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Liu Q, Cai S, Ye J, Xie Q, Liu R, Qiu L, Lin J. Preclinical evaluation of 68 Ga-labeled peptide CK2 for PET imaging of NRP-1 expression in vivo. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2024; 51:1826-1840. [PMID: 38319321 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-024-06632-x] [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: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is a multifunctional protein involved in a variety of biological processes such as angiogenesis, tumorigenesis and immunomodulation. It was usually overexpressed in many cancer cell lines and correlated with poor prognosis of breast cancer. Positron emission tomography (PET) is an advanced imaging technique for detecting the function and metabolism of tumor-associated molecules in real time, dynamically, quantitatively and noninvasively. To improve the level of early diagnosis and evaluate the prognosis of breast cancer, an NRP-1 targeting peptide-based tracer [68 Ga]Ga-NOTA-PEG4-CK2 was designed to sensitively and specifically detect the NRP-1 expression in vivo via PET imaging. METHODS In silico modeling and microscale thermophoresis (MST) assay were carried out to design the NRP-1 targeting peptide NOTA-PEG4-CK2, and it was further radiolabeled with 68 Ga to prepare the tracer [68 Ga]Ga-NOTA-PEG4-CK2. The radiochemical yield (RCY), radiochemical purity (RCP), molar activity (Am), lipid-water partition coefficient (Log P) and stability of [68 Ga]Ga-NOTA-PEG4-CK2 were assessed. The targeting specificity of the tracer for NRP-1 was investigated by in vitro cellular uptake assay and in vivo PET imaging as well as blocking studies. The sensitivity of the tracer in monitoring the dynamic changes of NRP-1 expression induced by chemical drug was also investigated in vitro and in vivo. Ex vivo biodistribution, autoradiography, western blot, and immunofluorescence staining were also performed to study the specificity of [68 Ga]Ga-NOTA-PEG4-CK2 for NRP-1. RESULTS [68 Ga]Ga-NOTA-PEG4-CK2 was designed and synthesized with high RCY (> 98%), high stability (RCP > 95%) and high affinity to NRP-1 (KD = 25.39 ± 1.65 nM). In vitro cellular uptake assay showed that the tracer [68 Ga]Ga-NOTA-PEG4-CK2 can specifically bind to NRP-1 positive cancer cells MDA-MB-231 (1.04 ± 0.04% at 2 h) rather than NRP-1 negative cancer cells NCI-H1299 (0.43 ± 0.05%). In vivo PET imaging showed the maximum tumor uptake of [68 Ga]Ga-NOTA-PEG4-CK2 in MDA-MB-231 xenografts (4.16 ± 0.67%ID/mL) was significantly higher than that in NCI-H1299 xenografts (1.03 ± 0.19%ID/mL) at 10 min post injection, and the former exhibited higher tumor-to-muscle uptake ratio (5.22 ± 0.18) than the latter (1.07 ± 0.27) at 60 min post injection. MDA-MB-231 xenografts pretreated with nonradioactive precursor NOTA-PEG4-CK2 showed little tumor uptake of [68 Ga]Ga-NOTA-PEG4-CK2 (1.67 ± 0.38%ID/mL at 10 min post injection). Both cellular uptake assay and PET imaging revealed that NRP-1 expression in breast cancer MDA-MB-231 could be effectively suppressed by SB-203580 treatment and can be sensitively detected by [68 Ga]Ga-NOTA-PEG4-CK2. Ex vivo analysis also proved the high specificity and sensitivity of [68 Ga]Ga-NOTA-PEG4-CK2 for NRP-1 expression in MDA-MB-231 xenografts. CONCLUSION A promising NRP-1 targeting PET tracer [68 Ga]Ga-NOTA-PEG4-CK2 was successfully prepared. It showed remarkable specificity and sensitivity in monitoring the dynamic changes of NRP-1 expression. Hence, it could provide valuable information for early diagnosis of NRP-1 relevant cancers and evaluating the prognosis of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingzhu Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi, 214063, China
| | - Shuyue Cai
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi, 214063, China
| | - Jiacong Ye
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Quan Xie
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi, 214063, China
| | - Rongbin Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
| | - Ling Qiu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi, 214063, China.
| | - Jianguo Lin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi, 214063, China.
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Ma X, Liu H, Shi C, Zhao Y, Wang H, Han Z. Bioinformatics analysis and clinical significance of NRP-1 in triple-negative breast cancer. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27368. [PMID: 38495206 PMCID: PMC10943386 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27368] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic values of neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and analyze its immune function in the tumor microenvironment. Methods Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus, Genotype Tissue Expression, Immune Cell Abundance Identifier (ImmuCellAI), Reactome, and Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer databases, the cancer tissues from 50 patients with TNBC and corresponding adjacent noncancerous tissues from 10 patients (tissue microarrays were purchased from Shanghai Xinchao Biotechnology Co., Ltd.) were collected for validation. Bioinformatics combined with immunohistochemistry was used to analyze the relationship among NRP-1 expression, prognosis, tumor immune cell infiltration, immune genes, and drug resistance so as to investigate the role of NRP-1 in the development of TNBC. Results A significant difference in NRP-1 gene expression was found between the cancerous and noncancerous tissues (p-value < 0.05); NRP-1 expression was high in carcinoma. No significant correlation was found between NRP-1 protein expression levels and each stage in the TCGA database. Prognostic expression survival analysis showed that the survival probability of patients with high NRP-1 expression was significantly lower than that of patients with low NRP-1 expression (p-value < 0.05), suggesting that the gene might be a pro-oncogene. The data from 50 clinical samples also confirmed that the NRP-1 expression was significantly higher in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) tissues than in adjacent noncancerous tissues. The NRP-1 expression significantly correlated with the tumor diameter and pathological grade (p-value < 0.05), but not with age, stage, and ki67 (p-value > 0.05). The Kaplan-Meier survival curves suggested that the median overall survival was significantly shorter in patients with high NRP-1 expression than in those with low NRP-1 expression (13.6 months vs 15.2 months, p-value < 0.05). The 300 genes most significantly positively associated with this gene were selected for Gene Ontology (including Biological Process, Molecular Function, and Cellular Component groups) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomics enrichment analysis. The findings showed that NRP-1 was involved in immune regulation in TNBC. In addition, the NRP-1 expression in TNBC positively correlated with a variety of immune cells and checkpoints. Conclusion NRP-1 can be used as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Ma
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221000, China
| | - Haonan Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221000, China
| | - Congcong Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221000, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221000, China
| | - Hongmei Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221000, China
| | - Zhengxiang Han
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221000, China
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Mäenpää N, Tiainen L, Hämäläinen M, Luukkaala T, Tanner M, Lahdenperä O, Vihinen P, Karihtala P, Kellokumpu-Lehtinen PL, Moilanen E, Jukkola A. Neuropilin-1 and placental growth factor as prognostic factors in metastatic breast cancer. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:331. [PMID: 38468231 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12070-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiogenesis is crucial for tumor development, progression, and metastasizing. The most important regulator of angiogenesis is the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family, which is involved in multiple pathways in tumor microenvironment. The objective of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of the VEGF family in patients treated for metastatic breast cancer. The emphasis was on neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF). MATERIALS AND METHODS An analysis of eight members of the VEGF family was performed using baseline plasma samples of 65 patients treated for metastatic HER2 negative breast cancer in a phase II first-line bevacizumab plus chemotherapy trial. The patients were divided into two groups, high or low, according to the median for each VEGF family member. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were determined for each VEGF family member. RESULTS The patients with low plasma levels of NRP-1 and PlGF had a longer OS than those with high plasma levels [multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) 2.54 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11-5.82, p = 0.02) and 3.11 (95% CI 1.30-7.47, p = 0.01), respectively]. The patients with low levels of both NRP-1 and PlGF had a remarkably long OS with HR of 6.24, (95% CI 1.97-19.76, p = 0.002). In addition, high baseline NRP-1 level was associated with a significantly shorter PFS [multivariable adjusted HR 2.90 (95% CI 1.02-8.28, p = 0.04)] than that in the low-level group, and a high baseline vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 level was associated with a longer PFS [multivariable adjusted HR 0.43 (95% CI 0.19-0.98, p = 0.04)]. CONCLUSION Especially NRP-1 and PlGF have prognostic potential in metastatic breast cancer patients treated with a bevacizumab-taxane combination. Patients with low plasma levels of NRP-1 or PlGF have longer OS than patients with high levels. Patients with both low NRP-1 and PlGF levels appear to have excellent long-term survival. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00979641, registration date 18/09/2009. The regional Ethics Committee: R08142M, registration date 18/11/2008.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niina Mäenpää
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, FI-33014, Tampere, Finland.
