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Liu B, Zhou H, Tan L, Siu KTH, Guan XY. Exploring treatment options in cancer: Tumor treatment strategies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:175. [PMID: 39013849 PMCID: PMC11252281 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01856-7] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Traditional therapeutic approaches such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy have burdened cancer patients with onerous physical and psychological challenges. Encouragingly, the landscape of tumor treatment has undergone a comprehensive and remarkable transformation. Emerging as fervently pursued modalities are small molecule targeted agents, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), cell-based therapies, and gene therapy. These cutting-edge treatment modalities not only afford personalized and precise tumor targeting, but also provide patients with enhanced therapeutic comfort and the potential to impede disease progression. Nonetheless, it is acknowledged that these therapeutic strategies still harbour untapped potential for further advancement. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the merits and limitations of these treatment modalities holds the promise of offering novel perspectives for clinical practice and foundational research endeavours. In this review, we discussed the different treatment modalities, including small molecule targeted drugs, peptide drugs, antibody drugs, cell therapy, and gene therapy. It will provide a detailed explanation of each method, addressing their status of development, clinical challenges, and potential solutions. The aim is to assist clinicians and researchers in gaining a deeper understanding of these diverse treatment options, enabling them to carry out effective treatment and advance their research more efficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beilei Liu
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hongyu Zhou
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Licheng Tan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kin To Hugo Siu
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xin-Yuan Guan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- Advanced Energy Science and Technology Guangdong Laboratory, Huizhou, China.
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
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Lei Y, Xu J, Xiao M, Wu D, Xu H, Yang J, Mao X, Pan H, Yu X, Shi S. Pirfenidone alleviates fibrosis by acting on tumour-stroma interplay in pancreatic cancer. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:1505-1516. [PMID: 38454166 PMCID: PMC11058874 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02631-9] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a malignancy with a 5-year survival rate of 12%. The abundant mesenchyme is partly responsible for the malignancy. The antifibrotic therapies have gained attention in recent research. However, the role of pirfenidone, an FDA-approved drug for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, remains unclear in PDAC. METHODS Data from RNA-seq of patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models treated with pirfenidone were integrated using bioinformatics tools to identify the target of cell types and genes. Using confocal microscopy, qRT-PCR and western blotting, we validated the signalling pathway in tumour cells to regulate the cytokine secretion. Further cocultured system demonstrated the interplay to regulate stroma fibrosis. Finally, mouse models demonstrated the potential of pirfenidone in PDAC. RESULTS Pirfenidone can remodulate multiple biological pathways, and exerts an antifibrotic effect through inhibiting the secretion of PDGF-bb from tumour cells by downregulating the TGM2/NF-kB/PDGFB pathway. Thus, leading to a subsequent reduction in collagen X and fibronectin secreted by CAFs. Moreover, the mice orthotopic pancreatic tumour models demonstrated the antifibrotic effect and potential to sensitise gemcitabine. CONCLUSIONS Pirfenidone may alter the pancreatic milieu and alleviate fibrosis through the regulation of tumour-stroma interactions via the TGM2/NF-kB/PDGFB signalling pathway, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits in PDAC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalan Lei
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingming Xiao
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Di Wu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - He Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoqi Mao
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haoqi Pan
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China.
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Si Shi
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China.
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Zaltron E, Vianello F, Ruzza A, Palazzo A, Brillo V, Celotti I, Scavezzon M, Rossin F, Leanza L, Severin F. The Role of Transglutaminase 2 in Cancer: An Update. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2797. [PMID: 38474044 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Transglutaminase type 2 (TG2) is the most ubiquitously expressed and well characterized member of the transglutaminase family. It is a ubiquitous multifunctional enzyme implicated in the regulation of several cellular pathways that support the survival, death, and general homeostasis of eukaryotic cells. Due to its multiple localizations both inside and outside the cell, TG2 participates in the regulation of many crucial intracellular signaling cascades in a tissue- and cell-specific manner, making this enzyme an important player in disease development and progression. Moreover, TG2 is capable of modulating the tumor microenvironment, a process of dynamic tissue remodeling and biomechanical events, resulting in changes which influence tumor initiation, growth, and metastasis. Even if generally related to the Ca2+-dependent post-translational modification of proteins, a number of different biological functions have been ascribed to TG2, like those of a peptide isomerase, protein kinase, guanine nucleotide binder, and cytosolic-nuclear translocator. With respect to cancer, TG2's role is controversial and highly debated; it has been described both as an anti- and pro-apoptotic factor and is linked to all the processes of tumorigenesis. However, numerous pieces of evidence support a tissue-specific role of TG2 so that it can assume both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive roles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alessia Ruzza
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Alberta Palazzo
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | | | - Ilaria Celotti
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | | | - Federica Rossin
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Leanza
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Filippo Severin
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
