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Qiao X, Wu X, Chen S, Niu MM, Hua H, Zhang Y. Discovery of novel and potent dual-targeting AXL/HDAC2 inhibitors for colorectal cancer treatment via structure-based pharmacophore modelling, virtual screening, and molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation studies, and biological evaluation. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2024; 39:2295241. [PMID: 38134358 PMCID: PMC10763849 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2023.2295241] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Nowadays, owing to the complex mechanism of tumorigenesis, simultaneous inhibition of multiple targets is an important anticancer strategy. Recent studies have demonstrated receptor tyrosine kinase AXL (AXL) and histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) are closely associated with colorectal cancer. Herein, we identified five hit compounds concurrently targeting AXL and HDAC2 using virtual screening. Inhibitory experiments revealed these hit compounds potently inhibited AXL and HDAC2 in the nanomolar range. Among them, Hit-3 showed the strongest inhibitory effects which were better than that of the positive control groups. Additionally, MD assays showed that Hit-3 could bind stably to the AXL and HDAC2 active pockets. Further MTT assays demonstrated that Hit-3 showed potent anti-proliferative activity. Most importantly, Hit-3 exhibited significant in vivo antitumor efficacy in xenograft models. Collectively, this study is the first discovery of dual-targeting AXL/HDAC2 inhibitors for colorectal cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Qiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Huaian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huaian, China
| | - Xiangyu Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Huaian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huaian, China
| | - Shutong Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Miao-Miao Niu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huilian Hua
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China
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2
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Barros da Silva P, Oliveira RJA, Araújo M, Caires HR, Bidarra SJ, Barrias CC. An integrative alginate-based 3D in vitro model to explore epithelial-stromal cell dynamics in the breast tumor microenvironment. Carbohydr Polym 2024; 342:122363. [PMID: 39048221 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122363] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) orchestrates cellular and extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions, playing a key role in tumorigenesis, tumor growth, and metastization. Investigating the interplay between stromal-epithelial cells within the TME is paramount for understanding cancer mechanisms but demands reliable biological models. 3D-models have emerged as powerful in vitro tools, but many fall short in replicating cell-cell/cell-matrix interactions. This study introduces a novel hybrid 3D-model of the breast TME, combining epithelial cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and their ECM. To build the stromal compartment, porous 3D-printed alginate scaffolds were seeded with CAFs, which proliferated and produced ECM. The pores were infused with oxidized peptide-modified alginate hydrogel laden with MCF10A cells, forming the parenchymal compartment. The hybrid system supported epithelial morphogenesis into acini surrounded by fibroblasts and ECM, and could be readily solubilized to recover cells, their matrix, and sequestered soluble factors. Proteome profiling of the retrieved ECM showed upregulation of proteins associated with matrix assembly/remodeling, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and cancer. The TME-like microenvironment induced a partial EMT in MCF10A cells, generating a hybrid population with epithelial and mesenchymal features, characteristic of aggressive phenotypes. Our model provided new insights into epithelial-stromal interactions within the TME, offering a valuable tool for cancer research in a physiologically-relevant 3D setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Barros da Silva
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 5 Porto, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; FEUP - Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - R J A Oliveira
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 5 Porto, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; FEUP - Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - M Araújo
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 5 Porto, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - H R Caires
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 5 Porto, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - S J Bidarra
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 5 Porto, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - C C Barrias
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 5 Porto, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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3
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Mirzayans R, Murray D. Amitotic Cell Division, Malignancy, and Resistance to Anticancer Agents: A Tribute to Drs. Walen and Rajaraman. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:3106. [PMID: 39272964 PMCID: PMC11394378 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16173106] [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: 08/16/2024] [Revised: 09/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell division is crucial for the survival of living organisms. Human cells undergo three types of cell division: mitosis, meiosis, and amitosis. The former two types occur in somatic cells and germ cells, respectively. Amitosis involves nuclear budding and occurs in cells that exhibit abnormal nuclear morphology (e.g., polyploidy) with increased cell size. In the early 2000s, Kirsten Walen and Rengaswami Rajaraman and his associates independently reported that polyploid human cells are capable of producing progeny via amitotic cell division, and that a subset of emerging daughter cells proliferate rapidly, exhibit stem cell-like properties, and can contribute to tumorigenesis. Polyploid cells that arise in solid tumors/tumor-derived cell lines are referred to as polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) and are known to contribute to therapy resistance and disease recurrence following anticancer treatment. This commentary provides an update on some of these intriguing discoveries as a tribute to Drs. Walen and Rajaraman.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razmik Mirzayans
- Department of Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - David Murray
- Department of Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada
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4
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Yoo H, Kim Y, Kim J, Cho H, Kim K. Overcoming Cancer Drug Resistance with Nanoparticle Strategies for Key Protein Inhibition. Molecules 2024; 29:3994. [PMID: 39274842 PMCID: PMC11396748 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29173994] [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: 06/25/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance remains a critical barrier in cancer therapy, diminishing the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic, targeted, and immunotherapeutic agents. Overexpression of proteins such as B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs), protein kinase B (Akt), and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in various cancers leads to resistance by inhibiting apoptosis, enhancing cell survival, and expelling drugs. Although several inhibitors targeting these proteins have been developed, their clinical use is often hampered by systemic toxicity, poor bioavailability, and resistance development. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems present a promising solution by improving drug solubility, stability, and targeted delivery. These systems leverage the Enhanced Permeation and Retention (EPR) effect to accumulate in tumor tissues, reducing off-target toxicity and increasing therapeutic efficacy. Co-encapsulation strategies involving anticancer drugs and resistance inhibitors within nanoparticles have shown potential in achieving coordinated pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles. This review discusses the mechanisms of drug resistance, the limitations of current inhibitors, and the advantages of nanoparticle delivery systems in overcoming these challenges. By advancing these technologies, we can enhance treatment outcomes and move towards more effective cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeonji Yoo
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeonjin Kim
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinseong Kim
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Hanhee Cho
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwangmeyung Kim
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
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5
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Thangavelu L, Moglad E, Gupta G, Menon SV, Gaur A, Sharma S, Kaur M, Chahar M, Sivaprasad GV, Deorari M. GAS5 lncRNA: A biomarker and therapeutic target in breast cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 260:155424. [PMID: 38909406 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related mortality globally, and its aggressive phenotype results in poor treatment outcomes. Growth Arrest-Specific 5 long non-coding RNA has attracted considerable attention due to its pivotal function in apoptosis regulation and tumor aggressiveness in breast cancer. Gas5 enhances apoptosis by regulating apoptotic proteins, such as caspases and BCL2 family proteins, and the sensitivity of BCCs to chemotherapeutic agents. At the same time, low levels of GAS5 increased invasion, metastasis, and overall tumor aggressiveness. GAS5 also regulates EMT markers, critical for cancer metastasis, and influences tumor cell proliferation by regulating various signaling components. As a result, GAS5 can be restored to suppress tumor development as a possible therapeutic strategy, which might present promising prospects for a patient's treatment. Its activity levels might also be a crucial indicator and diagnostic parameter for prediction. This review highlights the significant role of GAS5 in modulating apoptosis and tumor aggressiveness in breast cancer, emphasizing its potential as a therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi Thangavelu
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, India
| | - Ehssan Moglad
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- Centre for Research Impact & Outcome-Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Soumya V Menon
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Sciences, JAIN (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Ashish Gaur
- Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Clement Town, Dehradun 248002, India; Graphic Era Hill University, Clement Town, Dehradun 248002, India
| | - Snehlata Sharma
- Chandigarh Pharmacy College, Chandigarh Group of Colleges, Jhanjheri, Mohali, Punjab 140307, India
| | - Mandeep Kaur
- Department of Sciences, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, Rajasthan 303012, India
| | - Mamata Chahar
- Department of Chemistry, NIMS University, Jaipur, India
| | - G V Sivaprasad
- Department of Basic Science & Humanities, Raghu Engineering College, Visakhapatnam, India
| | - Mahamedha Deorari
- Uttaranchal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India.
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6
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Sundaramoorthy S, Colombo DF, Sanalkumar R, Broye L, Balmas Bourloud K, Boulay G, Cironi L, Stamenkovic I, Renella R, Kuttler F, Turcatti G, Rivera MN, Mühlethaler-Mottet A, Bardet AF, Riggi N. Preclinical spheroid models identify BMX as a therapeutic target for metastatic MYCN nonamplified neuroblastoma. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e169647. [PMID: 39133652 PMCID: PMC11383371 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.169647] [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: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of targeted therapies offers new hope for patients affected by incurable cancer. However, multiple challenges persist, notably in controlling tumor cell plasticity in patients with refractory and metastatic illness. Neuroblastoma (NB) is an aggressive pediatric malignancy originating from defective differentiation of neural crest-derived progenitors with oncogenic activity due to genetic and epigenetic alterations and remains a clinical challenge for high-risk patients. To identify critical genes driving NB aggressiveness, we performed combined chromatin and transcriptome analyses on matched patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), spheroids, and differentiated adherent cultures derived from metastatic MYCN nonamplified tumors. Bone marrow kinase on chromosome X (BMX) was identified among the most differentially regulated genes in PDXs and spheroids versus adherent models. BMX expression correlated with high tumor stage and poor patient survival and was crucial to the maintenance of the self-renewal and tumorigenic potential of NB spheroids. Moreover, BMX expression positively correlated with the mesenchymal NB cell phenotype, previously associated with increased chemoresistance. Finally, BMX inhibitors readily reversed this cellular state, increased the sensitivity of NB spheroids toward chemotherapy, and partially reduced tumor growth in a preclinical NB model. Altogether, our study identifies BMX as a promising innovative therapeutic target for patients with high-risk MYCN nonamplified NB.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rajendran Sanalkumar
- Experimental Pathology Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Liliane Broye
- Experimental Pathology Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Katia Balmas Bourloud
- Department Woman-Mother-Child, Division of Pediatrics, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gaylor Boulay
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School
| | - Luisa Cironi
- Experimental Pathology Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ivan Stamenkovic
- Experimental Pathology Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Raffaele Renella
- Department Woman-Mother-Child, Division of Pediatrics, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Fabien Kuttler
- Biomolecular Screening Facility, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gerardo Turcatti
- Biomolecular Screening Facility, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Miguel N Rivera
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School
| | - Annick Mühlethaler-Mottet
- Department Woman-Mother-Child, Division of Pediatrics, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anaïs Flore Bardet
- Biotechnology and Cell Signaling (BSC), CNRS UMR7242, University of Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC), CNRS UMR7104, University of Strasbourg, INSERM U1258, Illkirch, France
| | - Nicolò Riggi
- Experimental Pathology Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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7
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Sahoo S, Ramu S, Nair MG, Pillai M, San Juan BP, Milioli HZ, Mandal S, Naidu CM, Mavatkar AD, Subramaniam H, Neogi AG, Chaffer CL, Prabhu JS, Somarelli JA, Jolly MK. Increased prevalence of hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal state and enhanced phenotypic heterogeneity in basal breast cancer. iScience 2024; 27:110116. [PMID: 38974967 PMCID: PMC11225361 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Intra-tumoral phenotypic heterogeneity promotes tumor relapse and therapeutic resistance and remains an unsolved clinical challenge. Decoding the interconnections among different biological axes of plasticity is crucial to understand the molecular origins of phenotypic heterogeneity. Here, we use multi-modal transcriptomic data-bulk, single-cell, and spatial transcriptomics-from breast cancer cell lines and primary tumor samples, to identify associations between epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and luminal-basal plasticity-two key processes that enable heterogeneity. We show that luminal breast cancer strongly associates with an epithelial cell state, but basal breast cancer is associated with hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype(s) and higher phenotypic heterogeneity. Mathematical modeling of core underlying gene regulatory networks representative of the crosstalk between the luminal-basal and epithelial-mesenchymal axes elucidate mechanistic underpinnings of the observed associations from transcriptomic data. Our systems-based approach integrating multi-modal data analysis with mechanism-based modeling offers a predictive framework to characterize intra-tumor heterogeneity and identify interventions to restrict it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarthak Sahoo
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Soundharya Ramu
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Madhumathy G. Nair
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John’s Research Institute, St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Maalavika Pillai
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | | | | | - Susmita Mandal
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Chandrakala M. Naidu
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John’s Research Institute, St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Apoorva D. Mavatkar
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John’s Research Institute, St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Harini Subramaniam
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Arpita G. Neogi
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Christine L. Chaffer
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
- University of New South Wales, UNSW Medicine, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Jyothi S. Prabhu
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John’s Research Institute, St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore 560012, India
| | | | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
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8
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Duan J, Huang Z, Qin S, Li B, Zhang Z, Liu R, Wang K, Nice EC, Jiang J, Huang C. Oxidative stress induces extracellular vesicle release by upregulation of HEXB to facilitate tumour growth in experimental hepatocellular carcinoma. J Extracell Vesicles 2024; 13:e12468. [PMID: 38944674 PMCID: PMC11214608 DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12468] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a crucial role in triggering tumour-aggressive behaviours. However, the energetic process by which tumour cells produce EVs remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate the involvement of β-hexosaminidase B (HEXB) in mediating EV release in response to oxidative stress, thereby promoting the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Mechanistically, reactive oxygen species (ROS) stimulate the nuclear translocation of transcription factor EB (TFEB), leading to the upregulation of both HEXB and its antisense lncRNA HEXB-AS. HEXB-AS can bind HEXB to form a protein/RNA complex, which elevates the protein stability of HEXB. The stabilized HEXB interacts with lysosome-associated membrane glycoprotein 1 (LAMP1), disrupting lysosome-multivesicular body (MVB) fusion, which protects EVs from degradation. Knockdown of HEXB efficiently inhibits EV release and curbs HCC growth both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, targeting HEXB by M-31850 significantly inhibits HCC growth, especially when combined with GW4869, an inhibitor of exosome release. Our results underscore the critical role of HEXB as a modulator that promotes EV release during HCC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiufei Duan
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Zhao Huang
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Siyuan Qin
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Bowen Li
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Rui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanP.R. China
| | - Kui Wang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Edouard C. Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Jingwen Jiang
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Canhua Huang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
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9
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Ren T, Zheng Y, Liu F, Liu C, Zhang B, Ren H, Gao X, Wei Y, Sun Q, Huang H. Identification and Validation of JAM-A as a Novel Prognostic and Immune Factor in Human Tumors. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1423. [PMID: 39061997 PMCID: PMC11275048 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071423] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Junctional adhesion molecule-A (JAM-A), also known as F11 receptor (F11R), is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is involved in various biological processes, including cancer initiation and progression. However, the functional characteristics and significance of JAM-A in pan-cancer remain unexplored. In this study, we used multiple databases to gain a comprehensive understanding of JAM-A in human cancers. JAM-A was widely expressed in various tissues, mainly located on the microtubules and cell junctions. Aberrant expression of JAM-A was detected in multiple cancers at both mRNA and protein levels, which can be correlated with poorer prognosis and may be attributed to genetic alterations and down-regulated DNA methylation. JAM-A expression was also associated with immune infiltration and may affect immunotherapy responses in several cancers. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that JAM-A participated in tight junction and cancer-related pathways. In vitro experiments verified that JAM-A knockdown suppressed the proliferation and migration abilities of breast cancer cells and liver cancer cells. Overall, our study suggests that JAM-A is a pan-cancer regulator and a potential biomarker for predicting prognosis and immune-therapeutic responses for different tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Ren
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China; (T.R.); (C.L.); (H.R.)
