1
|
Pucci P, Lee LC, Han M, Matthews JD, Jahangiri L, Schlederer M, Manners E, Sorby-Adams A, Kaggie J, Trigg RM, Steel C, Hare L, James ER, Prokoph N, Ducray SP, Merkel O, Rifatbegovic F, Luo J, Taschner-Mandl S, Kenner L, Burke GAA, Turner SD. Targeting NRAS via miR-1304-5p or farnesyltransferase inhibition confers sensitivity to ALK inhibitors in ALK-mutant neuroblastoma. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3422. [PMID: 38653965 PMCID: PMC11039739 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47771-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: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeting Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is a promising therapeutic strategy for aberrant ALK-expressing malignancies including neuroblastoma, but resistance to ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (ALK TKI) is a distinct possibility necessitating drug combination therapeutic approaches. Using high-throughput, genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screens, we identify miR-1304-5p loss as a desensitizer to ALK TKIs in aberrant ALK-expressing neuroblastoma; inhibition of miR-1304-5p decreases, while mimics of this miRNA increase the sensitivity of neuroblastoma cells to ALK TKIs. We show that miR-1304-5p targets NRAS, decreasing cell viability via induction of apoptosis. It follows that the farnesyltransferase inhibitor (FTI) lonafarnib in addition to ALK TKIs act synergistically in neuroblastoma, inducing apoptosis in vitro. In particular, on combined treatment of neuroblastoma patient derived xenografts with an FTI and an ALK TKI complete regression of tumour growth is observed although tumours rapidly regrow on cessation of therapy. Overall, our data suggests that combined use of ALK TKIs and FTIs, constitutes a therapeutic approach to treat high risk neuroblastoma although prolonged therapy is likely required to prevent relapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Perla Pucci
- Department of Pathology, Division of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB20QQ, UK
| | - Liam C Lee
- Department of Pathology, Division of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB20QQ, UK
- Merck & Co, 2000 Galloping Hill Rd, Kenilworth, NJ, 07033, USA
| | - Miaojun Han
- Department of Pathology, Division of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB20QQ, UK
- OncoSec, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Jamie D Matthews
- Department of Pathology, Division of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB20QQ, UK
| | - Leila Jahangiri
- Department of Pathology, Division of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB20QQ, UK
- Department of Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
- Nottingham Trent University, School of Science & Technology, Clifton Lane, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Michaela Schlederer
- Department of Pathology, Division of Experimental and Translational Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Eleanor Manners
- Department of Pathology, Division of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB20QQ, UK
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, London, SW10 9NH, UK
| | - Annabel Sorby-Adams
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrookes Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Joshua Kaggie
- Department of Radiology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Ricky M Trigg
- Department of Pathology, Division of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB20QQ, UK
- Functional Genomics, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Christopher Steel
- Department of Pathology, Division of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB20QQ, UK
| | - Lucy Hare
- Department of Pathology, Division of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB20QQ, UK
- Department of Paediatric Haematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Emily R James
- Department of Pathology, Division of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB20QQ, UK
| | - Nina Prokoph
- Department of Pathology, Division of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB20QQ, UK
| | - Stephen P Ducray
- Department of Pathology, Division of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB20QQ, UK
| | - Olaf Merkel
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
- European Research Initiative for ALK related malignancies (ERIA), Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Firkret Rifatbegovic
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, CCRI, Zimmermannplatz 10, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ji Luo
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Sabine Taschner-Mandl
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, CCRI, Zimmermannplatz 10, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Kenner
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
- European Research Initiative for ALK related malignancies (ERIA), Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
- Unit of Laboratory Animal Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Center for Biomarker Research in Medicine (CBmed), Graz, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Applied Metabolomics (CDL-AM), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - G A Amos Burke
- Department of Paediatric Haematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Suzanne D Turner
- Department of Pathology, Division of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB20QQ, UK.
- European Research Initiative for ALK related malignancies (ERIA), Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK.
- Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Valenti GE, Roveri A, Venerando R, Menichini P, Monti P, Tasso B, Traverso N, Domenicotti C, Marengo B. PTC596-Induced BMI-1 Inhibition Fights Neuroblastoma Multidrug Resistance by Inducing Ferroptosis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 13:3. [PMID: 38275623 PMCID: PMC10812464 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a paediatric cancer with noteworthy heterogeneity ranging from spontaneous regression to high-risk forms that are characterised by cancer relapse and the acquisition of drug resistance. The most-used anticancer drugs exert their cytotoxic effect by inducing oxidative stress, and long-term therapy has been demonstrated to cause chemoresistance by enhancing the antioxidant response of NB cells. Taking advantage of an in vitro model of multidrug-resistant (MDR) NB cells, characterised by high levels of glutathione (GSH), the overexpression of the oncoprotein BMI-1, and the presence of a mutant P53 protein, we investigated a new potential strategy to fight chemoresistance. Our results show that PTC596, an inhibitor of BMI-1, exerted a high cytotoxic effect on MDR NB cells, while PRIMA-1MET, a compound able to reactivate mutant P53, had no effect on the viability of MDR cells. Furthermore, both PTC596 and PRIMA-1MET markedly reduced the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition proteins and limited the clonogenic potential and the cancer stemness of MDR cells. Of particular interest is the observation that PTC596, alone or in combination with PRIMA-1MET and etoposide, significantly reduced GSH levels, increased peroxide production, stimulated lipid peroxidation, and induced ferroptosis. Therefore, these findings suggest that PTC596, by inhibiting BMI-1 and triggering ferroptosis, could be a promising approach to fight chemoresistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Elda Valenti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.E.V.); (N.T.); (B.M.)
| | - Antonella Roveri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.R.); (R.V.)
| | - Rina Venerando
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.R.); (R.V.)
| | - Paola Menichini
- Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (P.M.); (P.M.)
| | - Paola Monti
- Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (P.M.); (P.M.)
| | - Bruno Tasso
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Nicola Traverso
- Department of Experimental Medicine, General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.E.V.); (N.T.); (B.M.)
| | - Cinzia Domenicotti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.E.V.); (N.T.); (B.M.)
| | - Barbara Marengo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.E.V.); (N.T.); (B.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lascano D, Zobel MJ, Lee WG, Chen SY, Zamora A, Asuelime GE, Choi SY, Chronopoulos A, Asgharzadeh S, Marachelian A, Park J, Sheard MA, Kim ES. Anti-CCL2 antibody combined with etoposide prolongs survival in a minimal residual disease mouse model of neuroblastoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19915. [PMID: 37964011 PMCID: PMC10645976 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46968-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) is a monocyte chemoattractant that promotes metastatic disease and portends a poor prognosis in many cancers. To determine the potential of anti-CCL2 inhibition as a therapy for recurrent metastatic disease in neuroblastoma, a mouse model of minimal residual disease was utilized in which residual disease was treated with anti-CCL2 monoclonal antibody with etoposide. The effect of anti-CCL2 antibody on neuroblastoma cells was determined in vitro with cell proliferation, transwell migration, and 2-dimensional chemotaxis migration assays. The in vivo efficacy of anti-CCL2 antibody and etoposide against neuroblastoma was assessed following resection of primary tumors formed by two cell lines or a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) in immunodeficient NOD-scid gamma mice. In vitro, anti-CCL2 antibody did not affect cell proliferation but significantly inhibited neuroblastoma cell and monocyte migration towards an increasing CCL2 concentration gradient. Treatment of mice with anti-CCL2 antibody combined with etoposide significantly increased survival of mice after resection of primary tumors, compared to untreated mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danny Lascano
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael J Zobel
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - William G Lee
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Stephanie Y Chen
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Abigail Zamora
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Grace E Asuelime
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - So Yung Choi
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Research Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Antonios Chronopoulos
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shahab Asgharzadeh
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Araz Marachelian
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jinseok Park
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael A Sheard
- The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Eugene S Kim
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 116 N. Robertson Blvd, Suite PACT 700, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Targeting mitochondria as a potential therapeutic strategy against chemoresistance in cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 160:114398. [PMID: 36773523 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of mitochondria is not only limited to energy generation but also in several physical and chemical processes critical for cell survival. Mitochondria play an essential role in cellular apoptosis, calcium ion transport and cellular metabolism. Mutation in the nuclear and mitochondrial genes, altered oncogenes/tumor suppressor genes, and deregulated signalling for cell viability are major reasons for cancer progression and chemoresistance. The development of drug resistance in cancer patients is a major challenge in cancer treatment as the resistant cells are often more aggressive. The drug resistant cells of numerous cancer types exhibit the deregulation of mitochondrial function. The increased biogenesis of mitochondria and its dynamic alteration contribute to developing resistance. Further, a small subpopulation of cancer stem cells in the heterogeneous tumor is primarily responsible for chemoresistance and has an attribute of mitochondrial dysfunction. This review highlights the critical role of mitochondrial dysfunction in chemoresistance in cancer cells through the processes of apoptosis, autophagy/mitophagy, and cancer stemness. Mitochondria-targeted therapeutic strategies might help reduce cancer progression and chemoresistance induced by various cancer drugs.