- Department of Oncology, Tays Cancer Centre, Tampere University Hospital, FICAN Mid, Teiskontie 35, FI-33521, Tampere, Finland.
| | - Leena Tiainen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, FI-33014, Tampere, Finland
- Department of Oncology, Tays Cancer Centre, Tampere University Hospital, FICAN Mid, Teiskontie 35, FI-33521, Tampere, Finland
| | - Mari Hämäläinen
- The Immunopharmacology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere University, 33014, Tampere, P.O. Box 100, Finland
| | - Tiina Luukkaala
- Research, Development and Innovation Center, Tampere University Hospital, Teiskontie 35, FI-33521, Tampere, Finland
- Health Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, FI-33521, Tampere, P.O. Box 2000, Finland
| | - Minna Tanner
- Department of Oncology, Tays Cancer Centre, Tampere University Hospital, FICAN Mid, Teiskontie 35, FI-33521, Tampere, Finland
| | - Outi Lahdenperä
- FICAN West Cancer Centre, Turku University Hospital, 20521, Turku, P.O. Box 52, Finland
| | - Pia Vihinen
- FICAN West Cancer Centre, Turku University Hospital, 20521, Turku, P.O. Box 52, Finland
| | - Peeter Karihtala
- Department of Oncology, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Centre, University of Helsinki, FI-00029, Helsinki, P.O. Box 180, Finland
| | - Pirkko-Liisa Kellokumpu-Lehtinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, FI-33014, Tampere, Finland
- Research, Development and Innovation Center, Tampere University Hospital, Teiskontie 35, FI-33521, Tampere, Finland
| | - Eeva Moilanen
- The Immunopharmacology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere University, 33014, Tampere, P.O. Box 100, Finland
| | - Arja Jukkola
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, FI-33014, Tampere, Finland
- Department of Oncology, Tays Cancer Centre, Tampere University Hospital, FICAN Mid, Teiskontie 35, FI-33521, Tampere, Finland
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Capela AM, Tavares-Marcos C, Estima-Arede HF, Nóbrega-Pereira S, Bernardes de Jesus B. NORAD-Regulated Signaling Pathways in Breast Cancer Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:636. [PMID: 38339387 PMCID: PMC10854850 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNA activated by DNA damage (NORAD) has recently been associated with pathologic mechanisms underlying cancer progression. Due to NORAD's extended range of interacting partners, there has been contradictory data on its oncogenic or tumor suppressor roles in BC. This review will summarize the function of NORAD in different BC subtypes and how NORAD impacts crucial signaling pathways in this pathology. Through the preferential binding to pumilio (PUM) proteins PUM1 and PUM2, NORAD has been shown to be involved in the control of cell cycle, angiogenesis, mitosis, DNA replication and transcription and protein translation. More recently, NORAD has been associated with PUM-independent roles, accomplished by interacting with other ncRNAs, mRNAs and proteins. The intricate network of NORAD-mediated signaling pathways may provide insights into the potential design of novel unexplored strategies to overcome chemotherapy resistance in BC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sandrina Nóbrega-Pereira
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine—iBiMED, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (A.M.C.); (C.T.-M.); (H.F.E.-A.)
| | - Bruno Bernardes de Jesus
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine—iBiMED, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (A.M.C.); (C.T.-M.); (H.F.E.-A.)
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Oldak L, Lukaszewski Z, Leśniewska A, Goławski K, Laudański P, Gorodkiewicz E. Development of an SPRi Test for the Quantitative Detection of Cadherin 12 in Human Plasma and Peritoneal Fluid. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16894. [PMID: 38069216 PMCID: PMC10706750 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316894] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
A new method for the determination of cadherin 12 (CDH12)-an adhesive protein that has a significant impact on the development, growth, and movement of cancer cells-was developed and validated. The method is based on a biosensor using surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi) detection. A quartz crystal microbalance was used to analyze the characteristics of the formation of successive layers of the biosensor, from the linker monolayer to the final capture of CDH12 from solution. The association equilibrium constant (KA = 1.66 × 1011 dm3 mol-1) and the dissociation equilibrium constant (KD = 7.52 × 10-12 mol dm-3) of the anti-CDH12 antibody-CDH12 protein complex were determined. The determined analytical parameters, namely the values determining the accuracy, precision, and repeatability of the method, do not exceed the permissible 20% deviations specified by the aforementioned institutions. The proposed method is also selective with respect to possible potential interferents, occurring in up to 100-fold excess concentration relative to the CDH12 concentration. The determined Limit of Quantification (LOQ = 4.92 pg mL-1) indicates the possibility of performing quantitative analysis in human plasma or peritoneal fluid without the need to concentrate the samples; however, particular attention should be paid to their storage conditions, as the analyte does not exhibit high stability. The Passing-Bablok regression model revealed good agreement between the reference method and the SPRi biosensor, with ρSpearman values of 0.961 and 0.925.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz Oldak
- Bioanalysis Laboratory, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Bialystok, Ciolkowskiego 1K, 15-245 Bialystok, Poland (E.G.)
| | - Zenon Lukaszewski
- Faculty of Chemical Technology, Poznan University of Technology, pl. Sklodowskiej-Curie 5, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Anna Leśniewska
- Bioanalysis Laboratory, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Bialystok, Ciolkowskiego 1K, 15-245 Bialystok, Poland (E.G.)
| | - Ksawery Goławski
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Laudański
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
- OVIklinika Infertility Center, 01-377 Warsaw, Poland
- Women’s Health Research Institute, Calisia University, 62-800 Kalisz, Poland
| | - Ewa Gorodkiewicz
- Bioanalysis Laboratory, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Bialystok, Ciolkowskiego 1K, 15-245 Bialystok, Poland (E.G.)
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Al-Zeheimi N, Gao Y, Greer PA, Adham SA. Neuropilin-1 Knockout and Rescue Confirms Its Role to Promote Metastasis in MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097792. [PMID: 37175499 PMCID: PMC10178772 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) metastasis remains a leading cause of female mortality. Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is a glycoprotein receptor that plays ligand-dependent roles in BC. Clinical studies indicate its correlation with metastatic disease; however, its functional role in BC metastasis remains uncertain. CRISPR-Cas9 was used to knockout the NRP-1 gene in MDA-MB-231 BC cells, and the effects on metastasis were determined using an orthotopic mouse engraftment model. NRP-1 expression in knockout cells was rescued using a recombinant cDNA with a silent mutation in the sgRNA target-adjacent PAM sequence. Differentially expressed genes between NRP-1 knockout and control cells were determined using whole-transcriptome sequencing and validated using real-time PCR. NRP-1KO cells showed a pronounced reduction in the metastasis to the lungs. KEGG pathway analysis of the transcriptome data revealed that PI3K and ECM receptor interactions were among the top altered pathways in the NRP-1KO cells. In addition, reduction in metastasis enhancers proteins, Integrin-β3 and Tenascin-C, and genes CCL20 and FN1 and upregulation of metastasis suppressor genes, ACVRL and GPX3 in NRP-1KO were detected. These findings provide evidence for a functional role for NRP-1 in BC metastasis, supporting further exploration of NRP-1 and the identified genes as targets in treating metastatic BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noura Al-Zeheimi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman
| | - Yan Gao
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Peter A Greer
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Sirin A Adham
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman
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Transcytosable Peptide-Paclitaxel Prodrug Nanoparticle for Targeted Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054646. [PMID: 36902076 PMCID: PMC10003159 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an extremely aggressive subtype associated with a poor prognosis. At present, the treatment for TNBC mainly relies on surgery and traditional chemotherapy. As a key component in the standard treatment of TNBC, paclitaxel (PTX) effectively inhibits the growth and proliferation of tumor cells. However, the application of PTX in clinical treatment is limited due to its inherent hydrophobicity, weak penetrability, nonspecific accumulation, and side effects. To counter these problems, we constructed a novel PTX conjugate based on the peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs) strategy. In this PTX conjugate, a novel fused peptide TAR consisting of a tumor-targeting peptide, A7R, and a cell-penetrating peptide, TAT, is used to modify PTX. After modification, this conjugate is named PTX-SM-TAR, which is expected to improve the specificity and penetrability of PTX at the tumor site. Depending on hydrophilic TAR peptide and hydrophobic PTX, PTX-SM-TAR can self-assemble into nanoparticles and improve the water solubility of PTX. In terms of linkage, the acid- and esterase-sensitive ester bond was used as the linking bond, with which PTX-SM-TAR NPs could remain stable in the physiological environment, whereas PTX-SM-TAR NPs could be broken and PTX be released at the tumor site. A cell uptake assay showed that PTX-SM-TAR NPs were receptor-targeting and could mediate endocytosis by binding to NRP-1. The vascular barrier, transcellular migration, and tumor spheroids experiments showed that PTX-SM-TAR NPs exhibit great transvascular transport and tumor penetration ability. In vivo experiments, PTX-SM-TAR NPs showed higher antitumor effects than PTX. As a result, PTX-SM-TAR NPs may overcome the shortcomings of PTX and present a new transcytosable and targeted delivery system for PTX in TNBC treatment.
