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Chen H, Fang S, Zhu X, Liu H. Cancer-associated fibroblasts and prostate cancer stem cells: crosstalk mechanisms and implications for disease progression. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1412337. [PMID: 39092186 PMCID: PMC11291335 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1412337] [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: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The functional heterogeneity and ecological niche of prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs), which are major drivers of prostate cancer development and treatment resistance, have attracted considerable research attention. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which are crucial components of the tumor microenvironment (TME), substantially affect PCSC stemness. Additionally, CAFs promote PCSC growth and survival by releasing signaling molecules and modifying the surrounding environment. Conversely, PCSCs may affect the characteristics and behavior of CAFs by producing various molecules. This crosstalk mechanism is potentially crucial for prostate cancer progression and the development of treatment resistance. Using organoids to model the TME enables an in-depth study of CAF-PCSC interactions, providing a valuable preclinical tool to accurately evaluate potential target genes and design novel treatment strategies for prostate cancer. The objective of this review is to discuss the current research on the multilevel and multitarget regulatory mechanisms underlying CAF-PCSC interactions and crosstalk, aiming to inform therapeutic approaches that address challenges in prostate cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hao Liu
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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2
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Fu F, Yu Y, Zou B, Long Y, Wu L, Yin J, Zhou Q. Role of actin-binding proteins in prostate cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1430386. [PMID: 39055653 PMCID: PMC11269120 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1430386] [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: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms driving the onset and metastasis of prostate cancer remain poorly understood. Actin, under the control of actin-binding proteins (ABPs), plays a crucial role in shaping the cellular cytoskeleton, which in turn supports the morphological alterations in normal cells, as well as the invasive spread of tumor cells. Previous research indicates that ABPs of various types serve distinct functions, and any disruptions in their activities could predispose individuals to prostate cancer. These ABPs are intricately implicated in the initiation and advancement of prostate cancer through a complex array of intracellular processes, such as severing, linking, nucleating, inducing branching, assembling, facilitating actin filament elongation, terminating elongation, and promoting actin molecule aggregation. As such, this review synthesizes existing literature on several ABPs linked to prostate cancer, including cofilin, filamin A, and fascin, with the aim of shedding light on the molecular mechanisms through which ABPs influence prostate cancer development and identifying potential therapeutic targets. Ultimately, this comprehensive examination seeks to contribute to the understanding and management of prostate diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Qing Zhou
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
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3
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Agbana S, McIlroy M. Extra-nuclear and cytoplasmic steroid receptor signalling in hormone dependent cancers. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 243:106559. [PMID: 38823459 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Steroid hormone receptors are key mediators in the execution of hormone action through a combination of genomic and non-genomic action. Since their isolation and characterisation in the early 20th Century much of our understanding of the biological actions of steroid hormones are underpinned by their activated receptor activity. Over the past two decades there has been an acceleration of more omics-based research which has resulted in a major uptick in our comprehension of genomic steroid action. However, it is well understood that steroid hormones can induce very rapid signalling events in tandem with their genomic actions wherein they exert their influence through alterations in gene expression. Thus the totality of genomic and non-genomic steroid action occurs in a simultaneous and reciprocal manner and a greater appreciation of whole cell action is required to fully evaluate steroid hormone activity in vivo. In this mini-review we outline the most recent developments in non-genomic steroid action and cytoplasmic steroid hormone receptor biology in endocrine-related cancers with a focus on the 3-keto steroid receptors, in particular the androgen receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Agbana
- Androgens in Health and Disease research group, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland; Department of Surgery, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ireland
| | - Marie McIlroy
- Androgens in Health and Disease research group, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland; Department of Surgery, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ireland.
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4
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Giovannelli P, Di Donato M, Licitra F, Sabbatino E, Tutino V, Castoria G, Migliaccio A. Filamin A in triple negative breast cancer. Steroids 2024; 205:109380. [PMID: 38311094 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2024.109380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer is a rare but highly heterogeneous breast cancer subtype with a limited choice of specific treatments. Chemotherapy remains the only efficient treatment, but its side effects and the development of resistance consolidate the urgent need to discover new targets. In TNBC, filamin A expression correlates to grade and TNM stage. Accordingly, this protein could constitute a new target for this BC subtype. Even if most of the data indicates its direct involvement in cancer progression, some contrasting results underline the need to deepen the studies. To elucidate a possible function of this protein as a TNBC marker, we summarized the main characteristic of filamin A and its involvement in physiological and pathological processes such as cancer. Lastly, we scrutinized its actions in triple-negative breast cancer and highlighted the need to increase the number of studies useful to better clarify the role of this versatile protein as a marker and target in TNBC, alone or in "collaboration" with other proteins with a relevant role in this BC subgroup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Giovannelli
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L.Vanvitelli", Via L. De Crecchio, 7-80138 Naples, Italy.
| | - Marzia Di Donato
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L.Vanvitelli", Via L. De Crecchio, 7-80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Licitra
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L.Vanvitelli", Via L. De Crecchio, 7-80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Emilia Sabbatino
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L.Vanvitelli", Via L. De Crecchio, 7-80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Viviana Tutino
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L.Vanvitelli", Via L. De Crecchio, 7-80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Castoria
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L.Vanvitelli", Via L. De Crecchio, 7-80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Antimo Migliaccio
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L.Vanvitelli", Via L. De Crecchio, 7-80138 Naples, Italy
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5
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Di Zazzo E, Barone B, Crocetto F. "Adiponcosis interplay: adipose tissue, microenvironment and prostate cancer". J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2024; 35:101-103. [PMID: 38797918 DOI: 10.1515/jbcpp-2024-0057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Erika Di Zazzo
- 2018960 Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise , Campobasso, Italy
| | - Biagio Barone
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Felice Crocetto
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
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6
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Mahaveer Chand N, Tekumalla PK, Rosenberg MT, Dobi A, Ali A, Miller GM, Aristizabal-Henao JJ, Granger E, Freedland SJ, Kellogg MD, Srivastava S, McLeod DG, Narain NR, Kiebish MA. Filamin A Is a Prognostic Serum Biomarker for Differentiating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia from Prostate Cancer in Caucasian and African American Men. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:712. [PMID: 38398103 PMCID: PMC10887407 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040712] [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: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer represents a significant health risk to aging men, in which diagnostic challenges to the identification of aggressive cancers remain unmet. Prostate cancer screening is driven by the prostate-specific antigen (PSA); however, in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) due to an enlarged prostate and elevated PSA, PSA's screening utility is diminished, resulting in many unnecessary biopsies. To address this issue, we previously identified a cleaved fragment of Filamin A (FLNA) protein (as measured with IP-MRM mass spectrometry assessment as a prognostic biomarker for stratifying BPH from prostate cancer and subsequently evaluated its expanded utility in Caucasian (CA) and African American (AA) men. All men had a negative digital rectal examination (DRE) and PSA between 4 and 10 ng/mL and underwent prostate biopsy. In AA men, FLNA serum levels exhibited diagnostic utility for stratifying BPH from patients with aggressive prostate cancer (0.71 AUC and 12.2 OR in 48 men with BPH and 60 men with PCa) and outperformed PSA (0.50 AUC, 2.2 OR). In CA men, FLNA serum levels also exhibited diagnostic utility for stratifying BPH from patients with aggressive prostate cancer (0.74 AUC and 19.4 OR in 191 men with BPH and 109 men with PCa) and outperformed PSA (0.46 AUC, 0.32 OR). Herein, we established FLNA alone as a serum biomarker for stratifying men with BPH vs. those with high Gleason (7-10) prostate cancers compared to the current diagnostic paradigm of using PSA. This approach demonstrates clinical actionability of FLNA alone without the requirement of prostate volume measurement as a test with utility in AA and CA men and represents a significant opportunity to decrease the number of unnecessary biopsies in aggressive prostate cancer diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Albert Dobi
- Center for Prostate Disease Research, John P. Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
| | - Amina Ali
- Center for Prostate Disease Research, John P. Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
| | | | | | | | - Stephen J Freedland
- Center for Integrated Research in Cancer and Lifestyle, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Mark D Kellogg