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Wang W, Deng M, Li M, Liu L, Zou J, Qian Y. Exploring Corneal Neovascularization: An Integrated Approach Using Transcriptomics and Proteomics in an Alkali Burn Mouse Model. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:21. [PMID: 38190126 PMCID: PMC10777872 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.1.21] [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: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Corneal neovascularization (CNV) impairs corneal transparency and visual acuity. The study aims to deepen our understanding of the molecules involved in CNV induced by alkali burns, facilitate a better grasp of CNV mechanisms, and uncover potential therapeutic targets. Methods Eighty-four mice were selected for establishing CNV models via alkali burns. On days 3, 7, and 14 after the burns, corneal observations and histological investigations were conducted. An integrated analysis of RNA sequencing (RNA-seq)-based transcriptomics and label-free quantitative proteomics was performed in both normal and burned corneas. Bioinformatics approaches, encompassing Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, were applied to discern differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and crucial signaling pathways. Four potentially CNV-related genes were validated using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Results Significant CNV was observed on the seventh day. Forty-one genes were differentially expressed in neovascularized corneas, with 15 upregulated and 26 downregulated at both mRNA and protein levels. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that these DEGs participated in diverse biological processes, encompassing retinol and retinoic acid metabolism, neutrophil chemotaxis, and actin filament assembly, along with significant enrichment pathways like cytochrome P450, tyrosine, and phenylalanine metabolism. The upregulation of lymphocyte cytosolic protein 1 (LCP1) and cysteine and glycine-rich protein 2 (CSRP2) genes and the downregulation of transglutaminase 2 (TGM2) and transforming growth factor-beta-induced (TGFBI) genes were confirmed. Conclusions We analyzed gene expression differences in mouse corneas 7 days after alkali burns, finding 41 genes with altered expression. The exact role of these genes in CNV is not fully understood, but exploring angiogenesis-related molecules offers potential for CNV treatment or prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Manli Deng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Zou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiyong Qian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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Shang Z, Ma Z, Wu E, Chen X, Tuo B, Li T, Liu X. Effect of metabolic reprogramming on the immune microenvironment in gastric cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:116030. [PMID: 38128177 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116030] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignant tumor of the gastrointestinal tract with a high mortality rate worldwide, a low early detection rate and a poor prognosis. The rise of metabolomics has facilitated the early detection and treatment of GC. Metabolism in the GC tumor microenvironment (TME) mainly includes glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism and amino acid metabolism, which provide energy and nutrients for GC cell proliferation and migration. Abnormal tumor metabolism can influence tumor progression by regulating the functions of immune cells and immune molecules in the TME, thereby contributing to tumor immune escape. Thus, in this review, we summarize the impact of metabolism on the TME during GC progression. We also propose novel strategies to modulate antitumor immune responses by targeting metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengye Shang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Zhiyuan Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Enqin Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Xingzhao Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Biguang Tuo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Taolang Li
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Dalian Road 149, Zunyi 563000, China.
| | - Xuemei Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, China.
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Wu Z, Uhl B, Gires O, Reichel CA. A transcriptomic pan-cancer signature for survival prognostication and prediction of immunotherapy response based on endothelial senescence. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:21. [PMID: 36978029 PMCID: PMC10045484 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00915-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The microvascular endothelium inherently controls nutrient delivery, oxygen supply, and immune surveillance of malignant tumors, thus representing both biological prerequisite and therapeutic vulnerability in cancer. Recently, cellular senescence emerged as a fundamental characteristic of solid malignancies. In particular, tumor endothelial cells have been reported to acquire a senescence-associated secretory phenotype, which is characterized by a pro-inflammatory transcriptional program, eventually promoting tumor growth and formation of distant metastases. We therefore hypothesize that senescence of tumor endothelial cells (TEC) represents a promising target for survival prognostication and prediction of immunotherapy efficacy in precision oncology. METHODS Published single-cell RNA sequencing datasets of different cancer entities were analyzed for cell-specific senescence, before generating a pan-cancer endothelial senescence-related transcriptomic signature termed EC.SENESCENCE.SIG. Utilizing this signature, machine learning algorithms were employed to construct survival prognostication and immunotherapy response prediction models. Machine learning-based feature selection algorithms were applied to select key genes as prognostic biomarkers. RESULTS Our analyses in published transcriptomic datasets indicate that in a variety of cancers, endothelial cells exhibit the highest cellular senescence as compared to tumor cells or other cells in the vascular compartment of malignant tumors. Based on these findings, we developed a TEC-associated, senescence-related transcriptomic signature (EC.SENESCENCE.SIG) that positively correlates with pro-tumorigenic signaling, tumor-promoting dysbalance of immune cell responses, and impaired patient survival across multiple cancer entities. Combining clinical patient data with a risk score computed from EC.SENESCENCE.SIG, a nomogram model was constructed that enhanced the accuracy of clinical survival prognostication. Towards clinical application, we identified three genes as pan-cancer biomarkers for survival probability estimation. As therapeutic perspective, a machine learning model constructed on EC.SENESCENCE.SIG provided superior pan-cancer prediction for immunotherapy response than previously published transcriptomic models. CONCLUSIONS We here established a pan-cancer transcriptomic signature for survival prognostication and prediction of immunotherapy response based on endothelial senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengquan Wu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ludwigs-Maximilians-University Medical Centre, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Bernd Uhl
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ludwigs-Maximilians-University Medical Centre, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Olivier Gires
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ludwigs-Maximilians-University Medical Centre, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph A Reichel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ludwigs-Maximilians-University Medical Centre, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
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Zhang M, Xu H. Peptide-assembled nanoparticles targeting tumor cells and tumor microenvironment for cancer therapy. Front Chem 2023; 11:1115495. [PMID: 36762192 PMCID: PMC9902599 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1115495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells and corrupt stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment usually overexpress cancer-specific markers that are absent or barely detectable in normal cells, providing available targets for inhibiting the occurrence and development of cancers. It is noticeable that therapeutic peptides are emerging in cancer therapies and playing more and more important roles. Moreover, the peptides can be self-assembled and/or incorporated with polymeric molecules to form nanoparticles via non-covalent bond, which have presented appealing as well as enhanced capacities of recognizing targeted cells, responding to microenvironments, mediating internalization, and achieving therapeutic effects. In this review, we will introduce the peptide-based nanoparticles and their application advances in targeting tumor cells and stromal cells, including suppressive immune cells, fibrosis-related cells, and angiogenic vascular cells, for cancer therapy.
