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Yu X, Shao Y, Dong H, Zhang X, Ye G. Biological function and potential application of PANoptosis-related genes in colorectal carcinogenesis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:20672. [PMID: 39237645 PMCID: PMC11377449 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-71625-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
PANoptosis induces programmed cell death (PCD) through extensive crosstalk and is associated with development of cancer. However, the functional mechanisms, clinical significance, and potential applications of PANoptosis-related genes (PRGs) in colorectal cancer (CRC) have not been fully elucidated. Functional enrichment of key PRGs was analyzed based on databases, and relationships between key PRGs and the immune microenvironment, immune cell infiltration, chemotherapy drug sensitivity, tumor progression genes, single-cell cellular subgroups, signal transduction pathways, transcription factor regulation, and miRNA regulatory networks were systematically explored. This study identified 5 key PRGs associated with CRC: BCL10, CDKN2A, DAPK1, PYGM and TIMP1. Then, RT-PCR was used to verify expression of these genes in CRC cells and tissues. Clinical significance and prognostic value of key genes were further verified by multiple datasets. Analyses of the immune microenvironment, immune cell infiltration, chemotherapy drug sensitivity, tumor progression genes, single-cell cellular subgroups, and signal transduction pathways suggest a close relationship between these key genes and development of CRC. In addition, a novel prognostic nomogram model for CRC was successfully constructed by combining important clinical indicators and the key genes. In conclusion, our findings offer new insights for understanding the pathogenesis of CRC, predicting CRC prognosis, and identifying multiple therapeutic targets for future CRC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315020, China
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Yongfu Shao
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315020, China
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Haotian Dong
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Xinjun Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315020, China.
| | - Guoliang Ye
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315020, China.
- Institute of Digestive Disease of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315020, China.
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Nunes L, Li F, Wu M, Luo T, Hammarström K, Torell E, Ljuslinder I, Mezheyeuski A, Edqvist PH, Löfgren-Burström A, Zingmark C, Edin S, Larsson C, Mathot L, Osterman E, Osterlund E, Ljungström V, Neves I, Yacoub N, Guðnadóttir U, Birgisson H, Enblad M, Ponten F, Palmqvist R, Xu X, Uhlén M, Wu K, Glimelius B, Lin C, Sjöblom T. Prognostic genome and transcriptome signatures in colorectal cancers. Nature 2024; 633:137-146. [PMID: 39112715 PMCID: PMC11374687 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07769-3] [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: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is caused by a sequence of somatic genomic alterations affecting driver genes in core cancer pathways1. Here, to understand the functional and prognostic impact of cancer-causing somatic mutations, we analysed the whole genomes and transcriptomes of 1,063 primary colorectal cancers in a population-based cohort with long-term follow-up. From the 96 mutated driver genes, 9 were not previously implicated in colorectal cancer and 24 had not been linked to any cancer. Two distinct patterns of pathway co-mutations were observed, timing analyses identified nine early and three late driver gene mutations, and several signatures of colorectal-cancer-specific mutational processes were identified. Mutations in WNT, EGFR and TGFβ pathway genes, the mitochondrial CYB gene and 3 regulatory elements along with 21 copy-number variations and the COSMIC SBS44 signature correlated with survival. Gene expression classification yielded five prognostic subtypes with distinct molecular features, in part explained by underlying genomic alterations. Microsatellite-instable tumours divided into two classes with different levels of hypoxia and infiltration of immune and stromal cells. To our knowledge, this study constitutes the largest integrated genome and transcriptome analysis of colorectal cancer, and interlinks mutations, gene expression and patient outcomes. The identification of prognostic mutations and expression subtypes can guide future efforts to individualize colorectal cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Nunes
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Fuqiang Li
- HIM-BGI Omics Center, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), BGI Research, Hangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Human Disease Genomics, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Genomics, BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Intelligent Medical Research (IIMR), BGI Genomics, Shenzhen, China
| | - Meizhen Wu
- HIM-BGI Omics Center, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), BGI Research, Hangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Human Disease Genomics, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Genomics, BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Intelligent Medical Research (IIMR), BGI Genomics, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tian Luo
- HIM-BGI Omics Center, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), BGI Research, Hangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Human Disease Genomics, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Genomics, BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Intelligent Medical Research (IIMR), BGI Genomics, Shenzhen, China
| | - Klara Hammarström
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Emma Torell
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ingrid Ljuslinder
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Oncology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Artur Mezheyeuski
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Per-Henrik Edqvist
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Carl Zingmark
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Pathology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Sofia Edin
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Pathology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Chatarina Larsson
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lucy Mathot
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Erik Osterman
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Emerik Osterlund
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Viktor Ljungström
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Inês Neves
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Nicole Yacoub
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Unnur Guðnadóttir
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Helgi Birgisson
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Akademiska sjukhuset, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Malin Enblad
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Akademiska sjukhuset, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Ponten
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Richard Palmqvist
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Pathology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Xun Xu
- HIM-BGI Omics Center, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), BGI Research, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mathias Uhlén
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Protein Science, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kui Wu
- HIM-BGI Omics Center, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), BGI Research, Hangzhou, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Human Disease Genomics, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Genomics, BGI Research, Shenzhen, China.
- Institute of Intelligent Medical Research (IIMR), BGI Genomics, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Bengt Glimelius
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Cong Lin
- HIM-BGI Omics Center, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), BGI Research, Hangzhou, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Human Disease Genomics, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Genomics, BGI Research, Shenzhen, China.
- Institute of Intelligent Medical Research (IIMR), BGI Genomics, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Tobias Sjöblom
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Khorshid Sokhangouy S, Alizadeh F, Lotfi M, Sharif S, Ashouri A, Yoosefi Y, Bozorg Qomi S, Abbaszadegan MR. Recent advances in CRISPR-Cas systems for colorectal cancer research and therapeutics. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2024; 24:677-702. [PMID: 39132997 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2024.2388777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Colon cancer, ranked as the fourth leading global cause of cancer death, exhibits a complex progression marked by genetic variations. Over the past decade, the utilization of diverse CRISPR systems has propelled accelerated research into colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment. AREAS COVERED CRISPR/Cas9, a key player in this research, identifies new oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes (TSGs), and drug-resistance genes. Additionally, it facilitates the construction of experimental models, conducts genome-wide library screening, and develops new therapeutic targets, especially for targeted knockout in vivo or molecular targeted drug delivery, contributing to personalized treatments and significantly enhancing the care of colon cancer patients. In this review, we provide insights into the mechanism of the CRISPR/Cas9 system, offering a comprehensive exploration of its applications in CRC, spanning screening, modeling, gene functions, diagnosis, and gene therapy. While acknowledging its transformative potential, the article highlights the challenges and limitations of CRISPR systems. EXPERT OPINION The application of CRISPR/Cas9 in CRC research provides a promising avenue for personalized treatments. Its potential for identifying key genes and enabling experimental models and genome-wide screening enhances patient care. This review underscores the significance of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology across basic research, diagnosis, and the treatment landscape of colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Farzaneh Alizadeh
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Malihe Lotfi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Samaneh Sharif
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Atefeh Ashouri
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Yasamin Yoosefi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Saeed Bozorg Qomi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Abbaszadegan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Liu J, Zhu P. A Novel Gene Signature Associated with Protein Post-translational Modification to Predict Clinical Outcomes and Therapeutic Responses of Colorectal Cancer. Mol Biotechnol 2024; 66:2106-2122. [PMID: 37592152 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00852-6] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Accumulated evidence highlights the biological significance of diverse protein post-translational modifications (PTMs) in tumorigenicity and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, ten PTM patterns (ubiquitination, methylation, phosphorylation, glycosylation, acetylation, SUMOylation, citrullination, neddylation, palmitoylation, and ADP-ribosylation) were analyzed for model construction. A post-translational modification index (PTMI) with a 14-gene signature was established. CRC patients with high PTMI had a worse prognosis after validating in nine independent datasets. By incorporating PTMI with clinical features, a nomogram with excellent predictive performance was constructed. Two molecular subtypes of CRC with obvious difference in survival time were identified by unsupervised clustering. Furthermore, PTMI was related to known immunoregulators and key tumor microenvironment components. Low-PTMI patients responded better to fluorouracil-based chemotherapy and immune checkpoint blockade therapy compared to high-PTMI patients, which was validated in multiple independent datasets. However, patients with high PTMI might be sensitive to bevacizumab. In short, we established a novel PTMI model by comprehensively analyzing diverse post-translational modification patterns, which can accurately predict clinical prognosis and treatment response of CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 74 Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Peng Zhu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 74 Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400010, China.