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Shiv Srivastava
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cell Biology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - David G McLeod
- Center for Prostate Disease Research, John P. Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
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7
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Samaržija I. The Potential of Extracellular Matrix- and Integrin Adhesion Complex-Related Molecules for Prostate Cancer Biomarker Discovery. Biomedicines 2023; 12:79. [PMID: 38255186 PMCID: PMC10813710 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010079] [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: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is among the top five cancer types according to incidence and mortality. One of the main obstacles in prostate cancer management is the inability to foresee its course, which ranges from slow growth throughout years that requires minimum or no intervention to highly aggressive disease that spreads quickly and resists treatment. Therefore, it is not surprising that numerous studies have attempted to find biomarkers of prostate cancer occurrence, risk stratification, therapy response, and patient outcome. However, only a few prostate cancer biomarkers are used in clinics, which shows how difficult it is to find a novel biomarker. Cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM) through integrins is among the essential processes that govern its fate. Upon activation and ligation, integrins form multi-protein intracellular structures called integrin adhesion complexes (IACs). In this review article, the focus is put on the biomarker potential of the ECM- and IAC-related molecules stemming from both body fluids and prostate cancer tissue. The processes that they are involved in, such as tumor stiffening, bone turnover, and communication via exosomes, and their biomarker potential are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Samaržija
- Laboratory for Epigenomics, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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8
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Di Donato M, Moretti A, Sorrentino C, Toro G, Gentile G, Iolascon G, Castoria G, Migliaccio A. Filamin A cooperates with the androgen receptor in preventing skeletal muscle senescence. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:437. [PMID: 38040692 PMCID: PMC10692324 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01737-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging induces a slow and progressive decrease in muscle mass and function, causing sarcopenia. Androgens control muscle trophism and exert important anabolic functions through the binding to the androgen receptor. Therefore, analysis of the androgen receptor-mediated actions in skeletal muscle might provide new hints for a better understanding of sarcopenia pathogenesis. In this study, we report that expression of the androgen receptor in skeletal muscle biopsies from 20 subjects is higher in young, as compared with old subjects. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments reveal that the androgen receptor is complexed with filamin A mainly in young, that in old subjects. Therefore, we have in depth analyzed the role of such complex using C2C12 myoblasts that express a significant amount of the androgen receptor. In these cells, hormone stimulation rapidly triggers the assembly of the androgen receptor/filamin A complex. Such complex prevents the senescence induced by oxidative stress in C2C12 cells, as disruption of the androgen receptor/filamin A complex by Rh-2025u stapled peptide re-establishes the senescent phenotype in C2C12 cells. Simultaneously, androgen stimulation of C2C12 cells rapidly triggers the activation of various signaling effectors, including Rac1, focal adhesion kinase, and mitogen-activated kinases. Androgen receptor blockade by bicalutamide or perturbation of androgen receptor/filamin A complex by Rh-2025u stapled peptide both reverse the hormone activation of signaling effectors. These findings further reinforce the role of the androgen receptor and its extranuclear partners in the rapid hormone signaling that controls the functions of C2C12 cells. Further investigations are needed to promote clinical interventions that might ameliorate muscle cell function as well the clinical outcome of age-related frailty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzia Di Donato
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione, Università della Campania 'L. Vanvitelli'- Via L. De Crecchio, 7-80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Antimo Moretti
- Dipartimento Multidisciplinare di Specialità Medico- Chirurgiche e Odontoiatriche, Università della Campania 'L. Vanvitelli'- Via L. De Crecchio, 6-80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmela Sorrentino
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione, Università della Campania 'L. Vanvitelli'- Via L. De Crecchio, 7-80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Toro
- Dipartimento Multidisciplinare di Specialità Medico- Chirurgiche e Odontoiatriche, Università della Campania 'L. Vanvitelli'- Via L. De Crecchio, 6-80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia Gentile
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione, Università della Campania 'L. Vanvitelli'- Via L. De Crecchio, 7-80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Iolascon
- Dipartimento Multidisciplinare di Specialità Medico- Chirurgiche e Odontoiatriche, Università della Campania 'L. Vanvitelli'- Via L. De Crecchio, 6-80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Castoria
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione, Università della Campania 'L. Vanvitelli'- Via L. De Crecchio, 7-80138, Naples, Italy.
| | - Antimo Migliaccio
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione, Università della Campania 'L. Vanvitelli'- Via L. De Crecchio, 7-80138, Naples, Italy
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9
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Habbit NL, Anbiah B, Suresh J, Anderson L, Davies ML, Hassani I, Ghosh TM, Greene MW, Prabhakarpandian B, Arnold RD, Lipke EA. Ratiometric Inclusion of Fibroblasts Promotes Both Castration-Resistant and Androgen-Dependent Tumorigenic Progression in Engineered Prostate Cancer Tissues. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2301139. [PMID: 37450342 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301139] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the ratiometric role of fibroblasts in prostate cancer (PCa) progression, this work establishes a matrix-inclusive, 3D engineered prostate cancer tissue (EPCaT) model that enables direct coculture of neuroendocrine-variant castration-resistant (CPRC-ne) or androgen-dependent (ADPC) PCa cells with tumor-supporting stromal cell types. Results show that the inclusion of fibroblasts within CRPC-ne and ADPC EPCaTs drives PCa aggression through significant matrix remodeling and increased proliferative cell populations. Interestingly, this is observed to a much greater degree in EPCaTs formed with a small number of fibroblasts relative to the number of PCa cells. Fibroblast coculture also results in ADPC behavior more similar to the aggressive CRPC-ne condition, suggesting fibroblasts play a role in elevating PCa disease state and may contribute to the ADPC to CRPC-ne switch. Bulk transcriptomic analyses additionally elucidate fibroblast-driven enrichment of hallmark gene sets associated with tumorigenic progression. Finally, the EPCaT model clinical relevancy is probed through a comparison to the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) PCa patient cohort; notably, similar gene set enrichment is observed between EPCaT models and the patient primary tumor transcriptome. Taken together, study results demonstrate the potential of the EPCaT model to serve as a PCa-mimetic tool in future therapeutic development efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole L Habbit
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, Auburn University, 212 Ross Hall, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Benjamin Anbiah
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, Auburn University, 212 Ross Hall, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Joshita Suresh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, Auburn University, 212 Ross Hall, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Luke Anderson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, Auburn University, 212 Ross Hall, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Megan L Davies
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, Auburn University, 212 Ross Hall, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Iman Hassani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, Auburn University, 212 Ross Hall, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Taraswi M Ghosh
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, 720 So. Donahue Dr., Pharmaceutical Research Building, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Michael W Greene
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Human Sciences, Auburn University, 210 Spidle Hall, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | | | - Robert D Arnold
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, 720 So. Donahue Dr., Pharmaceutical Research Building, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Lipke
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, Auburn University, 212 Ross Hall, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
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10
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Zhan T, Wang W, Guan X, Bao W, Lu N, Zhang J. Construction of an m6A- and neutrophil extracellular traps-related lncRNA model to predict hepatocellular carcinoma prognosis and immune landscape. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1231543. [PMID: 37868992 PMCID: PMC10585104 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1231543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the impact of N6-methyladenosine- (m6A) and neutrophil extracellular traps- (NETs) related lncRNAs (MNlncRNAs) on the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods We collected m6A and NETs-related genes from published studies. We identified the MNlncRNAs by correlation analysis. Cox regression and the least absolute selection operator (LASSO) method were used to select predictive MNlncRNAs. The expressions of predictive MNlncRNAs were detected by cell and tissue experiments. Survival, medication sensitivity, and immunological microenvironment evaluations were used to assess the model's prognostic utility. Finally, we performed cellular experiments to further validate the model's prognostic reliability. Results We obtained a total of 209 MNlncRNAs. 7 MNlncRNAs comprised the prognostic model, which successfully stratifies HCC patients, with the area under the curve (AUC) ranging from 0.7 to 0.8. In vitro tests confirmed that higher risk patients had worse prognosis. Risk score, immunological microenvironment, and immune checkpoint gene expression were all significantly correlated with each other in HCC. In the group at high risk, immunotherapy could be more successful. Cellular assays confirmed that HCC cells with high risk scores have a higher proliferation and invasive capacity. Conclusion The MNlncRNAs-related prognostic model aided in determining HCC prognosis, revealing novel therapeutic options, notably immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Zhan