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Jing P, Luo Y, Wang L, Tan J, Chen Y, Chen Y, Zhang S. An oligomeric hyaluronic acid-GX1 molecular target drug with polyvalent targeting to CD44 and VEGF receptors. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 144:213217. [PMID: 36502748 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2022.213217] [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: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The off-target toxicity of molecular targeted drug hinders its clinical transformation. Herein, we report a new molecular targeted drug oHA-GX1 constructed by oligomeric hyaluronan (oHA) and peptide GX1 (CGNSNPKSC). The oHA-GX1 can not only suppress the tumor growth by interacting with overexpressed VEGF and CD44 receptors inside tumor tissues, but also reduce the likelihood of off-target toxicity due to the multiple VEGF and CD44 receptors binding sites. The cytotoxicity study shows that the IC50oHA-GX1 against co-SGC-7901 and co-HUVEC cells fell in the range of common cytotoxic drugs. The animal experiment results reveal that the tumor inhibition rate of oHA-GX1 (100 mg/kg) against SGC-7901 tumor-bearing mice were 78.4 %, which was comparable to that of front-line chemotherapy drugs. Also, the cytotoxicity study on normal cells, hemolysis test, hemagglutination assay and the acute toxicity test demonstrate that oHA-GX1 exhibited excellent biosafety. This molecular targeted drug that utilizes the multiple receptor-binding sites to get rid of the side effects caused by off-target paves a new direction for the discovery of anticancer drugs with high efficacy and low adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Jing
- College of Biomedical Engineering and National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, 29 Wangjiang Road, Chengdu 610064, China; Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan Province 646000, China
| | - Yuling Luo
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan Province 646000, China
| | - Liang Wang
- College of Biomedical Engineering and National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, 29 Wangjiang Road, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Jiangbing Tan
- College of Biomedical Engineering and National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, 29 Wangjiang Road, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Yun Chen
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ying Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants & College of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Shiyong Zhang
- College of Biomedical Engineering and National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, 29 Wangjiang Road, Chengdu 610064, China.
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Sima LE, Matei D, Condello S. The Outside-In Journey of Tissue Transglutaminase in Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11111779. [PMID: 35681474 PMCID: PMC9179582 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue transglutaminase (TG2) is a member of the transglutaminase family that catalyzes Ca2+-dependent protein crosslinks and hydrolyzes guanosine 5′-triphosphate (GTP). The conformation and functions of TG2 are regulated by Ca2+ and GTP levels; the TG2 enzymatically active open conformation is modulated by high Ca2+ concentrations, while high intracellular GTP promotes the closed conformation, with inhibition of the TG-ase activity. TG2’s unique characteristics and its ubiquitous distribution in the intracellular compartment, coupled with its secretion in the extracellular matrix, contribute to modulate the functions of the protein. Its aberrant expression has been observed in several cancer types where it was linked to metastatic progression, resistance to chemotherapy, stemness, and worse clinical outcomes. The N-terminal domain of TG2 binds to the 42 kDa gelatin-binding domain of fibronectin with high affinity, facilitating the formation of a complex with β-integrins, essential for cellular adhesion to the matrix. This mechanism allows TG2 to interact with key matrix proteins and to regulate epithelial to mesenchymal transition and stemness. Here, we highlight the current knowledge on TG2 involvement in cancer, focusing on its roles translating extracellular cues into activation of oncogenic programs. Improved understanding of these mechanisms could lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting this multi-functional protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Elena Sima
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy, 060031 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Daniela Matei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA;
- Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Salvatore Condello
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Correspondence:
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Luo Y, Yin J, Fang R, Liu J, Wang L, Zhang H, Zhang M, Lei Z, Liang S, Cui W, Zhang Z, Wu K, Hui X. The tumour neovasculature-homing dimeric peptide GX1 demonstrates antiangiogenic activity in the retinal neovasculature. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 912:174574. [PMID: 34662566 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Identification of molecules specific to the retinal neovasculature will promote antiangiogenic therapy with enhanced targeting ability. The specificity of phage-displayed peptide GX1 (a cyclic 7-mer peptide motif CGNSNPKSC) to gastric cancer neovasculature has been extensively confirmed both in vitro and in vivo. To investigate the potential application of GX1 in antiangiogenic therapy targeting retinal angiogenesis-related diseases, we performed immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analyses. GX1 demonstrated positive staining in the retinal neovasculature in an oxygen-induced mouse model of retinopathy (OIR) as well as in rat retinal microvasculature endothelial cells (RMECs), confirming the major role of the GX1 receptor during retinal angiogenesis. Dimeric GX1 was synthesized to increase the binding affinity to the GX1 receptor, and the antiangiogenic effects were examined in RMECs in vitro and the retinal neovasculature in the OIR in vivo. Cell proliferation was evaluated using a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, revealing that compared with the GX1 monomer, dimeric GX1 significantly inhibited RMEC proliferation (P < 0.05). This finding may be attributed to the enhanced (P < 0.05) apoptosis induced by dimeric GX1 in RMECs based on results obtained from TUNEL, flow cytometric and cell cycle analyses. In RMECs, in vitro cell migration and tube formation were significantly inhibited following exposure to dimeric GX1. Intravitreal administration of dimeric GX1 resulted in a greater reduction in the retinal neovascularization in vivo than administration of the GX1 monomer (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dimeric GX1 showed greater inhibition of angiogenesis than monomeric GX1 and could be a promising agent for antiangiogenic therapy in retinal angiogenesis-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Luo