- Frontier Biotechnology Laboratory, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China; (Y.Z.); (F.L.); (B.Z.); (X.G.); (Y.W.)
| | - You Zheng
- Frontier Biotechnology Laboratory, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China; (Y.Z.); (F.L.); (B.Z.); (X.G.); (Y.W.)
| | - Feichang Liu
- Frontier Biotechnology Laboratory, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China; (Y.Z.); (F.L.); (B.Z.); (X.G.); (Y.W.)
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Chenyu Liu
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China; (T.R.); (C.L.); (H.R.)
- Frontier Biotechnology Laboratory, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China; (Y.Z.); (F.L.); (B.Z.); (X.G.); (Y.W.)
| | - Bo Zhang
- Frontier Biotechnology Laboratory, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China; (Y.Z.); (F.L.); (B.Z.); (X.G.); (Y.W.)
| | - He Ren
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China; (T.R.); (C.L.); (H.R.)
- Frontier Biotechnology Laboratory, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China; (Y.Z.); (F.L.); (B.Z.); (X.G.); (Y.W.)
| | - Xinyue Gao
- Frontier Biotechnology Laboratory, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China; (Y.Z.); (F.L.); (B.Z.); (X.G.); (Y.W.)
| | - Yuexian Wei
- Frontier Biotechnology Laboratory, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China; (Y.Z.); (F.L.); (B.Z.); (X.G.); (Y.W.)
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering, School of Science, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Qiang Sun
- Frontier Biotechnology Laboratory, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China; (Y.Z.); (F.L.); (B.Z.); (X.G.); (Y.W.)
| | - Hongyan Huang
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China; (T.R.); (C.L.); (H.R.)
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10
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Iavarone M, Nault JC, Cabibbo G, Torres F, Reig M. Indolent cancer and pattern of progression: Two missing parameters in trial design for hepatology. Hepatology 2024; 79:1452-1462. [PMID: 37399245 PMCID: PMC11095876 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
The indolent and aggressive behaviors of HCC might have a role in clinical trial (CT) results; however, the indolent HCC is less analyzed compared to others cancer. Indolent profile could be characterized as follows: (1) patients with low risk of progression itself due to the HCC molecular profile and/or due to the interaction between cancer cell their microenvironment; (2) patients who achieve objective response or present spontaneous regression; and (3) patients who develop radiological progression with no consequence on either the liver function or general status, and without trigger a change in the tumor stage. Patients with "indolent HCC" generally never develop cancer-related symptoms neither die for HCC-related causes. Thus, we hypothesize that the imbalance in the proportion of "indolent" versus "aggressive HCC" between arms or the underestimation/overestimation of HCC behavior at baseline in single-arm CT could be associated with CT failure or under-overestimation of trial results. The "indolent progression" may also explain the discrepancy between radiological progression-based end points and survival. Moreover, we discuss the related causes that explain the indolent profile of HCC and propose (1) refining the progression-related end point by the pattern of progression to minimize the limitations of the current end points; (2) considering alternative statistical tools for survival analysis such as milestone survival, or restricted mean survival time to capture the value of indolent HCC. According to these considerations, we propose incorporating novel end points into the single arm of phase I/II CT as exploratory analysis or as a secondary end point in phase III CT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Iavarone
- Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico—Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Milan, Italy
| | - Jean-Charles Nault
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris Cité, team « Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors », Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Labex OncoImmunology, Paris, France
- Service d’hépatologie, Hôpital Avicenne, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis, Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Bobigny, France
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Santé Médecine et Biologie Humaine, Université Paris nord, Bobigny, France
| | - Giuseppe Cabibbo
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Ferran Torres
- Biostatistics Unit, Medical School, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Reig
- Liver Oncology Unit. Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- BCLC group, FUNDACIO/IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBEREHD, Madrid, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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11
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Hassanie H, Penteado AB, de Almeida LC, Calil RL, da Silva Emery F, Costa-Lotufo LV, Trossini GHG. SETDB1 as a cancer target: challenges and perspectives in drug design. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:1424-1451. [PMID: 38799223 PMCID: PMC11113007 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00366c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Genome stability is governed by chromatin structural dynamics, which modify DNA accessibility under the influence of intra- and inter-nucleosomal contacts, histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) and variations, besides the activity of ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers. These are the main ways by which chromatin dynamics are regulated and connected to nuclear processes, which when dysregulated can frequently be associated with most malignancies. Recently, functional crosstalk between histone modifications and chromatin remodeling has emerged as a critical regulatory method of transcriptional regulation during cell destiny choice. Therefore, improving therapeutic outcomes for patients by focusing on epigenetic targets dysregulated in malignancies should help prevent cancer cells from developing resistance to anticancer treatments. For this reason, SET domain bifurcated histone lysine methyltransferase 1 (SETDB1) has gained a lot of attention recently as a cancer target. SETDB1 is a histone lysine methyltransferase that plays an important role in marking euchromatic and heterochromatic regions. Hence, it promotes the silencing of tumor suppressor genes and contributes to carcinogenesis. Some studies revealed that SETDB1 was overexpressed in various human cancer types, which enhanced tumor growth and metastasis. Thus, SETDB1 appears to be an attractive epigenetic target for new cancer treatments. In this review, we have discussed the effects of its overexpression on the progression of tumors and the development of inhibitor drugs that specifically target this enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haifa Hassanie
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Flávio da Silva Emery
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo Brazil
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12
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Khan R, Coleman N. Challenges and opportunities in the immunotherapy era: balancing expectations with hope in small-cell lung cancer. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2024; 16:17588359241249627. [PMID: 38765713 PMCID: PMC11102705 DOI: 10.1177/17588359241249627] [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: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a biologically aggressive subtype of lung cancer, a lethal disease characterized by rapid tumor growth, early relapse, a strong tendency for early widespread metastasis, and high genomic instability, making it a formidable foe in modern oncology practice. While the management of non-SCLC has been revolutionized in the era of immunotherapy, progress in SCLC has been more muted. Recent randomized phase III clinical trials have combined programmed death ligand-1 inhibitors to a chemotherapy backbone and demonstrated improved survival; however, the absolute benefit observed is short months. There is an undeniable urgent need for better responses, better agents, novel therapeutic approaches, and more rational, biomarker-driven clinical trials in SCLC. In this review, we discuss the rationale and current understanding of the biology of SCLC in the modern era of immunotherapy, discuss recent advances in front-line immunotherapeutic approaches that have changed clinical practice globally, provide an overview of some of the challenges and limitations that have staggered immune checkpoint blockade in SCLC, and explore some of the novel immunotherapeutic approaches currently being investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raza Khan
- School of Medicine, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
- St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niamh Coleman
- Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, James Street, D08 NHY1 Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
- St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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13
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Ginley-Hidinger M, Abewe H, Osborne K, Richey A, Kitchen N, Mortenson KL, Wissink EM, Lis J, Zhang X, Gertz J. Cis-regulatory control of transcriptional timing and noise in response to estrogen. CELL GENOMICS 2024; 4:100542. [PMID: 38663407 PMCID: PMC11099348 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2024.100542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Cis-regulatory elements control transcription levels, temporal dynamics, and cell-cell variation or transcriptional noise. However, the combination of regulatory features that control these different attributes is not fully understood. Here, we used single-cell RNA-seq during an estrogen treatment time course and machine learning to identify predictors of expression timing and noise. We found that genes with multiple active enhancers exhibit faster temporal responses. We verified this finding by showing that manipulation of enhancer activity changes the temporal response of estrogen target genes. Analysis of transcriptional noise uncovered a relationship between promoter and enhancer activity, with active promoters associated with low noise and active enhancers linked to high noise. Finally, we observed that co-expression across single cells is an emergent property associated with chromatin looping, timing, and noise. Overall, our results indicate a fundamental tradeoff between a gene's ability to quickly respond to incoming signals and maintain low variation across cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Ginley-Hidinger
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Hosiana Abewe
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Kyle Osborne
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Alexandra Richey
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Noel Kitchen
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Katelyn L Mortenson
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Erin M Wissink
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - John Lis
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Xiaoyang Zhang
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Jason Gertz
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
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14
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Jabri A, Khan J, Taftafa B, Alsharif M, Mhannayeh A, Chinnappan R, Alzhrani A, Kazmi S, Mir MS, Alsaud AW, Yaqinuddin A, Assiri AM, AlKattan K, Vashist YK, Broering DC, Mir TA. Bioengineered Organoids Offer New Possibilities for Liver Cancer Studies: A Review of Key Milestones and Challenges. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:346. [PMID: 38671768 PMCID: PMC11048289 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11040346] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatic cancer is widely regarded as the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Despite recent advances in treatment options, the prognosis of liver cancer remains poor. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop more representative in vitro models of liver cancer for pathophysiology and drug screening studies. Fortunately, an exciting new development for generating liver models in recent years has been the advent of organoid technology. Organoid models hold huge potential as an in vitro research tool because they can recapitulate the spatial architecture of primary liver cancers and maintain the molecular and functional variations of the native tissue counterparts during long-term culture in vitro. This review provides a comprehensive overview and discussion of the establishment and application of liver organoid models in vitro. Bioengineering strategies used to construct organoid models are also discussed. In addition, the clinical potential and other relevant applications of liver organoid models in different functional states are explored. In the end, this review discusses current limitations and future prospects to encourage further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Jabri
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia (R.C.); (A.W.A.); (K.A.)
| | - Jibran Khan
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia (R.C.); (A.W.A.); (K.A.)
| | - Bader Taftafa
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia (R.C.); (A.W.A.); (K.A.)
| | - Mohamed Alsharif
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia (R.C.); (A.W.A.); (K.A.)
| | - Abdulaziz Mhannayeh
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia (R.C.); (A.W.A.); (K.A.)
| | - Raja Chinnappan
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia (R.C.); (A.W.A.); (K.A.)
