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Gu M, Liu Y, Xin P, Guo W, Zhao Z, Yang X, Ma R, Jiao T, Zheng W. Fundamental insights and molecular interactions in pancreatic cancer: Pathways to therapeutic approaches. Cancer Lett 2024; 588:216738. [PMID: 38401887 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract can be affected by a number of diseases that pancreatic cancer (PC) is a malignant manifestation of them. The prognosis of PC patients is unfavorable and because of their diagnosis at advanced stage, the treatment of this tumor is problematic. Owing to low survival rate, there is much interest towards understanding the molecular profile of PC in an attempt in developing more effective therapeutics. The conventional therapeutics for PC include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy as well as emerging immunotherapy. However, PC is still incurable and more effort should be performed. The molecular landscape of PC is an underlying factor involved in increase in progression of tumor cells. In the presence review, the newest advances in understanding the molecular and biological events in PC are discussed. The dysregulation of molecular pathways including AMPK, MAPK, STAT3, Wnt/β-catenin and non-coding RNA transcripts has been suggested as a factor in development of tumorigenesis in PC. Moreover, cell death mechanisms such as apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis and necroptosis demonstrate abnormal levels. The EMT and glycolysis in PC cells enhance to ensure their metastasis and proliferation. Furthermore, such abnormal changes have been used to develop corresponding pharmacological and nanotechnological therapeutics for PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Gu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Peng Xin
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Zimo Zhao
- Department of Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Xu Yang
- Department of Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Ruiyang Ma
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China.
| | - Taiwei Jiao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China.
| | - Wenhui Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China.
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Yu L, Xu L, Chen Y, Rong Y, Zou Y, Ge S, Wu T, Lai Y, Xu Q, Guo W, Liu W. IDO1 Inhibition Promotes Activation of Tumor-intrinsic STAT3 Pathway and Induces Adverse Tumor-protective Effects. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 212:1232-1243. [PMID: 38391297 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Pharmacological inhibition of IDO1 exhibits great promise as a strategy in cancer therapy. However, the failure of phase III clinical trials has raised the pressing need to understand the underlying reasons for this outcome. To gain comprehensive insights into the reasons behind the clinical failure of IDO1 inhibitors, it is essential to investigate the entire tumor microenvironment rather than focusing solely on individual cells or relying on knockout techniques. In this study, we conducted single-cell RNA sequencing to determine the overall response to apo-IDO1 inhibitor administration. Interestingly, although apo-IDO1 inhibitors were found to significantly activate intratumoral immune cells (mouse colon cancer cell CT26 transplanted in BALB/C mice), such as T cells, macrophages, and NK cells, they also stimulated the infiltration of M2 macrophages. Moreover, these inhibitors prompted monocytes and macrophages to secrete elevated levels of IL-6, which in turn activated the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in tumor cells. Consequently, this activation enables tumor cells to survive even in the face of heightened immune activity. These findings underscore the unforeseen adverse effects of apo-IDO1 inhibitors on tumor cells and highlight the potential of combining IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 inhibitors with apo-IDO1 inhibitors to improve their clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longbo Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lingyan Xu
- Department of Oncology and Cancer Rehabilitation Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yunjie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yicheng Rong
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Drug Discovery, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shushan Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Drug Discovery, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tiancong Wu
- Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yisheng Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Drug Discovery, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenjie Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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3
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Karuppaiya V, Annamalai A, Krishnamurthy S, Soundarapandian K. Dieckol prevents prostate cancer cell proliferation by transcriptionally attenuating JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:1187-1196. [PMID: 37886886 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
This study delved at how the natural substance dieckol (DCL) prevents prostate cancerous cells from proliferating and migrating by blocking the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway in PC-3 cells. For numerous tests, the cells were treated to DCL at a range of concentrations (0-20 μM) for 24 h. DCL mediated cytotoxicity was analyzed by MTT assay. To evaluate ROS, DCFH-DA staining was employed. Dual (AO/EtBr) staining was utilized to examine apoptotic changes, and MMP levels in PC-3 cells were examined using the appropriate fluorescent staining assays. By using flow cytometry and western blotting, the protein expressions of cell survival, cell cycle, proliferation, and apoptosis were assessed. The results showed that DCL significantly cytotoxically affects PC-3, and the IC50 was discovered to be 12 μM for 24 h exposure. Furthermore, after DCL treatment in PC-3, considerable ROS generation and increased apoptotic signals were detected. STAT3, JAK1, PCNA, and cyclins D1 and E1 are all suppressed by DCL in PC-3. In addition, DCL therapy in PC-3 dramatically increased pro-apoptotic proteins such Bax, caspase-3, and cytochrome C. Therefore, DCL has been regarded as a chemotherapeutic agent because to its ability to decrease the expression of proteins that control cell proliferation, including STAT3, JAK1, PCNA, and cyclins D1 and E1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vimala Karuppaiya