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Sun Y, Kong D, Zhang Q, Xiang R, Lu S, Feng L, Zhang H. DNA methylation biomarkers for predicting lymph node metastasis in colorectal cancer. Clin Transl Oncol 2024:10.1007/s12094-024-03601-6. [PMID: 39026026 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-024-03601-6] [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: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Lymph node metastasis is an important marker of colorectal cancer progression and plays a key role in the evaluation of patient prognosis. Accurate preoperative assessment of lymph node metastasis is crucial for devising appropriate treatment plans. However, current clinical imaging methods have limitations in many aspects. Therefore, the discovery of a method for accurately predicting lymph node metastasis is crucial clinical decision-making. DNA methylation is a common epigenetic modification that can regulate gene expression, which also has an important impact on the development of colorectal cancer. It is considered to be a promising biomarker with good specificity and stability and has promising application in predicting lymph node metastasis in patients with colorectal cancer. This article reviews the characteristics and limitations of currently available methods for predicting lymph node metastasis in patients with colorectal cancer and discusses the role of DNA methylation as a biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Deyang Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Renshen Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Shuaibing Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Lin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Haizeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
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You MH. Mechanism of DAPK1 for Regulating Cancer Stem Cells in Thyroid Cancer. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:7086-7096. [PMID: 39057063 PMCID: PMC11275583 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46070422] [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: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) is a calcium/calmodulin (Ca2+/CaM)-dependent serine/threonine (Ser/Thr) protein kinase and is characteristically downregulated in metastatic cancer. Several studies showed that DAPK1 is involved in both the early and late stages of cancer. DAPK1 downregulation is elaborately controlled by epigenetic, transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and posttranslational processes. DAPK1 is known to regulate not only cancer cells but also stromal cells. Recent studies showed that DAPK1 was involved not only in tumor suppression but also in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cell (CSC) formation in colon and thyroid cancers. CSCs are major factors in determining cancer aggressiveness in cancer metastasis and treatment prognosis by influencing EMT. However, the molecular mechanism involved in the regulation of cancer cells by DAPK1 remains unclear. In particular, little is known about the existence of CSCs and how they are regulated in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) among thyroid cancers. In this review, we describe the molecular mechanism of CSC regulation by DAPK1 in PTC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Hyeon You
- Department of Anatomy, Konkuk University College of Medicine, 50-1, 268 Chungwon-daero, Cungju-si 27478, Republic of Korea
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Papadopoulos P, Zisis V, Andreadis D, Vahtsevanos K, Poulopoulos A. Investigation of the Vascular-Endothelial Pattern of Expression of DAPK-1 in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders Through Immunohistochemistry. Cureus 2024; 16:e63519. [PMID: 39081443 PMCID: PMC11288380 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.63519] [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] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Potentially malignant disorders, like oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral leukoplakia (OL) of several degrees of dysplasia, manifest a significant potential of malignant transformation being a precursor of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The role of microvascularization in carcinogenesis is critical; therefore, microvascularization constitutes a major therapeutic target. DAPK-1 constitutes a possible cancer marker, with proven implications in other human cancers, and there isn't any study on its vascular endothelial expression in the oral cavity, particularly in oral cancer and oral potentially malignant diseases. The present study aims to investigate the vascular endothelial expression of the DAPK-1 in paraffin-embedded tissue samples of oral leukoplakia, oral squamous cell carcinoma, and oral lichen planus. Materials and methods The study focuses on the immunohistochemical, vascular-endothelial, expression pattern of biomarker DAPK-1 (NBP2-38468, Novus Biologicals, Centennial, CO, US). Tissue samples were obtained from six cases of oral lichen planus (OLP) (3 of reticular and 3 of erosive form), 30 cases of oral leukoplakia (OL) (10 with no dysplasia, 10 with mild dysplasia, and 10 with moderate/severe dysplasia), 22 cases of OSCC (2 well-differentiated, 17 moderately differentiated, and 3 poorly differentiated), as well as 5 cases of normal oral epithelium. The tissue samples were retrieved from the archives of the Department of Oral Medicine/Pathology, School of Dentistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, as well as from St Lukas Hospital of Thessaloniki, Greece, from 2004-2019. In accordance with the Research and Ethics Committee guidelines of the Aristotle University, School of Dentistry, and the Helsinki II declaration, the study was conducted. The primary inclusion criteria for the study focused on the presence of sufficient precancerous or cancerous tissue. Conversely, inadequate tissue served as the exclusion criteria. The staining was evaluated exclusively in a quantitative manner. The vascular endothelial staining was evaluated as either positive or negative. If at least one endothelial cell exhibited positive staining, the section was classified as positive. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS Statistics v25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, US) utilizing Pearson's chi-square or Fisher's exact test, depending on the sample size, to compare OLP to OL, OLP to OSCC, OLP to normal, OL to OSCC, OL to normal, and OSCC to normal. The significance level was established at 0.05 (p=0.05). Results A prevalence of positive OL cases may be noticed. The comparison between OLP and OL yielded Fisher's exact test of p>0.999, OLP and OSCC p=0.389, OLP and normal oral epithelium p>0.999, OL and OSCC p=0.226, OL and normal oral epithelium p>0.999, as well as OSCC and normal oral epithelium p=0.342. Conclusions The role of DAPK in tumorigenesis is already supported by limited literature. However, its implication in the development of OSCC and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) has yet to be elucidated. Its elevated expression in OL suggests a role in affecting the microenvironment, the vessels, in particular, surrounding oral potentially malignant lesions, possibly assisting their transition into cancer. The evaluation of the vascular-endothelial immunohistochemical profile of DAPK-1 in OL, OLP, and OSCC requires further studies in more tissue samples to illustrate its possible implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petros Papadopoulos
- Oral Medicine/Pathology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, GRC
| | - Vasileios Zisis
- Oral Medicine/Pathology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, GRC
| | - Dimitrios Andreadis
- Oral Medicine/Pathology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, GRC
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8
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Shi L, Mao H, Ma J. Integrated analysis of tumor-associated macrophages and M2 macrophages in CRC: unraveling molecular heterogeneity and developing a novel risk signature. BMC Med Genomics 2024; 17:145. [PMID: 38802881 PMCID: PMC11129467 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-024-01881-z] [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: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging investigations have increasingly highlighted the critical role of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and M2 macrophages in cancer development, progression, and metastasis, marking them as potential targets in various cancer types. The main objective of this research is to discover new biomarkers associated with TAM-M2 macrophages in colorectal cancer (CRC) and to dissect the molecular heterogeneity of CRC by combining single-cell RNA sequencing and bulk RNA-seq data. METHODS By utilizing weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we acquired TAM-M2-associated genes by intersecting TAM marker genes obtained from scRNA-seq data with module genes of M2 macrophages derived from bulk RNA-seq data. We employed least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox analysis to select predictive biomarkers from these TAM-M2-related genes. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was employed to validate the mRNA expression levels of the genes identified in the screening. This led to the development of the TAM-M2-related signature (TAMM2RS). We also conducted functional and immune landscape analyses of different risk groups. RESULTS The combination of scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq analyses yielded 377 TAM-M2-related genes. DAPK1, NAGK, and TRAF1 emerged as key prognostic genes in CRC, which were identified through LASSO Cox analysis. Utilizing these genes, we constructed and validated the TAMM2RS, demonstrating its effectiveness in predicting survival in CRC patients. CONCLUSION Our research offers a thorough investigation into the molecular mechanisms associated with TAM-M2 macrophages in CRC and unveils potential therapeutic targets, offering new insights for treatment strategies in colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lujing Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology Surgery, Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital, Dgongying, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Hongtun Mao
- Department of Gastroenterology Surgery, Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital, Dgongying, Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Jie Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology Surgery, Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital, Dgongying, Shandong, P. R. China.
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9
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Rosenberger G, Li W, Turunen M, He J, Subramaniam PS, Pampou S, Griffin AT, Karan C, Kerwin P, Murray D, Honig B, Liu Y, Califano A. Network-based elucidation of colon cancer drug resistance mechanisms by phosphoproteomic time-series analysis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3909. [PMID: 38724493 PMCID: PMC11082183 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47957-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Aberrant signaling pathway activity is a hallmark of tumorigenesis and progression, which has guided targeted inhibitor design for over 30 years. Yet, adaptive resistance mechanisms, induced by rapid, context-specific signaling network rewiring, continue to challenge therapeutic efficacy. Leveraging progress in proteomic technologies and network-based methodologies, we introduce Virtual Enrichment-based Signaling Protein-activity Analysis (VESPA)-an algorithm designed to elucidate mechanisms of cell response and adaptation to drug perturbations-and use it to analyze 7-point phosphoproteomic time series from colorectal cancer cells treated with clinically-relevant inhibitors and control media. Interrogating tumor-specific enzyme/substrate interactions accurately infers kinase and phosphatase activity, based on their substrate phosphorylation state, effectively accounting for signal crosstalk and sparse phosphoproteome coverage. The analysis elucidates time-dependent signaling pathway response to each drug perturbation and, more importantly, cell adaptive response and rewiring, experimentally confirmed by CRISPR knock-out assays, suggesting broad applicability to cancer and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Rosenberger
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wenxue Li
- Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mikko Turunen
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jing He
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Regeneron Genetics Center, Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Prem S Subramaniam
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sergey Pampou
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- J.P. Sulzberger Columbia Genome Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aaron T Griffin
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Charles Karan
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- J.P. Sulzberger Columbia Genome Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Patrick Kerwin
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Diana Murray
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Barry Honig
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yansheng Liu
- Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Andrea Califano
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub New York, New York, NY, USA.
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10
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Stewart R, Sharma S, Wu T, Okuda S, Xie G, Zhou XZ, Shilton B, Lu KP. The role of the master cancer regulator Pin1 in the development and treatment of cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1343938. [PMID: 38745861 PMCID: PMC11091292 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1343938] [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: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
This review examines the complex role of Pin1 in the development and treatment of cancer. Pin1 is the only peptidyl-prolyl isomerase (PPIase) that can recognize and isomerize phosphorylated Ser/Thr-Pro peptide bonds. Pin1 catalyzes a structural change in phosphorylated Ser/Thr-Pro motifs that can modulate protein function and thereby impact cell cycle regulation and tumorigenesis. The molecular mechanisms by which Pin1 contributes to oncogenesis are reviewed, including Pin1 overexpression and its correlation with poor cancer prognosis, and the contribution of Pin1 to aggressive tumor phenotypes involved in therapeutic resistance is discussed, with an emphasis on cancer stem cells, the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and immunosuppression. The therapeutic potential of Pin1 inhibition in cancer is discussed, along with the promise and the difficulties in identifying potent, drug-like, small-molecule Pin1 inhibitors. The available evidence supports the efficacy of targeting Pin1 as a novel cancer therapeutic by analyzing the role of Pin1 in a complex network of cancer-driving pathways and illustrating the potential of synergistic drug combinations with Pin1 inhibitors for treating aggressive and drug-resistant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Stewart
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Shaunik Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Timothy Wu
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Sho Okuda
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - George Xie
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Xiao Zhen Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Brian Shilton
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Kun Ping Lu
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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11
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Ai LJ, Li GD, Chen G, Sun ZQ, Zhang JN, Liu M. Molecular subtyping and the construction of a predictive model of colorectal cancer based on ion channel genes. Eur J Med Res 2024; 29:219. [PMID: 38576045 PMCID: PMC10993535 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-024-01819-2] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly heterogeneous malignancy with an unfavorable prognosis. The purpose of this study was to address the heterogeneity of CRC by categorizing it into ion channel subtypes, and to develop a predictive modeling based on ion channel genes to predict the survival and immunological states of patients with CRC. The model will provide guidance for personalized immunotherapy and drug treatment. METHODS A consistent clustering method was used to classify 619 CRC samples based on the expression of 279 ion channel genes. Such a method was allowed to investigate the relationship between molecular subtypes, prognosis, and immune infiltration. Furthermore, a predictive modeling was constructed for ion channels to evaluate the ion channel properties of individual tumors using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. The expression patterns of the characteristic genes were validated through molecular biology experiments. The effect of potassium channel tetramerization domain containing 9 (KCTD9) on CRC was verified by cellular functional experiments. RESULTS Four distinct ion channel subtypes were identified in CRC, each characterized by unique prognosis and immune infiltration patterns. Notably, Ion Cluster3 exhibited high levels of immune infiltration and a favorable prognosis, while Ion Cluster4 showed relatively lower levels of immune infiltration and a poorer prognosis. The ion channel score could predict overall survival, with lower scores correlated with longer survival. This score served as an independent prognostic factor and presented an excellent predictive efficacy in the nomogram. In addition, the score was closely related to immune infiltration, immunotherapy response, and chemotherapy sensitivity. Experimental evidence further confirmed that low expression of KCTD9 in tumor tissues was associated with an unfavorable prognosis in patients with CRC. The cellular functional experiments demonstrated that KCTD9 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion capabilities of LOVO cells. CONCLUSIONS Ion channel subtyping and scoring can effectively predict the prognosis and evaluate the immune microenvironment, immunotherapy response, and drug sensitivity in patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian-Jie Ai
- Colorectal Tumor Surgery, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Guo-Dong Li
- General Surgery, The 4th Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Gang Chen
- General Surgery, The 4th Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Zi-Quan Sun
- Colorectal Tumor Surgery, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jin-Ning Zhang
- Colorectal Tumor Surgery, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Ming Liu
- General Surgery, The 4th Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China.