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Qian Y, Yang T, Liang H, Deng M. Myeloid checkpoints for cancer immunotherapy. Chin J Cancer Res 2022; 34:460-482. [PMID: 36398127 PMCID: PMC9646457 DOI: 10.21147/j.issn.1000-9604.2022.05.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloid checkpoints are receptors on the myeloid cell surface which can mediate inhibitory signals to modulate anti-tumor immune activities. They can either inhibit cellular phagocytosis or suppress T cells and are thus involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases. In the tumor microenvironment, besides killing tumor cells by phagocytosis or activating anti-tumor immunity by tumor antigen presentation, myeloid cells could execute pro-tumor efficacies through myeloid checkpoints by interacting with counter-receptors on other immune cells or cancer cells. In summary, myeloid checkpoints may be promising therapeutic targets for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Qian
- Peking University International Cancer Institute, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ting Yang
- Peking University International Cancer Institute, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Huan Liang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Mi Deng
- Peking University International Cancer Institute, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Peking University, Beijing 100142, China
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Klotz DM, Kuhlmann JD, Link T, Goeckenjan M, Hofbauer LC, Göbel A, Rachner TD, Wimberger P. Clinical impact of soluble Neuropilin-1 in ovarian cancer patients and its association with its circulating ligands of the HGF/c-MET axis. Front Oncol 2022; 12:974885. [PMID: 36338759 PMCID: PMC9635484 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.974885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropilin (NRP) is a transmembrane protein, which has been shown to be a pro-angiogenic mediator and implicated as a potential driver of cancer progression. NRP-1 up-regulation in ovarian cancer tissue predicts poor prognosis. However, the clinical relevance of the soluble form of NRP-1 (sNRP-1) as a circulating biomarker in ovarian cancer patients is unknown. METHODS/PATIENTS COHORT sNRP-1 levels were quantified in a cohort of 88 clinically documented ovarian cancer patients by a commercially available sNRP-1 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (Biomedica, Vienna, Austria). Patients (81.8% with FIGOIII/IV) received primary cytoreductive surgery with the aim of macroscopic complete resection (achieved in 55.7% of patients) and the recommendation of adjuvant chemotherapy in line with national guidelines. RESULTS Higher levels of sNRP-1 reflected more advanced disease (FIGO III/IV) and indicated a trend towards suboptimal surgical outcome, i.e. any residual tumor. sNRP-1 was neither related to the patients' age nor the BRCA1/2 mutational status. Patients with higher sNRP-1 levels at primary diagnosis had a significantly reduced progression-free survival (PFS) (HR = 0.541, 95%CI: 0.304 - 0.963; p = 0.037) and overall survival (OS) (HR = 0.459, 95%CI: 0.225 - 0.936; p = 0.032). Principal component analysis showed that sNRP-1 levels were unrelated to the circulating hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and the soluble ectodomain of its receptor the tyrosine kinase mesenchymal-epithelial transition (c-MET), suggesting that there is no proportional serological concentration gradient of soluble components of the NRP-1/HGF/c-MET signaling axis. CONCLUSIONS In line with the previously shown tissue-based prognostic role, we demonstrated for the first time that sNRP-1 can also act as a readily accessible, prognostic biomarker in the circulation of patients with ovarian cancer at primary diagnosis. Given its known role in angiogenesis and conferring resistance to the poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor olaparib in vitro, our results encourage more detailed investigation into sNRP-1 as a potential predictive biomarker for bevacizumab and/or PARP-inhibitor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Martin Klotz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Dresden, Germany: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
| | - Jan Dominik Kuhlmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Dresden, Germany: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
| | - Theresa Link
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Dresden, Germany: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
| | - Maren Goeckenjan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Dresden, Germany: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
| | - Lorenz C. Hofbauer
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Dresden, Germany: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Bone Diseases, Department of Medicine III, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Andy Göbel
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Dresden, Germany: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Bone Diseases, Department of Medicine III, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Tilman D. Rachner
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Dresden, Germany: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Bone Diseases, Department of Medicine III, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Pauline Wimberger
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Dresden, Germany: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
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10
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He P, Lei Q, Yang B, Shang T, Shi J, Ouyang Q, Wang W, Xue L, Kong F, Li Z, Huang J, Liu L, Guo J, Brinker CJ, Liu K, Zhu W. Dual-Stage Irradiation of Size-Switchable Albumin Nanocluster for Cascaded Tumor Enhanced Penetration and Photothermal Therapy. ACS NANO 2022; 16:13919-13932. [PMID: 36082976 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c02965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) microenvironment makes a feature of aberrant vasculature, high interstitial pressure, and compact extracellular matrix, which combine to reduce the delivery and penetration of therapeutic agents, bringing about incomplete elimination of cancer cells. Herein, employing the tumor penetration strategy of size-shrinkage combined with ligand modification, we constructed a photothermal nanocluster for cascaded deep penetration in tumor parenchyma and efficient eradication of TNBC cells. In our approach, the photothermal agent indocyanine green (ICG) is laded in human serum albumin (HSA), which is cross-linked by a thermally labile azo linker (VA057) and then further modified with a tumor homing/penetrating tLyP-1 peptide (HP), resulting in a TNBC-targeting photothermal-responsive size-switchable albumin nanocluster (ICG@HSA-Azo-HP). Aided by the enhanced permeability and retention effect and guidance of HP, the ca. 149 nm nanoclusters selectively accumulate in the tumor site and then, upon mild irradiation with the 808 nm laser, disintegrate into 11 nm albumin fractions that possess enhanced intratumoral diffusion ability. Meanwhile, HP initiates the CendR pathway among the nutrient-deficient tumor cells and facilitates the transcellular delivery of the nanocluster and its disintegrated fractions for subsequent therapy. By employing this size-shrinkage and peptide-initiated transcytosis strategy, ICG@HSA-Azo-HP possesses excellent penetration capabilities and shows extensive penetration depth in three-dimensional multicellular tumor spheroids after irradiation. Moreover, with a superior photothermal conversion effect, the tumor-penetrating nanocluster can implement effective photothermal therapy throughout the tumor tissue under a second robust irradiation. Both in vivo orthotopic and ectopic TNBC therapy confirmed the efficient tumor inhibition of ICG@HSA-Azo-HP after dual-stage irradiation. The synergistic penetration strategy of on-demanded size-shrinkage and ligand guidance accompanied by clinically feasible NIR irradiation provides a promising approach for deep-penetrating TNBC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiying He
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Lei
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Yang
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital; Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou511436, People's Republic of China
| | - Tongyi Shang
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital; Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou511436, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianjun Shi
- Science and Technology on Advanced Functional Composites Technology, Aerospace Research Institute of Materials & Processing Technology, Beijing100076, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Ouyang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplant Center, The General Hospital of Southern Theater, Guangzhou510010, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Wang
- Science and Technology on Advanced Functional Composites Technology, Aerospace Research Institute of Materials & Processing Technology, Beijing100076, People's Republic of China
| | - Liecong Xue
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Fanhui Kong
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Zeyu Li
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Junda Huang
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Lihan Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Guangdong Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Jimin Guo
- Center for Micro-Engineered Materials and the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico87131, United States
| | - C Jeffrey Brinker
- Center for Micro-Engineered Materials and the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico87131, United States
| | - Kaisheng Liu
- Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen518020, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhu
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou510006, People's Republic of China
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11
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Neuropilin (NRPs) Related Pathological Conditions and Their Modulators. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158402. [PMID: 35955539 PMCID: PMC9368954 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropilin 1 (NRP1) represents one of the two homologous neuropilins (NRP, splice variants of neuropilin 2 are the other) found in all vertebrates. It forms a transmembrane glycoprotein distributed in many human body tissues as a (co)receptor for a variety of different ligands. In addition to its physiological role, it is also associated with various pathological conditions. Recently, NRP1 has been discovered as a coreceptor for the SARS-CoV-2 viral entry, along with ACE2, and has thus become one of the COVID-19 research foci. However, in addition to COVID-19, the current review also summarises its other pathological roles and its involvement in clinical diseases like cancer and neuropathic pain. We also discuss the diversity of native NRP ligands and perform a joint analysis. Last but not least, we review the therapeutic roles of NRP1 and introduce a series of NRP1 modulators, which are typical peptidomimetics or other small molecule antagonists, to provide the medicinal chemistry community with a state-of-the-art overview of neuropilin modulator design and NRP1 druggability assessment.