- Division of Cancer Nanomedicine, Department of Zoology, Periyar University, Salem, India
| | - Asaikkutti Annamalai
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Lifesciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, India
| | - Shanthi Krishnamurthy
- Department of Biochemistry, Prof. Dhanapalan College of Science and Management, Chennai, India
| | - Kannan Soundarapandian
- Division of Cancer Nanomedicine, Department of Zoology, Periyar University, Salem, India
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4
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Huang Q, Xiao Y, Lan T, Lu Y, Huang L, Zheng D. WNT7A promotes tumorigenesis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma via activating FZD7/JAK1/STAT3 signaling. Int J Oral Sci 2024; 16:7. [PMID: 38246919 PMCID: PMC10800352 DOI: 10.1038/s41368-024-00279-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling are critical pathway involved in organ development, tumorigenesis, and cancer progression. WNT7A, a member of the Wnt family, remains poorly understood in terms of its role and the underlying molecular mechanisms it entails in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). According to the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), transcriptome sequencing data of HNSCC, the expression level of WNT7A in tumors was found to be higher than in adjacent normal tissues, which was validated using Real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Unexpectedly, overexpression of WNT7A did not activate the canonical Wnt-β-catenin pathway in HNSCC. Instead, our findings suggested that WNT7A potentially activated the FZD7/JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway, leading to enhanced cell proliferation, self-renewal, and resistance to apoptosis. Furthermore, in a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumor model, high expression of WNT7A and phosphorylated STAT3 was observed, which positively correlated with tumor progression. These findings underscore the significance of WNT7A in HNSCC progression and propose the targeting of key molecules within the FZD7/JAK1/STAT3 pathway as a promising strategy for precise treatment of HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingling Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yi Xiao
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ting Lan
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Youguang Lu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Li Huang
- Department of Dentistry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Dali Zheng
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
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Hwang JR, Cho YJ, Ryu JY, Choi JY, Choi JJ, Sa JK, Kim HS, Lee JW. Ulipristal acetate, a selective progesterone receptor modulator, induces cell death via inhibition of STAT3/CCL2 signaling pathway in uterine sarcoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115792. [PMID: 37924789 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ulipristal acetate (UPA) is a selective progesterone receptor modulator and is used for the treatment of uterine leiomyoma (a benign tumor). Uterine sarcoma which is highly malignant cancer with a poor prognosis is clinically resembled with uterine leiomyoma. There has been no experimental research on the effect of UPA on uterine sarcoma. In this study, we examined the efficacy of UPA in uterine sarcoma with in vitro and in vivo animal models. Cytotoxicity of UPA was determined in uterine sarcoma cell lines (MES-SA, SK-UT-1, and SK-LMS-1). Apoptotic genes and signaling pathways affected by UPA were analyzed by complementary DNA (cDNA) microarray of uterine sarcoma cell lines and western blot, respectively. An in vivo efficacy of UPA was examined with uterine sarcoma cell line- and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mice models. UPA inhibited cell growth in uterine sarcoma cell lines and primary culture cells from a PDX mouse (PDX-C). cDNA microarray analysis revealed that CCL2 was highly down-regulated by UPA. Phosphorylation and the total expression of STAT3 were inhibited by UPA. UPA also inhibited CCL2 and STAT3 in PDX-C. The inhibitory effect of UPA had not changed in the overexpression of PR and treatment of progesterone. In vivo efficacy studies with cell line-derived xenografts and a PDX model with leiomyosarcoma, a typical uterine sarcoma, demonstrated that UPA significantly decreased tumor growth. UPA had significant anti-tumor effects in uterine sarcoma through the inhibition of STAT3/CCL2 signaling pathway and might be a potential therapeutic agent to treat this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Ryoung Hwang
- Research Institute for Future Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University, School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Young-Jae Cho
- Research Institute for Future Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University, School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ji-Yoon Ryu
- Research Institute for Future Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University, School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ju-Yeon Choi
- Research Institute for Future Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University, School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jung-Joo Choi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gynecologic Cancer Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University, School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jason K Sa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyun-Soo Kim
- Department of Pathology, Gynecologic Cancer Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University, School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jeong-Won Lee
- Research Institute for Future Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University, School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gynecologic Cancer Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University, School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