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12
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Liu Y, Wang Y, Feng H, Ma L, Liu Y. PANoptosis-related genes function as efficient prognostic biomarkers in colon adenocarcinoma. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1344058. [PMID: 38501104 PMCID: PMC10944899 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1344058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background PANoptosis is a newly discovered cell death type, and tightly associated with immune system activities. To date, the mechanism, regulation and application of PANoptosis in tumor is largely unknown. Our aim is to explore the prognostic value of PANoptosis-related genes in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD). Methods Analyzing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas-COAD (TCGA-COAD) involving 458 COAD cases, we concentrated on five PANoptosis pathways from the Molecular Signatures Database (MSigDB) and a comprehensive set of immune-related genes. Our approach involved identifying distinct genetic COAD subtype clusters and developing a prognostic model based on these parameters. Results The research successfully identified two genetic subtype clusters in COAD, marked by distinct profiles in PANoptosis pathways and immune-related gene expression. A prognostic model, incorporating these findings, demonstrated significant predictive power for survival outcomes, underscoring the interplay between PANoptosis and immune responses in COAD. Conclusion This study enhances our understanding of COAD's genetic framework, emphasizing the synergy between cell death pathways and the immune system. The development of a prognostic model based on these insights offers a promising tool for personalized treatment strategies. Future research should focus on validating and refining this model in clinical settings to optimize therapeutic interventions in COAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Endoscopy Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yizhao Wang
- Endoscopy Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Huijin Feng
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Lianjun Ma
- Endoscopy Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yanqing Liu
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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13
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Gao H, Ma L, Zou Q, Hu B, Cai K, Sun Y, Lu L, Ren D. Unraveling dynamic interactions between tumor-associated macrophages and consensus molecular subtypes in colorectal cancer: An integrative analysis of single-cell and bulk RNA transcriptome. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19224. [PMID: 37662758 PMCID: PMC10470276 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Accumulating research substantiated that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) have a significant impact on the tumorigenesis, progression, and distant metastasis, representing a novel target for various cancers. However, the underlying dynamic changes and interactions between TAMs and tumor cells remain largely elusive in colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods We depicted the dynamic changes of macrophages using sing-cell RNA-seq data and extracted TAM differentiation-related genes. Next, we utilized the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to acquire CMS-related modular genes using bulk RNA-seq data. Finally, we utilized univariate Cox and Lasso Cox regression analyses to identify TAM differentiation-related biomarkers and established a novel risk signature model. We employed quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) on CRC tissue samples and used immunohistochemistry (IHC) data frome the HPA database to validate the mRNA and protein expression of prognostic genes. The interaction of TAMs and each consensus molecular subtype (CMS) subpopulation was analyzed at the cellular level. Results A total of 47,285 cells from single-cell dataset and 1197 CRC patients from bulk dataset were obtained. Among those, 6400 myeloid cells were re-clustered and annotated. RNASE1, F13A1, DAPK1, CLEC10A, RPN2, REG4 and RGS19 were identified as prognostic genes and the risk signature model was established based on the above genes. The qRT-PCR analysis indicated that the expression of RNASE1 and DAPK1 were significantly up-regulated in CRC tumor tissues. The cell-cell communication analysis demonstrated complex interactions between TAMs and CMS malignant cell subpopulations. Conclusion This study presents an in-depth dissection of the dynamic features of TAMs in the tumor microenvironment and provides promising therapeutic targets for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Gao
- Department of Coloproctology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Linyun Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi Zou
- Department of Coloproctology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bang Hu
- Department of Coloproctology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Keyu Cai
- Department of Coloproctology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Sun
- Kingmed Pathology Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Lu
- Department of Coloproctology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Donglin Ren
- Department of Coloproctology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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14
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Makgoo L, Mosebi S, Mbita Z. The Role of Death-Associated Protein Kinase-1 in Cell Homeostasis-Related Processes. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1274. [PMID: 37372454 DOI: 10.3390/genes14061274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Tremendous amount of financial resources and manpower have been invested to understand the function of numerous genes that are deregulated during the carcinogenesis process, which can be targeted for anticancer therapeutic interventions. Death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK-1) is one of the genes that have shown potential as biomarkers for cancer treatment. It is a member of the kinase family, which also includes Death-associated protein kinase 2 (DAPK-2), Death-associated protein kinase 3 (DAPK-3), Death-associated protein kinase-related apoptosis-inducing kinase 1 (DRAK-1) and Death-associated protein kinase-related apoptosis-inducing kinase 2 (DRAK-2). DAPK-1 is a tumour-suppressor gene that is hypermethylated in most human cancers. Additionally, DAPK-1 regulates a number of cellular processes, including apoptosis, autophagy and the cell cycle. The molecular basis by which DAPK-1 induces these cell homeostasis-related processes for cancer prevention is less understood; hence, they need to be investigated. The purpose of this review is to discuss the current understanding of the mechanisms of DAPK-1 in cell homeostasis-related processes, especially apoptosis, autophagy and the cell cycle. It also explores how the expression of DAPK-1 affects carcinogenesis. Since deregulation of DAPK-1 is implicated in the pathogenesis of cancer, altering DAPK-1 expression or activity may be a promising therapeutic strategy against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian Makgoo
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Pietersburg 0727, Sovenga, South Africa
| | - Salerwe Mosebi
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, University of South Africa, Private Bag X6, Johanessburg 1710, Florida, South Africa
| | - Zukile Mbita
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Pietersburg 0727, Sovenga, South Africa
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15
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Yang X, Zhang B. A review on CRISPR/Cas: a versatile tool for cancer screening, diagnosis, and clinic treatment. Funct Integr Genomics 2023; 23:182. [PMID: 37231285 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-023-01117-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and it has the trend of increase incidence. However, in the past decades, as quickly developed new technologies and modified old techniques for cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment, the cancer-caused mortality rates dropped quickly, and the survival times of cancer patients are enhanced. However, the current death rate is still about 50% and the survival patients always suffer from the side effect of current cancer treatments. Recently developed Nobel Prize-winning CRISPR/Cas technology provides new hope on cancer screening, early diagnosis, and clinic treatment as well as new drug development. Currently, four major CRISPR/Cas9-derived genome editors, CRISPR/Cas9 nucleotide sequence editor, CRISPR/Cas base editor (BE), CRISPR prime editor (PE), and CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) (including both CRISPRa and CRISPRr), were well developed and used to various research and applications, including cancer biology study and cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Additionally, CRISPR/Cas12 and CRISPR/Cas13 genome editors were also widely used in cancer-related basic and applied research as well as treatment. Cancer-associated SNPs and genetic mutations as well as both oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are perfect targets for CRISPR/Cas-based gene therapy for cancer treatment. CRISPR/Cas is also employed to modify and generate new Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells for improving its safety, efficiency, and longer-time last for treating various cancers. Currently, there are many clinic trails of CRISPR-based gene therapy for cancer treatments. Although all CRISPR/Cas-derived genome and epigenome tools are promising methods for cancer biology study and treatment, the efficiency and long term-safety are still the major concerns for CRISPR-based gene therapy. Developing new CRISPR/Cas delivery methods and reducing the potential side effects, including off-target impacts, will enhance CRISPR/Cas application in cancer-related research, diagnosis, and therapeutical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianguang Yang
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, 453007, Henan, China.
| | - Baohong Zhang
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA.
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16
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Kennedy BM, Harris RE. Cyclooxygenase and Lipoxygenase Gene Expression in the Inflammogenesis of Colorectal Cancer: Correlated Expression of EGFR, JAK STAT and Src Genes, and a Natural Antisense Transcript, RP11-C67.2.2. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082380. [PMID: 37190308 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
We examined the expression of major inflammatory genes, cyclooxygenase-1, 2 (COX1, COX2), arachidonate-5-lipoxygenase (ALOX5), and arachidonate-5-lipoxygenase activating protein (ALOX5AP) among 469 tumor specimens of colorectal cancer in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Among 411 specimens without mutations in mismatch repair (MMR) genes, the mean expression of each of the inflammatory genes ranked above the 80th percentile, and the overall mean cyclooxygenase expression (COX1+COX2) ranked in the upper 99th percentile of all genes. Similar levels were observed for 58 cases with MMR mutations. Pearson correlation coefficients exceeding r = 0.70 were observed between COX and LOX mRNA levels with genes of major cell-signaling pathways involved in tumorigenesis (Src, JAK STAT, MAPK, PI3K). We observed a novel association (r = 0.78) between ALOX5 expression and a natural antisense transcript (NAT), RP11-67C2.2, a long non-coding mRNA gene, 462 base pairs in length that is located within the terminal intron of the ALOX5 gene on chromosome 10q11.21. Tumor-promoting genes highly correlated with the expression of COX1, COX2, ALOX5 and ALOX5AP are known to increase mitogenesis, mutagenesis, angiogenesis, cell survival, immunosuppression and metastasis in the inflammogenesis of colorectal cancer. These genes and the novel NAT, RP1167C2.2 are potential molecular targets for chemoprevention and therapy of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian M Kennedy
- Colleges of Public Health and Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, 1841 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210-1351, USA
| | - Randall E Harris
- Colleges of Public Health and Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, 1841 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210-1351, USA
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17
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Mokhtari K, Peymani M, Rashidi M, Hushmandi K, Ghaedi K, Taheriazam A, Hashemi M. Colon cancer transcriptome. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 180-181:49-82. [PMID: 37059270 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2023.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Over the last four decades, methodological innovations have continuously changed transcriptome profiling. It is now feasible to sequence and quantify the transcriptional outputs of individual cells or thousands of samples using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). These transcriptomes serve as a connection between cellular behaviors and their underlying molecular mechanisms, such as mutations. This relationship, in the context of cancer, provides a chance to unravel tumor complexity and heterogeneity and uncover novel biomarkers or treatment options. Since colon cancer is one of the most frequent malignancies, its prognosis and diagnosis seem to be critical. The transcriptome technology is developing for an earlier and more accurate diagnosis of cancer which can provide better protectivity and prognostic utility to medical teams and patients. A transcriptome is a whole set of expressed coding and non-coding RNAs in an individual or cell population. The cancer transcriptome includes RNA-based changes. The combined genome and transcriptome of a patient may provide a comprehensive picture of their cancer, and this information is beginning to affect treatment decision-making in real-time. A full assessment of the transcriptome of colon (colorectal) cancer has been assessed in this review paper based on risk factors such as age, obesity, gender, alcohol use, race, and also different stages of cancer, as well as non-coding RNAs like circRNAs, miRNAs, lncRNAs, and siRNAs. Similarly, they have been examined independently in the transcriptome study of colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khatere Mokhtari
- Department of Modern Biology, ACECR Institute of Higher Education (Isfahan Branch), Isfahan, Iran
| | - Maryam Peymani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, 4815733971, Iran; The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, 4815733971, Iran
| | - Kiavash Hushmandi
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kamran Ghaedi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Afshin Taheriazam
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mehrdad Hashemi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
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18
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The Chorioallantoic Membrane Xenograft Assay as a Reliable Model for Investigating the Biology of Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061704. [PMID: 36980588 PMCID: PMC10046776 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay is an alternative in vivo model that allows for minimally invasive research of cancer biology. Using the CAM assay, we investigated phenotypical and functional characteristics (tumor grade, mitosis rate, tumor budding, hormone receptor (HR) and HER2 status, Ki-67 proliferation index) of two breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, which resemble the HR+ (luminal) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subgroups, respectively. Moreover, the CAM results were directly compared with murine MCF-7- and MDA-MB-231-derived xenografts and human patient TNBC tissue. Known phenotypical and biological features of the aggressive triple-negative breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) were confirmed in the CAM assay, and mouse xenografts. Furthermore, the histomorphological and immunohistochemical variables assessed in the CAM model were similar to those in human patient tumor tissue. Given the confirmation of the classical biological and growth properties of breast cancer cell lines in the CAM model, we suggest this in vivo model to be a reliable alternative test system for breast cancer research to reduce murine animal experiments.