- Tissue/Organ Bioengineering and BioMEMS Lab, Organ Transplant Centre of Excellence (TR&I Dpt), King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaa Alzhrani
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia (R.C.); (A.W.A.); (K.A.)
- Tissue/Organ Bioengineering and BioMEMS Lab, Organ Transplant Centre of Excellence (TR&I Dpt), King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21423, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shadab Kazmi
- Tissue/Organ Bioengineering and BioMEMS Lab, Organ Transplant Centre of Excellence (TR&I Dpt), King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
- Pathology and laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Mohammad Shabab Mir
- School of Pharmacy, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh 147301, Punjab, India;
| | - Aljohara Waleed Alsaud
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia (R.C.); (A.W.A.); (K.A.)
| | - Ahmed Yaqinuddin
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia (R.C.); (A.W.A.); (K.A.)
| | - Abdullah M. Assiri
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia (R.C.); (A.W.A.); (K.A.)
- Tissue/Organ Bioengineering and BioMEMS Lab, Organ Transplant Centre of Excellence (TR&I Dpt), King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khaled AlKattan
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia (R.C.); (A.W.A.); (K.A.)
- Tissue/Organ Bioengineering and BioMEMS Lab, Organ Transplant Centre of Excellence (TR&I Dpt), King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yogesh K. Vashist
- Tissue/Organ Bioengineering and BioMEMS Lab, Organ Transplant Centre of Excellence (TR&I Dpt), King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dieter C. Broering
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia (R.C.); (A.W.A.); (K.A.)
- Tissue/Organ Bioengineering and BioMEMS Lab, Organ Transplant Centre of Excellence (TR&I Dpt), King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tanveer Ahmad Mir
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia (R.C.); (A.W.A.); (K.A.)
- Tissue/Organ Bioengineering and BioMEMS Lab, Organ Transplant Centre of Excellence (TR&I Dpt), King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
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15
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Chu K, Dow LE. Adding New Dimensions to 3D Cancer Models. Cancer Res 2024; 84:798-799. [PMID: 38335538 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-24-0490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Understanding patient-specific responses to anticancer therapies and how individual tumors interact with their tumor microenvironment (TME) is a challenging task. To measure the impact of the TME on diverse and clinically relevant treatments, Ramos Zapatero and colleagues coupled patient-derived organoid (PDO) and cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) cocultures with high-throughput mass cytometry-based assessment of cell state. Using a newly developed "Trellis" algorithm enabled integration and analysis of highly complex, multidimensional treatment response data. This work showed that tumor cell response to chemotherapy was associated with both intrinsic and nonintrinsic signaling states, whereby proliferative rate, growth factor signaling, and CAFs interaction influenced chemoprotection. Furthermore, the work suggests a potential role for the TME in promoting lineage plasticity associated with drug resistance. In all, the pipeline described provides a blueprint for exploring the intricate interplay of factors influencing cancer treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevan Chu
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Lukas E Dow
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
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16
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Singh D, Siddique HR. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in cancer progression: unraveling the immunosuppressive module driving therapy resistance. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:155-173. [PMID: 37775641 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10141-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells undergo phenotypic switching (cancer cell plasticity) in response to microenvironmental cues, including exposure to therapy/treatment. Phenotypic plasticity enables the cancer cells to acquire more mesenchymal traits promoting cancer cells' growth, survival, therapy resistance, and disease recurrence. A significant program in cancer cell plasticity is epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), wherein a comprehensive reprogramming of gene expression occurs to facilitate the translational shift from epithelial-to-mesenchymal phenotypes resulting in increased invasiveness and metastasis. In addition, EMT plays a pivotal role in facilitating cancer cells' escape from the body's immune system using several mechanisms, such as the downregulation of major histocompatibility complex-mediated antigen presentation, upregulation of immune checkpoint molecules, and recruitment of immune-suppressive cells. Cancer cells' ability to undergo phenotypic switching and EMT-driven immune escape presents a formidable obstacle in cancer management, highlighting the need to unravel the intricate mechanisms underlying these processes and develop novel therapeutic strategies. This article discusses the role of EMT in promoting immune evasion and therapy resistance. We also discuss the ongoing research on developing therapeutic approaches targeting intrinsic and induced cell plasticity within the immune suppressive microenvironment. We believe this review article will update the current research status and equip researchers, clinicians, and other healthcare professionals with valuable insights enhancing their existing knowledge and shedding light on promising directions for future cancer research. This will facilitate the development of innovative strategies for managing therapy-resistant cancers and improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepti Singh
- Molecular Cancer Genetics & Translational Research Lab, Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, India
| | - Hifzur R Siddique
- Molecular Cancer Genetics & Translational Research Lab, Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, India.
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17
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Brockmueller A, Sajeev A, Koklesova L, Samuel SM, Kubatka P, Büsselberg D, Kunnumakkara AB, Shakibaei M. Resveratrol as sensitizer in colorectal cancer plasticity. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:55-85. [PMID: 37507626 PMCID: PMC11016130 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10126-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Despite tremendous medical treatment successes, colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Chemotherapy as monotherapy can lead to significant side effects and chemoresistance that can be linked to several resistance-activating biological processes, including an increase in inflammation, cellular plasticity, multidrug resistance (MDR), inhibition of the sentinel gene p53, and apoptosis. As a consequence, tumor cells can escape the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents. This underscores the need for cross-target therapeutic approaches that are not only pharmacologically safe but also modulate multiple potent signaling pathways and sensitize cancer cells to overcome resistance to standard drugs. In recent years, scientists have been searching for natural compounds that can be used as chemosensitizers in addition to conventional medications for the synergistic treatment of CRC. Resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic phytoalexin found in various fruits and vegetables such as peanuts, berries, and red grapes, is one of the most effective natural chemopreventive agents. Abundant in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that resveratrol, in interaction with standard drugs, is an effective chemosensitizer for CRC cells to chemotherapeutic agents and thus prevents drug resistance by modulating multiple pathways, including transcription factors, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-plasticity, proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, cell cycle, and apoptosis. The ability of resveratrol to modify multiple subcellular pathways that may suppress cancer cell plasticity and reversal of chemoresistance are critical parameters for understanding its anti-cancer effects. In this review, we focus on the chemosensitizing properties of resveratrol in CRC and, thus, its potential importance as an additive to ongoing treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aranka Brockmueller
- Chair of Vegetative Anatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 11, D-80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Anjana Sajeev
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Lenka Koklesova
- Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Kollarova 2, 03601, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Samson Mathews Samuel
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (Medbay), Education City, Qatar Foundation, 24144, Doha, Qatar
| | - Peter Kubatka
- Department of Medical Biology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Mala Hora 4, 03601, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Dietrich Büsselberg
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (Medbay), Education City, Qatar Foundation, 24144, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ajaikumar B Kunnumakkara
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Mehdi Shakibaei
- Chair of Vegetative Anatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 11, D-80336, Munich, Germany.
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18
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Varghese E, Samuel SM, Brockmueller A, Shakibaei M, Kubatka P, Büsselberg D. B7-H3 at the crossroads between tumor plasticity and colorectal cancer progression: a potential target for therapeutic intervention. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:115-133. [PMID: 37768439 PMCID: PMC11016009 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10137-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
B7-H3 (B7 homology 3 protein) is an important transmembrane immunoregulatory protein expressed in immune cells, antigen-presenting cells, and tumor cells. Studies reveal a multifaceted role of B7-H3 in tumor progression by modulating various cancer hallmarks involving angiogenesis, immune evasion, and tumor microenvironment, and it is also a promising candidate for cancer immunotherapy. In colorectal cancer (CRC), B7-H3 has been associated with various aspects of disease progression, such as evasion of tumor immune surveillance, tumor-node metastasis, and poor prognosis. Strategies to block or interfere with B7-H3 in its immunological and non-immunological functions are under investigation. In this study, we explore the role of B7-H3 in tumor plasticity, emphasizing tumor glucose metabolism, angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cancer stem cells, apoptosis, and changing immune signatures in the tumor immune landscape. We discuss how B7-H3-induced tumor plasticity contributes to immune evasion, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Furthermore, we delve into the most recent advancements in targeting B7-H3-based tumor immunotherapy as a potential approach to CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Varghese
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, P.O. Box 24144, Doha, Qatar
| | - Samson Mathews Samuel
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, P.O. Box 24144, Doha, Qatar
| | - Aranka Brockmueller
- Chair of Vegetative Anatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 11, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Mehdi Shakibaei
- Chair of Vegetative Anatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 11, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Kubatka
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Mala Hora 4, 036 01, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Dietrich Büsselberg
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, P.O. Box 24144, Doha, Qatar.