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Li W, Li D, Ma Q, Chen Y, Hu Z, Bai Y, Xie L. Targeted inhibition of mTOR by BML-275 induces mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis and autophagy in prostate cancer. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 957:176035. [PMID: 37657741 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among men and the second leading cause of death in Western countries. Clinically, screening drugs and develop developing new therapeutics to treat PCa is of great significance. In this study, BML-275 was demonstrated to exert potent antitumor effects in PCa by antagonizing mTOR activity. In cultured PCa cells, BML-275 treatment reduced the expression levels of c-Myc and survivin, promoted the activation of p53, and thereby induced p21/cyclin D1/CDK4/6-dependent cell cycle G1/S arrest. As a result, BML-275 inhibited cellular proliferation and induced mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. In addition, BML-275 treatment triggered autophagy. Interestingly, EACC-mediated suppression of autophagy did not affect BML-275-induced proliferation and apoptosis. Nude mouse tumorigenic experiments also confirmed that BML-275 inhibited PCa growth, induced PCa cell apoptosis and autophagy. Mechanistically, the activities of PI3K/AKT and AMPK pathways were downregulated by BML-275 treatment in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, mTOR, a common downstream negative protein of PI3K/AKT and AMPK signaling, was induced to inactivate, which may be associated with the induction of apoptosis and autophagy. The pharmacological activation of mTOR by MHY1485 abolished the induction of apoptosis and autophagy of BML-275. Molecular docking results showed that BML-275 can bind to the FKRP12-rapamycin binding site on mTOR protein, and thereby may have the same inhibitory activity on mTOR as rapamycin. Thus, these findings indicated that BML-275 induces mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis and autophagy in PCa by targeting mTOR inhibition. BML-275 may be a potential candidate for the treatment of PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangjian Li
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China; Department of Urology, The Central Hospital Affiliated to Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312030, China
| | - Dongzhang Li
- Department of Urology, The Central Hospital Affiliated to Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312030, China
| | - Quan Ma
- Department of Urology, The Central Hospital Affiliated to Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312030, China
| | - Yongliang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Zujian Hu
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Yongheng Bai
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
| | - Liping Xie
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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Guo H, Hu Z, Yang X, Yuan Z, Gao Y, Chen J, Xie L, Chen C, Guo Y, Bai Y. STAT3 inhibition enhances gemcitabine sensitivity in pancreatic cancer by suppressing EMT, immune escape and inducing oxidative stress damage. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 123:110709. [PMID: 37515849 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110709] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly-malignant tumor of the digestive system with a very poor prognosis and high mortality. Chemotherapy and PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade are important treatment strategies for advanced PC. However, chemotherapy resistance and poor therapeutic effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors is are the main clinical problems to be solved urgently at present. The effects of combined application of gemcitabine and STAT3 inhibition on the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of PC cells (PCCs) were investigated. In addition, oxidative stress (OS), ferroptosis, immune escape, and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were evaluated. STAT3 inhibition with Stattic enhanced the inhibitory activity of gemcitabine on PCC proliferation by regulating the cell cycle. STAT3 inhibition enhanced mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis in gemcitabine-treated PCCs, but did not induce autophagy and ferroptosis. Further study showed that the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects may be associated with increased OS damage by inactivating Nrf2-HO-1 signaling, as well as DNA damage by inducing the imbalance between ATM andATR-Chk1 pathway. In addition, STAT3 inhibition strengthened gemcitabine-mediated suppression in PCC invasion and migration by antagonizing Smad2/3-dependent EMT. Moreover, the anti-tumorimmuneresponse of gemcitabine was upregulated by Stattic through reducing the expression of PD-L1 and CD47. Mechanistically, combined application of gemcitabine and Stattic suppressed the phosphorylation and nuclear expression of STAT3. Interestingly, the activities of AKT and β-catenin signaling were also regulated, suggesting that drug combination has a broad-spectrum signal regulation effect. STAT3 inhibition enhanced the sensitivity of PCCs to the chemotherapy drug gemcitabine by suppressing EMT and immune escape and inducing OS damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hangcheng Guo
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China; The 404th Hospital of Mianyang, 621000 Sichuan, China
| | - Zujian Hu
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Xuejia Yang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Ziwei Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Yuanyuan Gao
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Jiawei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Lili Xie
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Chaoyue Chen
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Yangyang Guo
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo 315000, China
| | - Yongheng Bai
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China; National Key Clinical Specialty (General Surgery), The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China.