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Lianshui County People’s Hospital, Huai’an, China
| | - Xiao Guan
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Bao
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Na Lu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianping Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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11
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Thakur N, Quazi S, Naik B, Jha SK, Singh P. New insights into molecular signaling pathways and current advancements in prostate cancer diagnostics & therapeutics. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1193736. [PMID: 37664036 PMCID: PMC10469924 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1193736] [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: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate adenocarcinoma accounts for more than 20% of deaths among males due to cancer. It is the fifth-leading cancer diagnosed in males across the globe. The mortality rate is quite high due to prostate cancer. Despite the fact that advancements in diagnostics and therapeutics have been made, there is a lack of effective drugs. Metabolic pathways are altered due to the triggering of androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathways, and elevated levels of dihydrotestosterone are produced due to defects in AR signaling that accelerate the growth of prostate cancer cells. Further, PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways interact with AR signaling pathway and act as precursors to promote prostate cancer. Prostate cancer therapy has been classified into luminal A, luminal B, and basal subtypes. Therapeutic drugs inhibiting dihydrotestosterone and PI3K have shown to give promising results to combat prostate cancer. Many second-generation Androgen receptor signaling antagonists are given either as single agent or with the combination of other drugs. In order to develop a cure for metastasized prostate cancer cells, Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is applied by using surgical or chemical methods. In many cases, Prostatectomy or local radiotherapy are used to control metastasized prostate cancer. However, it has been observed that after 1.5 years to 2 years of Prostatectomy or castration, there is reoccurrence of prostate cancer and high incidence of castration resistant prostate cancer is seen in population undergone ADT. It has been observed that Androgen derivation therapy combined with drugs like abiraterone acetate or docetaxel improve overall survival rate in metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) patients. Scientific investigations have revealed that drugs inhibiting poly ADP Ribose polymerase (PARP) are showing promising results in clinical trials in the prostate cancer population with mCRPC and DNA repair abnormalities. Recently, RISUG adv (reversible inhibition of sperm under guidance) has shown significant results against prostate cancer cell lines and MTT assay has validated substantial effects of this drug against PC3 cell lines. Current review paper highlights the advancements in prostate cancer therapeutics and new drug molecules against prostate cancer. It will provide detailed insights on the signaling pathways which need to be targeted to combat metastasized prostate cancer and castration resistant prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Thakur
- Department of Biotechnology, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Sameer Quazi
- Department of Chemistry, Akshara First Grade College, Bengaluru, India
- GenLab Biosolutions Private Limited, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Solution Chemistry of Advanced Materials and Technologies (SCAMT) Institute, ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Bindu Naik
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Graphic Era Deemed to be University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Saurabh Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Food Technology, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied & Life Sciences (SALS), Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India
| | - Pallavi Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
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12
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Liu X, Tang J, Peng L, Nie H, Zhang Y, Liu P. Cancer-associated fibroblasts promote malignant phenotypes of prostate cancer cells via autophagy : Cancer-associated fibroblasts promote prostate cancer development. Apoptosis 2023; 28:881-891. [PMID: 37000314 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-023-01828-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of autophagy in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) has been demonstrated to play a role in malignant phenotypes of human tumors. We intended to investigate the function of CAFs autophagy in prostate cancer (PCa). Firstly, CAFs and normal fibroblasts (NFs) were isolated from cancerous and adjacent normal tissues of PCa patients, for the following experimental preparation. In comparison with NFs, CAFs expressed higher levels of the myofibroblast marker ?-smooth muscle actin (?-SMA) and the mesenchymal marker Vimentin. Besides, CAFs possessed a higher autophagic level than NFs. As for malignant phenotypes, PCa cells co-cultured with CAFs-CM showed greater proliferation, migration and invasion capabilities, while these outcomes were obviously abolished by autophagy inhibition with 3-Methyladenine (3-MA). Moreover, silencing of ATG5 in CAFs inhibited fibroblasts autophagic level and suppressed malignant phenotypes of PCa cells, while ATG5 overexpression in NFs exerted opposite effects. Depletion of ATG5 in CAFs inhibited the xenograft tumor growth and lung metastasis of PCa cells. Taken together, our data demonstrated the promotive effect of CAFs on PCa malignant phenotypes through ATG5-dependent autophagy, suggesting a novel mechanism for PCa progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- XuKai Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Zhuzhou, Hunan Province, 412007, P.R. China
| | - JiZu Tang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Zhuzhou, Hunan Province, 412007, P.R. China
| | - LiQiang Peng
- Department of Trauma Center, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Zhuzhou, Hunan Province, 412007, P.R. China
| | - HaiBo Nie
- Department of Urology, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Zhuzhou, Hunan Province, 412007, P.R. China
| | - YuanGuang Zhang
- Department of Spine surgery, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, No. 116, Changjiang South Road, Tianyuan District, Zhuzhou, Hunan Province, 412007, P.R. China.
| | - Pan Liu
- Department of Emergency, Zhuzhou Central Hospital, No. 116, Changjiang South Road, Tianyuan District, Zhuzhou, Hunan Province, 412007, P.R. China.
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13
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Di Donato M, Giovannelli P, Migliaccio A, Castoria G. The nerve growth factor-delivered signals in prostate cancer and its associated microenvironment: when the dialogue replaces the monologue. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:60. [PMID: 36941697 PMCID: PMC10029315 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01008-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PC) represents the most diagnosed and the second most lethal cancer in men worldwide. Its development and progression occur in concert with alterations in the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME), made up of stromal cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) that dynamically interact with epithelial PC cells affecting their growth and invasiveness. PC cells, in turn, can functionally sculpt the TME through the secretion of various factors, including neurotrophins. Among them, the nerve growth factor (NGF) that is released by both epithelial PC cells and carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) triggers the activation of various intracellular signaling cascades, thereby promoting the acquisition of a metastatic phenotype. After many years of investigation, it is indeed well established that aberrations and/or derangement of NGF signaling are involved not only in neurological disorders, but also in the pathogenesis of human proliferative diseases, including PC. Another key feature of cancer progression is the nerve outgrowth in TME and the concept of nerve dependence related to perineural invasion is currently emerging. NGF released by cancer cells can be a driver of tumor neurogenesis and nerves infiltrated in TME release neurotransmitters, which might stimulate the growth and sustainment of tumor cells.In this review, we aim to provide a snapshot of NGF action in the interactions between TME, nerves and PC cells. Understanding the molecular basis of this dialogue might expand the arsenal of therapeutic strategies against this widespread disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzia Di Donato
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L.Vanvitelli", 80138, Naples, Italy.
| | - Pia Giovannelli
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L.Vanvitelli", 80138, Naples, Italy.
| | - Antimo Migliaccio
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L.Vanvitelli", 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Castoria
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L.Vanvitelli", 80138, Naples, Italy
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14
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Bedeschi M, Marino N, Cavassi E, Piccinini F, Tesei A. Cancer-Associated Fibroblast: Role in Prostate Cancer Progression to Metastatic Disease and Therapeutic Resistance. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050802. [PMID: 36899938 PMCID: PMC10000679 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common cancers in European males. Although therapeutic approaches have changed in recent years, and several new drugs have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) remains the standard of care. Currently, PCa represents a clinical and economic burden due to the development of resistance to ADT, paving the way to cancer progression, metastasis, and to long-term side effects induced by ADT and radio-chemotherapeutic regimens. In light of this, a growing number of studies are focusing on the tumor microenvironment (TME) because of its role in supporting tumor growth. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have a central function in the TME because they communicate with prostate cancer cells, altering their metabolism and sensitivity to drugs; hence, targeted therapy against the TME, and, in particular, CAFs, could represent an alternative therapeutic approach to defeat therapy resistance in PCa. In this review, we focus on different CAF origins, subsets, and functions to highlight their potential in future therapeutic strategies for prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Bedeschi
- BioScience Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.B.); (A.T.); Tel.: +39-0543739932 (A.T.)
| | - Noemi Marino
- BioScience Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Elena Cavassi
- BioScience Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Filippo Piccinini
- BioScience Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Tesei
- BioScience Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.B.); (A.T.); Tel.: +39-0543739932 (A.T.)
