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Athavale D, Balch C, Zhang Y, Yao X, Song S. The role of Hippo/YAP1 in cancer-associated fibroblasts: Literature review and future perspectives. Cancer Lett 2024; 604:217244. [PMID: 39260668 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2024] [Revised: 08/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are activated fibroblasts that play a role in numerous malignant phenotypes, including hyperproliferation, invasion, and metastasis. These phenotypes correlate with activity of the Hippo pathway oncoprotein, Yes-associated protein-1 (YAP1), and its paralog, transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ). YAP1/TAZ are normally involved in organ growth, under the regulation of various kinases and upon phosphorylation, are retained in the cytoplasm by chaperone proteins, leading to their proteasomal degradation. In CAFs and tumor cells, however, a lack of YAP1 phosphorylation results in its translocation to the nucleus, binding to TEAD transcription factors, and activation of mitogenic pathways. In this review we summarize the literature discussing the central role of YAP1 in CAF activation, the upstream cues that promote YAP1-mediated CAF activation and extracellular matrix remodeling, and how CAFs mediate tumor-stroma crosstalk to support progression, invasion and metastasis in various cancer models. We further highlight YAP1+CAFs functions in modulating an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and propose evaluation of several YAP1 targets regarding their role in regulating intra-tumoral immune landscapes. Finally, we propose that co-administration of YAP1- targeted therapies with immune checkpoint inhibitors can improve therapeutic outcomes in patients with advanced tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipti Athavale
- Coriell Institute for Medical Research, 403 Haddon Ave, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA
| | - Curt Balch
- Coriell Institute for Medical Research, 403 Haddon Ave, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA
| | - Yanting Zhang
- Coriell Institute for Medical Research, 403 Haddon Ave, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA
| | - Xiaodan Yao
- Coriell Institute for Medical Research, 403 Haddon Ave, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA
| | - Shumei Song
- Coriell Institute for Medical Research, 403 Haddon Ave, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA; MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper, Cooper University Hospital, 2 Cooper Plaza, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA; Departments of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, 401 Broadway, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA.
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Nocquet L, Roul J, Lefebvre CC, Duarte L, Campone M, Juin PP, Souazé F. Low BCL-xL expression in triple-negative breast cancer cells favors chemotherapy efficacy, and this effect is limited by cancer-associated fibroblasts. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14177. [PMID: 38898061 PMCID: PMC11187150 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64696-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancers (TNBC) present a poor prognosis primarily due to their resistance to chemotherapy. This resistance is known to be associated with elevated expression of certain anti-apoptotic members within the proteins of the BCL-2 family (namely BCL-xL, MCL-1 and BCL-2). These regulate cell death by inhibiting pro-apoptotic protein activation through binding and sequestration and they can be selectively antagonized by BH3 mimetics. Yet the individual influences of BCL-xL, MCL-1, and BCL-2 on the sensitivity of TNBC cells to chemotherapy, and their regulation by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), major components of the tumor stroma and key contributors to therapy resistance remain to be delineated. Using gene editing or BH3 mimetics to inhibit anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins in TNBC line MDA-MB-231, we show that BCL-xL and MCL-1 promote cancer cell survival through compensatory mechanisms. This cell line shows limited sensitivity to chemotherapy, in line with the clinical resistance observed in TNBC patients. We elucidate that BCL-xL plays a pivotal role in therapy response, as its depletion or pharmacological inhibition heightened chemotherapy effectiveness. Moreover, BCL-xL expression is associated with chemotherapy resistance in patient-derived tumoroids where its pharmacological inhibition enhances ex vivo response to chemotherapy. In a co-culture model of cancer cells and CAFs, we observe that even in a context where BCL-xL reduced expression renders cancer cells more susceptible to chemotherapy, those in contact with CAFs display reduced sensitivity to chemotherapy. Thus CAFs exert a profound pro-survival effect in breast cancer cells, even in a setting highly favoring cell death through combined chemotherapy and absence of the main actor of chemoresistance, BCL-xL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Nocquet
- INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, Université de Nantes, 44000, Nantes, France
- Equipe Labellisée LIGUE Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
- SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France
| | - Julie Roul
- INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, Université de Nantes, 44000, Nantes, France
- Equipe Labellisée LIGUE Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
- SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France
- ICO René Gauducheau, Saint Herblain, France
| | - Chloé C Lefebvre
- INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, Université de Nantes, 44000, Nantes, France
- Equipe Labellisée LIGUE Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
- SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France
| | - Laurine Duarte
- INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, Université de Nantes, 44000, Nantes, France
- Equipe Labellisée LIGUE Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
- SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France
| | - Mario Campone
- INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, Université de Nantes, 44000, Nantes, France
- SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France
- ICO René Gauducheau, Saint Herblain, France
| | - Philippe P Juin
- INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, Université de Nantes, 44000, Nantes, France.
- Equipe Labellisée LIGUE Contre le Cancer, Paris, France.
- SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France.
- ICO René Gauducheau, Saint Herblain, France.
| | - Frédérique Souazé
- INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, Université de Nantes, 44000, Nantes, France.
- Equipe Labellisée LIGUE Contre le Cancer, Paris, France.
- SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France.