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Ruan Q, Wen C, Jin G, Yuan Z, Yang X, Wen Z, Huang G, Li G, Deng J, Bai Y. Phloretin-induced STAT3 inhibition suppresses pancreatic cancer growth and progression via enhancing Nrf2 activity. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 118:154990. [PMID: 37494874 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a malignant pancreatic tumor charactered by a rapid progression and high lethal rate. Hyperactivation of STAT3 signaling exerts a vital effect on the growth and progression of PDAC. While dietary flavonoid phloretin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, it remains unclear whether phloretin has anti-tumor effects on PDAC. PURPOSE The focus of the present study is to elucidate the effects of phloretin on PDAC and investigate its underlying molecular mechanisms. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Effect of phloretin were assessed in the pancreatic cancer cells (PCCs) by colony formation assay, real-time cell analysis, flow cytometry, Immunofluorescence staining, and cell migration assay. The expressions of mRNA and protein were respectively analyzed by quantitative PCR and Western blotting. A xenograft model was used to appraise the antitumor efficacy of phloretin. RESULTS Phloretin treatment significantly restrained cell viability and metastasis, induced DNA injury and ROS accumulation, and triggered mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis in PCCs. Mechanistically, phloretin exhibits anti-tumor potential via inactivating STAT3 signaling and enhancing Nrf2 activity. STAT3 overexpression and Nrf2 silencing partially relieved phloretin-induced inhibition on cell growth and metastasis in PCCs. Phloretin remarkably blocked pancreatic tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Phloretin suppresses pancreatic cancer growth and progression through inhibition of STAT3 mediated by enhancing Nrf2 activity. Phloretin may serve as a promising therapeutic agent for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China; National Key Clinical Specialty (General Surgery), The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Chunmei Wen
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China; National Key Clinical Specialty (General Surgery), The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Guihua Jin
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China; National Key Clinical Specialty (General Surgery), The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Ziwei Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Xuejia Yang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Zhikai Wen
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Gang Huang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Guogang Li
- Department of Public Health, Dongyang Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Dongyang People's Hospital, Jinhua 321000, China
| | - Jie Deng
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China; National Key Clinical Specialty (General Surgery), The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China.
| | - Yongheng Bai
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China; National Key Clinical Specialty (General Surgery), The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China.
