunoGENomics Cancer Institute (SAiGENCI), University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
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4
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Cossu C, Di Lorenzo A, Fiorilla I, Todesco AM, Audrito V, Conti L. The Role of the Toll-like Receptor 2 and the cGAS-STING Pathways in Breast Cancer: Friends or Foes? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:456. [PMID: 38203626 PMCID: PMC10778705 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010456] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer stands as a primary malignancy among women, ranking second in global cancer-related deaths. Despite treatment advancements, many patients progress to metastatic stages, posing a significant therapeutic challenge. Current therapies primarily target cancer cells, overlooking their intricate interactions with the tumor microenvironment (TME) that fuel progression and treatment resistance. Dysregulated innate immunity in breast cancer triggers chronic inflammation, fostering cancer development and therapy resistance. Innate immune pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) have emerged as crucial regulators of the immune response as well as of several immune-mediated or cancer cell-intrinsic mechanisms that either inhibit or promote tumor progression. In particular, several studies showed that the Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathways play a central role in breast cancer progression. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the role of TLR2 and STING in breast cancer, and we explore the potential to target these PRRs for drug development. This information will significantly impact the scientific discussion on the use of PRR agonists or inhibitors in cancer therapy, opening up new and promising avenues for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Cossu
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences–Molecular Biotechnology Center “Guido Tarone”, University of Turin, Piazza Nizza 44, 10126 Turin, Italy; (C.C.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Antonino Di Lorenzo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences–Molecular Biotechnology Center “Guido Tarone”, University of Turin, Piazza Nizza 44, 10126 Turin, Italy; (C.C.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Irene Fiorilla
- Department of Science and Technological Innovation (DISIT), University of Eastern Piedmont, 15121 Alessandria, Italy; (I.F.); (A.M.T.); (V.A.)
| | - Alberto Maria Todesco
- Department of Science and Technological Innovation (DISIT), University of Eastern Piedmont, 15121 Alessandria, Italy; (I.F.); (A.M.T.); (V.A.)
| | - Valentina Audrito
- Department of Science and Technological Innovation (DISIT), University of Eastern Piedmont, 15121 Alessandria, Italy; (I.F.); (A.M.T.); (V.A.)
| | - Laura Conti
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences–Molecular Biotechnology Center “Guido Tarone”, University of Turin, Piazza Nizza 44, 10126 Turin, Italy; (C.C.); (A.D.L.)
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Jin C, Zong Y. The role of hyaluronan in renal cell carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1127828. [PMID: 36936902 PMCID: PMC10019822 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1127828] [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: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is associated with high mortality rates worldwide and survival among RCC patients has not improved significantly in the past few years. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of RCC can enable the development of more effective therapeutic strategies against RCC. Hyaluronan (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan located in the extracellular matrix (ECM) that has several roles in biology, medicine, and physiological processes, such as tissue homeostasis and angiogenesis. Dysregulated HA and its receptors play important roles in fundamental cellular and molecular biology processes such as cell signaling, immune modulation, tumor progression and angiogenesis. There is emerging evidence that alterations in the production of HA regulate RCC development, thereby acting as important biomarkers as well as specific therapeutic targets. Therefore, targeting HA or combining it with other therapies are promising therapeutic strategies. In this Review, we summarize the available data on the role of abnormal regulation of HA and speculate on its potential as a therapeutic target against RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenchen Jin
- Zhejiang Academy of Science & Technology for Inspection & Quarantine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yunfeng Zong
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- *Correspondence: Yunfeng Zong,
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Li S, Li F, Xu L, Liu X, Zhu X, Gao W, Shen X. TLR2 agonist promotes myeloid-derived suppressor cell polarization via Runx1 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 111:109168. [PMID: 35998504 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play a critical role in maintaining the tumor immune microenvironment; thus, the promotion of MDSC polarization will improve immunotherapies for cancers. However, the mechanisms involved in controlling MDSC polarization in hepatocellular carcinoma remain largely unclear. In this study, we found that injection of Pam3CSK4 attenuated the process of tumor growth, along with reduction of MDSC and recovery of T cell function. Moreover, Pam3CSK4 promoted MDSC polarization by targeting Runx1. Runx1 inhibitor reversed the therapeutic effect of Pam3CSK4 by increasing tumor size and weight and decreasing the survival rate of tumor mice. In addition, targeting Runx1 reduced the expression of CD11c, F4/80, CD80/CD86 and MHC-II in MDSC after Pam3CSK4 stimulation in vivo and in vitro. MDSC also exhibited consistent changes with increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production after Pam3CSK4 and Ro5-3335 treatment. RNA sequence data revealed that tfrc, steap3, and gclm were up-regulated in the Pam3CSK4/Ro5-3335 group compared with Pam3CSK4 treatment alone, suggesting that the regulatory effect of TLR2 and Runx1 on MDSC might act through the ferroptosis pathway. Overall, our study has identified a critical role for TLR2 and Runx1 in regulating the differentiation and function of MDSCs and has provided a new mechanism of controlling MDSC polarization during HCC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinan Li