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15
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Prostate cancer cell-platelet bidirectional signaling promotes calcium mobilization, invasion and apoptotic resistance via distinct receptor-ligand pairs. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2864. [PMID: 36806315 PMCID: PMC9938282 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29450-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Platelets play a crucial role in cancer and thrombosis. However, the receptor-ligand repertoire mediating prostate cancer (PCa) cell-platelet interactions and ensuing consequences have not been fully elucidated. Microvilli emanating from the plasma membrane of PCa cell lines (RC77 T/E, MDA PCa 2b) directly contacted individual platelets and platelet aggregates. PCa cell-platelet interactions were associated with calcium mobilization in platelets, and translocation of P-selectin and integrin αIIbβ3 onto the platelet surface. PCa cell-platelet interactions reciprocally promoted PCa cell invasion and apoptotic resistance, and these events were insensitive to androgen receptor blockade by bicalutamide. PCa cells were exceedingly sensitive to activation by platelets in vitro, occurring at a PCa cell:platelet coculture ratio as low as 1:10 (whereas PCa patient blood contains 1:2,000,000 per ml). Conditioned medium from cocultures stimulated PCa cell invasion but not apoptotic resistance nor platelet aggregation. Candidate transmembrane signaling proteins responsible for PCa cell-platelet oncogenic events were identified by RNA-Seq and broadly divided into 4 major categories: (1) integrin-ligand, (2) EPH receptor-ephrin, (3) immune checkpoint receptor-ligand, and (4) miscellaneous receptor-ligand interactions. Based on antibody neutralization and small molecule inhibitor assays, PCa cell-stimulated calcium mobilization in platelets was found to be mediated by a fibronectin1 (FN1)-αIIbβ3 signaling axis. Platelet-stimulated PCa cell invasion was facilitated by a CD55-adhesion G protein coupled receptor E5 (ADGRE5) axis, with contribution from platelet cytokines CCL3L1 and IL32. Platelet-stimulated PCa cell apoptotic resistance relied on ephrin-EPH receptor and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)-LPA receptor (LPAR) signaling. Of participating signaling partners, FN1 and LPAR3 overexpression was observed in PCa specimens compared to normal prostate, while high expression of CCR1 (CCL3L1 receptor), EPHA1 and LPAR5 in PCa was associated with poor patient survival. These findings emphasize that non-overlapping receptor-ligand pairs participate in oncogenesis and thrombosis, highlighting the complexity of any contemplated clinical intervention strategy.
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16
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Association of Androgen-Receptor Gene Mutations with the Copy Number of Androgen-Receptor Silk Protein A Complex and Glutathione-S-Transferases T1 and M1 in Prostate Cancer Patients. Genet Res (Camb) 2023; 2023:5956951. [PMID: 36824501 PMCID: PMC9943596 DOI: 10.1155/2023/5956951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The purpose of our work was to explore the association of mutations in the androgen receptor gene and copy numbers of the androgen-receptor silk protein A complex with glutathione-S-transferases T1 and M1 in prostate cancer patients. Materials and Methods Eighty-five patients with PC and 85 healthy controls were included in the study. Fasting peripheral venous blood was collected, whole blood genomic DNA was extracted, and AR gene-receptor genotype was detected by a high-resolution melting curve analysis detection technology. Expression levels of androgen receptor (AR) and filamin protein A (FlnA) were detected by Western blotting. RT-PCR was used to detect the copy number of T1 and M1 glutathione-S-transferases. Results The wild-type androgen receptor gene rs5918762 is of TT type. The frequencies of CC and TC genes in the prostate cancer group were significantly higher than those in the normal control group (P < 0.05). Compared with TT-type PC patients, PC patients with TC-type and CC-type had higher expression levels of sex hormone receptor silk protein A complex and higher copy numbers of GSTT1 and GSTM1 (P < 0.05). Androgen-receptor gene mutation (T ⟶ C) was significantly positively correlated with the expression level of androgen-receptor silk protein A complex and the copy number of GSTT1 and GSTM1. Conclusion Androgen-receptor gene polymorphisms were significantly associated with expression levels of androgen receptor complex A and silk proteins, and copy numbers of T1 and M1 glutathione-S-transferases. A combination of four factors can be used to identify prostate cancer susceptibility and disease progression.
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17
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Androgens and NGF Mediate the Neurite-Outgrowth through Inactivation of RhoA. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030373. [PMID: 36766714 PMCID: PMC9913450 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Steroid hormones and growth factors control neuritogenesis through their cognate receptors under physiological and pathological conditions. We have already shown that nerve growth factor and androgens induce neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells through a reciprocal crosstalk between the NGF receptor, TrkA and the androgen receptor. Here, we report that androgens or NGF induce neuritogenesis in PC12 cells through inactivation of RhoA. Ectopic expression of the dominant negative RhoA N19 promotes, indeed, the neurite-elongation of unchallenged and androgen- or NGF-challenged PC12 cells and the increase in the expression levels of βIII tubulin, a specific neuronal marker. Pharmacological inhibition of the Ser/Thr kinase ROCK, an RhoA effector, induces neuritogenesis in unchallenged PC12 cells, and potentiates the effect of androgens and NGF, confirming the role of RhoA/ROCK axis in the neuritogenesis induced by androgen and NGF, through the phosphorylation of Akt. These findings suggest that therapies based on new selective androgen receptor modulators and/or RhoA/ROCK inhibitors might exert beneficial effects in the treatment of neuro-disorders, neurological diseases and ageing-related processes.
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18
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Abstract
To investigate the impact of lactate metabolism genes, lactate metabolism-related genes (LMRG), and immune infiltrating cells on the prognosis of breast cancer. LMRG was identified via single-cell sequencing. Immune cell infiltration was obtained by the CIBERSORT method. The prognostic genes were chosen by cox regression and the least absolute selection operator approach. lactate metabolism-associated immune-infiltrating cells was determined by difference analysis. The GSE20685 dataset was used as an external validation cohort. The model's prognostic usefulness was evaluated utilizing survival, immunological microenvironment, and drug sensitivity assessments. NDUFAF6 was most associated with breast cancer prognosis. We obtained a total of 450 LMRG. SUSD3, IL18, MAL2, and CDKN1C comprised the Model2. NK cell activation was most relevant to lactate metabolism. The combined prognostic model outperformed the individual model, with the area under the curve ranging from 0.7 to 0.8 in all three cohorts. The lactate metabolism-related combination model assisted in evaluating breast cancer prognosis, providing new insights for treatment, particularly immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Lu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao Guan
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wei Bao
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zongyao Fan
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianping Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
- * Correspondence: Jianping Zhang, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 121, Jiangjiayuan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210011, China (e-mail: )
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19
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Luo Q, Liu J, Fu Q, Zhang X, Yu P, Liu P, Zhang J, Tian H, Chen S, Zhang H, Qin T. Identifying cancer cell‐secreted proteins that activate cancer‐associated fibroblasts as prognostic factors for patients with pancreatic cancer. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:5657-5669. [DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Qiankun Luo
- Department of Hepatobilliary and Pancreatic surgery Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital Zhengzhou China
| | - Jiayin Liu
- Department of Hepatobilliary and Pancreatic surgery Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital Zhengzhou China
| | - Qiang Fu
- Department of Hepatobilliary and Pancreatic surgery Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital Zhengzhou China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Hepatobilliary and Pancreatic surgery Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital Zhengzhou China
| | - Pengfei Yu
- Department of Hepatobilliary and Pancreatic surgery Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital Zhengzhou China
| | - Pan Liu
- Department of Hepatobilliary and Pancreatic surgery Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital Zhengzhou China
| | - Jiali Zhang
- Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou China
| | - Huiyuan Tian
- Department of Research and Discipline Development Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital Zhengzhou China
| | - Song Chen
- Translational Research Institute, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, and Molecular Pathology Center Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou China
| | - Hongwei Zhang
- Department of Hepatobilliary and Pancreatic surgery Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital Zhengzhou China
- Henan University People's Hospital Zhengzhou China
| | - Tao Qin
- Department of Hepatobilliary and Pancreatic surgery Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital Zhengzhou China
- Henan University People's Hospital Zhengzhou China
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20
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Di Sarno V, Giovannelli P, Medina-Peris A, Ciaglia T, Di Donato M, Musella S, Lauro G, Vestuto V, Smaldone G, Di Matteo F, Bifulco G, Castoria G, Migliaccio A, Fernandez-Carvajal A, Campiglia P, Gomez-Monterrey I, Ostacolo C, Bertamino A. New TRPM8 blockers exert anticancer activity over castration-resistant prostate cancer models. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 238:114435. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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21
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Boccellino M, Ambrosio P, Ballini A, De Vito D, Scacco S, Cantore S, Feola A, Di Donato M, Quagliuolo L, Sciarra A, Galasso G, Crocetto F, Imbimbo C, Boffo S, Di Zazzo E, Di Domenico M. The Role of Curcumin in Prostate Cancer Cells and Derived Spheroids. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14143348. [PMID: 35884410 PMCID: PMC9320241 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A major challenge in the clinical management of prostate cancer (PC) is to inhibit tumor growth and prevent metastatic spreading. In recent years, considerable efforts have been made to discover new compounds useful for PC therapy, and promising advances in this field were reached. Drugs currently used in PC therapy frequently induce resistance and PC progresses toward metastatic castration-resistant forms (mCRPC), making it virtually incurable. Curcumin, a commercially available nutritional supplement, represents an attractive therapeutic agent for mCRPC patients. In the present study, we compared the effects of chemotherapeutic drugs such as docetaxel, paclitaxel, and cisplatin, to curcumin, on two PC cell lines displaying a different metastatic potential: DU145 (moderate metastatic potential) and PC-3 (high metastatic potential). Our results revealed a dose-dependent reduction of DU145 and PC-3 cell viability upon treatment with curcumin similar to chemotherapeutic agents (paclitaxel, cisplatin, and docetaxel). Furthermore, we explored the EGFR-mediated signaling effects on ERK activation in DU145 and PC-3 cells. Our results showed that DU145 and PC-3 cells overexpress EGFR, and the treatment with chemotherapeutic agents or curcumin reduced EGFR expression levels and ERK activation. Finally, chemotherapeutic agents and curcumin reduced the size of DU145 and PC-3 spheroids and have the potential to induce apoptosis and also in Matrigel. In conclusion, despite different studies being carried out to identify the potential synergistic curcumin combinations with chemopreventive/therapeutic efficacy for inhibiting PC growth, the results show the ability of curcumin used alone, or in combinatorial approaches, to impair the size and the viability of PC-derived spheroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariarosaria Boccellino
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.B.); (P.A.); (A.F.); (M.D.D.); (L.Q.); (G.G.); (E.D.Z.); (M.D.D.)