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9
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Standing D, Feess E, Kodiyalam S, Kuehn M, Hamel Z, Johnson J, Thomas SM, Anant S. The Role of STATs in Ovarian Cancer: Exploring Their Potential for Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092485. [PMID: 37173951 PMCID: PMC10177275 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092485] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OvCa) is a deadly gynecologic malignancy that presents many clinical challenges due to late-stage diagnoses and the development of acquired resistance to standard-of-care treatment protocols. There is an increasing body of evidence suggesting that STATs may play a critical role in OvCa progression, resistance, and disease recurrence, and thus we sought to compile a comprehensive review to summarize the current state of knowledge on the topic. We have examined peer reviewed literature to delineate the role of STATs in both cancer cells and cells within the tumor microenvironment. In addition to summarizing the current knowledge of STAT biology in OvCa, we have also examined the capacity of small molecule inhibitor development to target specific STATs and progress toward clinical applications. From our research, the best studied and targeted factors are STAT3 and STAT5, which has resulted in the development of several inhibitors that are under current evaluation in clinical trials. There remain gaps in understanding the role of STAT1, STAT2, STAT4, and STAT6, due to limited reports in the current literature; as such, further studies to establish their implications in OvCa are necessitated. Moreover, due to the deficiency in our understanding of these STATs, selective inhibitors also remain elusive, and therefore present opportunities for discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Standing
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Emma Feess
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Satvik Kodiyalam
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Michael Kuehn
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Zachary Hamel
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Jaimie Johnson
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Sufi Mary Thomas
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Shrikant Anant
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
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10
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Huang Q, Li J, Ma M, Lv M, Hu R, Sun J, Zhong X, Sun X, Feng W, Ma W, Zhang W, Zhan B, Han Z, Zhou X. High‑throughput screening identification of a small‑molecule compound that induces ferroptosis and attenuates the invasion and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting the STAT3/GPX4 axis. Int J Oncol 2023; 62:42. [PMID: 36825585 PMCID: PMC9946807 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2023.5490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal malignancy. Although considerable efforts have been made in recent years regarding treatments, effective therapeutic drugs for HCC remain insufficient. In the present study, polyphyllin VI was identified as a potential therapeutic drug for HCC by screening natural herbal compounds. The therapeutic effects of polyphyllin VI were assessed using Cell Counting Kit‑8, lactate dehydrogenase release and colony formation assays. The occurrence of ferroptosis was determined by assessing lipid peroxidation by reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde levels, intracellular ferrous iron levels, and the mRNA and protein levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). The migratory and invasive abilities of HCC cells were examined using wound healing and Transwell assays. The results revealed that polyphyllin VI inhibited the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of HCC cells (HCCLM3 and Huh7 cells) by inducing ferroptosis. In addition, through a network pharmacology‑based approach and molecular docking analyses, it was found that polyphyllin VI may target the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). HCC cells were treated with polyphyllin VI or a STAT3 inhibitor (Stattic), both of which exerted similar inhibitory effects on protein expression. Furthermore, immunofluorescence staining revealed that polyphyllin VI significantly inhibited the nuclear translocation of p‑STAT3 in HCC cells. Mechanistically, by the overexpression of STAT3, it was confirmed that STAT3 binds to GPX4 and promotes its protein expression and transcription, whereas polyphyllin VI induces ferroptosis by inhibiting the STAT3/GPX4 axis. Subsequently, in vivo experiments revealed that polyphyllin VI inhibited the growth of subcutaneously transplanted tumors. On the whole, findings of the present study suggest that polyphyllin VI inhibits STAT3 phosphorylation, which inhibits GPX4 expression and induces the ferroptosis of HCC cells, eventually inhibiting their invasion and metastasis. These data suggest that polyphyllin VI may be a candidate for the prevention and treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Huang
- Department of Liver Disease, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, P.R. China,Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, P.R. China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Liver Disease, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, P.R. China,Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, P.R. China,Macau University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Taipa, Macao 999078, P.R. China
| | - Mengqing Ma
- Department of Liver Disease, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, P.R. China,Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, P.R. China
| | - Minling Lv
- Department of Liver Disease, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, P.R. China,Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, P.R. China
| | - Rui Hu
- Department of Liver Disease, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, P.R. China,Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, P.R. China
| | - Jialing Sun
- Department of Liver Disease, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, P.R. China,Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, P.R. China
| | - Xin Zhong
- Department of Liver Disease, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, P.R. China,Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, P.R. China
| | - Xinfeng Sun
- Department of Liver Disease, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, P.R. China,Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, P.R. China