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Wang R, Li X, Wang J. Butein inhibits oral squamous cell carcinoma growth via promoting MCL-1 ubiquitination. J Cancer 2024; 15:3173-3182. [PMID: 38706892 PMCID: PMC11064257 DOI: 10.7150/jca.94546] [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: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignant head and neck carcinoma type. Myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL-1), an anti-apoptotic BCL-1 protein, has been verified to be among the most highly upregulated pathologic proteins in human cancers linked to tumor relapse, poor prognosis and therapeutic resistance. Herein, therapeutic targeting MCL-1 is an attractive focus for cancer treatment. The present study found that butein, a potential phytochemical compound, exerted profound antitumor effects on OSCC cells. Butein treatment significantly inhibited cell viability, proliferation capacity and colony formation ability, and activated cell apoptotic process. Further potential mechanism investigation showed that promoting MCL-1 ubiquitination and degradation is the major reason for butein-mediated OSCC cell cytotoxicity. Our results uncovered that butein could facilitate E3 ligase FBW7 combined with MCL-1, which contributed to an increase in the ubiquitination of MCL-1 Ub-K48 and degradation. The results of both in vitro cell experiments and in vivo xenograft models imply a critical antitumor function of butein with the well-tolerated feature, and it might be an attractive and promising agent for OSCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruirui Wang
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Xiaoying Li
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Jidong Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Changde Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University (The first people's hospital of Changde City), Changde, Hunan 415000, China
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Wyżewski Z, Stępkowska J, Kobylińska AM, Mielcarska A, Mielcarska MB. Mcl-1 Protein and Viral Infections: A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1138. [PMID: 38256213 PMCID: PMC10816053 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
MCL-1 is the prosurvival member of the Bcl-2 family. It prevents the induction of mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. The molecular mechanisms dictating the host cell viability gain importance in the context of viral infections. The premature apoptosis of infected cells could interrupt the pathogen replication cycle. On the other hand, cell death following the effective assembly of progeny particles may facilitate virus dissemination. Thus, various viruses can interfere with the apoptosis regulation network to their advantage. Research has shown that viral infections affect the intracellular amount of MCL-1 to modify the apoptotic potential of infected cells, fitting it to the "schedule" of the replication cycle. A growing body of evidence suggests that the virus-dependent deregulation of the MCL-1 level may contribute to several virus-driven diseases. In this work, we have described the role of MCL-1 in infections caused by various viruses. We have also presented a list of promising antiviral agents targeting the MCL-1 protein. The discussed results indicate targeted interventions addressing anti-apoptotic MCL1 as a new therapeutic strategy for cancers as well as other diseases. The investigation of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in viral infections engaging MCL1 may contribute to a better understanding of the regulation of cell death and survival balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zbigniew Wyżewski
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Dewajtis 5, 01-815 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Justyna Stępkowska
- Institute of Family Sciences, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Dewajtis 5, 01-815 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Aleksandra Maria Kobylińska
- Division of Immunology, Department of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland; (A.M.K.); (M.B.M.)
| | - Adriana Mielcarska
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Nutritional Disorders and Pediatrics, The Children’s Memorial Health Institute, Av. Dzieci Polskich 20, 04-730 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Matylda Barbara Mielcarska
- Division of Immunology, Department of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland; (A.M.K.); (M.B.M.)
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Zhang H, Yue X, Chen Z, Liu C, Wu W, Zhang N, Liu Z, Yang L, Jiang Q, Cheng Q, Luo P, Liu G. Define cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment: new opportunities in cancer immunotherapy and advances in clinical trials. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:159. [PMID: 37784082 PMCID: PMC10544417 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01860-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite centuries since the discovery and study of cancer, cancer is still a lethal and intractable health issue worldwide. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have gained much attention as a pivotal component of the tumor microenvironment. The versatility and sophisticated mechanisms of CAFs in facilitating cancer progression have been elucidated extensively, including promoting cancer angiogenesis and metastasis, inducing drug resistance, reshaping the extracellular matrix, and developing an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Owing to their robust tumor-promoting function, CAFs are considered a promising target for oncotherapy. However, CAFs are a highly heterogeneous group of cells. Some subpopulations exert an inhibitory role in tumor growth, which implies that CAF-targeting approaches must be more precise and individualized. This review comprehensively summarize the origin, phenotypical, and functional heterogeneity of CAFs. More importantly, we underscore advances in strategies and clinical trials to target CAF in various cancers, and we also summarize progressions of CAF in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinghai Yue
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhe Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Central Hospital of Zhuzhou, Zhuzhou, China
| | - Wantao Wu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Liping Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Jiang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Guodong Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Heckmeier PJ, Ruf J, Janković BG, Hamm P. MCL-1 promiscuity and the structural resilience of its binding partners. J Chem Phys 2023; 158:095101. [PMID: 36889945 DOI: 10.1063/5.0137239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The allosteric protein MCL-1 and its natural inhibitors, the BH3-only proteins PUMA, BIM, and NOXA regulate apoptosis by interacting promiscuously within an entangled binding network. Little is known about the transient processes and dynamic conformational fluctuations that are the basis for the formation and stability of the MCL-1/BH3-only complex. In this study, we designed photoswitchable versions of MCL-1/PUMA and MCL-1/NOXA, and investigated the protein response after an ultrafast photo-perturbation with transient infrared spectroscopy. We observed partial α-helical unfolding in all cases, albeit on strongly varying timescales (1.6 ns for PUMA, 9.7 ns for the previously studied BIM, and 85 ns for NOXA). These differences are interpreted as a BH3-only-specific "structural resilience" to defy the perturbation while remaining in MCL-1's binding pocket. Thus, the presented insights could help to better understand the differences between PUMA, BIM, and NOXA, the promiscuity of MCL-1, in general, and the role of the proteins in the apoptotic network.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeannette Ruf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Peter Hamm
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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