| | - Pasqualina Ambrosio
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.B.); (P.A.); (A.F.); (M.D.D.); (L.Q.); (G.G.); (E.D.Z.); (M.D.D.)
| | - Andrea Ballini
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.B.); (P.A.); (A.F.); (M.D.D.); (L.Q.); (G.G.); (E.D.Z.); (M.D.D.)
- Correspondence: (A.B.); (S.C.)
| | - Danila De Vito
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (D.D.V.); (S.S.)
| | - Salvatore Scacco
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (D.D.V.); (S.S.)
| | - Stefania Cantore
- Independent Researcher, 70129 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.B.); (S.C.)
| | - Antonia Feola
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.B.); (P.A.); (A.F.); (M.D.D.); (L.Q.); (G.G.); (E.D.Z.); (M.D.D.)
| | - Marzia Di Donato
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.B.); (P.A.); (A.F.); (M.D.D.); (L.Q.); (G.G.); (E.D.Z.); (M.D.D.)
| | - Lucio Quagliuolo
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.B.); (P.A.); (A.F.); (M.D.D.); (L.Q.); (G.G.); (E.D.Z.); (M.D.D.)
| | - Antonella Sciarra
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80126 Naples, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Galasso
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.B.); (P.A.); (A.F.); (M.D.D.); (L.Q.); (G.G.); (E.D.Z.); (M.D.D.)
| | - Felice Crocetto
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, School of Medicine, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.C.); (C.I.)
| | - Ciro Imbimbo
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, School of Medicine, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.C.); (C.I.)
| | - Silvia Boffo
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6078, USA;
| | - Erika Di Zazzo
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.B.); (P.A.); (A.F.); (M.D.D.); (L.Q.); (G.G.); (E.D.Z.); (M.D.D.)
| | - Marina Di Domenico
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.B.); (P.A.); (A.F.); (M.D.D.); (L.Q.); (G.G.); (E.D.Z.); (M.D.D.)
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6078, USA;
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22
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Precision Medicine in Head and Neck Cancers: Genomic and Preclinical Approaches. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12060854. [PMID: 35743639 PMCID: PMC9224778 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12060854] [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: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancers (HNCs) represent the sixth most widespread malignancy worldwide. Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic drugs represent the main clinical approaches for HNC patients. Moreover, HNCs are characterised by an elevated mutational load; however, specific genetic mutations or biomarkers have not yet been found. In this scenario, personalised medicine is showing its efficacy. To study the reliability and the effects of personalised treatments, preclinical research can take advantage of next-generation sequencing and innovative technologies that have been developed to obtain genomic and multi-omic profiles to drive personalised treatments. The crosstalk between malignant and healthy components, as well as interactions with extracellular matrices, are important features which are responsible for treatment failure. Preclinical research has constantly implemented in vitro and in vivo models to mimic the natural tumour microenvironment. Among them, 3D systems have been developed to reproduce the tumour mass architecture, such as biomimetic scaffolds and organoids. In addition, in vivo models have been changed over the last decades to overcome problems such as animal management complexity and time-consuming experiments. In this review, we will explore the new approaches aimed to improve preclinical tools to study and apply precision medicine as a therapeutic option for patients affected by HNCs.
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23
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Hu D, Li Z, Zheng B, Lin X, Pan Y, Gong P, Zhuo W, Hu Y, Chen C, Chen L, Zhou J, Wang L. Cancer-associated fibroblasts in breast cancer: Challenges and opportunities. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2022; 42:401-434. [PMID: 35481621 PMCID: PMC9118050 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is proposed to contribute substantially to the progression of cancers, including breast cancer. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the most abundant components of the tumor microenvironment. Studies have revealed that CAFs in breast cancer originate from several types of cells and promote breast cancer malignancy by secreting factors, generating exosomes, releasing nutrients, reshaping the extracellular matrix, and suppressing the function of immune cells. CAFs are also becoming therapeutic targets for breast cancer due to their specific distribution in tumors and their unique biomarkers. Agents interrupting the effect of CAFs on surrounding cells have been developed and applied in clinical trials. Here, we reviewed studies examining the heterogeneity of CAFs in breast cancer and expression patterns of CAF markers in different subtypes of breast cancer. We hope that summarizing CAF-related studies from a historical perspective will help to accelerate the development of CAF-targeted therapeutic strategies for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengdi Hu
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315300, P. R. China
| | - Zhaoqing Li
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China.,Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China
| | - Bin Zheng
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315300, P. R. China
| | - Xixi Lin
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China.,Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China
| | - Yuehong Pan
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315300, P. R. China
| | - Peirong Gong
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315300, P. R. China
| | - Wenying Zhuo
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315300, P. R. China.,Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China.,Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China
| | - Yujie Hu
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315300, P. R. China
| | - Cong Chen
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China.,Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China
| | - Lini Chen
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China.,Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China
| | - Jichun Zhou
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China.,Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China
| | - Linbo Wang
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China.,Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China
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Cernera G, Di Donato M, Higgins PJ, Schlaepfer IR. Editorial: The Role of Steroid Hormones and Growth Factors in Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:887529. [PMID: 35493105 PMCID: PMC9039009 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.887529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Cernera
- CEINGE, Advanced Biotechnologies, Naples, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Marzia Di Donato
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “L Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Marzia Di Donato,
| | - Paul J. Higgins
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Isabel R. Schlaepfer
- Division of Medical Oncology, Genitourinary Cancer Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
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Miller KJ, Asim M. Unravelling the Role of Kinases That Underpin Androgen Signalling in Prostate Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11060952. [PMID: 35326402 PMCID: PMC8946764 DOI: 10.3390/cells11060952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) signalling pathway is the key driver in most prostate cancers (PCa), and is underpinned by several kinases both upstream and downstream of the AR. Many popular therapies for PCa that target the AR directly, however, have been circumvented by AR mutation, such as androgen receptor variants. Some upstream kinases promote AR signalling, including those which phosphorylate the AR and others that are AR-regulated, and androgen regulated kinase that can also form feed-forward activation circuits to promotes AR function. All of these kinases represent potentially druggable targets for PCa. There has generally been a divide in reviews reporting on pathways upstream of the AR and those reporting on AR-regulated genes despite the overlap that constitutes the promotion of AR signalling and PCa progression. In this review, we aim to elucidate which kinases—both upstream and AR-regulated—may be therapeutic targets and require future investigation and ongoing trials in developing kinase inhibitors for PCa.