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19
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Zhang L, Luo B, Lu Y, Chen Y. Targeting Death-Associated Protein Kinases for Treatment of Human Diseases: Recent Advances and Future Directions. J Med Chem 2023; 66:1112-1136. [PMID: 36645394 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The death-associated protein kinase (DAPK) family is a member of the calcium/calmodulin-regulated serine/threonine protein kinase family, and studies have shown that its role, as its name suggests, is mainly to regulate cell death. The DAPK family comprises five members, including DAPK1, DAPK2, DAPK3, DRAK1 and DRAK2, which show high homology in the common N-terminal kinase domain but differ in the extra-catalytic domain. Notably, previous research has suggested that the DAPK family plays an essential role in both the development and regulation of human diseases. However, only a few small-molecule inhibitors have been reported. In this Perspective, we mainly discuss the structure, biological function, and role of DAPKs in diseases and the currently discovered small-molecule inhibitors, providing valuable information for the development of the DAPK field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Zhang
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Boqin Luo
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Yingying Lu
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Yi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
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20
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Fischer D, Fluegen G, Garcia P, Ghaffari-Tabrizi-Wizsy N, Gribaldo L, Huang RYJ, Rasche V, Ribatti D, Rousset X, Pinto MT, Viallet J, Wang Y, Schneider-Stock R. The CAM Model-Q&A with Experts. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010191. [PMID: 36612187 PMCID: PMC9818221 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), as an extraembryonic tissue layer generated by the fusion of the chorion with the vascularized allantoic membrane, is easily accessible for manipulation. Indeed, grafting tumor cells on the CAM lets xenografts/ovografts develop in a few days for further investigations. Thus, the CAM model represents an alternative test system that is a simple, fast, and low-cost tool to study tumor growth, drug response, or angiogenesis in vivo. Recently, a new era for the CAM model in immune-oncology-based drug discovery has been opened up. Although there are many advantages offering extraordinary and unique applications in cancer research, it has also disadvantages and limitations. This review will discuss the pros and cons with experts in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmar Fischer
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Georg Fluegen
- Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic and Pediatric Surgery (A), Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, University Hospital Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Paul Garcia
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Research Center Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA)/Inserm U 1209/CNRS 5309, 38700 La Tronche, France
- R&D Department, Inovotion, 38700 La Tronche, France
| | - Nassim Ghaffari-Tabrizi-Wizsy
- SFL Chicken CAM Lab, Department of Immunology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Laura Gribaldo
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, Italy
| | - Ruby Yun-Ju Huang
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
| | - Volker Rasche
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Ulm University Medical Center, 89073 Ulm, Germany
| | - Domenico Ribatti
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | | | - Marta Texeira Pinto
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Ipatimup—Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Jean Viallet
- R&D Department, Inovotion, 38700 La Tronche, France
| | - Yan Wang
- R&D Department, Inovotion, 38700 La Tronche, France
| | - Regine Schneider-Stock
- Experimental Tumorpathology, Institute of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, 94054 Erlangen, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-9131-8526-069
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21
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Benčurová K, Friske J, Anderla M, Mayrhofer M, Wanek T, Nics L, Egger G, Helbich TH, Hacker M, Haug A, Mitterhauser M, Balber T. CAM-Xenograft Model Provides Preclinical Evidence for the Applicability of [ 68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor in CRC Imaging. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225549. [PMID: 36428644 PMCID: PMC9688097 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Increased expression of CXCR4 has been associated with liver metastasis, disease progression, and shortened survival. Using in vitro cell binding studies and the in ovo model, we aimed to investigate the potential of [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor, a radiotracer specifically targeting human CXCR4, for CRC imaging. Specific membrane binding and internalisation of [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor was shown for HT29 cells, but not for HCT116 cells. Accordingly, [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor accumulated specifically in CAM-xenografts derived from HT29 cells, but not in HCT116 xenografts, as determined by µPET/MRI. The CAM-grown xenografts were histologically characterised, demonstrating vascularisation of the graft, preserved expression of human CXCR4, and viability of the tumour cells within the grafts. In vivo viability was further confirmed by µPET/MRI measurements using 2-[18F]FDG as a surrogate for glucose metabolism. [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor µPET/MRI scans showed distinct radiotracer accumulation in the chick embryonal heart, liver, and kidneys, whereas 2-[18F]FDG uptake was predominantly found in the kidneys and joints of the chick embryos. Our findings suggest that [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor is an interesting novel radiotracer for CRC imaging that is worth further investigation. Moreover, this study further supports the suitability of the CAM-xenograft model for the initial preclinical evaluation of targeted radiopharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarína Benčurová
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Applied Diagnostics, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Joachim Friske
- Division of Molecular and Structural Preclinical Imaging, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Maximilian Anderla
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Applied Diagnostics, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Department for Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Manuela Mayrhofer
- School of Medical Engineering and Applied Social Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, 4020 Linz, Austria
- QIMP Team, Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Wanek
- Division of Molecular and Structural Preclinical Imaging, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Nics
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerda Egger
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Applied Diagnostics, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas H. Helbich
- Division of Molecular and Structural Preclinical Imaging, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Marcus Hacker
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Haug
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory Applied Metabolomics, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Mitterhauser
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Applied Diagnostics, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Department for Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Correspondence:
| | - Theresa Balber
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Applied Diagnostics, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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22
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Wang Q, Weng S, Sun Y, Lin Y, Zhong W, Kwok HF, Lin Y. High DAPK1 Expression Promotes Tumor Metastasis of Gastric Cancer. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11101488. [PMID: 36290392 PMCID: PMC9598723 DOI: 10.3390/biology11101488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a common upper gastrointestinal tumor. Death-associated protein kinase (DAPK1) was found to participate in the development of various malignant tumors. However, there are few reports on DAPK1 in gastric cancer. In this study, the TCGA and GEO datasets were used to explore the expression and role of DAPK1 in gastric cancer. The functions of DAPK1 in gastric cancer were determined by proliferation, migration and invasion assays. In addition, genes co-expressed with DAPK1 in gastric cancer were estimated through the WGCNA and correlation analysis. A DAPK1-related gene prognostic model was constructed using the Cox regression and lasso analyses. The expression of DAPK1 was significantly up-regulated in gastric cancer tissues. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that low expression of DAPK1 was a favorable prognostic factor of overall survival and disease-free survival for gastric cancer patients. Functional experiments demonstrated that DAPK1 can promote the migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells. WGCNA, correlation analysis, Cox regression, and lasso analyses were applied to construct the DAPK1-related prognostic model. The prognostic value of this prognostic model of DAPK1-related genes was further successfully validated in an independent database. Our results indicated that DAPK1 can promote gastric cancer cell migration and invasion and established four DAPK1-related signature genes for gastric cancer that could independently predict the survival of GC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingshui Wang
- Central Laboratory at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Traditional Chinese Medical University, Fujian-Macao Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Traditional Chinese Medicine-Oriented Chronic Disease Prevention and Treatment, Innovation and Transformation Center, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350001, China
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Shuyun Weng
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Yuqin Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Zhangzhou Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Zhangzhou 363000, China
| | - Youyu Lin
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Wenting Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
- MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
- Correspondence: (H.F.K.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yao Lin
- Central Laboratory at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Traditional Chinese Medical University, Fujian-Macao Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Traditional Chinese Medicine-Oriented Chronic Disease Prevention and Treatment, Innovation and Transformation Center, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350001, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Rehabilitation Technology, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350001, China
- Correspondence: (H.F.K.); (Y.L.)