- Department of Geriatric Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Jipeng Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology & Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Shaanxi Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Rutang Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology & Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Shaanxi Xi'an, 710032, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated No. 986 Hospital of Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Shaanxi Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Jingtao Liu
- Department of Geriatric Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi Xi'an, 710061, China; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated No. 986 Hospital of Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Shaanxi Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Geriatric Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Haiping Zhang
- Department of Geriatric Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Zhijie Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology & Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Shaanxi Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Shuhui Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology & Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Shaanxi Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Wei Cui
- Department of Geriatric Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Zhiyong Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi Xi'an, 710061, China.
| | - Kaichun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology & Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Shaanxi Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Xiaoli Hui
- Department of Geriatric Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi Xi'an, 710061, China.
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11
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Seyyednia E, Oroojalian F, Baradaran B, Mojarrad JS, Mokhtarzadeh A, Valizadeh H. Nanoparticles modified with vasculature-homing peptides for targeted cancer therapy and angiogenesis imaging. J Control Release 2021; 338:367-393. [PMID: 34461174 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.08.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The two major challenges in cancer treatment include lack of early detection and ineffective therapies with various side effects. Angiogenesis is the key process in the growth, survival, invasiveness, and metastasis of many of cancerous tumors. Imaging of the angiogenesis could lead to diagnosis of tumors in the early stage and evaluation of the therapeutic responses. Angiogenic blood vessels express specific molecular markers different from normal blood vessels (in level or kind). This fact would make the tumor vasculature a suitable site to target therapeutics and imaging agents within the tumor. Surface modified nanoparticles using peptide ligands with high binding affinity to the vasculature markers, provide efficient delivery of therapeutic and imaging agents, while avoiding undesirable side effects. In this review, we discuss discoveries of various tumor targeting peptides useful for tumor angiogenesis imaging and targeted therapy with emphasis on surface modified nanomedicines using vasculature targeting peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Seyyednia
- Student Research Committee and Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Oroojalian
- Department of Advanced Sciences and Technologies in Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Javid Shahbazi Mojarrad
- Drug Applied Research Center and Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ahad Mokhtarzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Pharmaceutical Analysis Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Hadi Valizadeh
- Pharmaceutical Analysis Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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12
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Tempest R, Guarnerio S, Maani R, Cooper J, Peake N. The Biological and Biomechanical Role of Transglutaminase-2 in the Tumour Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112788. [PMID: 34205140 PMCID: PMC8199963 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transglutaminase-2 (TG2) is the most highly and ubiquitously expressed member of the transglutaminase enzyme family and is primarily involved in protein cross-linking. TG2 has been implicated in the development and progression of numerous cancers, with a direct role in multiple cellular processes and pathways linked to apoptosis, chemoresistance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and stem cell phenotype. The tumour microenvironment (TME) is critical in the formation, progression, and eventual metastasis of cancer, and increasing evidence points to a role for TG2 in matrix remodelling, modulation of biomechanical properties, cell adhesion, motility, and invasion. There is growing interest in targeting the TME therapeutically in response to advances in the understanding of its critical role in disease progression, and a number of approaches targeting biophysical properties and biomechanical signalling are beginning to show clinical promise. In this review we aim to highlight the wide array of processes in which TG2 influences the TME, focussing on its potential role in the dynamic tissue remodelling and biomechanical events increasingly linked to invasive and aggressive behaviour. Drug development efforts have yielded a range of TG2 inhibitors, and ongoing clinical trials may inform strategies for targeting the biomolecular and biomechanical function of TG2 in the TME.