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Xie Y, Zhang J, Li M, Zhang Y, Li Q, Zheng Y, Lai W. Identification of Lactate-Related Gene Signature for Prediction of Progression and Immunotherapeutic Response in Skin Cutaneous Melanoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:818868. [PMID: 35265521 PMCID: PMC8898832 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.818868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) is a skin cancer type characterized by a high degree of immune cell infiltration. The potential function of lactate, a main metabolic product in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of SKCM, remains unclear. In this study, we systemically analyzed the predictive value of lactate-related genes (LRGs) for prognosis and response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in SKCM patients included from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Cluster 3, by consensus clustering for 61 LRGs, manifested a worse clinical outcome, attributed to the overexpression of malignancy marks. In addition, we created a prognostic prediction model for high- and low-risk patients and verified its performance in a validation cohort, GSE65904. Between TME and the risk model, we found a negative relation of the immunocyte infiltration levels with patients’ risk scores. The low-risk cases had higher ICI expression and could benefit better from ICIs relative to the high-risk cases. Thus, the lactate-related prognosis risk signature may comprehensively provide a basis for future investigations on immunotherapeutic treatment for SKCM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yue Zheng
- *Correspondence: Wei Lai, ; Yue Zheng,
| | - Wei Lai
- *Correspondence: Wei Lai, ; Yue Zheng,
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Licitra F, Giovannelli P, Di Donato M, Monaco A, Galasso G, Migliaccio A, Castoria G. New Insights and Emerging Therapeutic Approaches in Prostate Cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:840787. [PMID: 35222290 PMCID: PMC8873523 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.840787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in men and several therapeutic approaches are currently available for patient's care. Although the androgen receptor status represents a good predictor of response to androgen deprivation therapy, prostate cancer frequently becomes resistant to this approach and spreads. The molecular mechanisms that contribute to progression and drug-resistance of this cancer remain still debated. However, few therapeutic options are available for patient's management, at this stage. Recent years have seen a great expansion of the studies concerning the role of stromal-epithelial interactions and tumor microenvironment in prostate cancer progression. The findings so far collected have provided new insights into diagnostic and clinical management of prostate cancer patients. Further, new fascinating aspects concerning the intersection of the androgen receptor with survival factors as well as calcium channels have been reported in cultured prostate cancer cells and mouse models. The results of these researches have opened the way for a better understanding of the basic mechanisms involved in prostate cancer invasion and drug-resistance. They have also significantly expanded the list of new biomarkers and druggable targets in prostate cancer. The primary aim of this manuscript is to provide an update of these issues, together with their translational aspects. Exploiting the power of novel promising therapeutics would increase the success rate in the diagnostic path and clinical management of patients with advanced disease.
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Ravaioli S, Maltoni R, Pasculli B, Parrella P, Giudetti AM, Vergara D, Tumedei MM, Pirini F, Bravaccini S. Androgen receptor in breast cancer: The "5W" questions. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:977331. [PMID: 36111296 PMCID: PMC9468319 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.977331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgen receptor (AR) is expressed in 60-70% of breast cancers (BCs) and the availability of anti-AR compounds, currently used for treating prostate cancer, paves the way to tackle specifically AR-positive BC patients. The prognostic and predictive role of AR in BC is a matter of debate, since the results from clinical trials are not striking, probably due to both technical and biological reasons. In this review, we aimed to highlight WHAT is AR, describing its structure and functions, WHAT to test and HOW to detect AR, WHERE AR should be tested (on primary tumor or metastasis) and WHY studying this fascinating hormone receptor, exploring and debating on its prognostic and predictive role. We considered AR and its ratio with other hormone receptors, analyzing also studies including patients with ductal carcinoma in situ and with early and advanced BC, as well. We also emphasized the effects that both other hormone receptors and the newly emerging androgen-inducible non coding RNAs may have on AR function in BC pathology and the putative implementation in the clinical setting. Moreover, we pointed out the latest results by clinical trials and we speculated about the use of anti-AR therapies in BC clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ravaioli
- IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
- *Correspondence: Sara Ravaioli,
| | - Roberta Maltoni
- IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
| | - Barbara Pasculli
- Laboratorio di Oncologia, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Paola Parrella
- Laboratorio di Oncologia, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Giudetti
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Daniele Vergara
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Pirini
- IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
| | - Sara Bravaccini
- IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
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A Small Peptide Targeting the Ligand-Induced Androgen Receptor/Filamin a Interaction Inhibits the Invasive Phenotype of Prostate Cancer Cells. Cells 2021; 11:cells11010014. [PMID: 35011576 PMCID: PMC8750472 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PC) is one of the most widespread malignancies among males worldwide. The androgen receptor (AR) plays a major role in prostate cancer development and progression and is the main target of PC therapy. Nonetheless, its action is not yet fully elucidated. We report here that the AR associates with Filamin A (FlnA) promoting migration and invasiveness of various PC-derived cells after androgen challenging. Inhibition of the AR/FlnA complex assembly by a very low concentration of Rh-2025u, an AR-derived peptide specifically interfering with this association, impairs such phenotype in monolayer cells and in 3D models. This study, together with our recent data in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), indicates that targeting the AR/FlnA complex could improve the clinical management of invasive PC, as the limited number of new drugs reaching the market suggests that we must re-examine the way invasive PC is currently treated. In this context, the synthesis of new biologically active molecules, such as the Rh-2025u peptide, which has been shown to efficiently interfere in the complex assembly in CAFs and PC cells, should overcome the limits of current available therapies, mostly based on hormone antagonists.
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Ohya S, Kajikuri J, Endo K, Kito H, Matsui M. K Ca1.1 K + Channel Inhibition Overcomes Resistance to Antiandrogens and Doxorubicin in a Human Prostate Cancer LNCaP Spheroid Model. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:13553. [PMID: 34948357 PMCID: PMC8706449 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Several types of K+ channels play crucial roles in tumorigenicity, stemness, invasiveness, and drug resistance in cancer. Spheroid formation of human prostate cancer (PC) LNCaP cells with ultra-low attachment surface cultureware induced the up-regulation of cancer stem cell markers, such as NANOG, and decreased the protein degradation of the Ca2+-activated K+ channel KCa1.1 by down-regulating the E3 ubiquitin ligase, FBXW7, compared with LNCaP monolayers. Accordingly, KCa1.1 activator-induced hyperpolarizing responses were larger in isolated cells from LNCaP spheroids. The pharmacological inhibition of KCa1.1 overcame the resistance of LNCaP spheroids to antiandrogens and doxorubicin (DOX). The protein expression of androgen receptors (AR) was significantly decreased by LNCaP spheroid formation and reversed by KCa1.1 inhibition. The pharmacological and genetic inhibition of MDM2, which may be related to AR protein degradation in PC stem cells, revealed that MDM2 was responsible for the acquisition of antiandrogen resistance in LNCaP spheroids, which was overcome by KCa1.1 inhibition. Furthermore, a member of the multidrug resistance-associated protein subfamily of ABC transporters, MRP5 was responsible for the acquisition of DOX resistance in LNCaP spheroids, which was also overcome by KCa1.1 inhibition. Collectively, the present results suggest the potential of KCa1.1 in LNCaP spheroids, which mimic PC stem cells, as a therapeutic target for overcoming antiandrogen- and DOX-resistance in PC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susumu Ohya
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan; (J.K.); (K.E.); (H.K.); (M.M.)
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Di Donato M, Ostacolo C, Giovannelli P, Di Sarno V, Monterrey IMG, Campiglia P, Migliaccio A, Bertamino A, Castoria G. Therapeutic potential of TRPM8 antagonists in prostate cancer. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23232. [PMID: 34853378 PMCID: PMC8636514 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02675-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Transient receptor potential melastatin-8 (TRPM8) represents an emerging target in prostate cancer, although its mechanism of action remains unclear. Here, we have characterized and investigated the effects of TRPM8 modulators in prostate cancer aggressiveness disclosing the molecular mechanism underlying their biological activity. Patch-clamp and calcium fluorometric assays were used to characterize the synthesized compounds. Androgen-stimulated prostate cancer-derived cells were challenged with the compounds and the DNA synthesis was investigated in a preliminary screening. The most effective compounds were then employed to inhibit the pro-metastatic behavior of in various PC-derived cells, at different degree of malignancy. The effect of the compounds was then assayed in prostate cancer cell-derived 3D model and the molecular targets of selected compounds were lastly identified using transcriptional and non-transcriptional reporter assays. TRPM8 antagonists inhibit the androgen-dependent prostate cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasiveness. They are highly effective in reverting the androgen-induced increase in prostate cancer cell spheroid size. The compounds also revert the proliferation of castrate-resistant prostate cancer cells, provided they express the androgen receptor. In contrast, no effects were recorded in prostate cancer cells devoid of the receptor. Selected antagonists interfere in non-genomic androgen action and abolish the androgen-induced androgen receptor/TRPM8 complex assembly as well as the increase in intracellular calcium levels in prostate cancer cells. Our results shed light in the processes controlling prostate cancer progression and make the transient receptor potential melastatin-8 as a ‘druggable’ target in the androgen receptor-expressing prostate cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzia Di Donato
- Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Campania 'L. Vanvitelli', Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmine Ostacolo
- Department of Pharmacy, University Federico II of Naples, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Pia Giovannelli
- Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Campania 'L. Vanvitelli', Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Veronica Di Sarno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G.Paolo II, 84084, Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Isabel M Gomez Monterrey
- Department of Pharmacy, University Federico II of Naples, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Pietro Campiglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G.Paolo II, 84084, Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Antimo Migliaccio
- Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Campania 'L. Vanvitelli', Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessia Bertamino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G.Paolo II, 84084, Fisciano, SA, Italy.
| | - Gabriella Castoria
- Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Campania 'L. Vanvitelli', Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138, Naples, Italy.