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19
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Souri M, Elahi S, Soltani M. Programmable intratumoral drug delivery to breast cancer using wireless bioelectronic device with electrochemical actuation. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2024; 21:495-511. [PMID: 38396366 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2024.2323211] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Breast cancer is a global health concern that demands attention. In our contribution to addressing this disease, our study focuses on investigating a wireless micro-device for intratumoral drug delivery, utilizing electrochemical actuation. Microdevices have emerged as a promising approach in this field due to their ability to enable controlled injections in various applications. METHODS Our study is conducted within a computational framework, employing models that simulate the behavior of the microdevice and drug discharge based on the principles of the ideal gas law. Furthermore, the distribution of the drug within the tissue is simulated, considering both diffusion and convection mechanisms. To predict the therapeutic response, a pharmacodynamic model is utilized, considering the chemotherapeutic effects and cell proliferation. RESULTS The findings demonstrate that an effective current of 3 mA, along with an initial gas volume equal to the drug volume in the microdevice, optimizes drug delivery. Microdevices with multiple injection capabilities exhibit enhanced therapeutic efficacy, effectively suppressing cell proliferation. Additionally, tumors with lower microvascular density experience higher drug concentrations in the extracellular space, resulting in significant cell death in hypoxic regions. CONCLUSIONS Achieving an efficient therapeutic response involves considering both the characteristics of the tumor microenvironment and the frequency of injections within a specific time frame.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Souri
- Department of NanoBiotechnology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sohail Elahi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Madjid Soltani
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (CBB), University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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20
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Uddin MH, Zhang D, Muqbil I, El-Rayes BF, Chen H, Philip PA, Azmi AS. Deciphering cellular plasticity in pancreatic cancer for effective treatments. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:393-408. [PMID: 38194153 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10164-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Cellular plasticity and therapy resistance are critical features of pancreatic cancer, a highly aggressive and fatal disease. The pancreas, a vital organ that produces digestive enzymes and hormones, is often affected by two main types of cancer: the pre-dominant ductal adenocarcinoma and the less common neuroendocrine tumors. These cancers are difficult to treat due to their complex biology characterized by cellular plasticity leading to therapy resistance. Cellular plasticity refers to the capability of cancer cells to change and adapt to different microenvironments within the body which includes acinar-ductal metaplasia, epithelial to mesenchymal/epigenetic/metabolic plasticity, as well as stemness. This plasticity allows heterogeneity of cancer cells, metastasis, and evasion of host's immune system and develops resistance to radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. To overcome this resistance, extensive research is ongoing exploring the intrinsic and extrinsic factors through cellular reprogramming, chemosensitization, targeting metabolic, key survival pathways, etc. In this review, we discussed the mechanisms of cellular plasticity involving cellular adaptation and tumor microenvironment and provided a comprehensive understanding of its role in therapy resistance and ways to overcome it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Hafiz Uddin
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4100 John R, HWCRC 740, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
| | - Dingqiang Zhang
- Department of Natural Sciences, Lawrence Technological University, 21000 W 10 Mile Rd, Southfield, MI, 48075, USA
| | - Irfana Muqbil
- Department of Natural Sciences, Lawrence Technological University, 21000 W 10 Mile Rd, Southfield, MI, 48075, USA
| | - Bassel F El-Rayes
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Herbert Chen
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Philip A Philip
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4100 John R, HWCRC 740, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
- Henry Ford Health Systems, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Asfar S Azmi
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4100 John R, HWCRC 740, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
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21
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Mondal P, Meeran SM. The emerging role of the gut microbiome in cancer cell plasticity and therapeutic resistance. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:135-154. [PMID: 37707749 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10138-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Resistance to therapeutic agents is one of the major challenges in cancer therapy. Generally, the focus is given to the genetic driver, especially the genetic mutation behind the therapeutic resistance. However, non-mutational mechanisms, such as epigenetic modifications, and TME alteration, which is mainly driven by cancer cell plasticity, are also involved in therapeutic resistance. The concept of plasticity mainly relies on the conversion of non-cancer stem cells (CSCs) to CSCs or epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition via different mechanisms and various signaling pathways. Cancer plasticity plays a crucial role in therapeutic resistance as cancer cells are able to escape from therapeutics by shifting the phenotype and thereby enhancing tumor progression. New evidence suggests that gut microbiota can change cancer cell characteristics by impacting the mechanisms involved in cancer plasticity. Interestingly, gut microbiota can also influence the therapeutic efficacy of anticancer drugs by modulating the mechanisms involved in cancer cell plasticity. The gut microbiota has been shown to reduce the toxicity of certain clinical drugs. Here, we have documented the critical role of the gut microbiota on the therapeutic efficacy of existing anticancer drugs by altering the cancer plasticity. Hence, the extended knowledge of the emerging role of gut microbiota in cancer cell plasticity can help to develop gut microbiota-based novel therapeutics to overcome the resistance or reduce the toxicity of existing drugs. Furthermore, to improve the effectiveness of therapy, it is necessary to conduct more clinical and preclinical research to fully comprehend the mechanisms of gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Mondal
- Laboratory of Nutritional Epigenetics, Department of Biochemistry, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, 570020, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Syed Musthapa Meeran
- Laboratory of Nutritional Epigenetics, Department of Biochemistry, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, 570020, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
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22
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Fakhri S, Moradi SZ, Abbaszadeh F, Faraji F, Amirian R, Sinha D, McMahon EG, Bishayee A. Targeting the key players of phenotypic plasticity in cancer cells by phytochemicals. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:261-292. [PMID: 38169011 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10161-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Plasticity of phenotypic traits refers to an organism's ability to change in response to environmental stimuli. As a result, the response may alter an organism's physiological state, morphology, behavior, and phenotype. Phenotypic plasticity in cancer cells describes the considerable ability of cancer cells to transform phenotypes through non-genetic molecular signaling activities that promote therapy evasion and tumor metastasis via amplifying cancer heterogeneity. As a result of metastable phenotypic state transitions, cancer cells can tolerate chemotherapy or develop transient adaptive resistance. Therefore, new findings have paved the road in identifying factors and agents that inhibit or suppress phenotypic plasticity. It has also investigated novel multitargeted agents that may promise new effective strategies in cancer treatment. Despite the efficiency of conventional chemotherapeutic agents, drug toxicity, development of resistance, and high-cost limit their use in cancer therapy. Recent research has shown that small molecules derived from natural sources are capable of suppressing cancer by focusing on the plasticity of phenotypic responses. This systematic, comprehensive, and critical review analyzes the current state of knowledge regarding the ability of phytocompounds to target phenotypic plasticity at both preclinical and clinical levels. Current challenges/pitfalls, limitations, and future perspectives are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Fakhri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6734667149, Iran
| | - Seyed Zachariah Moradi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6734667149, Iran
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6734667149, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Abbaszadeh
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Neurobiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farahnaz Faraji
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, 6517838678, Iran
| | - Roshanak Amirian
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6734667149, Iran
| | - Dona Sinha
- Department of Receptor Biology and Tumor Metastasis, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, 700 026, West Bengal, India
| | - Emily G McMahon
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, 34211, USA
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, 34211, USA.
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23
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Tabatabaee A, Nafari B, Farhang A, Hariri A, Khosravi A, Zarrabi A, Mirian M. Targeting vimentin: a multifaceted approach to combatting cancer metastasis and drug resistance. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:363-377. [PMID: 38012357 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10154-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
This comprehensive review explores vimentin as a pivotal therapeutic target in cancer treatment, with a primary focus on mitigating metastasis and overcoming drug resistance. Vimentin, a key player in cancer progression, is intricately involved in processes such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and resistance mechanisms to standard cancer therapies. The review delves into diverse vimentin inhibition strategies. Precision tools, including antibodies and nanobodies, selectively neutralize vimentin's pro-tumorigenic effects. DNA and RNA aptamers disrupt vimentin-associated signaling pathways through their adaptable binding properties. Innovative approaches, such as vimentin-targeted vaccines and microRNAs (miRNAs), harness the immune system and post-transcriptional regulation to combat vimentin-expressing cancer cells. By dissecting vimentin inhibition strategies across these categories, this review provides a comprehensive overview of anti-vimentin therapeutics in cancer treatment. It underscores the growing recognition of vimentin as a pivotal therapeutic target in cancer and presents a diverse array of inhibitors, including antibodies, nanobodies, DNA and RNA aptamers, vaccines, and miRNAs. These multifaceted approaches hold substantial promise for tackling metastasis and overcoming drug resistance, collectively presenting new avenues for enhanced cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliye Tabatabaee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, 8174673461, Iran
| | - Behjat Nafari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, 8174673461, Iran
| | - Armin Farhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, 8174673461, Iran
| | - Amirali Hariri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, 8174673461, Iran
| | - Arezoo Khosravi
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istanbul Okan University, Istanbul, 34959, Türkiye
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul, 34396, Türkiye.
- Department of Research Analytics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, 600 077, India.
| | - Mina Mirian
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, 8174673461, Iran.
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24
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Menendez JA, Cuyàs E, Encinar JA, Vander Steen T, Verdura S, Llop‐Hernández À, López J, Serrano‐Hervás E, Osuna S, Martin‐Castillo B, Lupu R. Fatty acid synthase (FASN) signalome: A molecular guide for precision oncology. Mol Oncol 2024; 18:479-516. [PMID: 38158755 PMCID: PMC10920094 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The initial excitement generated more than two decades ago by the discovery of drugs targeting fatty acid synthase (FASN)-catalyzed de novo lipogenesis for cancer therapy was short-lived. However, the advent of the first clinical-grade FASN inhibitor (TVB-2640; denifanstat), which is currently being studied in various phase II trials, and the exciting advances in understanding the FASN signalome are fueling a renewed interest in FASN-targeted strategies for the treatment and prevention of cancer. Here, we provide a detailed overview of how FASN can drive phenotypic plasticity and cell fate decisions, mitochondrial regulation of cell death, immune escape and organ-specific metastatic potential. We then present a variety of FASN-targeted therapeutic approaches that address the major challenges facing FASN therapy. These include limitations of current FASN inhibitors and the lack of precision tools to maximize the therapeutic potential of FASN inhibitors in the clinic. Rethinking the role of FASN as a signal transducer in cancer pathogenesis may provide molecularly driven strategies to optimize FASN as a long-awaited target for cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier A. Menendez
- Metabolism & Cancer Group, Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE)Catalan Institute of OncologyGironaSpain
- Girona Biomedical Research InstituteGironaSpain
| | - Elisabet Cuyàs
- Metabolism & Cancer Group, Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE)Catalan Institute of OncologyGironaSpain
- Girona Biomedical Research InstituteGironaSpain
| | - Jose Antonio Encinar
- Institute of Research, Development and Innovation in Biotechnology of Elche (IDiBE) and Molecular and Cell Biology Institute (IBMC)Miguel Hernández University (UMH)ElcheSpain
| | - Travis Vander Steen
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and PathologyMayo ClinicRochesterMNUSA
- Mayo Clinic Cancer CenterRochesterMNUSA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology LaboratoryMayo Clinic LaboratoryRochesterMNUSA
| | - Sara Verdura
- Metabolism & Cancer Group, Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE)Catalan Institute of OncologyGironaSpain
- Girona Biomedical Research InstituteGironaSpain
| | - Àngela Llop‐Hernández
- Metabolism & Cancer Group, Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE)Catalan Institute of OncologyGironaSpain
- Girona Biomedical Research InstituteGironaSpain
| | - Júlia López
- Metabolism & Cancer Group, Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE)Catalan Institute of OncologyGironaSpain
- Girona Biomedical Research InstituteGironaSpain
| | - Eila Serrano‐Hervás
- Metabolism & Cancer Group, Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE)Catalan Institute of OncologyGironaSpain
- Girona Biomedical Research InstituteGironaSpain
- CompBioLab Group, Institut de Química Computacional i Catàlisi (IQCC) and Departament de QuímicaUniversitat de GironaGironaSpain
| | - Sílvia Osuna
- CompBioLab Group, Institut de Química Computacional i Catàlisi (IQCC) and Departament de QuímicaUniversitat de GironaGironaSpain
- ICREABarcelonaSpain
| | - Begoña Martin‐Castillo
- Metabolism & Cancer Group, Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE)Catalan Institute of OncologyGironaSpain
- Girona Biomedical Research InstituteGironaSpain
- Unit of Clinical ResearchCatalan Institute of OncologyGironaSpain
| | - Ruth Lupu
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and PathologyMayo ClinicRochesterMNUSA
- Mayo Clinic Cancer CenterRochesterMNUSA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology LaboratoryMayo Clinic LaboratoryRochesterMNUSA
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25
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Holton E, Muskovic W, Powell JE. Deciphering cancer cell state plasticity with single-cell genomics and artificial intelligence. Genome Med 2024; 16:36. [PMID: 38409176 PMCID: PMC10897991 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-024-01309-4] [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: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cell plasticity refers to the ability of tumour cells to dynamically switch between states-for example, from cancer stem cells to non-cancer stem cell states. Governed by regulatory processes, cells transition through a continuum, with this transition space often referred to as a cell state landscape. Plasticity in cancer cell states leads to divergent biological behaviours, with certain cell states, or state transitions, responsible for tumour progression and therapeutic response. The advent of single-cell assays means these features can now be measured for individual cancer cells and at scale. However, the high dimensionality of this data, complex relationships between genomic features, and a lack of precise knowledge of the genomic profiles defining cancer cell states have opened the door for artificial intelligence methods for depicting cancer cell state landscapes. The contribution of cell state plasticity to cancer phenotypes such as treatment resistance, metastasis, and dormancy has been masked by analysis of 'bulk' genomic data-constituted of the average signal from millions of cells. Single-cell technologies solve this problem by producing a high-dimensional cellular landscape of the tumour ecosystem, quantifying the genomic profiles of individual cells, and creating a more detailed model to investigate cancer plasticity (Genome Res 31:1719, 2021; Semin Cancer Biol 53: 48-58, 2018; Signal Transduct Target Ther 5:1-36, 2020). In conjunction, rapid development in artificial intelligence methods has led to numerous tools that can be employed to study cancer cell plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Holton
- Garvan Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia
- School of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, 2010, Australia
- UNSW Cellular Genomics Futures Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Walter Muskovic
- Garvan Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia
- UNSW Cellular Genomics Futures Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Joseph E Powell
- Garvan Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia.
- School of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, 2010, Australia.