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12
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Pullan J, Dailey K, Bhallamudi S, Feng L, Alhalhooly L, Froberg J, Osborn J, Sarkar K, Molden T, Sathish V, Choi Y, Brooks A, Mallik S. Modified Bovine Milk Exosomes for Doxorubicin Delivery to Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2022; 5:2163-2175. [PMID: 35417133 PMCID: PMC9245909 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.2c00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Biological nanoparticles, such as exosomes, offer an approach to drug delivery because of their innate ability to transport biomolecules. Exosomes are derived from cells and an integral component of cellular communication. However, the cellular cargo of human exosomes could negatively impact their use as a safe drug carrier. Additionally, exosomes have the intrinsic yet enigmatic, targeting characteristics of complex cellular communication. Hence, harnessing the natural transport abilities of exosomes for drug delivery requires predictably targeting these biological nanoparticles. This manuscript describes the use of two chemical modifications, incorporating a neuropilin receptor agonist peptide (iRGD) and a hypoxia-responsive lipid for targeting and release of an encapsulated drug from bovine milk exosomes to triple-negative breast cancer cells. Triple-negative breast cancer is a very aggressive and deadly form of malignancy with limited treatment options. Incorporation of both the iRGD peptide and hypoxia-responsive lipid into the lipid bilayer of bovine milk exosomes and encapsulation of the anticancer drug, doxorubicin, created the peptide targeted, hypoxia-responsive bovine milk exosomes, iDHRX. Initial studies confirmed the presence of iRGD peptide and the exosomes' ability to target the αvβ3 integrin, overexpressed on triple-negative breast cancer cells' surface. These modified exosomes were stable under normoxic conditions but fragmented in the reducing microenvironment created by 10 mM glutathione. In vitro cellular internalization studies in monolayer and three-dimensional (3D) spheroids of triple-negative breast cancer cells confirmed the cell-killing ability of iDHRX. Cell viability of 50% was reached at 10 μM iDHRX in the 3D spheroid models using four different triple-negative breast cancer cell lines. Overall, the tumor penetrating, hypoxia-responsive exosomes encapsulating doxorubicin would be effective in reducing triple-negative breast cancer cells' survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Pullan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58105 United States
| | - Kaitlin Dailey
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58105 United States
| | - Sangeeta Bhallamudi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58105 United States
| | - Li Feng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58105 United States
| | - Lina Alhalhooly
- Department of Physics, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58105 United States
| | - Jamie Froberg
- Department of Physics, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58105 United States
| | - Jenna Osborn
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia 20052 United States
| | - Kausik Sarkar
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia 20052 United States
| | - Todd Molden
- Department of Animal Science, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58105 United States
| | - Venkatachalem Sathish
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58105 United States
| | - Yongki Choi
- Department of Physics, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58105 United States
| | - Amanda Brooks
- Office of Research and Scholarly Activity, Rocky Vista University, Ivins, Utah 84738 United States
| | - Sanku Mallik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58105 United States
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13
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Tu CF, Li FA, Li LH, Yang RB. Quantitative glycoproteomics analysis identifies novel FUT8 targets and signaling networks critical for breast cancer cell invasiveness. Breast Cancer Res 2022; 24:21. [PMID: 35303925 PMCID: PMC8932202 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-022-01513-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We recently showed that fucosyltransferase 8 (FUT8)-mediated core fucosylation of transforming growth factor-β receptor enhances its signaling and promotes breast cancer invasion and metastasis. However, the complete FUT8 target glycoproteins and their downstream signaling networks critical for breast cancer progression remain largely unknown. METHOD We performed quantitative glycoproteomics with two highly invasive breast cancer cell lines to unravel a comprehensive list of core-fucosylated glycoproteins by comparison to parental wild-type and FUT8-knockout counterpart cells. In addition, ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) was performed to highlight the most enriched biological functions and signaling pathways mediated by FUT8 targets. Novel FUT8 target glycoproteins with biological interest were functionally studied and validated by using LCA (Lens culinaris agglutinin) blotting and LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) analysis. RESULTS Loss-of-function studies demonstrated that FUT8 knockout suppressed the invasiveness of highly aggressive breast carcinoma cells. Quantitative glycoproteomics identified 140 common target glycoproteins. Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) of these target proteins gave a global and novel perspective on signaling networks essential for breast cancer cell migration and invasion. In addition, we showed that core fucosylation of integrin αvβ5 or IL6ST might be crucial for breast cancer cell adhesion to vitronectin or enhanced cellular signaling to interleukin 6 and oncostatin M, two cytokines implicated in the breast cancer epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis. CONCLUSIONS Our report reveals a comprehensive list of core-fucosylated target proteins and provides novel insights into signaling networks crucial for breast cancer progression. These findings will assist in deciphering the complex molecular mechanisms and developing diagnostic or therapeutic approaches targeting these signaling pathways in breast cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Fen Tu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Rd., Sec. 2, Taipei, 115201, Taiwan
| | - Fu-An Li
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Rd., Sec. 2, Taipei, 115201, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Hui Li
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Rd., Sec. 2, Taipei, 115201, Taiwan
| | - Ruey-Bing Yang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Rd., Sec. 2, Taipei, 115201, Taiwan. .,Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115202, Taiwan. .,Ph.D. Program in Drug Discovery and Development Industry, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110301, Taiwan.
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14
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Čelešnik H, Potočnik U. Peripheral Blood Transcriptome in Breast Cancer Patients as a Source of Less Invasive Immune Biomarkers for Personalized Medicine, and Implications for Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030591. [PMID: 35158858 PMCID: PMC8833511 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030591] [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: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive and heterogeneous breast cancer (BC) type which is difficult to treat and accompanied by disease recurrence. A better understanding of TNBC and the identification of novel biomarkers is needed to facilitate clinical decisions. Immune-related biomarkers are of particular interest, since immune responses play an important role in BC outcome. Transcriptome studies of peripheral blood cells can help us to understand the systemic immune responses to cancer cells and the mechanisms underlying cancer initiation and progression. They enable the identification of novel immune biomarkers for early cancer detection and personalized BC management and may bring forward new immunotherapy options. Recent transcriptome analyses of peripheral blood cells have delineated novel BC-patient immune subgroups. This categorization has implications for cancer prognosis, the identification of patients likely to benefit from immunotherapy, and treatment efficacy monitoring. Additionally, transcriptome studies have identified TNBC-enriched blood transcriptional signatures that can differentiate TNBC from other classical BC subtypes. Abstract Transcriptome studies of peripheral blood cells can advance our understanding of the systemic immune response to the presence of cancer and the mechanisms underlying cancer onset and progression. This enables the identification of novel minimally invasive immune biomarkers for early cancer detection and personalized cancer management and may bring forward new immunotherapy options. Recent blood gene expression analyses in breast cancer (BC) identified distinct patient subtypes that differed in the immune reaction to cancer and were distinct from the clinical BC subtypes, which are categorized based on expression of specific receptors on tumor cells. Introducing new BC subtypes based on peripheral blood gene expression profiles may be appropriate, since it may assist in BC prognosis, the identification of patients likely to benefit from immunotherapy, and treatment efficacy monitoring. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive, heterogeneous, and difficult-to-treat disease, and identification of novel biomarkers for this BC is crucial for clinical decision-making. A few studies have reported TNBC-enriched blood transcriptional signatures, mostly related to strong inflammation and augmentation of altered immune signaling, that can differentiate TNBC from other classical BC subtypes and facilitate diagnosis. Future research is geared toward transitioning from expression signatures in unfractionated blood cells to those in immune cell subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Čelešnik
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova Ulica 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia;
- Center for Human Genetics & Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska Ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Uroš Potočnik
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova Ulica 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia;
- Center for Human Genetics & Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska Ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Department for Science and Research, University Medical Centre Maribor, Ljubljanska Ulica 5, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +386-2-330-5874
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15
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Pawlak JB, Blobe GC. TGF-β superfamily co-receptors in cancer. Dev Dyn 2022; 251:137-163. [PMID: 33797167 PMCID: PMC8484463 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily signaling via their cognate receptors is frequently modified by TGF-β superfamily co-receptors. Signaling through SMAD-mediated pathways may be enhanced or depressed depending on the specific co-receptor and cell context. This dynamic effect on signaling is further modified by the release of many of the co-receptors from the membrane to generate soluble forms that are often antagonistic to the membrane-bound receptors. The co-receptors discussed here include TβRIII (betaglycan), endoglin, BAMBI, CD109, SCUBE proteins, neuropilins, Cripto-1, MuSK, and RGMs. Dysregulation of these co-receptors can lead to altered TGF-β superfamily signaling that contributes to the pathophysiology of many cancers through regulation of growth, metastatic potential, and the tumor microenvironment. Here we describe the role of several TGF-β superfamily co-receptors on TGF-β superfamily signaling and the impact on cellular and physiological functions with a particular focus on cancer, including a discussion on recent pharmacological advances and potential clinical applications targeting these co-receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gerard C. Blobe
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center,Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center,Corresponding author: Gerard Blobe, B354 LSRC, Box 91004 DUMC, Durham, NC 27708, , 919-668-1352
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16
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Chuckran CA, Liu C, Bruno TC, Workman CJ, Vignali DA. Neuropilin-1: a checkpoint target with unique implications for cancer immunology and immunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 8:jitc-2020-000967. [PMID: 32675311 PMCID: PMC7368550 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-000967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Checkpoint blockade immunotherapy established a new paradigm in cancer treatment: for certain patients curative treatment requires immune reinvigoration. Despite this monumental advance, only 20%–30% of patients achieve an objective response to standard of care immunotherapy, necessitating the consideration of alternative targets. Optimal strategies will not only stimulate CD8+ T cells, but concomitantly modulate immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), most notably regulatory T cells (Treg cells). In this context, the immunoregulatory receptor Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) is garnering renewed attention as it reinforces intratumoral Treg cell function amidst inflammation in the TME. Loss of NRP1 on Treg cells in mouse models restores antitumor immunity without sacrificing peripheral tolerance. Enrichment of NRP1+ Treg cells is observed in patients across multiple malignancies with cancer, both intratumorally and in peripheral sites. Thus, targeting NRP1 may safely undermine intratumoral Treg cell fitness, permitting enhanced inflammatory responses with existing immunotherapies. Furthermore, NRP1 has been recently found to modulate tumor-specific CD8+ T cell responses. Emerging data suggest that NRP1 restricts CD8+ T cell reinvigoration in response to checkpoint inhibitors, and more importantly, acts as a barrier to the long-term durability of CD8+ T cell-mediated tumor immunosurveillance. These novel and distinct regulatory mechanisms present an exciting therapeutic opportunity. This review will discuss the growing literature on NRP1-mediated immune modulation which provides a strong rationale for categorizing NRP1 as both a key checkpoint in the TME as well as an immunotherapeutic target with promise either alone or in combination with current standard of care therapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Chuckran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Tumor Microenvironment Center and the Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Graduate Program of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Tumor Microenvironment Center and the Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tullia C Bruno
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Tumor Microenvironment Center and the Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Creg J Workman
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Tumor Microenvironment Center and the Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Dario Aa Vignali
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA .,Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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17
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Ruggiero D, Nutile T, Nappo S, Tirozzi A, Bellenguez C, Leutenegger AL, Ciullo M. Genetics of PlGF plasma levels highlights a role of its receptors and supports the link between angiogenesis and immunity. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16821. [PMID: 34413389 PMCID: PMC8376970 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96256-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Placental growth factor (PlGF) is a member of the vascular endothelial growth factor family and is involved in bone marrow-derived cell activation, endothelial stimulation and pathological angiogenesis. High levels of PlGF have been observed in several pathological conditions especially in cancer, cardiovascular, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Little is known about the genetics of circulating PlGF levels. Indeed, although the heritability of circulating PlGF levels is around 40%, no studies have assessed the relation between PlGF plasma levels and genetic variants at a genome-wide level. In the current study, PlGF plasma levels were measured in a population-based sample of 2085 adult individuals from three isolated populations of South Italy. A GWAS was performed in a discovery cohort (N = 1600), followed by a de novo replication (N = 468) from the same populations. The meta-analysis of the discovery and replication samples revealed one signal significantly associated with PlGF circulating levels. This signal was mapped to the PlGF co-receptor coding gene NRP1, indicating its important role in modulating the PlGF plasma levels. Two additional signals, at the PlGF receptor coding gene FLT1 and RAPGEF5 gene, were identified at a suggestive level. Pathway and TWAS analyses highlighted genes known to be involved in angiogenesis and immune response, supporting the link between these processes and PlGF regulation. Overall, these data improve our understanding of the genetic variation underlying circulating PlGF levels. This in turn could lead to new preventive and therapeutic strategies for a wide variety of PlGF-related pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Ruggiero
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "A. Buzzati-Traverso", National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131, Naples, Italy.