- Institute for Translation Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China; Institute for Translation Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Fujie Li
- Institute for Translation Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Lijie Xu
- Institute for Translation Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Xinying Liu
- Institute for Translation Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxu Zhu
- Institute for Translation Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Wanlin Gao
- Institute for Translation Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Xiaokun Shen
- Institute for Translation Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China; Institute for Translation Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China.
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Man SM, Jenkins BJ. Context-dependent functions of pattern recognition receptors in cancer. Nat Rev Cancer 2022; 22:397-413. [PMID: 35355007 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-022-00462-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The immune system plays a critical role in shaping all facets of cancer, from the early initiation stage through to metastatic disease and resistance to therapy. Our understanding of the importance of the adaptive arm of the immune system in antitumour immunity has led to the implementation of immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors in numerous cancers, albeit with differing efficacy. By contrast, the clinical utility of innate immunity in cancer has not been exploited, despite dysregulated innate immunity being a feature of at least one-third of all cancers associated with tumour-promoting chronic inflammation. The past two decades have seen innate immune pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) emerge as critical regulators of the immune response to microbial infection and host tissue damage. More recently, it has become apparent that in many cancer types, PRRs play a central role in modulating a vast array of tumour-inhibiting and tumour-promoting cellular responses both in immune cells within the tumour microenvironment and directly in cancer cells. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview of the fast-evolving field of PRRs in cancer, and discuss the potential to target PRRs for drug development and biomarker discovery in a wide range of oncology settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Ming Man
- Division of Immunity, Inflammation and Infection, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Brendan J Jenkins
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
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Microbial-Derived Toll-like Receptor Agonism in Cancer Treatment and Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14122923. [PMID: 35740589 PMCID: PMC9221178 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Toll like receptors (TLRs) are a group of transmembrane receptors belonging to the class of pattern recognition receptors (PRR), which are involved in recognition of pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), inducing immune response. During the past decade, a number of preclinical and clinical breakthroughs in the field of TLR agonists has immerged in cancer research and some of these agents have performed exceptionally well in clinical trials. Based on evidence from scientific studies, we draw attention to several microbial based TLR agonists and discuss their relevance in various cancer and explore various microbial based TLR agonists for developing effective immunotherapeutic strategies against cancer. Abstract Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are typical transmembrane proteins, which are essential pattern recognition receptors in mediating the effects of innate immunity. TLRs recognize structurally conserved molecules derived from microbes and damage-associated molecular pattern molecules that play an important role in inflammation. Since the first discovery of the Toll receptor by the team of J. Hoffmann in 1996, in Drosophila melanogaster, numerous TLRs have been identified across a wide range of invertebrate and vertebrate species. TLR stimulation leads to NF-κB activation and the subsequent production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, growth factors and anti-apoptotic proteins. The expression of TLRs has also been observed in many tumors, and their stimulation results in tumor progression or regression, depending on the TLR and tumor type. The anti-tumoral effects can result from the activation of anti-tumoral immune responses and/or the direct induction of tumor cell death. The pro-tumoral effects may be due to inducing tumor cell survival and proliferation or by acting on suppressive or inflammatory immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. The aim of this review is to draw attention to the effects of TLR stimulation in cancer, the activation of various TLRs by microbes in different types of tumors, and, finally, the role of TLRs in anti-cancer immunity and tumor rejection.