Collapse
|
5
|
MicroRNAs as prospective biomarkers, therapeutic targets and pharmaceuticals in neuroblastoma. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:1895-1912. [PMID: 36520359 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-08137-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastomas, the most prevalent malignant solid neoplasms of childhood, originate from progenitor cells of the sympathetic nervous system. Their genetic causation is diverse and involves multiple molecular mechanisms. This review highlights multiple roles of microRNA in neuroblastoma pathogenesis and discusses the prospects of harnessing these important natural regulator molecules as biomarkers, therapeutic targets and pharmaceuticals in neuroblastoma.
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhou X, Wang X, Li N, Guo Y, Yang X, Lei Y. Therapy resistance in neuroblastoma: Mechanisms and reversal strategies. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1114295. [PMID: 36874032 PMCID: PMC9978534 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1114295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is one of the most common pediatric solid tumors that threaten the health of children, accounting for about 15% of childhood cancer-related mortality in the United States. Currently, multiple therapies have been developed and applied in clinic to treat neuroblastoma including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. However, the resistance to therapies is inevitable following long-term treatment, leading to treatment failure and cancer relapse. Hence, to understand the mechanisms of therapy resistance and discover reversal strategies have become an urgent task. Recent studies have demonstrated numerous genetic alterations and dysfunctional pathways related to neuroblastoma resistance. These molecular signatures may be potential targets to combat refractory neuroblastoma. A number of novel interventions for neuroblastoma patients have been developed based on these targets. In this review, we focus on the complicated mechanisms of therapy resistance and the potential targets such as ATP-binding cassette transporters, long non-coding RNAs, microRNAs, autophagy, cancer stem cells, and extracellular vesicles. On this basis, we summarized recent studies on the reversal strategies to overcome therapy resistance of neuroblastoma such as targeting ATP-binding cassette transporters, MYCN gene, cancer stem cells, hypoxia, and autophagy. This review aims to provide novel insight in how to improve the therapy efficacy against resistant neuroblastoma, which may shed light on the future directions that would enhance the treatment outcomes and prolong the survival of patients with neuroblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xia Zhou
- Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaokang Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China.,The Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Guangdong Zhanjiang, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Nan Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Guo
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolin Yang
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhe Lei
- Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Monti P, Ravera S, Speciale A, Velkova I, Foggetti G, Degan P, Fronza G, Menichini P. Mutant p53K120R expression enables a partial capacity to modulate metabolism. Front Genet 2022; 13:974662. [PMID: 36226181 PMCID: PMC9549157 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.974662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The TP53 tumor suppressor gene is one of the most studied gene in virtue of its ability to prevent cancer development by regulating apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, DNA repair, autophagy and senescence. Furthermore, the modulation of metabolism by P53 is fundamental for tumor suppressor activity. Studies in mouse models showed that mice carrying TP53 mutations affecting the acetylation in the DNA binding domain still retain the ability to transactivate genes involved in metabolism. Noteworthy, mice expressing the triple 3KR or the single K117R mutant do not show early on-set tumor development in contrast to TP53−/− mice. Interestingly, the mouse K117R mutation corresponds to the human tumor-derived K120R modification, which abrogates P53-dependent activation of apoptosis without affecting growth arrest. In this study, we investigated the property of the human P53 K120R mutant in the regulation of metabolism by analyzing the transcriptional specificity in yeast- and mammalian-based reporter assays, the metabolic phenotype associated to its expression in colon cancer HCT116TP53−/− cells and the induction of P53 targets and proteins involved in the antioxidant response. These properties were analyzed in comparison to wild type P53 protein, the human triple mutant corresponding to mouse 3KR and the cancer hot-spot R273H mutant. We confirm the selective functionality of P53 K120R mutant, which shows a transcriptional activity on