- UNSW Cellular Genomics Futures Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
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26
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Ginley-Hidinger M, Abewe H, Osborne K, Richey A, Kitchen N, Mortenson KL, Wissink EM, Lis J, Zhang X, Gertz J. Cis-regulatory control of transcriptional timing and noise in response to estrogen. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.03.14.532457. [PMID: 36993565 PMCID: PMC10054948 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.14.532457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Cis-regulatory elements control transcription levels, temporal dynamics, and cell-cell variation or transcriptional noise. However, the combination of regulatory features that control these different attributes is not fully understood. Here, we used single cell RNA-seq during an estrogen treatment time course and machine learning to identify predictors of expression timing and noise. We find that genes with multiple active enhancers exhibit faster temporal responses. We verified this finding by showing that manipulation of enhancer activity changes the temporal response of estrogen target genes. Analysis of transcriptional noise uncovered a relationship between promoter and enhancer activity, with active promoters associated with low noise and active enhancers linked to high noise. Finally, we observed that co-expression across single cells is an emergent property associated with chromatin looping, timing, and noise. Overall, our results indicate a fundamental tradeoff between a gene's ability to quickly respond to incoming signals and maintain low variation across cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Ginley-Hidinger
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Hosiana Abewe
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Kyle Osborne
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Alexandra Richey
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Noel Kitchen
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Katelyn L. Mortenson
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Erin M. Wissink
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - John Lis
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Xiaoyang Zhang
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Jason Gertz
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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27
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Mierke CT. Phenotypic Heterogeneity, Bidirectionality, Universal Cues, Plasticity, Mechanics, and the Tumor Microenvironment Drive Cancer Metastasis. Biomolecules 2024; 14:184. [PMID: 38397421 PMCID: PMC10887446 DOI: 10.3390/biom14020184] [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: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor diseases become a huge problem when they embark on a path that advances to malignancy, such as the process of metastasis. Cancer metastasis has been thoroughly investigated from a biological perspective in the past, whereas it has still been less explored from a physical perspective. Until now, the intraluminal pathway of cancer metastasis has received the most attention, while the interaction of cancer cells with macrophages has received little attention. Apart from the biochemical characteristics, tumor treatments also rely on the tumor microenvironment, which is recognized to be immunosuppressive and, as has recently been found, mechanically stimulates cancer cells and thus alters their functions. The review article highlights the interaction of cancer cells with other cells in the vascular metastatic route and discusses the impact of this intercellular interplay on the mechanical characteristics and subsequently on the functionality of cancer cells. For instance, macrophages can guide cancer cells on their intravascular route of cancer metastasis, whereby they can help to circumvent the adverse conditions within blood or lymphatic vessels. Macrophages induce microchannel tunneling that can possibly avoid mechanical forces during extra- and intravasation and reduce the forces within the vascular lumen due to vascular flow. The review article highlights the vascular route of cancer metastasis and discusses the key players in this traditional route. Moreover, the effects of flows during the process of metastasis are presented, and the effects of the microenvironment, such as mechanical influences, are characterized. Finally, the increased knowledge of cancer metastasis opens up new perspectives for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tanja Mierke
- Faculty of Physics and Earth System Science, Peter Debye Institute of Soft Matter Physics, Biological Physics Division, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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28
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García-Giménez JL, Saadi W, Ortega AL, Lahoz A, Suay G, Carretero J, Pereda J, Fatmi A, Pallardó FV, Mena-Molla S. miRNAs Related to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Response: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1737. [PMID: 38339019 PMCID: PMC10855819 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has represented a breakthrough in the treatment of many cancers, although a high number of patients fail to respond to ICIs, which is partially due to the ability of tumor cells to evade immune system surveillance. Non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to modulate the immune evasion of tumor cells, and there is thus growing interest in elucidating whether these miRNAs could be targetable or proposed as novel biomarkers for prognosis and treatment response to ICIs. We therefore performed an extensive literature analysis to evaluate the clinical utility of miRNAs with a confirmed direct relationship with treatment response to ICIs. As a result of this systematic review, we have stratified the miRNA landscape into (i) miRNAs whose levels directly modulate response to ICIs, (ii) miRNAs whose expression is modulated by ICIs, and (iii) miRNAs that directly elicit toxic effects or participate in immune-related adverse events (irAEs) caused by ICIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Luis García-Giménez
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (J.L.G.-G.); (F.V.P.)
- INCLIVA Health Research Institute, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Consortium Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Wiam Saadi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Nature, Life and Earth Sciences, University of Djillali Bounaama, Khemis Miliana 44225, Algeria;
| | - Angel L. Ortega
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Spain; (A.L.O.); (J.C.); (J.P.)
| | - Agustin Lahoz
- Biomarkers and Precision Medicine Unit, Health Research Institute-Hospital La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain;
- Analytical Unit, Health Research Institute-Hospital La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Guillermo Suay
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Julián Carretero
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Spain; (A.L.O.); (J.C.); (J.P.)
| | - Javier Pereda
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Spain; (A.L.O.); (J.C.); (J.P.)
| | - Ahlam Fatmi
- Department of Microbiology & Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of M’sila, M’sila 28000, Algeria;
| | - Federico V. Pallardó
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (J.L.G.-G.); (F.V.P.)
- INCLIVA Health Research Institute, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Consortium Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Salvador Mena-Molla
- INCLIVA Health Research Institute, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Spain; (A.L.O.); (J.C.); (J.P.)
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29
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Yayan J, Franke KJ, Berger M, Windisch W, Rasche K. Adhesion, metastasis, and inhibition of cancer cells: a comprehensive review. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:165. [PMID: 38252369 PMCID: PMC10803487 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08920-5] [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: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
This comprehensive review delves into cancer's complexity, focusing on adhesion, metastasis, and inhibition. It explores the pivotal role of these factors in disease progression and therapeutic strategies. This review covers cancer cell migration, invasion, and colonization of distant organs, emphasizing the significance of cell adhesion and the intricate metastasis process. Inhibition approaches targeting adhesion molecules, such as integrins and cadherins, are discussed. Overall, this review contributes significantly to advancing cancer research and developing targeted therapies, holding promise for improving patient outcomes worldwide. Exploring different inhibition strategies revealed promising therapeutic targets to alleviate adhesion and metastasis of cancer cells. The effectiveness of integrin-blocking antibodies, small molecule inhibitors targeting Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and the Transforming Growth Factor β (TGF-β) pathway, and combination therapies underscores their potential to disrupt focal adhesions and control epithelial-mesenchymal transition processes. The identification of as FAK, Src, β-catenin and SMAD4 offers valuable starting points for further research and the development of targeted therapies. The complex interrelationships between adhesion and metastatic signaling networks will be relevant to the development of new treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef Yayan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, HELIOS Clinic Wuppertal, Heusnerstr. 40, 42283, Wuppertal, Germany.
| | - Karl-Josef Franke
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Division, Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Infectiology, and Sleep Medicine, Märkische Clinics Health Holding Ltd, Clinic Lüdenscheid, Witten/Herdecke University, Lüdenscheid, Germany
| | - Melanie Berger
- Department of Pneumology, Cologne Merheim Hospital, Witten/Herdecke University, Cologne, Germany
| | - Wolfram Windisch
- Department of Pneumology, Cologne Merheim Hospital, Witten/Herdecke University, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kurt Rasche
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, HELIOS Clinic Wuppertal, Heusnerstr. 40, 42283, Wuppertal, Germany
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30
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Peyvandi S, Bulliard M, Yilmaz A, Kauzlaric A, Marcone R, Haerri L, Coquoz O, Huang YT, Duffey N, Gafner L, Lorusso G, Fournier N, Lan Q, Rüegg C. Tumor-educated Gr1+CD11b+ cells drive breast cancer metastasis via OSM/IL-6/JAK-induced cancer cell plasticity. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e166847. [PMID: 38236642 PMCID: PMC10940099 DOI: 10.1172/jci166847] [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: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer cell plasticity contributes to therapy resistance and metastasis, which represent the main causes of cancer-related death, including in breast cancer. The tumor microenvironment drives cancer cell plasticity and metastasis, and unraveling the underlying cues may provide novel strategies for managing metastatic disease. Using breast cancer experimental models and transcriptomic analyses, we show that stem cell antigen-1 positive (SCA1+) murine breast cancer cells enriched during tumor progression and metastasis had higher in vitro cancer stem cell-like properties, enhanced in vivo metastatic ability, and generated tumors rich in Gr1hiLy6G+CD11b+ cells. In turn, tumor-educated Gr1+CD11b+ (Tu-Gr1+CD11b+) cells rapidly and transiently converted low metastatic SCA1- cells into highly metastatic SCA1+ cells via secreted oncostatin M (OSM) and IL-6. JAK inhibition prevented OSM/IL-6-induced SCA1+ population enrichment, while OSM/IL-6 depletion suppressed Tu-Gr1+CD11b+-induced SCA1+ population enrichment in vitro and metastasis in vivo. Moreover, chemotherapy-selected highly metastatic 4T1 cells maintained high SCA1+ positivity through autocrine IL-6 production, and in vitro JAK inhibition blunted SCA1 positivity and metastatic capacity. Importantly, Tu-Gr1+CD11b+ cells invoked a gene signature in tumor cells predicting shorter overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS), and lung metastasis in breast cancer patients. Collectively, our data identified OSM/IL-6/JAK as a clinically relevant paracrine/autocrine axis instigating breast cancer cell plasticity and triggering metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanam Peyvandi
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Manon Bulliard
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Alev Yilmaz
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Annamaria Kauzlaric
- Translational Data Science Group, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Rachel Marcone
- Translational Data Science Group, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lisa Haerri
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Oriana Coquoz
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Yu-Ting Huang
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Duffey
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Laetitia Gafner
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Girieca Lorusso
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Nadine Fournier
- Translational Data Science Group, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Qiang Lan
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Cell and Tissue Dynamics Research Program, Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Curzio Rüegg
- Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology (OMI), Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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31
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Tendulkar R, Tendulkar M. Current Update of Research on Exosomes in Cancer. Curr Mol Med 2024; 24:26-39. [PMID: 37461337 DOI: 10.2174/1566524023666230717105000] [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: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Exosomes are vesicles secreted by the plasma membrane of the cells delimited by a lipid bilayer membrane into the extracellular space of the cell. Their release is associated with the disposal mechanism to remove unwanted materials from the cells. Exosomes released from primary tumour sites migrate to other parts of the body to create a metastatic environment for spreading the tumour cells. We have reviewed that exosomes interfere with the tumour progression by (i) promoting angiogenesis, (ii) initiating metastasis, (iii) regulating tumour microenvironment (TME) and inflammation, (iv) modifying energy metabolism, and (v) transferring mutations. We have found that EVs play an important role in inducing tumour drug resistance against anticancer drugs. This review discusses the potential of exosomes to generate a significant therapeutic effect along with improved diagnosis, prognosis, insights on the various research conducted and their significant findings of our interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reshma Tendulkar
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vivekanand Education Society's College of Pharmacy, India
| | - Mugdha Tendulkar
- Faculty of Science, Sardar Vallabhbhai College of Science, India
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32
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Lu Y, Cui A, Zhang X. Commensal microbiota-derived metabolite agmatine triggers inflammation to promote colorectal tumorigenesis. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2348441. [PMID: 38706224 PMCID: PMC11086030 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2348441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC), a malignant tumor worldwide, is associated with gut microbiota. The influence of gut microbe-derived metabolites on CRC has attracted a lot of attention. However, the role of immunity mediated by commensal microbiota-derived metabolites in tumorigenesis of CRC is not intensively explored. Here we monitored the gut microbial dysbiosis in CRC mouse model (ApcMin/+ model) without dietary and pharmacological intervention, followed by characterized of metabolites enriched in CRC model mice. Profound changes of gut microbiome (bacteriome) were observed during intestinal disorders. Metabolomic profiling indicated that agmatine, derived from the gut bacteria i.e. Blautia, Odoribacter, Alistipes and Paraprevotella, could interact with Rnf128 to suppress the Rnf128-mediated ubiquitination of β-catenin to further upregulate the downstream targets of β-catenin including Cyclin D1, Lgr5, CD44 and C-myc, thus activating Wnt signaling. The activated Wnt signaling pathway promoted dysplasia of intestinal cells and inflammatory infiltration of lymphocytes via inducing the upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) and downregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10), thereby contributing to colorectal carcinogenesis. Therefore, our study presented novel insights into the roles and mechanisms of gut microbiota in pathogenesis of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Lu
- College of Life Sciences, Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology of Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Aoxi Cui
- College of Life Sciences, Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology of Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaobo Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology of Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
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33
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Saadh MJ, Rasulova I, Almoyad MAA, Kiasari BA, Ali RT, Rasheed T, Faisal A, Hussain F, Jawad MJ, Hani T, Sârbu I, Lakshmaiya N, Ciongradi CI. Recent progress and the emerging role of lncRNAs in cancer drug resistance; focusing on signaling pathways. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 253:154999. [PMID: 38118218 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
It is becoming more and more apparent that many of the genetic alterations associated with cancer are located in areas that do not encode proteins. lncRNAs are a class of RNAs that do not code for proteins but play a crucial role in maintaining cell function and regulating various cellular processes. By doing this, they have recently introduced what may be a brand-new and essential layer of biological control. These have more than 200 nucleotides and are linked to several diseases; as a result, they have become potential tools for therapeutic intervention. Emerging technologies suggest the presence of mutations on genomic loci that give rise to lncRNAs rather than proteins in a disease as complex as cancer. These lncRNAs play essential parts in gene regulation, which impacts several cellular homeostasis processes, including proliferation, survival, migration, and genomic stability. The leading cause of death in the world today is cancer. Delays in diagnosis and a lack of standard and efficient treatments are the leading causes of the high death rate. Clinically, surgery is frequently used successfully to remove cancers that have not spread, but it is less successful in treating metastatic cancer, which has a drastically lower chance of survival. Chemotherapeutic drugs are a typical therapy to treat the cancer that has spread to other organs. Drug resistance to chemotherapy, however, presents a significant challenge to achieving positive outcomes and is frequently the cause of treatment failure. A substantial barrier to progress in medical oncology is cancer drug resistance. Resistance can develop clinically either before or after cancer treatment. According to this study, lncRNAs influence drug resistance through several different methods. LncRNAs often impact drug resistance by controlling the expression of a few intermediary regulatory variables rather than by directly affecting drug resistance. Additionally, lncRNAs have a variety of roles in cancer medication resistance. Most lncRNAs induce drug resistance when overexpressed; however, other lncRNAs have inhibitory effects. This study provides an overview of the current understanding of lncRNAs, relevance to cancer, and potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed J Saadh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Middle East University, Amman 11831, Jordan
| | - Irodakhon Rasulova
- School of Humanities, Natural & Social Sciences, New Uzbekistan University, 54 Mustaqillik Ave., Tashkent 100007, Uzbekistan; Department of Public Health, Samarkand State Medical University, Amir Temur Street 18, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
| | - Muhammad Ali Abdullah Almoyad
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 4536, 47 Abha Mushait, 61412, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bahman Abedi Kiasari
- Microbiology & Immunology Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ronak Taher Ali
- College of Medical Technology, Al-Kitab University, Kirkuk, Iraq
| | - Tariq Rasheed
- College of Science and Humanities, Al-Kharj, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Faisal
- Department of Pharmacy, Al-Noor University College, Nineveh, Iraq
| | - Farah Hussain
- Medical Technical College, Al-Farahidi University, Iraq
| | | | - Thamer Hani
- Dentistry Department, Al-Turath University College, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ioan Sârbu
- 2nd Department of Surgery-Pediatric Surgery and Orthopedics, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania.