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Palicelli A, Croci S, Bisagni A, Zanetti E, De Biase D, Melli B, Sanguedolce F, Ragazzi M, Zanelli M, Chaux A, Cañete-Portillo S, Bonasoni MP, Soriano A, Ascani S, Zizzo M, Castro Ruiz C, De Leo A, Giordano G, Landriscina M, Carrieri G, Cormio L, Berney DM, Gandhi J, Copelli V, Bernardelli G, Santandrea G, Bonacini M. What Do We Have to Know about PD-L1 Expression in Prostate Cancer? A Systematic Literature Review. Part 3: PD-L1, Intracellular Signaling Pathways and Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12330. [PMID: 34830209 PMCID: PMC8618001 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) includes immune (T, B, NK, dendritic), stromal, mesenchymal, endothelial, adipocytic cells, extracellular matrix, and cytokines/chemokines/soluble factors regulating various intracellular signaling pathways (ISP) in tumor cells. TME influences the survival/progression of prostate cancer (PC), enabling tumor cell immune-evasion also through the activation of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis. We have performed a systematic literature review according to the PRISMA guidelines, to investigate how the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway is influenced by TME and ISPs. Tumor immune-escape mechanisms include suppression/exhaustion of tumor infiltrating cytotoxic T lymphocytes, inhibition of tumor suppressive NK cells, increase in immune-suppressive immune cells (regulatory T, M2 macrophagic, myeloid-derived suppressor, dendritic, stromal, and adipocytic cells). IFN-γ (the most investigated factor), TGF-β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17, IL-15, IL-27, complement factor C5a, and other soluble molecules secreted by TME components (and sometimes increased in patients' serum), as well as and hypoxia, influenced the regulation of PD-L1. Experimental studies using human and mouse PC cell lines (derived from either androgen-sensitive or androgen-resistant tumors) revealed that the intracellular ERK/MEK, Akt-mTOR, NF-kB, WNT and JAK/STAT pathways were involved in PD-L1 upregulation in PC. Blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling by using immunotherapy drugs can prevent tumor immune-escape, increasing the anti-tumor activity of immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Palicelli
- Pathology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (A.B.); (E.Z.); (M.R.); (M.Z.); (M.P.B.); (V.C.); (G.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Stefania Croci
- Clinical Immunology, Allergy and Advanced Biotechnologies Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (S.C.); (M.B.)
| | - Alessandra Bisagni
- Pathology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (A.B.); (E.Z.); (M.R.); (M.Z.); (M.P.B.); (V.C.); (G.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Eleonora Zanetti
- Pathology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (A.B.); (E.Z.); (M.R.); (M.Z.); (M.P.B.); (V.C.); (G.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Dario De Biase
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FABIT), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Beatrice Melli
- Fertility Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy;
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy;
| | | | - Moira Ragazzi
- Pathology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (A.B.); (E.Z.); (M.R.); (M.Z.); (M.P.B.); (V.C.); (G.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Magda Zanelli
- Pathology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (A.B.); (E.Z.); (M.R.); (M.Z.); (M.P.B.); (V.C.); (G.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Alcides Chaux
- Department of Scientific Research, School of Postgraduate Studies, Norte University, Asunción 1614, Paraguay;
| | - Sofia Cañete-Portillo
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
| | - Maria Paola Bonasoni
- Pathology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (A.B.); (E.Z.); (M.R.); (M.Z.); (M.P.B.); (V.C.); (G.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Alessandra Soriano
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA;
- Gastroenterology Division, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Stefano Ascani
- Pathology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Santa Maria di Terni, University of Perugia, 05100 Terni, Italy;
- Haematopathology Unit, CREO, Azienda Ospedaliera di Perugia, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Zizzo
- Surgical Oncology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy;
| | - Carolina Castro Ruiz
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy;
- Surgical Oncology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy;
| | - Antonio De Leo
- Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Azienda USL Bologna, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Guido Giordano
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (G.G.); (M.L.)
| | - Matteo Landriscina
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (G.G.); (M.L.)
| | - Giuseppe Carrieri
- Department of Urology and Renal Transplantation, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (G.C.); (L.C.)
| | - Luigi Cormio
- Department of Urology and Renal Transplantation, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (G.C.); (L.C.)
| | - Daniel M. Berney
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 5PZ, UK;
| | - Jatin Gandhi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
| | - Valerio Copelli
- Pathology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (A.B.); (E.Z.); (M.R.); (M.Z.); (M.P.B.); (V.C.); (G.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Giuditta Bernardelli
- Pathology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (A.B.); (E.Z.); (M.R.); (M.Z.); (M.P.B.); (V.C.); (G.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Giacomo Santandrea
- Pathology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (A.B.); (E.Z.); (M.R.); (M.Z.); (M.P.B.); (V.C.); (G.B.); (G.S.)
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy;
| | - Martina Bonacini
- Clinical Immunology, Allergy and Advanced Biotechnologies Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (S.C.); (M.B.)
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Giovannelli P, Di Donato M, Galasso G, Monaco A, Licitra F, Perillo B, Migliaccio A, Castoria G. Communication between cells: exosomes as a delivery system in prostate cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2021; 19:110. [PMID: 34772427 PMCID: PMC8586841 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-021-00792-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the considerable efforts in screening and diagnostic protocols, prostate cancer still represents the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men. Many patients with localized disease and low risk of recurrence have a favourable outcome. In a substantial proportion of patients, however, the disease progresses and becomes aggressive. The mechanisms that promote prostate cancer progression remain still debated. Many findings point to the role of cross-communication between prostate tumor cells and their surrounding microenvironment during the disease progression. Such a connection fosters survival, proliferation, angiogenesis, metastatic spreading and drug-resistance of prostate cancer. Recent years have seen a profound interest in understanding the way by which prostate cancer cells communicate with the surrounding cells in the microenvironment. In this regard, direct cell-to-cell contacts and soluble factors have been identified. Increasing evidence indicates that PC cells communicate with the surrounding cells through the release of extracellular vesicles, mainly the exosomes. By directly acting in stromal or prostate cancer epithelial cells, exosomes represent a critical intercellular communication system. By querying the public database ( https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ) for the past 10 years, we have found more than four hundred papers. Among them, we have extrapolated the most relevant about the role of exosomes in prostate cancer malignancy and progression. Emerging data concerning the use of these vesicles in diagnostic management and therapeutic guidance of PC patients are also presented. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Giovannelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione, Università Della Campania ‘L. Vanvitelli’, Via L. De Crecchio, 7, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Marzia Di Donato
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione, Università Della Campania ‘L. Vanvitelli’, Via L. De Crecchio, 7, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Galasso
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione, Università Della Campania ‘L. Vanvitelli’, Via L. De Crecchio, 7, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Monaco
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione, Università Della Campania ‘L. Vanvitelli’, Via L. De Crecchio, 7, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Licitra
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione, Università Della Campania ‘L. Vanvitelli’, Via L. De Crecchio, 7, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Bruno Perillo
- Istituto di Scienze dell’Alimentazione, C.N.R., 83100 Avellino, Italy
| | - Antimo Migliaccio
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione, Università Della Campania ‘L. Vanvitelli’, Via L. De Crecchio, 7, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Castoria
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione, Università Della Campania ‘L. Vanvitelli’, Via L. De Crecchio, 7, 80138 Naples, Italy
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34