cell cycle arrest but not on apoptotic targets. Interestingly, this mutant shows a partial transactivation activity on p53 response element belonging to the metabolic target TIGAR. Moreover, we observe a significant uncoupling between oxygen consumption and ATP production associated with higher lipid peroxidation level in all P53 mutants carrying cells with respect to wild type P53 expressing cells. Noteworthy, in the absence of a pro-oxidative challenge, cells expressing K120R mutant retain a partial capacity to modulate glucose metabolism, limiting lipid peroxidation with respect to the other P53 mutants carrying cells. Lastly, especially in presence of human 3KR mutant, a high expression of proteins involved in the antioxidant response is found. However, this response does not avoid the increased lipid peroxidation, confirming that only wild type P53 is able to completely counteract the oxidative stress and relative damages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paola Monti
- Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Ravera
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Speciale
- Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Irena Velkova
- Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giorgia Foggetti
- Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paolo Degan
- Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gilberto Fronza
- Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paola Menichini
- Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- *Correspondence: Paola Menichini,
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hormesis and Oxidative Distress: Pathophysiology of Reactive Oxygen Species and the Open Question of Antioxidant Modulation and Supplementation. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11081613. [PMID: 36009331 PMCID: PMC9405171 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11081613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations of redox homeostasis leads to a condition of resilience known as hormesis that is due to the activation of redox-sensitive pathways stimulating cell proliferation, growth, differentiation, and angiogenesis. Instead, supraphysiological production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) exceeds antioxidant defence and leads to oxidative distress. This condition induces damage to biomolecules and is responsible or co-responsible for the onset of several chronic pathologies. Thus, a dietary antioxidant supplementation has been proposed in order to prevent aging, cardiovascular and degenerative diseases as well as carcinogenesis. However, this approach has failed to demonstrate efficacy, often leading to harmful side effects, in particular in patients affected by cancer. In this latter case, an approach based on endogenous antioxidant depletion, leading to ROS overproduction, has shown an interesting potential for enhancing susceptibility of patients to anticancer therapies. Therefore, a deep investigation of molecular pathways involved in redox balance is crucial in order to identify new molecular targets useful for the development of more effective therapeutic approaches. The review herein provides an overview of the pathophysiological role of ROS and focuses the attention on positive and negative aspects of antioxidant modulation with the intent to find new insights for a successful clinical application.
Collapse
|
9
|
Valenti GE, Alfei S, Caviglia D, Domenicotti C, Marengo B. Antimicrobial Peptides and Cationic Nanoparticles: A Broad-Spectrum Weapon to Fight Multi-Drug Resistance Not Only in Bacteria. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116108. [PMID: 35682787 PMCID: PMC9181033 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last few years, antibiotic resistance and, analogously, anticancer drug resistance have increased considerably, becoming one of the main public health problems. For this reason, it is crucial to find therapeutic strategies able to counteract the onset of multi-drug resistance (MDR). In this review, a critical overview of the innovative tools available today to fight MDR is reported. In this direction, the use of membrane-disruptive peptides/peptidomimetics (MDPs), such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), has received particular attention, due to their high selectivity and to their limited side effects. Moreover, similarities between bacteria and cancer cells are herein reported and the hypothesis of the possible use of AMPs also in anticancer therapies is discussed. However, it is important to take into account the limitations that could negatively impact clinical application and, in particular, the need for an efficient delivery system. In this regard, the use of nanoparticles (NPs) is proposed as a potential strategy to improve therapy; moreover, among polymeric NPs, cationic ones are emerging as promising tools able to fight the onset of MDR both in bacteria and in cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia E. Valenti
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.E.V.); (B.M.)