| | - Natrayan Lakshmaiya
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering, SIMATS, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Carmen Iulia Ciongradi
- 2nd Department of Surgery-Pediatric Surgery and Orthopedics, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania.
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Ajmeera D, Ajumeera R. Drug repurposing: A novel strategy to target cancer stem cells and therapeutic resistance. Genes Dis 2024; 11:148-175. [PMID: 37588226 PMCID: PMC10425757 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy is an effortless and frequently used approach in cancer therapy. However, in most cases, it can only prolong life expectancy and does not guarantee a complete cure. Furthermore, chemotherapy is associated with severe adverse effects, one of the major complications of effective cancer therapy. In addition, newly published research outputs show that cancer stem cells are involved in cancer disease progression, drug resistance, metastasis, and recurrence and that they are functional in the trans-differentiation capacity of cancer stem cells to cancer cells in response to treatments. Novel strategies are therefore required for better management of cancer therapy. The prime approach would be to synthesize and develop novel drugs that need extensive resources, time, and endurance to be brought into therapeutic use. The subsequent approach would be to screen the anti-cancer activity of available non-cancerous drugs. This concept of repurposing non-cancer drugs as an alternative to current cancer therapy has become popular in recent years because using existing anticancer drugs has several adverse effects. Micronutrients have also been investigated for cancer therapy due to their significant anti-cancer effects with negligible or no side effects and availability in food sources. In this paper, we discuss an ideal hypothesis for screening available non-cancerous drugs with anticancer activity, with a focus on cancer stem cells and their clinical application for cancer treatment. Further, drug repurposing and the combination of micronutrients that can target both cancers and cancer stem cells may result in a better therapeutic approach leading to maximum tumor growth control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Ajmeera
- Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad, Telangana 500007, India
| | - Rajanna Ajumeera
- Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad, Telangana 500007, India
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35
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Girigoswami K, Pallavi P, Girigoswami A. Intricate subcellular journey of nanoparticles to the enigmatic domains of endoplasmic reticulum. Drug Deliv 2023; 30:2284684. [PMID: 37990530 PMCID: PMC10987057 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2023.2284684] [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: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
It is evident that site-specific systemic drug delivery can reduce side effects, systemic toxicity, and minimal dosage requirements predominantly by delivering drugs to particular pathological sites, cells, and even subcellular structures. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and associated cell organelles play a vital role in several essential cellular functions and activities, such as the synthesis of lipids, steroids, membrane-associated proteins along with intracellular transport, signaling of Ca2+, and specific response to stress. Therefore, the dysfunction of ER is correlated with numerous diseases where cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes mellitus, hepatic disorder, etc., are very common. To achieve satisfactory therapeutic results in certain diseases, it is essential to engineer delivery systems that can effectively enter the cells and target ER. Nanoparticles are highly biocompatible, contain a variety of cargos or payloads, and can be modified in a pliable manner to achieve therapeutic effectiveness at the subcellular level when delivered to specific organelles. Passive targeting drug delivery vehicles, or active targeting drug delivery systems, reduce the nonselective accumulation of drugs while reducing side effects by modifying them with small molecular compounds, antibodies, polypeptides, or isolated bio-membranes. The targeting of ER and closely associated organelles in cells using nanoparticles, however, is still unsymmetrically understood. Therefore, here we summarized the pathophysiological prospect of ER stress, involvement of ER and mitochondrial response, disease related to ER dysfunctions, essential therapeutics, and nanoenabled modulation of their delivery to optimize therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koyeli Girigoswami
- Medical Bionanotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital & Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam, Chennai, TN, India
| | - Pragya Pallavi
- Medical Bionanotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital & Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam, Chennai, TN, India
| | - Agnishwar Girigoswami
- Medical Bionanotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital & Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam, Chennai, TN, India
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36
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Pekeč T, Venkatachalapathy S, Shim AR, Paysan D, Grzmil M, Schibli R, Béhé M, Shivashankar GV. Detecting radio- and chemoresistant cells in 3D cancer co-cultures using chromatin biomarkers. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20662. [PMID: 38001169 PMCID: PMC10673941 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47287-2] [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] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The heterogenous treatment response of tumor cells limits the effectiveness of cancer therapy. While this heterogeneity has been linked to cell-to-cell variability within the complex tumor microenvironment, a quantitative biomarker that identifies and characterizes treatment-resistant cell populations is still missing. Herein, we use chromatin organization as a cost-efficient readout of the cells' states to identify subpopulations that exhibit distinct responses to radiotherapy. To this end, we developed a 3D co-culture model of cancer spheroids and patient-derived fibroblasts treated with radiotherapy. Using the model we identified treatment-resistant cells that bypassed DNA damage checkpoints and exhibited an aggressive growth phenotype. Importantly, these cells featured more condensed chromatin which primed them for treatment evasion, as inhibiting chromatin condensation and DNA damage repair mechanisms improved the efficacy of not only radio- but also chemotherapy. Collectively, our work shows the potential of using chromatin organization to cost-effectively study the heterogeneous treatment susceptibility of cells and guide therapeutic design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Pekeč
- Laboratory for Nanoscale Biology, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland
| | | | - Anne R Shim
- Laboratory for Nanoscale Biology, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Paysan
- Laboratory for Nanoscale Biology, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Michal Grzmil
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Roger Schibli
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Béhé
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - G V Shivashankar
- Laboratory for Nanoscale Biology, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland.
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
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37
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Ozen M, Lopez CF. Data-driven structural analysis of small cell lung cancer transcription factor network suggests potential subtype regulators and transition pathways. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2023; 9:55. [PMID: 37907529 PMCID: PMC10618210 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-023-00316-2] [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: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive disease and challenging to treat due to its mixture of transcriptional subtypes and subtype transitions. Transcription factor (TF) networks have been the focus of studies to identify SCLC subtype regulators via systems approaches. Yet, their structures, which can provide clues on subtype drivers and transitions, are barely investigated. Here, we analyze the structure of an SCLC TF network by using graph theory concepts and identify its structurally important components responsible for complex signal processing, called hubs. We show that the hubs of the network are regulators of different SCLC subtypes by analyzing first the unbiased network structure and then integrating RNA-seq data as weights assigned to each interaction. Data-driven analysis emphasizes MYC as a hub, consistent with recent reports. Furthermore, we hypothesize that the pathways connecting functionally distinct hubs may control subtype transitions and test this hypothesis via network simulations on a candidate pathway and observe subtype transition. Overall, structural analyses of complex networks can identify their functionally important components and pathways driving the network dynamics. Such analyses can be an initial step for generating hypotheses and can guide the discovery of target pathways whose perturbation may change the network dynamics phenotypically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Ozen
- Dept. of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Multiscale Modeling Group, SI3, Altos Labs, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | - Carlos F Lopez
- Dept. of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Multiscale Modeling Group, SI3, Altos Labs, Redwood City, CA, USA.
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Bhattacharyya S, Ehsan SF, Karacosta LG. Phenotypic maps for precision medicine: a promising systems biology tool for assessing therapy response and resistance at a personalized level. FRONTIERS IN NETWORK PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 3:1256104. [PMID: 37964768 PMCID: PMC10642209 DOI: 10.3389/fnetp.2023.1256104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
In this perspective we discuss how tumor heterogeneity and therapy resistance necessitate a focus on more personalized approaches, prompting a shift toward precision medicine. At the heart of the shift towards personalized medicine, omics-driven systems biology becomes a driving force as it leverages high-throughput technologies and novel bioinformatics tools. These enable the creation of systems-based maps, providing a comprehensive view of individual tumor's functional plasticity. We highlight the innovative PHENOSTAMP program, which leverages high-dimensional data to construct a visually intuitive and user-friendly map. This map was created to encapsulate complex transitional states in cancer cells, such as Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transition (MET), offering a visually intuitive way to understand disease progression and therapeutic responses at single-cell resolution in relation to EMT-related single-cell phenotypes. Most importantly, PHENOSTAMP functions as a reference map, which allows researchers and clinicians to assess one clinical specimen at a time in relation to their phenotypic heterogeneity, setting the foundation on constructing phenotypic maps for personalized medicine. This perspective argues that such dynamic predictive maps could also catalyze the development of personalized cancer treatment. They hold the potential to transform our understanding of cancer biology, providing a foundation for a future where therapy is tailored to each patient's unique molecular and cellular tumor profile. As our knowledge of cancer expands, these maps can be continually refined, ensuring they remain a valuable tool in precision oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayantan Bhattacharyya
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Shafqat F. Ehsan
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Loukia G. Karacosta
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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39
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Tirado-Garibay AC, Falcón-Ruiz EA, Ochoa-Zarzosa A, López-Meza JE. GPER: An Estrogen Receptor Key in Metastasis and Tumoral Microenvironments. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14993. [PMID: 37834441 PMCID: PMC10573234 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914993] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogens and their role in cancer are well-studied, and some cancer types are classified in terms of their response to them. In recent years, a G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) has been described with relevance in cancer. GPER is a pleiotropic receptor with tissue-specific activity; in normal tissues, its activation is related to correct development and homeostasis, while in cancer cells, it can be pro- or anti-tumorigenic. Also, GPER replaces estrogen responsiveness in estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-lacking cancer cell lines. One of the most outstanding activities of GPER is its role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is relevant for metastasis development. In addition, the presence of this receptor in tumor microenvironment cells contributes to the phenotypic plasticity required for the dissemination and maintenance of tumors. These characteristics suggest that GPER could be a promising therapeutic target for regulating cancer development. This review focuses on the role of GPER in EMT in tumorigenic and associated cells, highlighting its role in relation to the main hallmarks of cancer and possible therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Joel E. López-Meza
- Centro Multidisciplinario de Estudios en Biotecnología—FMVZ, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Morelia 58893, Mexico; (A.C.T.-G.); (E.A.F.-R.); (A.O.-Z.)