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy.
| | - Teresa Nutile
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "A. Buzzati-Traverso", National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Celine Bellenguez
- CHU Lille, U1167 - Labex DISTALZ - RID-AGE - Risk Factors and Molecular Determinants of Aging-Related Diseases, Inserm, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Univ. Lille, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Anne-Louise Leutenegger
- UMR 946, Genetic Variation and Human Diseases, Inserm, 75010, Paris, France
- UMR946, Université Paris-Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75010, Paris, France
| | - Marina Ciullo
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "A. Buzzati-Traverso", National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131, Naples, Italy.
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy.
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18
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Naik A, Decock J. Targeting of lactate dehydrogenase C dysregulates the cell cycle and sensitizes breast cancer cells to DNA damage response targeted therapy. Mol Oncol 2021; 16:885-903. [PMID: 34050611 PMCID: PMC8847988 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13024] [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: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The cancer testis antigen (CTA) lactate dehydrogenase C (LDHC) is a promising anticancer target with tumor-specific expression and immunogenicity. Interrogation of breast cancer patient cohorts from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) indicate that upregulation of LDHC expression correlates with unfavorable prognosis. Although the role of LDHC is well characterized in spermatocytes, its role in tumors remains largely unknown. We investigated whether LDHC is involved in regulating genomic stability and whether it could be targeted to affect tumor cellular fitness. Silencing LDHC in four breast cancer cell lines significantly increased the presence of giant cells, nuclear aberrations, DNA damage, and apoptosis. LDHC-silenced cells demonstrated aberrant cell cycle progression with differential expression of cell cycle checkpoint and DNA damage response regulators. In addition, LDHC silencing-induced microtubule destabilization, culminating in increased mitotic catastrophe and reduced long-term survival. Notably, the clonogenicity of LDHC-silenced cells was further reduced by treatment with the poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor olaparib and with the DNA-damaging drug cisplatin. This study supports the therapeutic potential of targeting LDHC to mitigate cancer cell survival and improve sensitivity to agents that cause DNA damage or inhibit its repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adviti Naik
- Translational Cancer and Immunity Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
| | - Julie Decock
- Translational Cancer and Immunity Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
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19
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Rachner TD, Kasimir-Bauer S, Goebel A, Erdmann K, Hoffmann O, Rauner M, Hofbauer LC, Kimmig R, Bittner AK. Soluble Neuropilin-1 is an independent marker of poor prognosis in early breast cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2021; 147:2233-2238. [PMID: 33884469 PMCID: PMC8236462 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-021-03635-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Background Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is a transmembrane protein that acts as a multifunctional non-tyrosine kinase receptor with an established role in development and immunity. NRP-1 also regulates tumor biology, and high expression levels of tissue NRP-1 have been associated with a poor prognosis. Recently, ELISA-based quantification of soluble NRP-1 (sNRP-1) has become available, but little is known about the prognostic value of sNRP-1 in malignancies. Materials and methods We measured sNRP-1 in the serum of 509 patients with primary early breast cancer (BC) at the time of diagnosis using ELISA. Results Mean serum values of sNRP-1 were 1.88 ± 0.52 nmol/l (= 130.83 ± 36.24 ng/ml). SNRP-1 levels weakly correlated with age, and were higher in peri- and postmenopausal patients compared to premenopausal patients, respectively (p < 0.0001). Low levels of sNRP-1 were associated with a significant survival benefit compared to high sNRP-1 levels at baseline (p = 0.005; HR 1.94; 95%CI 1.23–3.06). These findings remained significant after adjustment for tumor stage including lymph node involvement, grading, hormone receptor, HER2 status, and age (p = 0.022; HR 1.78; 95%CI 1.09–2.91). Conclusion Our findings warrant further investigations into the prognostic and therapeutic potential of sNRP-1 in BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilman D Rachner
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Bone Diseases, Diabetes and Bone Diseases, Department of Medicine III, TU Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany. .,Center for Healthy Ageing, Department of Medicine III, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany. .,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Sabine Kasimir-Bauer
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Andy Goebel
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Bone Diseases, Diabetes and Bone Diseases, Department of Medicine III, TU Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany.,Center for Healthy Ageing, Department of Medicine III, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Department of Urology, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Kati Erdmann
- Department of Urology, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Dresden, Germany
| | - Oliver Hoffmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Martina Rauner
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Bone Diseases, Diabetes and Bone Diseases, Department of Medicine III, TU Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany.,Center for Healthy Ageing, Department of Medicine III, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Department of Urology, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Lorenz C Hofbauer
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Bone Diseases, Diabetes and Bone Diseases, Department of Medicine III, TU Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany.,Center for Healthy Ageing, Department of Medicine III, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Department of Urology, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Rainer Kimmig
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Bittner
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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20
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Zhang J, Zhang X, Li Z, Wang Q, Shi Y, Jiang X, Sun X. The miR-124-3p/Neuropilin-1 Axis Contributes to the Proliferation and Metastasis of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells and Co-Activates the TGF-β Pathway. Front Oncol 2021; 11:654672. [PMID: 33912463 PMCID: PMC8072051 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.654672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for 90% of breast cancer-associated mortality. Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) acts as a non-tyrosine kinase receptor for several cellular signaling pathways involved in the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells. However, the miRNAs that regulate NRP-1 expression and the underlying mechanisms in TNBC cells remain unclear. In the present study, we found that TNBC cells expressed higher levels of NRP-1 than non-TNBC cells. Stable transfectants depleted of NRP-1 were generated from two TNBC cell lines, human MDA-MB-231 and mouse 4T1 cells. NRP-1 depletion significantly suppressed the proliferation of TNBC cells by arresting the cell cycle at phase G0/G1 by upregulating p27 and downregulating cyclin E and cyclin-dependent kinase 2. NRP-1 depletion also repressed cell migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by inducing the upregulation of E-cadherin and the downregulation of N-cadherin, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, and reducing MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities as detected by gelatin zymography assay. By applying multiple miRNA-target prediction tools, we screened potential miRNAs with binding sites with the 3’-untranslated region of the NRP-1 gene and selected 12 miRNA candidates, among which miR-124-3p displayed the most vigorous activity to downregulate NRP-1 as validated by luciferase assay and miRNA transfection assay. By downregulating NRP-1, miR-124-3p mimics inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of TNBC cells, and antagomiR-124-3p could partially abolish the effects of NRP-1 depletion. In the animal experiments, NRP-1 depletion inhibited tumorigenesis and liver metastasis of TNBC cells, while miR-124-3p mimics inhibited the growth of established TNBC tumors. In the mechanistic exploration, we revealed that NRP-1 co-interacted with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β to activate the TGF-β pathway, which regulates EMT-related molecules. In summary, the present results indicate that the miR-124-3p/NRP-1 axis contributes to the proliferation and metastasis of TNBC cells and co-activates the TGF-β pathway, suggesting that these molecules may present as potential therapeutic targets and valuable biomarkers for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Breast Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Xuesong Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Ziyi Li
- The Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Qingshan Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China.,The Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yan Shi
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xian Jiang
- The Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xueying Sun
- The Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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21
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Semaphorin 4A restricts tumor progression by inhibiting angiogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. Tissue Cell 2021; 69:101485. [PMID: 33460983 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2021.101485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of Semaphorin 4A (Sema4A) on the angiogenesis, migration and invasion of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells. METHODS Sema4A expression in OSCC patients was detected by Immunohistochemistry, and its relationship with clinicopathological features and prognosis of patients was analyzed. The mRNA and protein expression of Sema4A in primary human oral keratinocytes (HOKs) and OSCC cells (SCC-25, HSC-3, CAL-27) were determined by Western blotting and qRT-PCR. After HOKs, HSC-3 cells and SCC-25 cells transfected with Control/Sema4A CRISPR activation plasmid, the migration and invasion abilities were detected by Wound healing and Transwell invasion. Tube formation assay was also performed on endothelial cells and the contents of VEGF and bFGF were quantified using qRT-PCR and ELISA. RESULTS Cytoplasmic Sema4A expression was related to T classification, clinical stage and nodal metastasis of OSCC patients. Patients with low cytoplasmic Sema4A expression showed the higher microvessel density (MVD) and the poorer prognosis in OSCC. Compared with HOK, OSCC cells (SCC-25, HSC-3, CAL-27) declined apparently in Sema4A expression, which was much more significant in metastatic HSC-3 and SCC-25 cells. After HOKs, HSC-3 cells and SCC-25 cells transfected with Sema4A over-expression plasmid, the invasion and migration abilities were decreased. Besides, overexpression of Sema4A could significantly inhibit the tube formation of HUVEC induced by OSCC cells with reductions of angiogenic factors (VEGF and bFGF). CONCLUSION Over-expression of Sema4A could restrict tumor progression through inhibiting the angiogenesis, invasion and migration of OSCC cells.