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23
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Kabekkodu SP, Chakrabarty S, Varghese VK, Ghosh S, Radhakrishnan R, Mallya SP, Kudva A. Salivary DNA methylation markers for cancer of oral cavity. Cancer Biomark 2022; 35:257-268. [PMID: 36245370 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-220028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE: Aberrant DNA methylation plays a crucial role in oral carcinogenesis. Our previous study demonstrated hypermethylation of DAPK1, LRPPRC, RAB6C, and ZNF471 promoters in patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma compared with normal samples. Methylation profiling using salivary DNA is considered a non-invasive alternative to tissue samples. Hence, the present study tested the DNA methylation status of these four promoters as indicators of oral cancer progression. METHODS: We performed the bisulfite-based targeted next-generation sequencing of four candidate genes in saliva and tissue DNA from normal, premalignant, and squamous cell carcinoma subjects. The clinicopathological association, diagnostic, and prognostic utility of aberrant DNA methylation were evaluated using the TCGA-HNSCC dataset. Using the Xgboost algorithm and logistic regression, CpG sites were prioritized, and Receiver Operating Characteristic was generated. By Log-rank test and Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves, an association between methylation and overall survival (OS), disease-free interval (DFI), and progression-free interval (PFI) were computed. RESULTS: We identified all four genes as significantly hypermethylation in premalignant and malignant samples compared with normal samples. The methylation levels were comparable between saliva and tissue samples with an r-value of 0.6297 to 0.8023 and 0.7823 to 0.9419 between premalignant tissue vs. saliva and OC vs. saliva, respectively. We identified an inverse correlation between DAPK1, LRPPRC, RAB6C, and ZNF471 promoter methylation with its expression. A classifier of 8 differentially methylated CpG sites belonging to DAPK1, RAB6C, and ZNF471 promoters was constructed, showing an AUC of 0.984 to differentiate tumors from normal samples. The differential methylation status of DAPK1, LRPPRC, and ZNF71 promoters was prognostically important. Abnormal expression of all four genes was associated with immune infiltration. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, methylation analysis of these candidate CpG sites from saliva can be helpful as a non-invasive tool for the clinical management of OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shama Prasada Kabekkodu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
- Centre for DNA repair and Genome Stability (CDRGS), Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Sanjiban Chakrabarty
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
- Centre for DNA repair and Genome Stability (CDRGS), Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Vinay Koshy Varghese
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Supriti Ghosh
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Raghu Radhakrishnan
- Department of Oral Pathology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Sandeep P. Mallya
- Department of Bioinformatics, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Adarsh Kudva
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
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24
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Cui M, Zhang H, Han S, Huo F, Shen Z, Ding D. Screening of biomarkers associated with diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer. Genes Genet Syst 2022; 97:101-110. [PMID: 36104170 DOI: 10.1266/ggs.21-00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to explore biomarkers associated with diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer. Differentially expressed protein (DEP) genes were obtained and validated. Moreover, co-expressed genes were screened and their prognostic value was evaluated. In addition, miRNAs that were negatively correlated with DEP genes were identified and used to construct a competitive endogenous RNA network. Furthermore, a support vector machine model was built using DEP genes, and a receiver operating characteristic curve was implemented to confirm its prediction performance. The results showed that only one DEP gene, CCL26, was obtained. Moreover, 43 genes co-expressed with CCL26 were identified, among which six (AP3M2, DAPK1, ISYNA1, PPM1K, PRR4 and RNF122) were linked with the prognosis of colorectal cancer. Besides, the axis RP11-47122.2/RP11-527N22.1-hsa-miR-3192-5p-CCL26 was identified as an lncRNA-miRNA-target gene network. Support vector machine model analysis showed that the area under the curve of CCL26 reached 0.878 based on GEO data and 0.743 based on our protein data. In conclusion, AP3M2, DAPK1, ISYNA1, PPM1K, PRR4, RNF122, CCL26 and hsa-miR-3192-5p appear to be related to the progression of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingfu Cui
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Colorectal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Colorectal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University
| | - Songyun Han
- Department of Emergency, Tonghua Central Hospital, Jilin University
| | - Feng Huo
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Changchun Tumor Hospital
| | - Zhaoming Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Changchun People's Hospital
| | - Dayong Ding
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Colorectal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University
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25
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Gonzalez-Salinas F, Martinez-Amador C, Trevino V. Characterizing genes associated with cancer using the CRISPR/Cas9 system: A systematic review of genes and methodological approaches. Gene 2022; 833:146595. [PMID: 35598687 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas9 system enables a versatile set of genomes editing and genetic-based disease modeling tools due to its high specificity, efficiency, and accessible design and implementation. In cancer, the CRISPR/Cas9 system has been used to characterize genes and explore different mechanisms implicated in tumorigenesis. Different experimental strategies have been proposed in recent years, showing dependency on various intrinsic factors such as cancer type, gene function, mutation type, and technical approaches such as cell line, Cas9 expression, and transfection options. However, the successful methodological approaches, genes, and other experimental factors have not been analyzed. We, therefore, initially considered more than 1,300 research articles related to CRISPR/Cas9 in cancer to finally examine more than 400 full-text research publications. We summarize findings regarding target genes, RNA guide designs, cloning, Cas9 delivery systems, cell enrichment, and experimental validations. This analysis provides valuable information and guidance for future cancer gene validation experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Gonzalez-Salinas
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Morones Prieto avenue 3000, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon 64710, Mexico
| | - Claudia Martinez-Amador
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Morones Prieto avenue 3000, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon 64710, Mexico
| | - Victor Trevino
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Morones Prieto avenue 3000, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon 64710, Mexico; Tecnologico de Monterrey, The Institute for Obesity Research, Eugenio Garza Sada avenue 2501, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon 64849, México.
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26
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Identification of the Antigens Recognised by Colorectal Cancer Patients Using Sera from Patients Who Exhibit a Crohn's-like Lymphoid Reaction. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12081058. [PMID: 36008952 PMCID: PMC9406176 DOI: 10.3390/biom12081058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A Crohn’s-like lymphoid reaction (CLR) is observed in about 15% of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and is associated with favourable outcomes. To identify the immune targets recognised by CRC CLR patient sera, we immunoscreened a testes cDNA library with sera from three patients. Immunoscreening of the 18 antigens identified by SEREX with sera from normal donors showed that only the heavy chain of IgG3 (IGHG3) and a novel antigen we named UOB-COL-7, were solely recognised by sera from CRC CLR patients. ELISA showed an elevation in IgG3 levels in patients with CRC (p = 0.01). To extend our studies we analysed the expression of our SEREX-identified antigens using the RNA-sequencing dataset (GSE5206). We found that the transcript levels of multiple IGHG probesets were highly significant (p < 0.001) in their association with clinical features of CRC while above median levels of DAPK1 (p = 0.005) and below median levels of GTF2H5 (p = 0.004) and SH3RF2 (p = 0.02) were associated with improved overall survival. Our findings demonstrate the potential of SEREX-identified CRC CLR antigens to act as biomarkers for CRC and provide a rationale for their further characterization and validation.
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27
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ATF2 loss promotes tumor invasion in colorectal cancer cells via upregulation of cancer driver TROP2. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:423. [PMID: 35838828 PMCID: PMC9287261 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04445-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In cancer, the activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2) has pleiotropic functions in cellular responses to growth stimuli, damage, or inflammation. Due to only limited studies, the significance of ATF2 in colorectal cancer (CRC) is not well understood. We report that low ATF2 levels correlated with worse prognosis and tumor aggressiveness in CRC patients. NanoString gene expression and ChIP analysis confirmed trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (TROP2) as a novel inhibitory ATF2 target gene. This inverse correlation was further observed in primary human tumor tissues. Immunostainings revealed that high intratumoral heterogeneity for ATF2 and TROP2 expression was sustained also in liver metastasis. Mechanistically, our in vitro data of CRISPR/Cas9-generated ATF2 knockout (KO) clones revealed that high TROP2 levels were critical for cell de-adhesion and increased cell migration without triggering EMT. TROP2 was enriched in filopodia and displaced Paxillin from adherens junctions. In vivo imaging, micro-computer tomography, and immunostainings verified that an ATF2KO/TROP2high status triggered tumor invasiveness in in vivo mouse and chicken xenograft models. In silico analysis provided direct support that ATF2low/TROP2high expression status defined high-risk CRC patients. Finally, our data demonstrate that ATF2 acts as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting the cancer driver TROP2. Therapeutic TROP2 targeting might prevent particularly the first steps in metastasis, i.e., the de-adhesion and invasion of colon cancer cells.
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28
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Chen HM, MacDonald JA. Death-associated protein kinases and intestinal epithelial homeostasis. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2022; 306:1062-1087. [PMID: 35735750 DOI: 10.1002/ar.25022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The family of death-associated protein kinases (DAPKs) and DAPK-related apoptosis-inducing protein kinases (DRAKs) act as molecular switches for a multitude of cellular processes, including apoptotic and autophagic cell death events. This review summarizes the mechanisms for kinase activity regulation and discusses recent molecular investigations of DAPK and DRAK family members in the intestinal epithelium. In general, recent literature convincingly supports the importance of this family of protein kinases in the homeostatic processes that govern the proper function of the intestinal epithelium. Each of the DAPK family of proteins possesses distinct biochemical properties, and we compare similarities in the information available as well as those cases where functional distinctions are apparent. As the prototypical member of the family, DAPK1 is noteworthy for its tumor suppressor function and association with colorectal cancer. In the intestinal epithelium, DAPK2 is associated with programmed cell death, potential tumor-suppressive functions, and a unique influence on granulocyte biology. The impact of the DRAKs in the epithelium is understudied, but recent studies support a role for DRAK1 in inflammation-mediated tumor growth and metastasis. A commentary is provided on the potential importance of DAPK3 in facilitating epithelial restitution and wound healing during the resolution of colitis. An update on efforts to develop selective pharmacologic effectors of individual DAPK members is also supplied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huey-Miin Chen
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Justin A MacDonald
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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29
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Multiphoton Microscopy Reveals DAPK1-Dependent Extracellular Matrix Remodeling in a Chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM) Model. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102364. [PMID: 35625969 PMCID: PMC9139596 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The formation of metastasis is not only intricately orchestrated by cancer cells but is also affected by the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). The barrier function of the ECM represents an obstacle that cancer cells have to overcome to disseminate from the primary tumor to form metastasis in distant organs. Here, we demonstrate an approach to studying the remodeling of a collagen-rich ECM by colorectal tumor cells using multiphoton microscopy (MPM). This approach allows the analysis of the invasion front of tumors grown on the CAM in 3D. MPM is superior to conventional histology, which is limited to 2D analysis and needs extensive tissue preparation. Abstract Cancer cells facilitate tumor growth by creating favorable tumor micro-environments (TME), altering homeostasis and immune response in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of surrounding tissue. A potential factor that contributes to TME generation and ECM remodeling is the cytoskeleton-associated human death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1). Increased tumor cell motility and de-adhesion (thus, promoting metastasis), as well as upregulated plasminogen-signaling, are shown when functionally analyzing the DAPK1 ko-related proteome. However, the systematic investigation of how tumor cells actively modulate the ECM at the tissue level is experimentally challenging since animal models do not allow direct experimental access while artificial in vitro scaffolds cannot simulate the entire complexity of tissue systems. Here, we used the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay as a natural, collagen-rich tissue model in combination with all-optical experimental access by multiphoton microscopy (MPM) to study the ECM remodeling potential of colorectal tumor cells with and without DAPK1 in situ and even in vivo. This approach demonstrates the suitability of the CAM assay in combination with multiphoton microscopy for studying collagen remodeling during tumor growth. Our results indicate the high ECM remodeling potential of DAPK1 ko tumor cells at the tissue level and support our findings from proteomics.
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30
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The Role of Autophagy in Tumor Immune Infiltration in Colorectal Cancer. Anal Cell Pathol (Amst) 2022; 2022:2055676. [PMID: 35321516 PMCID: PMC8938087 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2055676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective. This study is aimed at exploring the association between autophagy and tumor immune infiltration (TII) in colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods and Materials. We downloaded the transcriptome profiling and clinical data for CRC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and obtained the normal colon transcriptome profiling data from Genotype-Tissue Expression Project (GTEx) database. The list of autophagy-related signatures was obtained from the Human Autophagy Database. We isolated the autophagy-related genes from the CRC gene expression matrix and constructed an autophagy-related prognostic (ARP) risk model. Then, we constructed a multiROC curve to validate the prognostic ability of the ARP risk model. CIBERSORT was used to determine the fractions of 22 immune cells in each CRC sample, and the association between these TII cells and CRC clinical variables was further investigated. Finally, we estimated the association of 3 hub-ARP signatures and 20 different types of TII cell distribution. Results. We classified 447 CRC patients into 224 low-risk and 223 high-risk patients using the median ARP risk score. According to the univariate survival test results, except for gender (
), age (
), cancer stage, and pathological stage T, M, and N were closely correlated with the prognosis of CRC patients (
). Multivariate survival analysis results indicate that age and rescore were the only independent prognostic indicators with significant differences (
). After merging the immune cell distribution (by CIBERSORT) with the CRC clinical data, the results indicate that activated macrophage M0 cells exhibited the highest clinical response, which included cancer stage and stage T, N, and M. Additionally, six immune cells were closely associated with cancer stage, including regulatory T cells (Tregs), gamma delta T cells, follicular helper T cells, activated memory CD4 T cells, activated NK cells, and resting dendritic cells. Finally, we evaluated the correlation of ARP signatures with TII cell distribution. Compared with the other correlation, NRG1 and plasma cells (↑), risk score and macrophage M1 (↑), NRG1 and dendritic cell activated (↑), CDKN2A and T cell CD4 memory resting (↓), risk score and T cell CD8 (↑), risk score and T cell CD4 memory resting (↓), and DAPK1 and T cell CD4 memory activated (↓) exhibited a stronger association (
). Conclusions. In summary, we explored the correlation between the risk of autophagy and the TII microenvironment in CRC patients. Furthermore, we integrated different CAR signatures with tumor-infiltrating immune cells and found robust associations between different levels of CAR signature expression and immune cell infiltrating density.