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13
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Molecular targeted treatment and drug delivery system for gastric cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2021; 147:973-986. [PMID: 33550445 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-021-03520-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Gastric cancer is still a major cancer worldwide. The early diagnosis rate of gastric cancer in most high incidence countries is low. At present, the overall treatment effect of gastric cancer is poor, and the median overall survival remains low. Most of the patients with gastric cancer are in an advanced stage when diagnosed, and drug treatment has become the main means. Thus, new targeted drugs and therapeutic strategies are the hope of improving the therapeutic effect of gastric cancer. In this review, we summarize the new methods and advances of targeted therapy for gastric cancer, including novel molecular targeted therapeutic agents and drug delivery systems, with a major focus on the development of drug delivery systems (drug carriers and targeting peptides). Elaborating these new methods and advances will contribute to the management of gastric cancer.
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14
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Sexton RE, Al Hallak MN, Diab M, Azmi AS. Gastric cancer: a comprehensive review of current and future treatment strategies. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2020; 39:1179-1203. [PMID: 32894370 PMCID: PMC7680370 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-020-09925-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 318] [Impact Index Per Article: 79.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Gastric cancer remains a major unmet clinical problem with over 1 million new cases worldwide. It is the fourth most commonly occurring cancer in men and the seventh most commonly occurring cancer in women. A major fraction of gastric cancer has been linked to variety of pathogenic infections including but not limited to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) or Epstein Barr virus (EBV). Strategies are being pursued to prevent gastric cancer development such as H. pylori eradication, which has helped to prevent significant proportion of gastric cancer. Today, treatments have helped to manage this disease and the 5-year survival for stage IA and IB tumors treated with surgery are between 60 and 80%. However, patients with stage III tumors undergoing surgery have a dismal 5-year survival rate between 18 and 50% depending on the dataset. These figures indicate the need for more effective molecularly driven treatment strategies. This review discusses the molecular profile of gastric tumors, the success, and challenges with available therapeutic targets along with newer biomarkers and emerging targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E Sexton
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4100 John R, HWCRC 732, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Mohammed Najeeb Al Hallak
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4100 John R, HWCRC 732, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Maria Diab
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4100 John R, HWCRC 732, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Asfar S Azmi
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4100 John R, HWCRC 732, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
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15
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The HMGB1-2 Ovarian Cancer Interactome. The Role of HMGB Proteins and Their Interacting Partners MIEN1 and NOP53 in Ovary Cancer and Drug-Response. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092435. [PMID: 32867128 PMCID: PMC7564582 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
High mobility group box B (HMGB) proteins are overexpressed in different types of cancers such as epithelial ovarian cancers (EOC). We have determined the first interactome of HMGB1 and HMGB2 in epithelial ovarian cancer (the EOC-HMGB interactome). Libraries from the SKOV-3 cell line and a primary transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) ovarian tumor were tested by the Yeast Two Hybrid (Y2H) approach. The interactome reveals proteins that are related to cancer hallmarks and their expression is altered in EOC. Moreover, some of these proteins have been associated to survival and prognosis of patients. The interaction of MIEN1 and NOP53 with HMGB2 has been validated by co-immunoprecipitation in SKOV-3 and PEO1 cell lines. SKOV-3 cells were treated with different anti-tumoral drugs to evaluate changes in HMGB1, HMGB2, MIEN1 and NOP53 gene expression. Results show that combined treatment of paclitaxel and carboplatin induces a stronger down-regulation of these genes in comparison to individual treatments. Individual treatment with paclitaxel or olaparib up-regulates NOP53, which is expressed at lower levels in EOC than in non-cancerous cells. On the other hand, bevacizumab diminishes the expression of HMGB2 and NOP53. This study also shows that silencing of these genes affects cell-viability after drug exposure. HMGB1 silencing causes loss of response to paclitaxel, whereas silencing of HMGB2 slightly increases sensitivity to olaparib. Silencing of either HMGB1 or HMGB2 increases sensitivity to carboplatin. Lastly, a moderate loss of response to bevacizumab is observed when NOP53 is silenced.