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22
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Wu YN, He LH, Bai ZT, Li X. NRP1 is a Prognostic Factor and Promotes the Growth and Migration of Cells in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma. Cancer Manag Res 2020; 12:7021-7032. [PMID: 32848461 PMCID: PMC7426061 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s260091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) participates in cancer cell proliferation and metastasis as a multifunctional co-receptor by interacting with multiple signaling pathways. However, few studies have addressed the precise function and prognosis analysis of NRP1 in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). We aimed to study the correlations between NRP1 and clinicopathological characteristics and NRP1 effect on ICC cell line functions. Methods NRP1 mRNA and its protein levels in human ICC tissues and cell lines were detected by IHC, qRT-PCR, and WB method. Transwell, wound healing, and CCK-8 assays were performed to verify the effects of NRP1 knockdown and overexpression on cell migration and proliferation capability. Results NRP1 proteins and mRNA levels increased in ICC tissues compared to those in paired adjacent non-tumor tissues. High NRP1 expression of ICC tissues was related to poor prognosis. NRP1 expression level was expected to be an independent prognosticator for overall survival and cumulative tumor recurrence, and was closely related to tumor number (P=0.047). Knockdown of NRP1 inhibited cell proliferation and migration capability of RBE cells in vitro, and NRP1 overexpression in 9810 cells accelerated proliferation and migration. Additionally, NRP1 may promote cell proliferation and migration in ICC via the FAK/PI3-K/AKT pathway. Conclusion As an oncogene, NRP1 may function as a candidate target and prognostic biomarker of value for ICC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Na Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Biological Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Transformation Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China.,Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Hong He
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Biological Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Transformation Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China.,The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhong-Tian Bai
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Biological Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Transformation Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China.,The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xun Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Biological Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Transformation Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China.,The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
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23
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Rečnik LM, Kandioller W, Mindt TL. 1,4-Disubstituted 1,2,3-Triazoles as Amide Bond Surrogates for the Stabilisation of Linear Peptides with Biological Activity. Molecules 2020; 25:E3576. [PMID: 32781656 PMCID: PMC7465391 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25163576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptides represent an important class of biologically active molecules with high potential for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic agents due to their structural diversity, favourable pharmacokinetic properties, and synthetic availability. However, the widespread use of peptides and conjugates thereof in clinical applications can be hampered by their low stability in vivo due to rapid degradation by endogenous proteases. A promising approach to circumvent this potential limitation includes the substitution of metabolically labile amide bonds in the peptide backbone by stable isosteric amide bond mimetics. In this review, we focus on the incorporation of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles as amide bond surrogates in linear peptides with the aim to increase their stability without impacting their biological function(s). We highlight the properties of this heterocycle as a trans-amide bond surrogate and summarise approaches for the synthesis of triazole-containing peptidomimetics via the Cu(I)-catalysed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). The impacts of the incorporation of triazoles in the backbone of diverse peptides on their biological properties such as, e.g., blood serum stability and affinity as well as selectivity towards their respective molecular target(s) are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa-Maria Rečnik
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Applied Diagnostics, General Hospital Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image Guided Therapy, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Kandioller
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Thomas L. Mindt
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Applied Diagnostics, General Hospital Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image Guided Therapy, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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24
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Wang H, Zhao L, Liu H, Luo S, Akinyemiju T, Hwang S, Wei Q. Variants in SNAI1, AMDHD1 and CUBN in vitamin D pathway genes are associated with breast cancer risk: a large-scale analysis of 14 GWASs in the DRIVE study. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:2160-2173. [PMID: 32775008 PMCID: PMC7407344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D has a potential anticarcinogenic role, possibly through regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation, stimulation of apoptosis, immune modulation and regulation of estrogen receptor levels. Because breast cancer (BC) risk varies among individuals exposed to similar risk factors, we hypothesize that genetic variants in the vitamin D pathway genes are associated with BC risk. To test this hypothesis, we performed a larger meta-analysis using 14 published GWAS datasets in the Discovery, Biology, and Risk of Inherited Variants in Breast Cancer (DRIVE) Study. We assessed associations between 2,994 (237 genotyped in the DRIVE study and 2,757 imputed from the 1000 Genomes Project) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 33 vitamin D pathway genes and BC risk. In unconditional logistic regression analysis, we found 11 noteworthy SNPs to be associated with BC risk after multiple comparison correction by the Bayesian false-discovery probability method (<0.80). In stepwise logistic regression analysis, with adjustment for age, principal components and previously published SNPs in the same study populations, we identified three independent SNPs (SNAI1 rs1047920 C>T, AMDHD1 rs11826 C>T and CUBN rs3914238 C>T) to be associated with BC risk (P = 0.0014, 0.0020 and 0.0022, respectively). Additional expression quantitative trait loci analysis revealed that the rs73276407 A allele, in a high LD with the rs1047920 T allele, was associated with decreased SNAI1 mRNA expression levels, while the rs11826 T allele was significantly associated with elevated AMDHD1 mRNA expression levels. Once replicated by other investigators and additional mechanistic studies, these genetic variants may serve as new biomarkers for susceptibility to BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijiao Wang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchun 130021, Jilin, China
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical CenterDurham 27710, NC, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of MedicineDurham 27710, NC, USA
| | - Lingling Zhao
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical CenterDurham 27710, NC, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of MedicineDurham 27710, NC, USA
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchun 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Hongliang Liu
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical CenterDurham 27710, NC, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of MedicineDurham 27710, NC, USA
| | - Sheng Luo
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of MedicineDurham 27710, NC, USA
| | - Tomi Akinyemiju
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of MedicineDurham 27710, NC, USA
| | - Shelley Hwang
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of MedicineDurham 27710, NC, USA
| | - Qingyi Wei
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical CenterDurham 27710, NC, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of MedicineDurham 27710, NC, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of MedicineDurham 27710, NC, USA
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25
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Malone MK, Smrekar K, Park S, Blakely B, Walter A, Nasta N, Park J, Considine M, Danilova LV, Pandey NB, Fertig EJ, Popel AS, Jin K. Cytokines secreted by stromal cells in TNBC microenvironment as potential targets for cancer therapy. Cancer Biol Ther 2020; 21:560-569. [PMID: 32213106 PMCID: PMC7515526 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2020.1739484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), the lack of therapeutic markers and effective targeted therapies result in an incurable metastatic disease associated with a poor prognosis. Crosstalks within the tumor microenvironment (TME), including those between cancer and stromal cells, affect the tumor heterogeneity, growth, and metastasis. Previously, we have demonstrated that IL-6, IL-8, and CCL5 play a significant role in TNBC growth and metastasis. In this study, we performed a systematic analysis of cytokine factors secreted from four stromal components (fibroblasts, macrophages, lymphatic endothelial cells, and blood microvascular endothelial cells) induced by four TNBC cell types. Through bioinformatic analysis, we selected putative candidates of secreted factors from stromal cells, which are involved in EMT activity, cell proliferation, metabolism, and matrisome pathways. Among the candidates, LCN2, GM-CSF, CST3, IL-6, IL-8, and CHI3L1 are ranked highly. Significantly, Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) is upregulated in the crosstalk of stromal cells and four different TNBC cells. We validated the increase of LCN2 secreted from four stromal cells induced by TNBC cells. Using a specific LCN2 antibody, we observed the inhibition of TNBC cell growth and migration. Taken together, these results propose secreted factors as molecular targets to treat TNBC progression via crosstalk with stromal components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie K. Malone
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Karly Smrekar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Sunju Park
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Brianna Blakely
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Alec Walter
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Nicholas Nasta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Jay Park
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Michael Considine
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ludmila V. Danilova
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Niranjan B. Pandey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elana J. Fertig
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Aleksander S. Popel
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kideok Jin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Albany, NY, USA
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26
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Relationship between neuropilin-1 expression and prognosis, according to gastric cancer histology. J Mol Histol 2020; 51:199-208. [PMID: 32242307 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-020-09870-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is known to be related to various types of cancer and is considered a novel tumor marker or therapeutic target. The aim of this study was to identify the clinical implications of NRP-1 expression in terms of prognosis in patients with gastric cancer. A total of 265 patients who underwent radical gastrectomy for the treatment of gastric cancer from 2008 to 2011 were included in this retrospective study. NRP-1 expression of tumors was determined by immunohistochemistry. The patients' clinicopathological characteristics, operative details, and long-term outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 181 (68.3%) patients demonstrated expression of NRP-1. No survival difference was observed according to NRP-1 expression in any patient. The patients were divided into the gland formation (GF) and the no gland formation (nGF) types, according to histology. NRP-1 expression rates were 65.6% (84/128) and 70.8% (97/137), respectively. NRP-1 expression was not an independent prognostic factor in the GF group, although patients who expressed NRP-1 had better survival outcomes. In contrast, patients who expressed NRP-1 in the nGF group had worse 5-year survival rates (p = 0.027), and NRP-1 was an independent prognostic factor in a multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 1.923; 95% confidence interval, 1.041-3.551). NRP-1 expression in patients with nGF type gastric cancer is predictive of a poor prognosis.