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Mlodawska OW, Saini P, Parker JB, Wei JJ, Bulun SE, Simon MA, Chakravarti D. Epigenomic and enhancer dysregulation in uterine leiomyomas. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:518-547. [PMID: 35199155 PMCID: PMC9247409 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uterine leiomyomas, also known as uterine fibroids or myomas, are the most common benign gynecological tumors and are found in women of reproductive and postmenopausal age. There is an exceptionally high prevalence of this tumor in women by the age of 50 years. Black women are particularly affected, with an increased incidence, earlier age of onset, larger and faster growing fibroids and greater severity of symptoms as compared to White women. Although advances in identifying genetic and environmental factors to delineate these fibroids have already been made, only recently has the role of epigenomics in the pathogenesis of this disease been considered. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Over recent years, studies have identified multiple epigenomic aberrations that may contribute to leiomyoma development and growth. This review will focus on the most recent discoveries in three categories of epigenomic changes found in uterine fibroids, namely aberrant DNA methylation, histone tail modifications and histone variant exchange, and their translation into altered target gene architecture and transcriptional outcome. The findings demonstrating how the altered 3D shape of the enhancer can regulate gene expression from millions of base pairs away will be discussed. Additionally, translational implications of these discoveries and potential roadblocks in leiomyoma treatment will be addressed. SEARCH METHODS A comprehensive PubMed search was performed to identify published articles containing keywords relevant to the focus of the review, such as: uterine leiomyoma, uterine fibroids, epigenetic alterations, epigenomics, stem cells, chromatin modifications, extracellular matrix [ECM] organization, DNA methylation, enhancer, histone post-translational modifications and dysregulated gene expression. Articles until September 2021 were explored and evaluated to identify relevant updates in the field. Most of the articles focused on in the discussion were published between 2015 and 2021, although some key discoveries made before 2015 were included for background information and foundational purposes. We apologize to the authors whose work was not included because of space restrictions or inadvertent omission. OUTCOMES Chemical alterations to the DNA structure and of nucleosomal histones, without changing the underlying DNA sequence, have now been implicated in the phenotypic manifestation of uterine leiomyomas. Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis has revealed subsets of either suppressed or overexpressed genes accompanied by aberrant promoter methylation. Furthermore, differential promoter access resulting from altered 3D chromatin structure and histone modifications plays a role in regulating transcription of key genes thought to be involved in leiomyoma etiology. The dysregulated genes function in tumor suppression, apoptosis, angiogenesis, ECM formation, a variety of cancer-related signaling pathways and stem cell differentiation. Aberrant DNA methylation or histone modification is also observed in altering enhancer architecture, which leads to changes in enhancer-promoter contact strength, producing novel explanations for the overexpression of high mobility group AT-hook 2 and gene dysregulation found in mediator complex subunit 12 mutant fibroids. While many molecular mechanisms and epigenomic features have been investigated, the basis for the racial disparity observed among those in the Black population remains unclear. WIDER IMPLICATIONS A comprehensive understanding of the exact pathogenesis of uterine leiomyoma is lacking and requires attention as it can provide clues for prevention and viable non-surgical treatment. These findings will widen our knowledge of the role epigenomics plays in the mechanisms related to uterine leiomyoma development and highlight novel approaches for the prevention and identification of epigenome targets for long-term non-invasive treatment options of this significantly common disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - J Brandon Parker
- Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Jian-Jun Wei
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Serdar E Bulun
- Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Melissa A Simon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Health Equity Transformation, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Debabrata Chakravarti
- Correspondence address. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E Superior Street, Lurie 4-119, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. E-mail:
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Alternative Splicing, Epigenetic Modifications and Cancer: A Dangerous Triangle, or a Hopeful One? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030560. [PMID: 35158828 PMCID: PMC8833605 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Epigenetics studies the alteration of gene expression without changing DNA sequence and very often, epigenetic dysregulation causes cancer. Alternative splicing is a mechanism that results in the production of several mRNA isoforms from a single gene and aberrant splicing is also a frequent cause of cancer. The present review is built on the interrelations of epigenetics and alternative splicing. In an intuitive way, we say that epigenetic modifications and alternative splicing are at two vertices of a triangle, the third vertex being occupied by cancer. Interconnection between alternative splicing and epigenetic modifications occurs backward and forward and the mechanisms involved are widely reviewed. These connections also provide novel diagnostic or prognostic tools, which are listed. Finally, as epigenetic alterations are reversible and aberrant alternative splicing may be corrected, the therapeutic possibilities to break the triangle are discussed. Abstract The alteration of epigenetic modifications often causes cancer onset and development. In a similar way, aberrant alternative splicing may result in oncogenic products. These issues have often been individually reviewed, but there is a growing body of evidence for the interconnection of both causes of cancer. Actually, aberrant splicing may result from abnormal epigenetic signalization and epigenetic factors may be altered by alternative splicing. In this way, the interrelation between epigenetic marks and alternative splicing form the base of a triangle, while cancer may be placed at the vertex. The present review centers on the interconnections at the triangle base, i.e., between alternative splicing and epigenetic modifications, which may result in neoplastic transformations. The effects of different epigenetic factors, including DNA and histone modifications, the binding of non-coding RNAs and the alterations of chromatin organization on alternative splicing resulting in cancer are first considered. Other less-frequently considered questions, such as the epigenetic regulation of the splicing machinery, the aberrant splicing of epigenetic writers, readers and erasers, etc., are next reviewed in their connection with cancer. The knowledge of the above-mentioned relationships has allowed increasing the collection of biomarkers potentially useful as cancer diagnostic and/or prognostic tools. Finally, taking into account on one hand that epigenetic changes are reversible, and some epigenetic drugs already exist and, on the other hand, that drugs intended for reversing aberrations in alternative splicing, therapeutic possibilities for breaking the mentioned cancer-related triangle are discussed.
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You MH, Lee WK, Jin M, Song DE, Cheng SY, Kim TY, Kim WB, Jeon MJ, Kim WG. Death-Associated Protein Kinase 1 Inhibits Progression of Thyroid Cancer by Regulating Stem Cell Markers. Cells 2021; 10:cells10112994. [PMID: 34831219 PMCID: PMC8616132 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The activation of metastatic reprogramming is vital for cancer metastasis, but little is known about its mechanism. This study investigated the potential role of death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) in thyroid cancer progression. We generated knockdown (KD) DAPK1 using siRNA or shRNA in 8505C and KTC-1 cell lines, which we transiently or stably overexpressed in MDA-T32 and BCPAP cell lines. DAPK1 KD in 8505C and KTC-1 cells significantly increased cell proliferation and colony formation compared with controls. We observed significant inhibition of cancer cell invasion in cells overexpressing DAPK1, but the opposite effect in KD cells. Tumorsphere formation significantly increased after inhibition of DAPK1 expression in 8505C cells and was significantly suppressed in DAPK1-overexpressing MDA-T32 and BCPAP cells. DAPK1 overexpression inhibited mRNA and protein levels of stem markers (OCT4, Sox2, KLF4, and Nanog). Furthermore, the expression of these markers increased after KD of DAPK1 in 8505C cells. Mechanistic studies suggest that DAPK1 may modulate the expression of stem cell markers through the inhibition of β-catenin pathways. These findings were consistent with the public data and our thyroid tissue analysis, which showed higher DAPK1 expression was associated with advanced-stage papillary thyroid cancer with a higher stemness index and lower disease-free survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Hyeon You
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea; (M.-H.Y.); (M.J.); (T.Y.K.); (W.B.K.)
| | - Woo Kyung Lee
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (W.K.L.); (S.-y.C.)
| | - Meihua Jin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea; (M.-H.Y.); (M.J.); (T.Y.K.); (W.B.K.)
| | - Dong Eun Song
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea;
| | - Sheue-yann Cheng
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (W.K.L.); (S.-y.C.)
| | - Tae Yong Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea; (M.-H.Y.); (M.J.); (T.Y.K.); (W.B.K.)
| | - Won Bae Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea; (M.-H.Y.); (M.J.); (T.Y.K.); (W.B.K.)
| | - Min Ji Jeon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea; (M.-H.Y.); (M.J.); (T.Y.K.); (W.B.K.)
- Correspondence: (M.J.J.); (W.G.K.); Tel.: +82-2-3010-1317 (M.J.J.); +82-2-3010-5883 (W.G.K.); Fax: +82-2-3010-1317 (M.J.J.); +82-2-3010-6962 (W.G.K.)
| | - Won Gu Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea; (M.-H.Y.); (M.J.); (T.Y.K.); (W.B.K.)
- Correspondence: (M.J.J.); (W.G.K.); Tel.: +82-2-3010-1317 (M.J.J.); +82-2-3010-5883 (W.G.K.); Fax: +82-2-3010-1317 (M.J.J.); +82-2-3010-6962 (W.G.K.)