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Tang Q, Cheng B, Dai R, Wang R. The Role of Androgen Receptor in Cross Talk Between Stromal Cells and Prostate Cancer Epithelial Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:729498. [PMID: 34692685 PMCID: PMC8526848 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.729498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) lists as the second most lethal cancer for men in western countries, and androgen receptor (AR) plays a central role in its initiation and progression, which prompts the development of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) as the standard treatment. Prostate tumor microenvironment, consisting of stromal cells and extracellular matrix (ECM), has dynamic interactions with PCa epithelial cells and affects their growth and invasiveness. Studies have shown that both genomic and non-genomic AR signaling pathways are involved in the biological regulation of PCa epithelial cells. In addition, AR signaling in prostate stroma is also involved in PCa carcinogenesis and progression. Loss of AR in PCa stroma is clinically observed as PCa progresses to advanced stage. Especially, downregulation of AR in stromal fibroblasts dysregulates the expression levels of ECM proteins, thus creating a suitable environment for PCa cells to metastasize. Importantly, ADT treatment enhances this reciprocal interaction and predisposes stromal cells to promote cell invasion of PCa cells. During this process, AR in PCa epithelium actively responds to various stimuli derived from the surrounding stromal cells and undergoes enhanced degradation while elevating the expression of certain genes such as MMP9 responsible for cell invasion. AR reduction in epithelial cells also accelerates these cells to differentiate into cancer stem-like cells and neuroendocrine cells, which are AR-negative PCa cells and inherently resistant to ADT treatments. Overall, understanding of the cross talk between tumor microenvironment and PCa at the molecular level may assist the development of novel therapeutic strategies against this disease. This review will provide a snapshot of AR's action when the interaction of stromal cells and PCa cells occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianyao Tang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Bo Cheng
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Rongyang Dai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Ronghao Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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Di Donato M, Galasso G, Giovannelli P, Sinisi AA, Migliaccio A, Castoria G. Targeting the Nerve Growth Factor Signaling Impairs the Proliferative and Migratory Phenotype of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:676568. [PMID: 34268306 PMCID: PMC8275826 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.676568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease that still lacks specific therapeutic approaches. The identification of new biomarkers, predictive of the disease's aggressiveness and pharmacological response, is a challenge for a more tailored approach in the clinical management of patients. Nerve growth factor, initially identified as a key factor for neuronal survival and differentiation, turned out to be a multifaceted molecule with pleiotropic effects in quite divergent cell types, including cancer cells. Many solid tumors exhibit derangements of the nerve growth factor and its receptors, including the tropomyosin receptor kinase A. This receptor is expressed in triple-negative breast cancer, although its role in the pathogenesis and aggressiveness of this disease is still under investigation. We now report that triple-negative breast cancer-derived MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-453 cells express appreciable levels of tropomyosin receptor kinase A and release a biologically active nerve growth factor. Activation of tropomyosin receptor kinase by nerve growth factor treatment positively affects the migration, invasion, and proliferation of triple-negative breast cancer cells. An increase in the size of triple-negative breast cancer cell spheroids is also detected. This latter effect might occur through the nerve growth factor-induced release of matrix metalloproteinase 9, which contributes to the reorganization of the extracellular matrix and cell invasiveness. The tropomyosin receptor kinase A inhibitor GW441756 reverses all these responses. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments in both cell lines show that nerve growth factor triggers the assembly of the TrkA/β1-integrin/FAK/Src complex, thereby activating several downstream effectors. GW441756 prevents the complex assembly induced by nerve growth factor as well as the activation of its dependent signaling. Pharmacological inhibition of the tyrosine kinases Src and FAK (focal adhesion kinase), together with the silencing of β1-integrin, shows that the tyrosine kinases impinge on both proliferation and motility, while β1-integrin is needed for motility induced by nerve growth factor in triple-negative breast cancer cells. The present data support the key role of the nerve growth factor/tropomyosin receptor kinase A pathway in triple-negative breast cancer and offer new hints in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzia Di Donato
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Galasso
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Pia Giovannelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio A Sinisi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche Avanzate, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Antimo Migliaccio
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Castoria
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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Zhang Y, Fu Y. Comprehensive Analysis and Identification of an Immune-Related Gene Signature with Prognostic Value for Prostate Cancer. Int J Gen Med 2021; 14:2931-2942. [PMID: 34234523 PMCID: PMC8254424 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s321319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The tumor microenvironment (TME) has recently been proven to play a crucial role in the development and prognosis of tumors. However, the current knowledge on the potential of the TME in prostate cancer (PCa) remains scarce. Purpose This study aims to elucidate the value of TME-related genes for PCa prognosis by integrative bioinformatics analysis. Materials and Methods We downloaded the immune and stromal scores of PCa samples via the ESTIMATE and correlated these scores to clinicopathological characteristics and recurrence-free survival (RFS) of patients. Based on these scores, the TME-related differentially expressed genes were identified for functional enrichment analysis. Cox regression analyses were performed to identify prognostic genes and establish a predictive risk model. Moreover, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to evaluate the relationship between risk score and immune pathway. Results The stromal and immune scores were associated with clinicopathological characteristics and RFS in PCa patients. In total, 238 intersecting differentially expressed genes were identified. Functional enrichment analysis further revealed that these genes dramatically participated in the immune-related pathways. The immune-related risk model was built with C-type lectin domain containing 7A (CLEC7A) and collagen type XI alpha 1 chain (COL11A1) using Cox regression analyses. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that the expression levels of CLEC7A and COL11A1 were significantly associated with the RFS. Further, the RFS time in high-risk group was significantly shorter than that in low-risk group. The areas under the curve for the risk model in predicting 3- and 5-year RFS rates were 0.694 and 0.731, respectively. GSEA suggested that immunosuppression existed in high-risk PCa patients. Conclusion CLEC7A and COL11A1 were selected to build a predictive risk model, which may help clinicians to assess the prognosis of PCa patients and select appropriate targets for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongrui Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaowen Fu
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China
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Penile Cancer-Derived Cells Molecularly Characterized as Models to Guide Targeted Therapies. Cells 2021; 10:cells10040814. [PMID: 33917394 PMCID: PMC8067406 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Penile cancer (PeCa) is a common disease in poor and developing countries, showing high morbidity rates. Despite the recent progress in understanding the molecular events involved in PeCa, the lack of well-characterized in vitro models precludes new advances in anticancer drug development. Here we describe the establishment of five human primary penile cancer-derived cell cultures, including two epithelial and three cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) cells. Using high-throughput genomic approaches, we found that the epithelial PeCa derived- cells recapitulate the molecular alterations of their primary tumors and present the same deregulated signaling pathways. The differentially expressed genes and proteins identified are components of key oncogenic pathways, including EGFR and PI3K/AKT/mTOR. We showed that epithelial PeCa derived cells presented a good response to cisplatin, a common therapeutic approach used in PeCa patients. The growth of a PeCa-derived cell overexpressing EGFR was inhibited by EGFR inhibitors (cetuximab, gefitinib, and erlotinib). We also identified CAF signature markers in three PeCa-derived cells with fibroblast-like morphology, indicating that those cells are suitable models for PeCa microenvironment studies. We thus demonstrate the utility of PeCa cell models to dissect mechanisms that promote penile carcinogenesis, which are useful models to evaluate therapeutic approaches for the disease.
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Ehsani M, David FO, Baniahmad A. Androgen Receptor-Dependent Mechanisms Mediating Drug Resistance in Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1534. [PMID: 33810413 PMCID: PMC8037957 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgen receptor (AR) is a main driver of prostate cancer (PCa) growth and progression as well as the key drug target. Appropriate PCa treatments differ depending on the stage of cancer at diagnosis. Although androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) of PCa is initially effective, eventually tumors develop resistance to the drug within 2-3 years of treatment onset leading to castration resistant PCa (CRPC). Castration resistance is usually mediated by reactivation of AR signaling. Eventually, PCa develops additional resistance towards treatment with AR antagonists that occur regularly, also mostly due to bypass mechanisms that activate AR signaling. This tumor evolution with selection upon therapy is presumably based on a high degree of tumor heterogenicity and plasticity that allows PCa cells to proliferate and develop adaptive signaling to the treatment and evolve pathways in therapy resistance, including resistance to chemotherapy. The therapy-resistant PCa phenotype is associated with more aggressiveness and increased metastatic ability. By far, drug resistance remains a major cause of PCa treatment failure and lethality. In this review, various acquired and intrinsic mechanisms that are AR‑dependent and contribute to PCa drug resistance will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aria Baniahmad
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07740 Jena, Germany; (M.E.); (F.O.D.)
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