| | - Silvana Alfei
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Debora Caviglia
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 6, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Cinzia Domenicotti
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.E.V.); (B.M.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-010-353-8830
| | - Barbara Marengo
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.E.V.); (B.M.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Huang S, Gong N, Li J, Hong M, Li L, Zhang L, Zhang H. The role of ncRNAs in neuroblastoma: mechanisms, biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Biomark Res 2022; 10:18. [PMID: 35392988 PMCID: PMC8991791 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-022-00368-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a malignant tumor in young children that originates from the neural crest of the sympathetic nervous system. Generally, NB occurs in the adrenal glands, but it can also affect the nerve tissues of the neck, chest, abdomen, and pelvis. Understanding the pathophysiology of NB and developing novel therapeutic approaches are critical. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are associated with crucial aspects of pathology, metastasis and drug resistance in NB. Here, we summarized the pretranscriptional, transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulatory mechanisms of ncRNAs involved in NB, especially focusing on regulatory pathways. Furthermore, ncRNAs with the potential to serve as biomarkers for risk stratification, drug resistance and therapeutic targets are also discussed, highlighting the clinical application of ncRNAs in NB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaohui Huang
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, School of Medical Technology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Naying Gong
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, School of Medical Technology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Jiangbin Li
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, School of Medical Technology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Mingye Hong
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, School of Medical Technology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Li Li
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, School of Medical Technology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Health Science Center, University of Texas, Houston, 77030, USA.
| | - Hua Zhang
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, School of Medical Technology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Efficacy of High-Ozonide Oil in Prevention of Cancer Relapses Mechanisms and Clinical Evidence. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051174. [PMID: 35267482 PMCID: PMC8909345 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cancer tissue is characterized by low oxygen availability triggering neo angiogenesis and metastatisation. Accordingly, oxidation is a possible strategy for counteracting cancer progression and relapses. Previous studies used ozone gas, administered by invasive methods, both in experimental animals and clinical studies, transiently decreasing cancer growth. This study evaluated the effect of ozonized oils (administered either topically or orally) on cancer, exploring triggered molecular mechanisms. Methods: In vitro, in lung and glioblastoma cancer cells, ozonized oils having a high ozonide content suppressed cancer cell viability by triggering mitochondrial damage, intracellular calcium release, and apoptosis. In vivo, a total of 115 cancer patients (age 58 ± 14 years; 44 males, 71 females) were treated with ozonized oil as complementary therapy in addition to standard chemo/radio therapeutic regimens for up to 4 years. Results: Cancer diagnoses were brain glioblastoma, pancreas adenocarcinoma, skin epithelioma, lung cancer (small and non-small cell lung cancer), colon adenocarcinoma, breast cancer, prostate adenocarcinoma. Survival rate was significantly improved in cancer patients receiving HOO as integrative therapy as compared with those receiving standard treatment only. Conclusions: These results indicate that ozonized oils at high ozonide may represent an innovation in complementary cancer therapy worthy of further clinical studies.