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40
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Sahoo S, Ramu S, Nair MG, Pillai M, San Juan BP, Milioli HZ, Mandal S, Naidu CM, Mavatkar AD, Subramaniam H, Neogi AG, Chaffer CL, Prabhu JS, Somarelli JA, Jolly MK. Multi-modal transcriptomic analysis unravels enrichment of hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal state and enhanced phenotypic heterogeneity in basal breast cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.30.558960. [PMID: 37873432 PMCID: PMC10592858 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.30.558960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Intra-tumoral phenotypic heterogeneity promotes tumor relapse and therapeutic resistance and remains an unsolved clinical challenge. It manifests along multiple phenotypic axes and decoding the interconnections among these different axes is crucial to understand its molecular origins and to develop novel therapeutic strategies to control it. Here, we use multi-modal transcriptomic data analysis - bulk, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics - from breast cancer cell lines and primary tumor samples, to identify associations between epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and luminal-basal plasticity - two key processes that enable heterogeneity. We show that luminal breast cancer strongly associates with an epithelial cell state, but basal breast cancer is associated with hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype(s) and higher phenotypic heterogeneity. These patterns were inherent in methylation profiles, suggesting an epigenetic crosstalk between EMT and lineage plasticity in breast cancer. Mathematical modelling of core underlying gene regulatory networks representative of the crosstalk between the luminal-basal and epithelial-mesenchymal axes recapitulate and thus elucidate mechanistic underpinnings of the observed associations from transcriptomic data. Our systems-based approach integrating multi-modal data analysis with mechanism-based modeling offers a predictive framework to characterize intra-tumor heterogeneity and to identify possible interventions to restrict it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarthak Sahoo
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Soundharya Ramu
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Madhumathy G Nair
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John’s Research Institute, St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Maalavika Pillai
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
- Current affiliation: Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, 60611, USA
| | - Beatriz P San Juan
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | | | - Susmita Mandal
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Chandrakala M Naidu
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John’s Research Institute, St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Apoorva D Mavatkar
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John’s Research Institute, St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Harini Subramaniam
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Arpita G Neogi
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Christine L Chaffer
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia
- University of New South Wales, UNSW Medicine, UNSW Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Jyothi S Prabhu
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John’s Research Institute, St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | | | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
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Duan X, Tian H, Zheng S, Zhu J, Li C, He B, Li L, Jiang H, Lu S, Feng Y, Bentley GT, Zhang W, Huang C, Gao W, Xie N, Xie K. Photothermal-Starvation Therapy Nanomodulator Capable of Inhibiting Colorectal Cancer Recurrence and Metastasis by Energy Metabolism Reduction. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2300968. [PMID: 37543843 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
The recurrence and metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC) have been considered as a severe challenge in clinical treatment. Recent studies have demonstrated that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and lactate can promote local tumor angiogenesis, recurrence, and metastasis. The expression of MMPs is highly dependent on energy metabolism, and lactate is considered an alternative energy source for tumor proliferation and metastasis. Therefore, using a rational approach, a photothermal-starvation therapy nanomodulator that can reduce energy metabolism to suppress CRC recurrence and metastasis is designed. To design a suitable nanomodulator, glucose oxidase (GOX), indocyanine green (IR820), and α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHC) into nanoparticles by a coassembly method are combined. The photothermal properties of IR820 provide the appropriate temperature and oxygen supply for the enzymatic reaction of GOX to promote intracellular glucose consumption. CHC inhibits the expression of monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1), the transporter of lactic acid into cells, and also reduces oxygen consumption and promotes the GOX reaction. Additionally, altering adenosine triphosphate synthesis to block heat shock proteins expression can be an effective means to prevent IR820-mediated photothermal therapy resistance. Thus, this dual photothermal-starvation therapy nanomodulator efficiently suppresses the recurrence and metastasis of CRC by depleting intracellular nutrients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xirui Duan
- Department of Oncology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, China
| | - Hailong Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610044, China
| | - Shuwen Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, China
| | - Jianmei Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, China
| | - Chan Li
- Department of Oncology, Peoples Hospital of Xinjin, Chengdu, 611430, China
| | - Bo He
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Lei Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610075, China
| | - Hao Jiang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo, 315010, China
| | - Shuaijun Lu
- The Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo, 315010, China
| | - Yumei Feng
- Department of Oncology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, China
| | - Gary T Bentley
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, 100215, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610044, China
| | - Canhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610044, China
| | - Wei Gao
- Clinical Genetics Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital & Clinical Medical College of Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, China
| | - Na Xie
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ke Xie
- Department of Oncology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, China
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42
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Groves SM, Quaranta V. Quantifying cancer cell plasticity with gene regulatory networks and single-cell dynamics. FRONTIERS IN NETWORK PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 3:1225736. [PMID: 37731743 PMCID: PMC10507267 DOI: 10.3389/fnetp.2023.1225736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Phenotypic plasticity of cancer cells can lead to complex cell state dynamics during tumor progression and acquired resistance. Highly plastic stem-like states may be inherently drug-resistant. Moreover, cell state dynamics in response to therapy allow a tumor to evade treatment. In both scenarios, quantifying plasticity is essential for identifying high-plasticity states or elucidating transition paths between states. Currently, methods to quantify plasticity tend to focus on 1) quantification of quasi-potential based on the underlying gene regulatory network dynamics of the system; or 2) inference of cell potency based on trajectory inference or lineage tracing in single-cell dynamics. Here, we explore both of these approaches and associated computational tools. We then discuss implications of each approach to plasticity metrics, and relevance to cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Groves
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Vito Quaranta
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
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43
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Pádua D, Figueira P, Pinto M, Maia AF, Peixoto J, Lima RT, Pombinho A, Pereira CF, Almeida R, Mesquita P. High-Throughput Drug Screening Revealed That Ciclopirox Olamine Can Engender Gastric Cancer Stem-like Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4406. [PMID: 37686684 PMCID: PMC10487151 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are relevant therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. Still, the molecular circuits behind CSC characteristics are not fully understood. The low number of CSCs can sometimes be an obstacle to carrying out assays that explore their properties. Thus, increasing CSC numbers via small molecule-mediated cellular reprogramming appears to be a valid alternative tool. Using the SORE6-GFP reporter system embedded in gastric non-CSCs (SORE6-), we performed a high-throughput image-based drug screen with 1200 small molecules to identify compounds capable of converting SORE6- to SORE6+ (CSCs). Here, we report that the antifungal agent ciclopirox olamine (CPX), a potential candidate for drug repurposing in cancer treatment, is able to reprogram gastric non-CSCs into cancer stem-like cells via activation of SOX2 expression and increased expression of C-MYC, HIF-1α, KLF4, and HMGA1. This reprogramming depends on the CPX concentration and treatment duration. CPX can also induce cellular senescence and the metabolic shift from oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to glycolysis. We also disclose that the mechanism underlying the cellular reprogramming is similar to that of cobalt chloride (CoCl2), a hypoxia-mimetic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Pádua
- i3S—Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (D.P.); (A.F.M.); (J.P.); (R.T.L.); (A.P.); (R.A.)
- IPATIMUP—Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS—Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Figueira
- i3S—Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (D.P.); (A.F.M.); (J.P.); (R.T.L.); (A.P.); (R.A.)
- IPATIMUP—Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana Pinto
- i3S—Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (D.P.); (A.F.M.); (J.P.); (R.T.L.); (A.P.); (R.A.)
- IPATIMUP—Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - André Filipe Maia
- i3S—Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (D.P.); (A.F.M.); (J.P.); (R.T.L.); (A.P.); (R.A.)
- IBMC—Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Peixoto
- i3S—Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (D.P.); (A.F.M.); (J.P.); (R.T.L.); (A.P.); (R.A.)
- IPATIMUP—Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Raquel T. Lima
- i3S—Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (D.P.); (A.F.M.); (J.P.); (R.T.L.); (A.P.); (R.A.)
- IPATIMUP—Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - António Pombinho
- i3S—Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (D.P.); (A.F.M.); (J.P.); (R.T.L.); (A.P.); (R.A.)
- IBMC—Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carlos Filipe Pereira
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Cell Reprogramming in Hematopoiesis and Immunity Laboratory, Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, BMC A12, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Raquel Almeida
- i3S—Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (D.P.); (A.F.M.); (J.P.); (R.T.L.); (A.P.); (R.A.)
- IPATIMUP—Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Mesquita
- i3S—Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (D.P.); (A.F.M.); (J.P.); (R.T.L.); (A.P.); (R.A.)