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Nong S, Wei Z, Wang Z, Ma L, Guan Y, Ni J. Reduced DAPK1 Expression Promotes Stem Cell-Like Characteristics of Prostate Cancer Cells by Activating ZEB1 via Hippo/YAP Signaling Pathway. Stem Cells Dev 2021; 30:934-945. [PMID: 34289746 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2021.0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is a malignant tumor that originates in the male genitourinary system. Downregulation of death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) is closely related to PCa. Little is known about the functional role of DAPK1 in regulating cancer stem cell (CSC)-like characteristics of PCa cells, and we have conducted research on this topic. Compared with tumor-adjacent normal tissues, DAPK1 was severely downregulated in tumor tissues of PCa patients. DAPK1 expression was also reduced in PCa cell lines with respect to that in normal prostate cells. Moreover, we sorted PCa-CSCs (PCa-CD133+ cells) from PCa cells. PCa-CD133+ cells also exhibited a reduced DAPK1 level and elevated levels of stem cell markers (CD44, OCT4, and SOX2). DAPK1 knockdown promoted sphere formation and enhanced the proportions of PCa-CD133+/PCa-CD133- cells. Inhibition of DAPK1 also accelerated migration and invasion of PCa-CD133+ cells. In addition, DAPK1 interacted with zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox-1 (ZEB1) and repressed ZEB1 expression in PCa-CD133+ cells. DAPK1 suppressed Hippo/YAP signaling pathway by interacting with ZEB1. Finally, we generated a tumor xenograft model to verify the effect of PCa-CD133+ cells following DAPK1 overexpression on tumor growth of PCa. DAPK1 overexpression inhibited tumor growth of PCa and repressed the expression of ZEB1, YAP, and TAZ in the tumor tissues of PCa mice. In conclusion, reduced DAPK1 expression promoted stem cell-like characteristics of PCa cells through activating ZEB1 via Hippo/YAP signaling pathway. Taken together, this work sheds lights on the potential of DAPK1 as a target for PCa therapeutics from bench to clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojun Nong
- Department of Urological Surgery and The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhongqing Wei
- Department of Urological Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Limin Ma
- Department of Urological Surgery and The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yangbo Guan
- Department of Urological Surgery and The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jian Ni
- Department of Urological Surgery and The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China
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Wang Q, Lin Y, Zhong W, Jiang Y, Lin Y. Regulatory Non-coding RNAs for Death Associated Protein Kinase Family. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:649100. [PMID: 34422899 PMCID: PMC8377501 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.649100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The death associated protein kinases (DAPKs) are a family of calcium dependent serine/threonine kinases initially identified in the regulation of apoptosis. Previous studies showed that DAPK family members, including DAPK1, DAPK2 and DAPK3 play a crucial regulatory role in malignant tumor development, in terms of cell apoptosis, proliferation, invasion and metastasis. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that non-coding RNAs, including microRNA (miRNA), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and circRNA, are involved in the regulation of gene expression and tumorigenesis. Recent studies indicated that non-coding RNAs participate in the regulation of DAPKs. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge of non-coding RNAs, as well as the potential miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs, that are involved in the regulation of DAPKs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingshui Wang
- Central Laboratory at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Traditional Chinese Medical University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Rehabilitation Technology, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Youyu Lin
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wenting Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- Prenatal Diagnosis Centre, Women and Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yao Lin
- Central Laboratory at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Traditional Chinese Medical University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Rehabilitation Technology, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
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Preis E, Schulze J, Gutberlet B, Pinnapireddy SR, Jedelská J, Bakowsky U. The chorioallantoic membrane as a bio-barrier model for the evaluation of nanoscale drug delivery systems for tumour therapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 174:317-336. [PMID: 33905805 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In 2010, the European Parliament and the European Union adopted a directive on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes. The directive aims to protect animals in scientific research, with the final goal of complete replacement of procedures on live animals for scientific and educational purposes as soon as it is scientifically viable. Furthermore, the directive announces the implementation of the 3Rs principle: "When choosing methods, the principles of replacement, reduction and refinement should be implemented through a strict hierarchy of the requirement to use alternative methods." The visibility, accessibility, and the rapid growth of the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) offers a clear advantage for various manipulations and for the simulation of different Bio-Barriers according to the 3R principle. The extensive vascularisation on the CAM provides an excellent substrate for the cultivation of tumour cells or tumour xenografts which could be used for the therapeutic evaluation of nanoscale drug delivery systems. The tumour can be targeted either by topical application, intratumoural injection or i.v. injection. Different application sites and biological barriers can be examined within a single model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduard Preis
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, University of Marburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 4, 35037 Marburg, Germany
| | - Jan Schulze
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, University of Marburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 4, 35037 Marburg, Germany
| | - Bernd Gutberlet
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, University of Marburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 4, 35037 Marburg, Germany
| | - Shashank Reddy Pinnapireddy
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, University of Marburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 4, 35037 Marburg, Germany; CSL Behring Innovation GmbH, Emil-von-Behring-Str. 76, 35041 Marburg, Germany
| | - Jarmila Jedelská
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, University of Marburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 4, 35037 Marburg, Germany; Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology, Core Facility for Small Animal MRI, Hans-Meerwein Str. 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Udo Bakowsky
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, University of Marburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 4, 35037 Marburg, Germany.
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Cao C, He K, Li S, Ge Q, Liu L, Zhang Z, Zhang H, Wang X, Sun X, Ding L. ITPRIP promotes glioma progression by linking MYL9 to DAPK1 inhibition. Cell Signal 2021; 85:110062. [PMID: 34111521 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2021.110062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic gene silencing of the tumor suppressor death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) is implicated in the progression of malignant gliomas. However, the mechanism underlying the repression of DAPK1 in gliomas remains elusive. In this study, we identified the existence of DAPK1-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R)-interacting protein (ITPRIP) -myosin regulatory light polypeptide 9 (MYL9) complex in malignant glioma cells. Lentivirus co-infection and coimmunoprecipitation showed that ITPRIP bound with the death domain (DD) of DAPK1 in vitro. Further, dissociating ITPRIP-DAPK1 interaction inhibited glioma tumor growth in vitro but not in vivo. Moreover, knockdown of ITPRIP or DAPK1 impaired the ternary complex formation, whereas MYL9 knockdown did not affect ITPRIP-DAPK1 association. We further found that ITPRIP recruited MYL9 to the kinase domain (KD) of DAPK1, and in turn impeded the phosphorylation of MYL9. Accordingly, interference of ITPRIP enhanced the suppressive effects of DAPK1-KD on glioma progression both in vitro and in vivo. Our results demonstrate that ITPRIP plays a crucial role in the inhibition of DAPK1 and enhancement of tumorigenic properties of malignant glioma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changchun Cao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Huaian NO.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 1 Huanghe West Road, Huaian 223300, China.
| | - Kang He
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huaian NO.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 1 Huanghe West Road, Huaian 223300, China
| | - Shaoxun Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huaian NO.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 1 Huanghe West Road, Huaian 223300, China
| | - Qianqian Ge
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Huaian NO.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 1 Huanghe West Road, Huaian 223300, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huaian NO.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 1 Huanghe West Road, Huaian 223300, China
| | - Zhengwei Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Huaian NO.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 1 Huanghe West Road, Huaian 223300, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Huaian NO.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 1 Huanghe West Road, Huaian 223300, China
| | - Xinwen Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Huaian NO.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 1 Huanghe West Road, Huaian 223300, China.
| | - Xiaoyang Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huaian NO.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 1 Huanghe West Road, Huaian 223300, China.
| | - Lianshu Ding
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huaian NO.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 1 Huanghe West Road, Huaian 223300, China.
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Liu L, Zhang J, Liu H, Shi M, Zhang J, Chen L, Huang L, Li B, Xu P. Correlation of autophagy-related genes for predicting clinical prognosis in colorectal cancer. Biomark Med 2021; 15:715-729. [PMID: 34169735 DOI: 10.2217/bmm-2020-0292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Autophagy plays a controversial role in cancer. The role of autophagy-related genes (ARGs) in colorectal cancer (CRC) was evaluated based on publicly available data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the Human Autophagy Database. Materials & methods: After collecting CRC-related transcript and clinical data and a list of ARGs from public databases, the Wilcoxon test was used to identify the differentially expressed ARGs between CRC and paired normal tissues. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were used to identify the major biological properties and pathways associated with these genes. Univariate Cox regression was used to identify the prognosis-associated ARGs, and a forest plot was used to visualize the results. Kaplan-Meier analysis of the 5-year survival rate was performed. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were used to verify the impact of the prognosis-associated ARGs. Results: A total of 36 differentially expressed genes (16 upregulated and 20 downregulated in CRC) were obtained from among 206 ARGs. There were 53 enriched pathways, including the p53 signaling pathway, platinum drug resistance, apoptosis, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance and ErbB signaling pathway (p- and q-values <0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the 5-year survival rate was 46.0% (95% CI: 0.335-0.631) and 76.0% (95% CI: 0.651-0.886) in the high- and low-risk groups, respectively. The high-risk patients had worse survival probability (p = 6.256 × 10-5). Independent-samples t-tests revealed that MAP1LC3C expression was higher in patients aged ≤65 than >65 (p = 0.022); RAB7A expression was higher in patients aged ≤65 than >65 (p = 7.31 × 10-4), higher in M1 than M0 (p = 0.042), higher in N1-3 than N0 (p = 0.002) and higher in stage III and IV than I and II (p = 0.042); risk score was higher in N1-3 than N0 (p = 0.001) and in stage III and IV than I and II (p = 0.002); and WIPI2 expression was higher in M1 than M0 (p = 0.002), higher in N1-3 than N0 (p = 2.059 × 10-7) and higher in stage III and IV than I and II (p = 2.299 × 10-7). There were no differences in risk score between males and females (p = 0.593), T1-2 and T3-4 (p = 0.082) or M0 and M1 (p = 0.072). Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses showed that RAB7A was a lower-risk gene, while MAP1LC3C, WIPI2, DAPK1, ULK3 and PELP1 were high-risk genes. Conclusion: Certain ARGs are potential prognostic molecular markers of poor prognosis in CRC. Additionally, the p53 signaling pathway, platinum drug resistance, apoptosis, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance and ErbB signaling pathway may be critical pathways regulated by ARGs in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyan Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, 519 Beijing East Road, Nanchang, 330029, PR China
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanchang University, 519 Beijing East Road, Nanchang, 330029, PR China
- Laboratory Animal Science & Technology Center, Workstation of Academician, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1688 Meiling Road, Nanchang, 330004, PR China
| | - Jilin Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, 92 Aiguo Road, Nanchang, 330006, PR China
| | - Hongdong Liu
- Laboratory Animal Science & Technology Center, Workstation of Academician, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1688 Meiling Road, Nanchang, 330004, PR China
| | - Min Shi
- Laboratory Animal Science & Technology Center, Workstation of Academician, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1688 Meiling Road, Nanchang, 330004, PR China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Laboratory Animal Science & Technology Center, Workstation of Academician, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1688 Meiling Road, Nanchang, 330004, PR China
| | - Li Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1166 Liutai Avenue, Chengdu, 611137, PR China
| | - Luqi Huang
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medical, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 16 Nanxiao Street, Dongzhimen, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100700, PR China
| | - Bin Li