| | - Wenxing Feng
- Department of Liver Disease, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, P.R. China,Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, P.R. China
| | - Wenfeng Ma
- Department of Liver Disease, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, P.R. China,Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Liver Disease, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, P.R. China,Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, P.R. China
| | - Bolin Zhan
- Department of Liver Disease, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, P.R. China,Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, P.R. China
| | - Zhiyi Han
- Department of Liver Disease, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, P.R. China,Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, P.R. China,Correspondence to: Professor Xiaozhou Zhou or Dr Zhiyi Han, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, 1 Fuhua Road, Futian, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, P.R. China, E-mail: , E-mail:
| | - Xiaozhou Zhou
- Department of Liver Disease, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, P.R. China,Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, P.R. China,Macau University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Taipa, Macao 999078, P.R. China,Correspondence to: Professor Xiaozhou Zhou or Dr Zhiyi Han, Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, 1 Fuhua Road, Futian, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, P.R. China, E-mail: , E-mail:
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11
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Dou R, Cai X, Ruan L, Zhang J, Rouzi A, Chen J, Chai Z, Hu Y. Precision Nanomedicines: Targeting Hot Mitochondria in Cancer Cells. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2022; 5:4103-4117. [PMID: 36066886 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.2c00641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrion is a multifunctional organelle in a cell, and it is one of the important targets of antitumor therapy. Conventional mitochondrial targeting strategies can hardly distinguish the mitochondria in cancer cells from those in normal cells, which might raise a concern about the biosafety. Recent studies suggest that a relatively high temperature of mitochondria exists in cancer cells. We named it tumor intrinsic mitochondrial overheating (TIMO). By taking advantage of the difference in mitochondrial temperatures between cancer cells and normal cells, therapeutic agents can be specifically delivered to the mitochondria in cancer cells. Here we will briefly overview the mitochondria-targeted delivery strategies. In addition, the recent discovery of hot mitochondria in cancer cells and the development of mitochondrial temperature-responsive delivery systems for antitumor therapy will be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Dou
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Multi-disciplinary Research Division, Institute of High Energy Physics and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Xiaomeng Cai
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Multi-disciplinary Research Division, Institute of High Energy Physics and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Lifo Ruan
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Multi-disciplinary Research Division, Institute of High Energy Physics and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Jiayu Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Multi-disciplinary Research Division, Institute of High Energy Physics and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Aisha Rouzi
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Multi-disciplinary Research Division, Institute of High Energy Physics and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Jun Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Multi-disciplinary Research Division, Institute of High Energy Physics and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Zhifang Chai
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Multi-disciplinary Research Division, Institute of High Energy Physics and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Yi Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Multi-disciplinary Research Division, Institute of High Energy Physics and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100049, P. R. China
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12
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Sorafenib Chemosensitization by Caryophyllane Sesquiterpenes in Liver, Biliary, and Pancreatic Cancer Cells: The Role of STAT3/ABC Transporter Axis. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14061264. [PMID: 35745837 PMCID: PMC9231089 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061264] [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: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A combination of anticancer drugs and chemosensitizing agents has been approached as a promising strategy to potentiate chemotherapy and reduce toxicity in aggressive and chemoresistant cancers, like hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In the present study, the ability of caryophyllane sesquiterpenes to potentiate sorafenib efficacy was studied in HCC, CCA, and PDAC cell models, focusing on the modulation of STAT3 signaling and ABC transporters; tolerability studies in normal cells were also performed. Results showed that the combination of sorafenib and caryophyllane sesquiterpenes synergized the anticancer drug, especially in pancreatic Bx-PC3 adenocarcinoma cells; a similar trend, although with lower efficacy, was found for the standard ABC transporter inhibitors. Synergistic effects were associated with a modulation of MDR1 (or Pgp) and MRP transporters, both at gene and protein level; moreover, activation of STAT3 cascade and cell migration appeared significantly affected, suggesting that the STAT3/ABC-transporters axis finely regulated efficacy and chemoresistance to sorafenib, thus appearing as a suitable target to overcome drawbacks of sorafenib-based chemotherapy in hepato-biliary-pancreatic cancers. Present findings strengthen the interest in caryophyllane sesquiterpenes as chemosensitizing and chemopreventive agents and contribute to clarifying drug resistance mechanisms in HCC, CCA, and PDAC cancers and to developing possible novel therapeutic strategies.
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