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27
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Rodríguez-Remírez M, Del Puerto-Nevado L, Fernández Aceñero MJ, Ebrahimi-Nik H, Cruz-Ramos M, García-García L, Solanes S, Baños N, Molina-Roldán E, García-Foncillas J, Cebrián A. Strong Antitumor Activity of Bevacizumab and Aflibercept in Neuroendocrine Carcinomas: In-Depth Preclinical Study. Neuroendocrinology 2020; 110:50-62. [PMID: 31030198 DOI: 10.1159/000500591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) is a rare and very aggressive tumor. It has been greatly understudied, and very little is known about optimal treatment strategy for patients with this disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vivo whether anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs could be a therapeutic alternative for these tumors with a poor prognosis. METHODS We have developed 2 xenograft models using either human cell line derived from lung (H460) or from colon (COLO320) NEC to assess the effect of 2 antiangiogenic drugs, aflibercept and bevacizumab, on tumor growth and their pathological characteristics. Additionally, tumors were subjected to immunohistochemistry staining and proteins were measured with Western blot and ELISA. RESULTS Both aflibercept and bevacizumab showed significant antitumor activity (p < 0.001). In the H460 model, aflibercept resulted in 94% tumor growth inhibition (TGI) and bevacizumab treatment resulted in 72.2% TGI. Similarly, in the COLO320 model, aflibercept and bevacizumab resulted in 89.3 and 84% TGI, respectively. Moreover, antitumor activity occurs early after treatment initiation. Using Tumor Control Index score, which address the kinetics of tumor growth in a way comparable to the methods used in human clinical studies, we confirmed that both drugs inhibit significantly tumor growth. When tumor stabilization was evaluated, aflibercept shows higher ability to stabilize NEC tumors than bevacizumab. CONCLUSION Results derived from this study strongly support anti-VEGF therapies, especially aflibercept, as a novel therapeutic option in NECs. Further studies are necessary, but our observations encourage the evaluation of antiangiogenics in clinical trials combined with standard chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Rodríguez-Remírez
- Division of Translational Oncology, Oncohealth Institute, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Del Puerto-Nevado
- Division of Translational Oncology, Oncohealth Institute, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Jesús Fernández Aceñero
- Servicio de Anatomía Patológica Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Departamento de Anatomía Patològica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Hakimeh Ebrahimi-Nik
- Department of Immunology, The Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Marlid Cruz-Ramos
- Division of Translational Oncology, Oncohealth Institute, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura García-García
- Division of Translational Oncology, Oncohealth Institute, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sonia Solanes
- Division of Translational Oncology, Oncohealth Institute, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Natalia Baños
- Division of Translational Oncology, Oncohealth Institute, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Molina-Roldán
- Servicio de Anatomía Patológica Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Departamento de Anatomía Patològica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús García-Foncillas
- Division of Translational Oncology, Oncohealth Institute, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Arancha Cebrián
- Division of Translational Oncology, Oncohealth Institute, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain,
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Al-Zeheimi N, Adham SA. Modeling Neoadjuvant chemotherapy resistance in vitro increased NRP-1 and HER2 expression and converted MCF7 breast cancer subtype. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 177:2024-2041. [PMID: 31883395 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Patients with locally advanced breast cancer usually receive third-generation neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Although NAC treatment improved the overall survival, patients' response varies, some acquire resistance and others exhibit a conversion in their breast cancer molecular subtype. We aimed to identify the molecular changes involved in NAC resistance attempting to find new therapeutic targets in different breast cancer subtypes. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We modelled NAC treatments used in clinical practice and generated resistant cell lines in vitro. The resistant cells were generated by consecutive treatment with four cycles of doxorubicin (adriamycin)/cyclophosphamide (4xAC) followed by an additional four cycles of paclitaxel (4xAC + 4xPAC). KEY RESULTS Our data revealed distinct mechanisms of resistance depending on breast cancer subtype and drugs used. MDA-MB-231 cells resistant to 4xAC + 4xPAC activated neuropilin-1/TNC/integrin β3/FAK/NF-κBp65 axis and displayed a decrease in breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/ABCB2). However, MCF7 cells resistant to 4xAC treatments induced HER2 expression, which converted MCF7 subtype from luminal A to luminal B HER2 type, up-regulated neuropilin-1, oestrogen receptor-α, and EGFR, and activated PI3K/Akt/NF-κBp65 axis. However, MCF7 cells resistant to 4xAC + 4xPAC exhibited down-regulation of the survival axis and up-regulated BCRP/ABCG2. Co-immunoprecipitation demonstrated a novel interaction between HER2 and neuropilin-1 driving the resistance features. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The concurrent increase in neuropilin-1 and HER2 upon resistance and the inverse relationship between neuropilin-1 and BCRP/ABCG2 suggest that, in addition to HER2, neuropilin-1 status should be assessed in patients undergoing NAC, and as a potential drug target for refractory breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noura Al-Zeheimi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Sirin A Adham
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
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Cano-Cortes MV, Navarro-Marchal SA, Ruiz-Blas MP, Diaz-Mochon JJ, Marchal JA, Sanchez-Martin RM. A versatile theranostic nanodevice based on an orthogonal bioconjugation strategy for efficient targeted treatment and monitoring of triple negative breast cancer. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2019; 24:102120. [PMID: 31676374 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2019.102120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
A novel chemical-based orthogonal bioconjugation strategy to produce tri-functionalized nanoparticles (NPs) an chemotherapy drug, doxorubicin (DOX), a near-infrared cyanine dye (Cy7) and CRGDK homing peptide, a peptide specifically binds to neuropilin-1 (Nrp-1) overexpressed on triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells, has been validated. These theranostic NPs have been evaluated in vitro and in vivo using an orthotopic xenotransplant mouse model using TNBC cells. In vitro assays show that theranostic NPs improve the therapeutic index in comparison with free DOX. Remarkably, in vivo studies showed preferred location of theranostic NPs in the tumor area reducing the volume at the same level than free DOX while presenting lower side effects. This multifunctionalized theranostic nanodevice based on orthogonal conjugation strategies could be a good candidate for the treatment and monitoring of Nrp-1 overexpressing tumors. Moreover, this versatile nanodevice can be easily adapted to treat and monitor different cancer types by adapting the conjugation strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Victoria Cano-Cortes
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, Granada, Spain; Department of Medicinal & Organic Chemistry and Excellence Research Unit of "Chemistry applied to Biomedicine and the Environment," Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Campus de Cartuja s/n, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Saúl Abenhamar Navarro-Marchal
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology and Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - María Paz Ruiz-Blas
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, Granada, Spain; Department of Medicinal & Organic Chemistry and Excellence Research Unit of "Chemistry applied to Biomedicine and the Environment," Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Campus de Cartuja s/n, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Juan José Diaz-Mochon
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, Granada, Spain; Department of Medicinal & Organic Chemistry and Excellence Research Unit of "Chemistry applied to Biomedicine and the Environment," Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Campus de Cartuja s/n, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Marchal
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain; Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology and Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
| | - Rosario M Sanchez-Martin
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, Granada, Spain; Department of Medicinal & Organic Chemistry and Excellence Research Unit of "Chemistry applied to Biomedicine and the Environment," Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Campus de Cartuja s/n, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain.