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17
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Yin J, Xin B, Hui X, Chai N, Yao L, Hu H, Xu B, Ma W, Zhang M, Wang J, Nie Y, Zhou G, Wang G, Chen L, Lu H, Wu K. 188Re-labeled GX1 dimer as a novel dual-functional probe targeting TGM2 for imaging and antiangiogenic therapy of gastric cancer. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2020; 154:144-152. [PMID: 32682942 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2020.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The GX1 peptide (CGNSNPKSC) can specifically bind to TGM2 and possesses the ability to target the blood vessels of gastric cancer. This study intends to develop an integrated dual-functional probe with higher affinity, specificity and targeting and to characterize it in vivo and in vitro. METHODS The dimer and tetramer of GX1 were prepared using cross-linked PEG and labeled with 99mTc. The best targeting probe [PEG-(GX1)2] was selected by gamma camera imaging in nude mouse models of gastric cancer. 188Re-PEG-(GX1)2 was prepared and characterized through cell binding analysis and competitive inhibition experiments, gamma camera imaging, MTT analysis and flow cytometry, BLI, immunohistochemistry, HE staining and biochemical analysis. RESULTS PEG-(GX1)2 bound specifically to Co-HUVEC with higher affinity than GX1. 188Re-PEG-(GX1)2 had better ability to target gastric cancer in tumor-bearing nude mice and higher T/H ratios than 188Re-GX1. 188Re-PEG-(GX1)2 inhibited the growth of Co-HUVEC and induced apoptosis, and its effects were more robust than those of 188Re-GX1. BLI showed that 188Re-PEG-(GX1)2 inhibited tumor proliferation in vivo with a stronger effect than 188Re-GX1. Compared with 188Re-GX1, 188Re-PEG-(GX1)2 suppressed tumor angiogenesis and tumor cell proliferation and induced tumor cell apoptosis in vivo. The 188Re-PEG-(GX1)2 group did not cause visible changes in liver and kidney morphology and function in vivo. CONCLUSION The dimer of GX1 was synthesized by using cross-linked PEG, and then 188Re-PEG-(GX1)2 was prepared. This radiopharmaceutical played both diagnostic and therapeutic functions, and gamma camera imaging could be utilized to detect the distribution of drugs in vivo during treatment. Through a series of experiments in vitro and in vivo, the feasibility of the drug was confirmed, and these results laid the foundation for the subsequent development and application of GX1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jipeng Yin
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Clinical Medical Research Center, The 75th Group Army Hospital of PLA, Dali 671003, China
| | - Bo Xin
- Department of Oncology, No. 960 Hospital of PLA, Taian 271001, China
| | - Xiaoli Hui
- First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Na Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Liping Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Hao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Bing Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Wenhui Ma
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Mingru Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yongzhan Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Guangqing Zhou
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The 75th Group Army Hospital of PLA, Dali 671003, China
| | - Guanliang Wang
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The 75th Group Army Hospital of PLA, Dali 671003, China
| | - Liusheng Chen
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The 75th Group Army Hospital of PLA, Dali 671003, China.
| | - Hongbing Lu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
| | - Kaichun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
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18
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Kong Y, Feng ZC, Zhang YL, Liu XF, Ma Y, Zhao ZM, Huang B, Chen AJ, Zhang D, Thorsen F, Wang J, Yang N, Li XG. Identification of Immune-Related Genes Contributing to the Development of Glioblastoma Using Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1281. [PMID: 32765489 PMCID: PMC7378359 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The tumor microenvironment (TME) of human glioblastoma (GBM) exhibits considerable immune cell infiltration, and such cell types have been shown to be widely involved in the development of GBM. Here, weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was performed on publicly available datasets to identify immune-related molecules that may contribute to the progression of GBM and thus be exploited as potential therapeutic targets. Methods: WGCNA was used to identify highly correlated gene clusters in Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas glioma dataset. Immune-related genes in significant modules were subsequently validated in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Rembrandt databases, and impact on GBM development was examined in migration and vascular mimicry assays in vitro and in an orthotopic xenograft model (GL261 luciferase-GFP cells) in mice. Results: WGCNA yielded 14 significant modules, one of which (black) contained genes involved in immune response and extracellular matrix formation. The intersection of these genes with a GO immune-related gene set yielded 47 immune-related genes, five of which exhibited increased expression and association with worse prognosis in GBM. One of these genes, TREM1, was highly expressed in areas of pseudopalisading cells around necrosis and associated with other proteins induced in angiogenesis/hypoxia. In macrophages induced from THP1 cells, TREM1 expression levels were increased under hypoxic conditions and associated with markers of macrophage M2 polarization. TREM1 siRNA knockdown in induced macrophages reduced their ability to promote migration and vascular mimicry in GBM cells in vitro, and treatment of mice with LP-17 peptide, which blocks TREM1, inhibited growth of GL261 orthotopic xenografts. Finally, blocking the cytokine receptor for CSF1 in induced macrophages also impeded their potential to promote tumor migration and vascular mimicry in GBM cells. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that TREM1 could be used as a novel immunotherapy target for glioma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Kong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Zi-Chao Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yu-Lin Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiao-Fei Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuan Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhi-Min Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Bin Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - An-Jing Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Di Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Frits Thorsen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ning Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xin-Gang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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An JJ, Li SY, Guan X, Xu XN, Jiang XJ. Clinical significance of expression of MEG8 and TGM2 genes in gastric cancer. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2020; 28:122-128. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v28.i4.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the common malignant tumors, and its incidence and mortality rates are among the highest in China and even the world, posing an important threat to human health. There is still a lack of early diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis-related gene targets for GC.
AIM To investigate the expression of maternally expressed gene 8 (MEG8) and transglutaminase-2 (TGM2) in GC and analyze their clinical significance.
METHODS The expression of MEG8 and TGM2 in 30 pairs of GC and tumor-adjacent tissues was detected by fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The correlation between MEG8 and TGM2 expression and clinicopathological features of GC patients was analyzed. The difference of TGM2 expression and its correlation with the survival status of GC patients were analyzed by employing the relevant research data in Oncomine database.