- IPATIMUP—Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
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Tong H, Li K, Zhou M, Wu R, Yang H, Peng Z, Zhao Q, Luo KQ. Coculture of cancer cells with platelets increases their survival and metastasis by activating the TGFβ/Smad/PAI-1 and PI3K/AKT pathways. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:4259-4277. [PMID: 37705745 PMCID: PMC10496510 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.85986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
When cancer cells enter the bloodstream, they can interact with platelets to acquire stronger survival and metastatic abilities. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, we cocultured metastatic melanoma and triple-negative breast cancer cells with species-homologous platelets. We found that cocultured cancer cells displayed higher viabilities in circulation, stronger capacities for cell migration, invasion, and colony formation in vitro, and more tumorigenesis and metastasis in mice. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that the level of serpin family E member 1 (SERPINE1) was significantly upregulated in cocultured cancer cells. Knockdown of SERPINE1 reversed the coculture-elevated survival and metastatic phenotypes of cancer cells. Mechanistic studies indicated that coculture with platelets activated the TGFβ/Smad pathway to induce SERPINE1 expression in cancer cells, which encodes plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1). PAI-1 then activated PI3K to increase the phosphorylation of AKTThr308 and Bad to elevate Bcl-2, which enhanced cell survival in circulation. Moreover, higher levels of PAI-1 were detected in metastatic tumors from melanoma and triple-negative breast cancer patients than in normal tissues, and high levels of PAI-1 were associated with a shorter overall survival time and worse disease progression in breast cancer. PAI-1 may act as a potential biomarker for detecting and treating metastatic tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibo Tong
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Koukou Li
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Muya Zhou
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Renfei Wu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Hongmei Yang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Zheng Peng
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
- Ministry of Education Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau
| | - Kathy Qian Luo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
- Ministry of Education Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau
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45
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Yin L, Ye Y, Zou L, Lin J, Dai Y, Fu Y, Liu Y, Peng Y, Gao Y, Fu Y, Qi X, Deng T, Zhang S, Li X. AR antagonists develop drug resistance through TOMM20 autophagic degradation-promoted transformation to neuroendocrine prostate cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:204. [PMID: 37563661 PMCID: PMC10413764 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02776-0] [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: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostate cancer(PCa) is the most commonly occurring male cancer in the USA. Abiraterone or Enzalutamide have been approved for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). However, the treatment-emergent neuroendocrine PCa (t-NEPC) may develop, resulting in drug resistance in about 10-17% CRPC patients. The detailed mechanisms remain unclear.. METHODS The expression correlation of TOMM20 and AR in PCa was determined by analyzing publicly available datasets, or by IHC staining in tumor specimens. The protein interaction of TOMM20 and AR was validated by co-immunoprecipitation or GST pull-down assay. The impact of TOMM20 depletion on drug sensitivity were elucidated by assays of cell proliferation, invasion, sphere formation, xenograft growth and intravenous metastasis. The intracellular ROS level was measured by flow cytometry, and the NEPC transdifferentiation and characteristics of cancer stem-like cells were validated by RNA-seq, RT-PCR and western blotting. RESULTS The protein level of TOMM20 is positively correlated with AR in PCa cells and specimens. TOMM20 protein physically interacts with AR. AR antagonists induced the protein degradation of TOMM20 through autophagy-lysosomal pathway, thereby elevating the intracellular ROS level and activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. When TOMM20 was depleted, PCa cells underwent EMT, acquired the characteristics of cancer stem-like cells, and developed resistance to AR antagonists. The stable depletion of TOMM20 promoted the transdifferentiation of PCa adenocarcinoma into NEPC and metastasis. Conversely, the rescue of TOMM20 re-sensitized the resistant PCa cells to AR antagonists. CONCLUSIONS TOMM20 protein degradation induced by AR antagonists promoted the transdifferentiation of PCa to NEPC, thereby revealing a novel molecular mechanism by which AR antagonists develop drug resistance through mitochondrial outer membrane-mediated signaling pathway. These findings suggested that the decreasing or loss of TOMM20 expression in PCa tissues might become a useful predictor of PCa resistance to AR antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linglong Yin
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Precision Pharmacy of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, 19 Nonglinxia Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangdong, China
- School of Clinical Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangdong, China
| | - Yubing Ye
- School of Clinical Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangdong, China
| | - Ling Zou
- School of Clinical Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinli Lin
- School of Clinical Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangdong, China
| | - Yi Dai
- School of Clinical Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangdong, China
| | - Yongming Fu
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Precision Pharmacy of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, 19 Nonglinxia Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangdong, China
| | - Youhong Liu
- Department of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuchong Peng
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Precision Pharmacy of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, 19 Nonglinxia Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingxue Gao
- Department of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuxin Fu
- Department of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xuli Qi
- Department of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tanggang Deng
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Precision Pharmacy of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, 19 Nonglinxia Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangdong, China
| | - Songwei Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiong Li
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Precision Pharmacy of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, 19 Nonglinxia Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangdong, China.
- School of Clinical Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangdong, China.
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Technology Research and Evaluation of Pharmacovigilance, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangdong, China.
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Liu R, Li Q, Qin S, Qiao L, Yang M, Liu S, Nice EC, Zhang W, Huang C, Zheng S, Gao W. Sertaconazole-repurposed nanoplatform enhances lung cancer therapy via CD44-targeted drug delivery. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:188. [PMID: 37507782 PMCID: PMC10385912 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02766-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung cancer is one of the most frequent causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Drug repurposing and nano-drug delivery systems are attracting considerable attention for improving anti-cancer therapy. Sertaconazole (STZ), an antifungal agent, has been reported to exhibit cytotoxicity against both normal and tumor cells, and its medical use is limited by its poor solubility. In order to overcome such shortcomings, we prepared a drug-repurposed nanoplatform to enhance the anti-tumor efficiency. METHODS Nanoplatform was prepared by thin film dispersion. Drug release studies and uptake studies were measured in vitro. Subsequently, we verified the tumor inhibition mechanisms of HTS NPs through apoptosis assay, immunoblotting and reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection analyses. Antitumor activity was evaluated on an established xenograft lung cancer model in vivo. RESULTS Our nanoplatform improved the solubility of sertaconazole and increased its accumulation in tumor cells. Mechanistically, HTS NPs was dependent on ROS-mediated apoptosis and pro-apoptotic autophagy to achieve their excellent anti-tumor effects. Furthermore, HTS NPs also showed strong inhibitory ability in nude mouse xenograft models without significant side effects. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that sertaconazole-repurposed nanoplatform provides an effective strategy for lung cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruolan Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Qiong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Siyuan Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ling Qiao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Mei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Shanshan Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
| | - Edouard C Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Wei Zhang
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Canhua Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Shaojiang Zheng
- Hainan Cancer Center of The First Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research of Hainan Province, Hainan Women and Children's Medical Center, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China.
| | - Wei Gao
- Clinical Genetics Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital & Clinical Medical College of Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610081, China.
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Wang YJ, Liang H, Liu Y, Bao Q, Yang S, Xu XX, Chen YC, Liu W, Shi X, Shi Y, Liu X, Liu B, Gao H, Jiu Y, Liu YJ. Lamin A/C and Vimentin as a Coordinated Regulator during Amoeboid Migration in Microscale Confined Microenvironments. NANO LETTERS 2023; 23:6727-6735. [PMID: 37459599 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c02096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Cell migration occurs in confined microenvironments, which plays a vital role in the process of tumor metastasis. However, it is challenging to study their behaviors in vivo. Here we developed a cell squeeze system that can be scaled down to micrometers to mimic native physical confined microenvironments, wherein degrees of surface adhesion and mechanical constraints could be manipulated in order to investigate cell-migrating behaviors. Based on the microscale cell squeeze system, we found the synergistic role of lamin A/C and vimentin in cell transition and migration under strong confinement. The dynamic variations in lamin A/C and vimentin expression establish a positive feedback loop in response to confinement, effectively promoting amoeboid migration by modulating nuclear deformability while ensuring cell viability. This work shed light on modulating cell response to microenvironments by altering the expression of lamin A/C and/or vimentin, which may be a more efficient way of inhibiting cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Jun Wang
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hong Liang
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yixin Liu
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qiyuan Bao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Shuang Yang
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xin-Xin Xu
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yu-Chen Chen
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xuemeng Shi
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yuheng Shi
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiaohui Liu
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Baohong Liu
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hai Gao
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yaming Jiu
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yan-Jun Liu
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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48
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Eckerdt F, Platanias LC. Emerging Role of Glioma Stem Cells in Mechanisms of Therapy Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3458. [PMID: 37444568 PMCID: PMC10340782 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Since their discovery at the beginning of this millennium, glioma stem cells (GSCs) have sparked extensive research and an energetic scientific debate about their contribution to glioblastoma (GBM) initiation, progression, relapse, and resistance. Different molecular subtypes of GBM coexist within the same tumor, and they display differential sensitivity to chemotherapy. GSCs contribute to tumor heterogeneity and recapitulate pathway alterations described for the three GBM subtypes found in patients. GSCs show a high degree of plasticity, allowing for interconversion between different molecular GBM subtypes, with distinct proliferative potential, and different degrees of self-renewal and differentiation. This high degree of plasticity permits adaptation to the environmental changes introduced by chemo- and radiation therapy. Evidence from mouse models indicates that GSCs repopulate brain tumors after therapeutic intervention, and due to GSC plasticity, they reconstitute heterogeneity in recurrent tumors. GSCs are also inherently resilient to standard-of-care therapy, and mechanisms of resistance include enhanced DNA damage repair, MGMT promoter demethylation, autophagy, impaired induction of apoptosis, metabolic adaptation, chemoresistance, and immune evasion. The remarkable oncogenic properties of GSCs have inspired considerable interest in better understanding GSC biology and functions, as they might represent attractive targets to advance the currently limited therapeutic options for GBM patients. This has raised expectations for the development of novel targeted therapeutic approaches, including targeting GSC plasticity, chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T) cells, and oncolytic viruses. In this review, we focus on the role of GSCs as drivers of GBM and therapy resistance, and we discuss how insights into GSC biology and plasticity might advance GSC-directed curative approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Eckerdt
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Leonidas C. Platanias
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Medicine Service, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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49
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Baba SK, Baba SK, Mir R, Elfaki I, Algehainy N, Ullah MF, Barnawi J, Altemani FH, Alanazi M, Mustafa SK, Masoodi T, Akil ASA, Bhat AA, Macha MA. Long non-coding RNAs modulate tumor microenvironment to promote metastasis: novel avenue for therapeutic intervention. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1164301. [PMID: 37384249 PMCID: PMC10299194 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1164301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a devastating disease and the primary cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with cancer metastasis responsible for 90% of cancer-related deaths. Cancer metastasis is a multistep process characterized by spreading of cancer cells from the primary tumor and acquiring molecular and phenotypic changes that enable them to expand and colonize in distant organs. Despite recent advancements, the underlying molecular mechanism(s) of cancer metastasis is limited and requires further exploration. In addition to genetic alterations, epigenetic changes have been demonstrated to play an important role in the development of cancer metastasis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are considered one of the most critical epigenetic regulators. By regulating signaling pathways and acting as decoys, guides, and scaffolds, they modulate key molecules in every step of cancer metastasis such as dissemination of carcinoma cells, intravascular transit, and metastatic colonization. Gaining a good knowledge of the detailed molecular basis underlying lncRNAs regulating cancer metastasis may provide previously unknown therapeutic and diagnostic lncRNAs for patients with metastatic disease. In this review, we concentrate on the molecular mechanisms underlying lncRNAs in the regulation of cancer metastasis, the cross-talk with metabolic reprogramming, modulating cancer cell anoikis resistance, influencing metastatic microenvironment, and the interaction with pre-metastatic niche formation. In addition, we also discuss the clinical utility and therapeutic potential of lncRNAs for cancer treatment. Finally, we also represent areas for future research in this rapidly developing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Khurshid Baba
- Watson-Crick Centre for Molecular Medicine, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora, Kashmir, India
| | - Sadaf Khursheed Baba
- Department of Microbiology, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Science (SKIMS), Soura, Kashmir, India
| | - Rashid Mir
- Department of Medical Lab Technology, Prince Fahd Bin Sultan Research Chair Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Imadeldin Elfaki
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naseh Algehainy
- Department of Medical Lab Technology, Prince Fahd Bin Sultan Research Chair Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Fahad Ullah
- Department of Medical Lab Technology, Prince Fahd Bin Sultan Research Chair Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jameel Barnawi
- Department of Medical Lab Technology, Prince Fahd Bin Sultan Research Chair Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faisal H. Altemani
- Department of Medical Lab Technology, Prince Fahd Bin Sultan Research Chair Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Alanazi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Syed Khalid Mustafa
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tariq Masoodi
- Human Immunology Department, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ammira S. Alshabeeb Akil
- Department of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity, and Cancer Program, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ajaz A. Bhat
- Department of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity, and Cancer Program, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Muzafar A. Macha
- Watson-Crick Centre for Molecular Medicine, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora, Kashmir, India
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50
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Weng N, Zhang Z, Tan Y, Zhang X, Wei X, Zhu Q. Repurposing antifungal drugs for cancer therapy. J Adv Res 2023; 48:259-273. [PMID: 36067975 PMCID: PMC10248799 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2022.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Repurposing antifungal drugs in cancer therapy has attracted unprecedented attention in both preclinical and clinical research due to specific advantages, such as safety, high-cost effectiveness and time savings compared with cancer drug discovery. The surprising and encouraging efficacy of antifungal drugs in cancer therapy, mechanistically, is attributed to the overlapping targets or molecular pathways between fungal and cancer pathogenesis. Advancements in omics, informatics and analytical technology have led to the discovery of increasing "off-site" targets from antifungal drugs involved in cancerogenesis, such as smoothened (D477G) inhibition from itraconazole in basal cell carcinoma. AIM OF REVIEW This review illustrates several antifungal drugs repurposed for cancer therapy and reveals the underlying mechanism based on their original target and "off-site" target. Furthermore, the challenges and perspectives for the future development and clinical applications of antifungal drugs for cancer therapy are also discussed, providing a refresh understanding of drug repurposing. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW This review may provide a basic understanding of repurposed antifungal drugs for clinical cancer management, thereby helping antifungal drugs broaden new indications and promote clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningna Weng
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China; Department of Medical Oncology, Fujian Cancer Hospital & Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian 350011, PR China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China; Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunhan Tan
- West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China
| | - Xiaoyue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qing Zhu
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China.
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