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Chen H, Jiang Y, Liu R, Deng J, Chen Q, Chen L, Liang G, Chen X, Xu Z. Curcumin Derivative C66 Suppresses Pancreatic Cancer Progression through the Inhibition of JNK-Mediated Inflammation. Molecules 2022; 27:3076. [PMID: 35630552 PMCID: PMC9147000 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27103076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is by far the deadliest type of cancer. Inflammation is one of the important risk factors in tumor development. However, it is not yet clear whether deterioration in pancreatic cancer patients is related to inflammation, as well as the underlying mechanism. In addition, JNK is abnormally activated in pancreatic cancer cells and the JNK inhibitor C66 reduces the inflammatory microenvironment in the tumor. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the role of C66 in the proliferation and migration of pancreatic cancer. Our results showed that various inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-15, were more expressed in pancreatic cancer than in the matching normal tissue. Furthermore, C66, a curcumin analogue with good anti-inflammatory activity, inhibited the proliferation and migration of pancreatic cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner, and effectively inhibited the expression of the above inflammatory factors. Our previous research demonstrated that C66 prevents the inflammatory response by targeting JNK. Therefore, in this study, JNK activity in pancreatic cancer cells was investigated, revealing that JNK was highly activated, and the treatment with C66 inhibited the phosphorylation of JNK. Next, shJNK was used to knockdown JNK expression in pancreatic cancer cells to further confirm the role of JNK in the proliferation and migration of this tumor, as well as in the inflammatory tumor microenvironment (TME). The results demonstrated that JNK knockdown could significantly inhibit the proliferation and migration of pancreatic cancer. Moreover, the low JNK expression in pancreatic cancer cells significantly inhibited the expression of various inflammatory factors. These results indicated that C66 inhibited the progression of pancreatic cancer through the inhibition of JNK-mediated inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjin Chen
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550000, China
| | - Yuchen Jiang
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, China
- Clinical Pharmacy Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Rongdiao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Jie Deng
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Qinbo Chen
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Lingfeng Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Guang Liang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Xiong Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Zheng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
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A Novel Small Molecular Prostaglandin Receptor EP4 Antagonist, L001, Suppresses Pancreatic Cancer Metastasis. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27041209. [PMID: 35208999 PMCID: PMC8879074 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27041209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic pancreatic cancer remains a major clinical challenge, emphasizing the urgent need for the exploitation of novel therapeutic approaches with superior response. In this study, we demonstrate that the aberrant activation of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) receptor 4 (EP4) is a pro-metastatic signal in pancreatic cancer. To explore the therapeutic role of EP4 signaling, we developed a potent and selective EP4 antagonist L001 with single-nanomolar activity using a panel of cell functional assays. EP4 antagonism by L001 effectively repressed PGE2-elicited cell migration and the invasion of pancreatic cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. Importantly, L001 alone or combined with the chemotherapy drug gemcitabine exhibited remarkably anti-metastasis activity in a pancreatic cancer hepatic metastasis model with excellent tolerability and safety. Mechanistically, EP4 blockade by L001 abrogated Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP)-driven pro-metastatic factor expression in pancreatic cancer cells. The suppression of YAP’s activity was also observed upon L001 treatment in vivo. Together, these findings support the notions that EP4–YAP signaling axis is a vital pro-metastatic pathway in pancreatic cancer and that EP4 inhibition with L001 may deliver a therapeutic benefit for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.
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The Critical Role of Toll-like Receptor-mediated Signaling in Cancer Immunotherapy. MEDICINE IN DRUG DISCOVERY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medidd.2022.100122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
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