RESULTS The expression of MEG8 in GC tissues was significantly lower than that in tumor-adjacent tissues (0.462 ± 0.082 vs 1.048 ± 0.149, P < 0.05), and the expression of TGM2 in GC tissues was significantly higher than that in tumor-adjacent tissues (1.202 ± 0.143 vs 0.742 ± 0.083, P < 0.05). The expression of MEG8 was correlated with age and clinical stage, and the expression of TGM2 was correlated with clinical stage (P < 0.05). The expression of TGM2 was not related to the survival status of patients with GC (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION MEG8 and TGM2 may be involved in the occurrence and development of GC and can be used as potential targets for the diagnosis and prognosis of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Jian An
- Second Department of Gastroenterology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Si-Yuan Li
- Department of General Surgery, Qingdao Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xin Guan
- Second Department of Gastroenterology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiao-Na Xu
- Central Laboratory, Qingdao Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiang-Jun Jiang
- Second Department of Gastroenterology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, China
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20
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Advancing the Role of Gamma-Tocotrienol as Proteasomes Inhibitor: A Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of MDA-MB-231 Human Breast Cancer Cells. Biomolecules 2019; 10:biom10010019. [PMID: 31877708 PMCID: PMC7022772 DOI: 10.3390/biom10010019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tocotrienol, an analogue of vitamin E has been known for its numerous health benefits and anti-cancer effects. Of the four isoforms of tocotrienols, gamma-tocotrienol (γT3) has been frequently reported for their superior anti-tumorigenic activity in both in vitro and in vivo studies, when compared to its counterparts. In this study, the effect of γT3 treatment in the cytoplasmic and nuclear fraction of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells were assessed using the label-free quantitative proteomics analysis. The cytoplasmic proteome results revealed the ability of γT3 to inhibit a group of proteasome proteins such as PSMA, PSMB, PSMD, and PSME. The inhibition of proteasome proteins is known to induce apoptosis in cancer cells. As such, the findings from this study suggest γT3 as a potential proteasome inhibitor that can overcome deficiencies in growth-inhibitory or pro-apoptotic molecules in breast cancer cells. The nuclear proteome results revealed the involvement of important nuclear protein complexes which hardwire the anti-tumorigenesis mechanism in breast cancer following γT3 treatment. In conclusion, this study uncovered the advancing roles of γT3 as potential proteasomes inhibitor that can be used for the treatment of breast cancer.
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21
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Ashrafizadeh M, Ahmadi Z, Mohamadi N, Zarrabi A, Abasi S, Dehghannoudeh G, Tamaddondoust RN, Khanbabaei H, Mohammadinejad R, Thakur VK. Chitosan-based advanced materials for docetaxel and paclitaxel delivery: Recent advances and future directions in cancer theranostics. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 145:282-300. [PMID: 31870872 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.12.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Paclitaxel (PTX) and docetaxel (DTX) are key members of taxanes with high anti-tumor activity against various cancer cells. These chemotherapeutic agents suffer from a number of drawbacks and it seems that low solubility in water is the most important one. Although much effort has been made in improving the bioavailability of PTX and DTX, the low bioavailability and minimal accumulation at tumor sites are still the challenges faced in PTX and DTX therapy. As a consequence, bio-based nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted much attention due to unique properties. Among them, chitosan (CS) is of interest due to its great biocompatibility. CS is a positively charged polysaccharide with the capability of interaction with negatively charged biomolecules. Besides, it can be processed into the sheet, micro/nano-particles, scaffold, and is dissolvable in mildly acidic pH similar to the pH of the tumor microenvironment. Keeping in mind the different applications of CS in the preparation of nanocarriers for delivery of PTX and DTX, in the present review, we demonstrate that how CS functionalized-nanocarriers and CS modification can be beneficial in enhancing the bioavailability of PTX and DTX, targeted delivery at tumor site, image-guided delivery and co-delivery with other anti-tumor drugs or genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zahra Ahmadi
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad Branch, Shushtar, Khuzestan, Iran
| | - Neda Mohamadi
- Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- SUNUM, Nanotechnology Research and Application Center, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sara Abasi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Gholamreza Dehghannoudeh
- Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Hashem Khanbabaei
- Medical Physics Department, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Reza Mohammadinejad
- Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Vijay Kumar Thakur
- Enhanced Composites and Structures Center, School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing, Cranfield University, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL, UK; Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Shiv Nadar University, Uttar Pradesh 201314, India.