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Moghbeli M. Genetic and molecular biology of breast cancer among Iranian patients. J Transl Med 2019; 17:218. [PMID: 31286981 PMCID: PMC6615213 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-019-1968-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract Background, Breast cancer (BC) is one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths in Iran. This high ratio of mortality had a rising trend during the recent years which is probably associated with late diagnosis. Main body Therefore it is critical to define a unique panel of genetic markers for the early detection among our population. In present review we summarized all of the reported significant genetic markers among Iranian BC patients for the first time, which are categorized based on their cellular functions. Conclusions This review paves the way of introducing a unique ethnic specific panel of diagnostic markers among Iranian BC patients. Indeed, this review can also clarify the genetic and molecular bases of BC progression among Iranians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meysam Moghbeli
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Al-Zeheimi N, Naik A, Bakheit CS, Al Riyami M, Al Ajarrah A, Al Badi S, Al Baimani K, Malik K, Al Habsi Z, Al Moundhri MS, Adham SA. Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Alters Neuropilin-1, PlGF, and SNAI1 Expression Levels and Predicts Breast Cancer Patients Response. Front Oncol 2019; 9:323. [PMID: 31106153 PMCID: PMC6494932 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating proteins hold a potential benefit as biomarkers for precision medicine. Previously, we showed that systemic levels of neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) and its associated molecules correlated with poor-prognosis breast cancer. To further identify the role of NRP-1 and its interacting molecules in correspondence with patients' response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), we conducted a comparative study on blood and tissue samples collected from a cohort of locally advanced breast cancer patients, before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). From a panel of tested proteins and genes, we found that the levels of plasma NRP-1, placenta growth factor (PlGF) and immune cell expression of the transcription factor SNAI1 before and after NAC were significantly different. Paired t-test analysis of 22 locally advanced breast cancer patients showed that plasma NRP-1 levels were increased significantly (p = 0.018) post-NAC in patients with pathological partial response (pPR). Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated that patients who received NAC cycles and their excised tumors remained with high levels of NRP-1 had a lower overall survival compared with patients whose tissue NRP-1 decreased post-NAC (log-rank p = 0.049). In vitro validation of the former result showed an increase in the secreted and cellular NRP-1 levels in resistant MDA-MB-231 cells to the most common NAC regimen Adriyamicin/cyclophosphamide+Paclitaxel (AC+PAC). In addition, NRP-1 knockdown in MDA-MB-231 cells sensitized the cells to AC and more profoundly to PAC treatment and the cells sensitivity was proportional to the expressed levels of NRP-1. Unlike NRP-1, circulating PlGF was significantly increased (p = 0.014) in patients with a pathological complete response (pCR). SNAI1 expression in immune cells showed a significant increase (p = 0.018) in patients with pCR, consistent with its posited protective role. We conclude that increased plasma and tissue NRP-1 post-NAC correlate with pPR and shorter overall survival, respectively. These observations support the need to consider anti-NRP-1 as a potential targeted therapy for breast cancer patients who are identified with high NRP-1 levels. Meanwhile, the increase in both PlGF and SNAI1 in pCR patients potentially suggests their antitumorigenic role in breast cancer that paves the way for further mechanistic investigation to validate their role as potential predictive markers for pCR in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noura Al-Zeheimi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Adviti Naik
- Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Charles Saki Bakheit
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Marwa Al Riyami
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Adil Al Ajarrah
- Department of Surgery, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Suaad Al Badi
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Khalid Al Baimani
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Kamran Malik
- Department of Surgery, Wrexham Maelor Hospital, Wrexham, United Kingdom
| | - Zamzam Al Habsi
- Department of Surgery, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Mansour S Al Moundhri
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Sirin A Adham
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
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Zhang L, Chen Y, Wang H, Zheng X, Li C, Han Z. miR-376a inhibits breast cancer cell progression by targeting neuropilin-1 NR. Onco Targets Ther 2018; 11:5293-5302. [PMID: 30214235 PMCID: PMC6124787 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s173416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The roles and related mechanism of miR-376a in breast cancer cell progression are unclear. Methods Kaplan-Meier plotter analysis was used to analyze the correlation between miR-376a and the overall survival (OS) of breast cancer patients. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect miR-376a level in breast cancer cells. Cell viability, transwell migration and invasion, and cell apoptosis were constructed to investigate the effects of miR-376a on breast cancer cells. Luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) were used to explore the targeting of miR-376a on NRP-1. Results miR-376a expression was positively correlated with the overall survival of breast cancer patients, and significantly decreased in breast cancer cells. Functionally, miR-376a over-expression suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and promoted cells apoptosis. Additionally, miR-376a could directly target NRP-1 and exerted its effect through NRP-1. Conclusion miR-376a could suppress breast cancer cell progression via directly targeting NRP-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lansheng Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China.,Department of Radiation Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanwei Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People's Republic of China,
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People's Republic of China,
| | - Xia Zheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Caihong Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengxiang Han
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People's Republic of China,
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Seifi-Alan M, Shams R, Bandehpour M, Mirfakhraie R, Ghafouri-Fard S. Neuropilin-1 expression is associated with lymph node metastasis in breast cancer tissues. Cancer Manag Res 2018; 10:1969-1974. [PMID: 30022855 PMCID: PMC6045910 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s169533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) as an isoform-specific receptor for vascular endothelial growth factor and placenta growth factor in endothelial cells has been demonstrated to be expressed in breast cancer cells where it plays functional roles in cell survival, invasion, and migration. We hypothesized that an expression of NRP1 in breast cancer tissues is associated with clinicopathological data of patients and expression of the tumor suppressor miR-206. Patients and methods We evaluated the expression of NRP1 in 48 invasive ductal carcinomas of the breast and their corresponding adjacent noncancerous tissues (ANCTs) by means of real-time polymerase chain reaction. We also extracted data on miR-206 gene expression from the same cohort of patients to evaluate the correlation between expression levels of miR-206 and NRP1. In addition, we quantified NRP1 protein levels using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Results No significant difference was found in NRP1 expression between tumoral tissues and ANCTs. We also assessed the associations between expression levels of NRP1 and clinicopathological data of patients and found no significant associations between NRP1 transcript levels and any characteristic. However, NRP1 protein concentrations were significantly higher in patients with lymph node involvement compared with those without lymph node involvement. No correlation was found between NRP1 and miR-206 expression levels. Conclusion NRP1 protein levels might be an indicator of metastasis potential in breast cancer. Future studies are needed to confirm these results in larger cohorts of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahnaz Seifi-Alan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,
| | - Roshanak Shams
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,
| | - Mojgan Bandehpour
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Mirfakhraie
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,
| | - Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,
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Naik A, Al-Yahyaee A, Abdullah N, Sam JE, Al-Zeheimi N, Yaish MW, Adham SA. Neuropilin-1 promotes the oncogenic Tenascin-C/integrin β3 pathway and modulates chemoresistance in breast cancer cells. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:533. [PMID: 29728077 PMCID: PMC5935908 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-4446-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1), a non-tyrosine kinase glycoprotein receptor, is associated with poor prognosis breast cancer, however transcriptomic changes triggered by NRP-1 overexpression and its association with chemoresistance in breast cancer have not yet been explored. Methods BT-474 NRP-1 variant cells were generated by stable overexpression of NRP-1 in the BT-474 breast cancer cell line. RNA sequencing and qRT-PCR were conducted to identify differentially expressed genes. The role of an upregulated oncogene, Tenascin C (TNC) and its associated pathway was investigated by siRNA-mediated knockdown. Resistant variants of the control and BT-474 NRP-1 cells were generated by sequential treatment with four cycles of Adriamycin/Cyclophosphamide (4xAC) followed by four cycles of Paclitaxel (4xAC + 4xPAC). Results NRP-1 overexpression increased cellular tumorigenic behavior. RNA sequencing identified upregulation of an oncogene, Tenascin-C (TNC) and downregulation of several tumor suppressors in BT-474 NRP-1 cells. Additionally, protein analysis indicated activation of the TNC-associated integrin β3 (ITGB3) pathway via focal adhesion kinase (FAK), Akt (Ser473) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) p65. siRNA-mediated TNC knockdown ablated the migratory capacity of BT-474 NRP-1 cells and inactivated FAK/Akt473 signaling. NRP-1 overexpressing cells downregulated breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/ABCG2). Consequently, sequential treatment with Adriamycin/Cyclophosphamide (AC) cytotoxic drugs to generate resistant cells indicated that BT-474 NRP-1 cells increased sensitivity to treatment by inactivating NRP-1/ITGB3/FAK/Akt/NF-kB p65 signaling compared to wild-type BT-474 resistant cells. Conclusions We thus report a novel mechanism correlating high baseline NRP-1 with upregulated TNC/ITGB3 signaling, but decreased ABCG2 expression, which sensitizes BT-474 NRP-1 cells to Adriamycin/Cyclophosphamide. The study emphasizes on the targetability of the NRP-1/ITGB3 axis and its potential as a predictive biomarker for chemotherapy response. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-4446-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adviti Naik
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, P. O. Box 36, Muscat, Oman
| | - Aida Al-Yahyaee
- Department of Genetics, College of Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University, P. O. Box 35, Muscat, Oman
| | - Nada Abdullah
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, P. O. Box 36, Muscat, Oman
| | - Juda-El Sam
- Department of Life Sciences, Hogeschool van Arnhem en Nijmegen, Kapittelweg 33, 6525, Nijmegen, EN, Netherlands
| | - Noura Al-Zeheimi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, P. O. Box 36, Muscat, Oman
| | - Mahmoud W Yaish
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, P. O. Box 36, Muscat, Oman
| | - Sirin A Adham
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, P. O. Box 36, Muscat, Oman.
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Neuropilin-1 contributes to esophageal squamous cancer progression via promoting P65-dependent cell proliferation. Oncogene 2017; 37:935-943. [DOI: 10.1038/onc.2017.399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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