- Laboratory Animal Science & Technology Center, Workstation of Academician, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1688 Meiling Road, Nanchang, 330004, PR China
| | - Peng Xu
- Laboratory Animal Science & Technology Center, Workstation of Academician, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1688 Meiling Road, Nanchang, 330004, PR China
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Fu D, Zhang B, Wu S, Zhang Y, Xie J, Ning W, Jiang H. Prognosis and Characterization of Immune Microenvironment in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Through Identification of an Autophagy-Related Signature. Front Immunol 2021; 12:695865. [PMID: 34135913 PMCID: PMC8200670 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.695865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is one of the most common hematopoietic malignancies that has an unfavorable outcome and a high rate of relapse. Autophagy plays a vital role in the development of and therapeutic responses to leukemia. This study identifies a potential autophagy-related signature to monitor the prognoses of patients of AML. Transcriptomic profiles of AML patients (GSE37642) with the relevant clinical information were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) as the training set while TCGA-AML and GSE12417 were used as validation cohorts. Univariate regression analyses and multivariate stepwise Cox regression analysis were respectively applied to identify the autophagy-related signature. The univariate Cox regression analysis identified 32 autophagy-related genes (ARGs) that were significantly associated with the overall survival (OS) of the patients, and were mainly rich in signaling pathways for autophagy, p53, AMPK, and TNF. A prognostic signature that comprised eight ARGs (BAG3, CALCOCO2, CAMKK2, CANX, DAPK1, P4HB, TSC2, and ULK1) and had good predictive capacity was established by LASSO–Cox stepwise regression analysis. High-risk patients were found to have significantly shorter OS than patients in low-risk group. The signature can be used as an independent prognostic predictor after adjusting for clinicopathological parameters, and was validated on two external AML sets. Differentially expressed genes analyzed in two groups were involved in inflammatory and immune signaling pathways. An analysis of tumor-infiltrating immune cells confirmed that high-risk patients had a strong immunosuppressive microenvironment. Potential druggable OS-related ARGs were then investigated through protein–drug interactions. This study provides a systematic analysis of ARGs and develops an OS-related prognostic predictor for AML patients. Further work is needed to verify its clinical utility and identify the underlying molecular mechanisms in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denggang Fu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Biyu Zhang
- School of Pharmacy and Life Science, Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, China
| | - Shiyong Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Yinghua Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Jingwu Xie
- Department of Pediatrics, The Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States.,The IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Wangbin Ning
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hua Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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Chu M, Wan H, Zhang X. Requirement of splicing factor hnRNP A2B1 for tumorigenesis of melanoma stem cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:90. [PMID: 33509274 PMCID: PMC7842053 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-02124-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer stem cells play essential roles in tumorigenesis, thus forming an important target for tumor therapy. The hnRNP family proteins are important splicing factors that have been found to be associated with tumor progression. However, the influence of hnRNPs on cancer stem cells has not been extensively explored. Methods Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot were used to examine gene expressions. RNA immunoprecipitation assays were conducted to identify the RNAs interacted with hnRNP A2B1. The in vivo assays were performed in nude mice. Results In this study, the results showed that out of 19 evaluated hnRNPs, hnRNP A2B1 was significantly upregulated in melanoma stem cells compared with non-stem cells, suggesting an important role of hnRNP A2B1 in cancer stem cells. Silencing of hnRNP A2B1 triggered cell cycle arrest in G2 phase, leading to apoptosis of melanoma stem cells. The results also revealed that hnRNP A2B1 could bind to the precursor mRNAs of pro-apoptosis genes (DAPK1, SYT7, and RNF128) and anti-apoptosis genes (EIF3H, TPPP3, and DOCK2) to regulate the splicing of these 6 genes, thus promoting the expressions of anti-apoptosis genes and suppressing the expressions of pro-apoptosis genes. The in vivo data indicated that hnRNP A2B1 was required for tumorigenesis by affecting the splicing of TPPP3, DOCK2, EIF3H, RNF128, DAPK1, and SYT7, thus suppressing apoptosis of melanoma stem cells. Conclusion Our findings showed the requirement of hnRNP A2B1 for tumorigenesis, thus presenting novel molecular insights into the role of hnRNPs in cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Chu
- College of Life Sciences and Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology of Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Haitao Wan
- College of Life Sciences and Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology of Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaobo Zhang
- College of Life Sciences and Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology of Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China.
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Xu L, Qiao Y, Zheng Q. Identification of an autophagy-related gene expression signature for colorectal cancer. ALL LIFE 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/26895293.2021.1872716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Xu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuqi Qiao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qing Zheng
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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Identification of Two Novel Circular RNAs Deriving from BCL2L12 and Investigation of Their Potential Value as a Molecular Signature in Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228867. [PMID: 33238574 PMCID: PMC7709015 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The utility of circular RNAs (circRNAs) as molecular biomarkers has recently emerged. However, only a handful of them have already been studied in colorectal cancer (CRC). The purpose of this study was to identify new circRNAs deriving from BCL2L12, a member of the BCL2 apoptosis-related family, and investigate their potential as biomarkers in CRC. Total RNA extracts from CRC cell lines and tissue samples were reversely transcribed. By combining PCR with divergent primers and nested PCR followed by Sanger sequencing, we were able to discover two BCL2L12 circRNAs. Subsequently, bioinformatical tools were used to predict the interactions of these circRNAs with microRNAs (miRNAs) and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). Following a PCR-based pre-amplification, real-time qPCR was carried out for the quantification of each circRNA in CRC samples and cell lines. Biostatistical analysis was used to assess their potential prognostic value in CRC. Both novel BCL2L12 circRNAs likely interact with particular miRNAs and RBPs. Interestingly, circ-BCL2L12-2 expression is inversely associated with TNM stage, while circ-BCL2L12-1 overexpression is associated with shorter overall survival in CRC, particularly among TNM stage II patients. Overall, we identified two novel BCL2L12 circRNAs, one of which can further stratify TNM stage II patients into two subgroups with substantially distinct prognosis.
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Ottaiano A, Caraglia M, Di Mauro A, Botti G, Lombardi A, Galon J, Luce A, D’Amore L, Perri F, Santorsola M, Hermitte F, Savarese G, Tatangelo F, Granata V, Izzo F, Belli A, Scala S, Delrio P, Circelli L, Nasti G. Evolution of Mutational Landscape and Tumor Immune-Microenvironment in Liver Oligo-Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12103073. [PMID: 33096795 PMCID: PMC7589866 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12103073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary About 10% of colorectal cancer patients presents with oligo-metastatic disease. The aim of our study was to assess genetic and immunologic dynamics underlying the oligo-metastatic status, evaluating genotype-phenotype correlations in a clean and homogeneous clinical model of liver-limited metastatic colorectal cancer. We show that loss of KRAS and SMAD4 mutations characterizes the oligo-metastatic disease while a progressive mutational evolution (gain in KRAS, PI3KCA, BRAF and SMAD4) is observed in poly-metastatic evolving disease. Furthermore, high granzyme-B+ T-cells infiltration is found in oligo-metastatic lesions. This study can support innovative strategies to monitor clinical evolution and to induce regressive genetic trajectories in cancer. Abstract Genetic dynamics underlying cancer progression are largely unknown and several genes involved in highly prevalent illnesses (e.g., hypertension, obesity, and diabetes) strongly concur to cancer phenotype heterogeneity. To study genotype-phenotype relationships contributing to the mutational evolution of colorectal cancer (CRC) with a focus on liver metastases, we performed genome profiling on tumor tissues of CRC patients with liver metastatic disease and no co-morbidities. We studied 523 cancer-related genes and tumor-immune microenvironment characteristics in primary and matched metastatic tissues. We observed a loss of KRAS and SMAD4 alterations and a high granzyme-B+ T-cell infiltration when the disease did not progress. Conversely, gain in KRAS, PIK3CA and SMAD4 alterations and scarce granzyme-B+ T-cells infiltration were observed when the tumor evolved towards a poly-metastatic spread. These findings provide novel insights into the identification of tumor oligo-metastatic status, indicating that some genes are on a boundary line between these two clinical settings (oligo- vs. poly-metastatic CRC). We speculate that the identification of these genes and modification of their evolution could be a new approach for anti-cancer therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Ottaiano
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, SSD-Innovative Therapies for Abdominal Cancers, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS “G. Pascale”, Via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.S.); (G.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-081-590-3510; Fax: +39-081-771-4224
| | - Michele Caraglia
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.C.); (A.L.); (A.L.)
- Biogem Scarl, Institute of Genetic Research, Laboratory of Precision and Molecular Oncology, 83031 Ariano Irpino, Italy
| | - Annabella Di Mauro
- Department of Pathology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS “G. Pascale”, Via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.D.M.); (G.B.); (F.T.)
| | - Gerardo Botti
- Department of Pathology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS “G. Pascale”, Via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.D.M.); (G.B.); (F.T.)
| | - Angela Lombardi
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.C.); (A.L.); (A.L.)
- Biogem Scarl, Institute of Genetic Research, Laboratory of Precision and Molecular Oncology, 83031 Ariano Irpino, Italy
| | - Jerome Galon
- INSERM, Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Sorbonne Université, Université Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, F-75006 Paris, France;
| | - Amalia Luce
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.C.); (A.L.); (A.L.)
- Biogem Scarl, Institute of Genetic Research, Laboratory of Precision and Molecular Oncology, 83031 Ariano Irpino, Italy
| | - Luigi D’Amore
- AMES-Centro Polidiagnostico Strumentale, Srl, 80013 Naples, Italy; (L.D.); (G.S.); (L.C.)
| | - Francesco Perri
- Head and Neck Cancer Medical Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS “G. Pascale”, Via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Mariachiara Santorsola
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, SSD-Innovative Therapies for Abdominal Cancers, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS “G. Pascale”, Via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.S.); (G.N.)
| | | | - Giovanni Savarese
- AMES-Centro Polidiagnostico Strumentale, Srl, 80013 Naples, Italy; (L.D.); (G.S.); (L.C.)
| | - Fabiana Tatangelo
- Department of Pathology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS “G. Pascale”, Via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.D.M.); (G.B.); (F.T.)
| | - Vincenza Granata
- Department of Radiology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS “G. Pascale”, Via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Francesco Izzo
- Hepatic Surgery Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS “G. Pascale”, Via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.I.); (A.B.)
| | - Andrea Belli
- Hepatic Surgery Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS “G. Pascale”, Via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.I.); (A.B.)
| | - Stefania Scala
- Functional Genomics, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, IRCCS “G. Pascale”, Via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Paolo Delrio
- Colorectal Abdominal Surgery Division, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, IRCCS “G. Pascale”, Via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Luisa Circelli
- AMES-Centro Polidiagnostico Strumentale, Srl, 80013 Naples, Italy; (L.D.); (G.S.); (L.C.)
| | - Guglielmo Nasti
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, SSD-Innovative Therapies for Abdominal Cancers, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS “G. Pascale”, Via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.S.); (G.N.)
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Schneider-Stock R, Ribatti D. The CAM Assay as an Alternative In Vivo Model for Drug Testing. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2020; 265:303-323. [PMID: 32776283 DOI: 10.1007/164_2020_375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In the last decade, the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay has been re-discovered in cancer research to study the molecular mechanisms of anti-cancer drug effects. Literature about the CAM assay as an alternative in vivo cancer xenograft model according to the 3R principles has exploded in the last 3 years. Following a summary of the basic knowledge about the chicken embryo, we compare advantages and disadvantages with the classical mouse xenograft model, exemplify established and innovative imaging techniques that are used in the CAM model, and give examples of its successful utilization for studying major hallmarks of cancer such as angiogenesis, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regine Schneider-Stock
- Experimental Tumorpathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Domenico Ribatti
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
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