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22
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Sun T, Wang D, Ping Y, Sang Y, Dai Y, Wang Y, Liu Z, Duan X, Tao Z, Liu W. Integrated profiling identifies SLC5A6 and MFAP2 as novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in gastric cancer patients. Int J Oncol 2019; 56:460-469. [PMID: 31894266 PMCID: PMC6959404 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2019.4944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the leading causes of malignancy‑associated mortality worldwide. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of GC are unclear and the prognosis of GC is poor. Therefore, it is important and urgent to explore the underlying mechanisms and screen for novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as therapeutic targets. In the current study, scale‑free gene co‑expression networks were constructed using weighted gene co‑expression network analysis, the potential associations between gene sets and clinical features were investigated, and the hub genes were identified. The gene expression profiles of GSE38749 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. RNA‑seq and clinical data for GC from The Cancer Genome Atlas were utilized for verification. Furthermore, the expression of candidate biomarkers in gastric tissues was investigated. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan‑Meier and log‑rank test. The predictive role of candidate biomarkers in GC was evaluated using a receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve. Gene Ontology, gene set enrichment analysis and gene set variation analysis methods were used to interpret the function of candidate biomarkers in GC. A total of 29 modules were identified via the average linkage hierarchical clustering. A significant module consisting of 48 genes associated with clinical traits was found; three genes with high connectivity in the clinical significant module were identified as hub genes. Among them, SLC5A6 and microfibril‑associated protein 2 (MFAP2) were negatively associated with the overall survival, and their expression was elevated in GC compared with non‑tumor tissues. Additionally, ROC curves indicated that SLC5A6 and MFAP2 showed a good diagnostic power in discriminating cancerous from normal tissues. SLC5A6 and MFAP2 were identified as novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in GC patients; both of these genes were first reported here in connection with GC and deserved further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Danhua Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Ying Ping
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Yiwen Sang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Yibei Dai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Yiyun Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Zhenping Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Xiuzhi Duan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Zhihua Tao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Weiwei Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
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23
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Wang G, Yang Q, Li M, Zhang Y, Cai Y, Liang X, Fu Y, Xiao Z, Zhou M, Xie Z, Huang H, Huang Y, Chen Y, He Q, Peng F, Chen Z. Quantitative proteomic profiling of tumor-associated vascular endothelial cells in colorectal cancer. Biol Open 2019; 8:bio.042838. [PMID: 31036754 PMCID: PMC6550088 DOI: 10.1242/bio.042838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate the global proteomic profiles of vascular endothelial cells (VECs) in the tumor microenvironment and antiangiogenic therapy for colorectal cancer (CRC), matched pairs of normal (NVECs) and tumor-associated VECs (TVECs) were purified from CRC tissues by laser capture microdissection and subjected to iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics analysis. Here, 216 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified and used for bioinformatics analysis. Interestingly, these proteins were implicated in epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), ECM-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, angiogenesis and HIF-1 signaling pathway, which may play important roles in CRC angiogenesis. Among these DEPs we found that Tenascin-C (TNC) was upregulated in TVECs of CRC and correlated with CRC multistage carcinogenesis and metastasis. Furthermore, the reduction of tumor-derived TNC could attenuate human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation, migration and tube formation through ITGB3/FAK/Akt signaling pathway. Based on the present work, we provided a large-scale proteomic profiling of VECs in CRC with quantitative information, a certain number of potential antiangiogenic targets and a novel vision in the angiogenesis bio-mechanism of CRC. Summary: We provided large-scale proteomic profiling of vascular endothelial cells in colorectal cancer with quantitative information, a number of potential antiangiogenic targets and a novel vision in the angiogenesis bio-mechanism of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqiang Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Qiongzhi Yang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Maoyu Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Yuxiang Cai
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Xujun Liang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Ying Fu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Zhefeng Xiao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Minze Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Zhongpeng Xie
- Department of Pathology, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Huichao Huang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Yahui Huang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Yongheng Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Qiongqiong He
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China .,Department of Pathology, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.,Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Fang Peng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Zhuchu Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
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24
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Eckert RL. Transglutaminase 2 takes center stage as a cancer cell survival factor and therapy target. Mol Carcinog 2019; 58:837-853. [PMID: 30693974 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) has emerged as a key cancer cell survival factor that drives epithelial to mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, metastasis, inflammation, drug resistance, cancer stem cell survival and stemness, and invasion and migration. TG2 can exist in a GTP-bound signaling-active conformation or in a transamidase-active conformation. The GTP bound conformation of TG2 contributes to cell survival and the transamidase conformation can contribute to cell survival or death. We present evidence suggesting that TG2 has a role in human cancer, summarize what is known about the TG2 mechanism of action in a range of cancer types, and discuss TG2 as a cancer therapy target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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25
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The Role of Tissue Transglutaminase in Cancer Cell Initiation, Survival and Progression. Med Sci (Basel) 2019; 7:medsci7020019. [PMID: 30691081 PMCID: PMC6409630 DOI: 10.3390/medsci7020019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue transglutaminase (transglutaminase type 2; TG2) is the most ubiquitously expressed member of the transglutaminase family (EC 2.3.2.13) that catalyzes specific post-translational modifications of proteins through a calcium-dependent acyl-transfer reaction (transamidation). In addition, this enzyme displays multiple additional enzymatic activities, such as guanine nucleotide binding and hydrolysis, protein kinase, disulfide isomerase activities, and is involved in cell adhesion. Transglutaminase 2 has been reported as one of key enzymes that is involved in all stages of carcinogenesis; the molecular mechanisms of action and physiopathological effects depend on its expression or activities, cellular localization, and specific cancer model. Since it has been reported as both a potential tumor suppressor and a tumor-promoting factor, the role of this enzyme in cancer is still controversial. Indeed, TG2 overexpression has been frequently associated with cancer stem cells’ survival, inflammation, metastatic spread, and drug resistance. On the other hand, the use of inducers of TG2 transamidating activity seems to inhibit tumor cell plasticity and invasion. This review covers the extensive and rapidly growing field of the role of TG2 in cancer stem cells survival and epithelial–mesenchymal transition, apoptosis and differentiation, and formation of aggressive metastatic phenotypes.
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