Collapse
|
12
|
Jain R, Hussein MA, Pierce S, Martens C, Shahagadkar P, Munirathinam G. Oncopreventive and oncotherapeutic potential of licorice triterpenoid compound glycyrrhizin and its derivatives: Molecular insights. Pharmacol Res 2022; 178:106138. [PMID: 35192957 PMCID: PMC8857760 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a well-known natural herb used to treat different ailments since ancient times. Glycyrrhizin (GL), which is the primary triterpenoid compound of licorice extract, has been known to have broad-spectrum pharmacological effects. GL is cleaved into glucuronide and the aglycone, glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), which exists in two stereoisomeric forms: 18α- and 18β-GA. It is well documented that GL and GA have great potential as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective agents. Studies undertaken during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic suggest that GL is effective at inhibiting the viral replication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The anticancer effects of GL and GA involve modulating various signaling pathways, such as the phosphatase and tensin homolog/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway, the mitogen-activated protein kinase, and the mammalian target of rapamycin/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, which are mainly involved in regulating cancer cell death, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The potential of GL and GA in preventing cancer development and suppressing the growth and invasion of different cancer types has been reviewed in this paper. This review also provides molecular insights on the mechanism of action for the oncopreventive and oncotherapeutic effects of GL and its derivative, GA, which could help develop more specific forms of these agents for clinical use.
Collapse
|
13
|
Single-cell transcriptomics of neuroblastoma identifies chemoresistance-associated genes and pathways. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:4437-4445. [PMID: 36051886 PMCID: PMC9418686 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
High-Risk neuroblastoma (NB) survival rate is still <50%, despite treatments being more and more aggressive. The biggest hurdle liable to cancer therapy failure is the drug resistance by tumor cells that is likely due to the intra-tumor heterogeneity (ITH). To investigate the link between ITH and therapy resistance in NB, we performed a single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) of etoposide and cisplatin resistant NB and their parental cells. Our analysis showed a clear separation of resistant and parental cells for both conditions by identifying 8 distinct tumor clusters in etoposide-resistant/parental and 7 in cisplatin-resistant/parental cells. We discovered that drug resistance can affect NB cell identities; highlighting the bi-directional ability of adrenergic-to-mesenchymal transition of NB cells. The biological processes driving the identified resistant cell subpopulations revealed genes such as (BARD1, BRCA1, PARP1, HISTH1 axis, members of RPL family), suggesting a potential drug resistance due to the acquisition of DNA repair mechanisms and to the modification of the drug targets. Deconvolution analysis of bulk RNAseq data from 498 tumors with cell subpopulation signatures showed that the transcriptional heterogeneity of our cellular models reflected the ITH of NB tumors and allowed the identification of clusters associated with worse/better survival. Our study demonstrates the distinct cell populations characterized by genes involved in different biological processes can have a role in NB drug treatment failure. These findings evidence the importance of ITH in NB drug resistance studies and the chance that scRNA-seq analysis offers in the identification of genes and pathways liable for drug resistance.
Collapse
|
14
|
DFF40 deficiency in cancerous T cells is implicated in chemotherapy drug sensitivity and resistance through the regulation of the apoptotic pathway. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 194:114801. [PMID: 34678222 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The regulation of the apoptotic pathway is one of the most studied mechanisms regarding cancer cell resistance. Many mutations have been linked to drug resistance. The DNA fragmentation factor 40 (DFF40) has been gaining interest regarding cancer cell response to chemotherapy and patient outcomes. Glioblastomas and uterine leiomyosarcomas have been shown to have a downregulation of DFF40 expression, conferring a poor patient prognosis. In concordance with these observations, in this study, we showed that DFF40 gene is also downregulated in breast, endocervical, ovarian, lung, pancreas and glioblastomas. DFF40 is the endonuclease responsible of DNA fragmentation during apoptosis. In this study, we sought to determine if a DFF40 deficiency in Jurkat T cells could impact the sensitivity to conventional chemotherapy drugs. CRISPR-cas9 generated DFF40 knockout (DFF40 KO) stable Jurkat cells and wild-type (DFF40 WT) cells were treated with different antimetabolites and topoisomerase II (TOP2) inhibitors, and cell viability was subsequently assessed. DFF40 deficient cells show chemoresistance to antimetabolites (e.g. methotrexate, 6-mercaptopurine and cytarabine) and surprisingly, they are more sensitive to TOP2 inhibitors (e.g. etoposide and teniposide). DFF40 deficient cells exposed to cytarabine present lower phosphatidylserine translocation levels to the outer cell membrane layer. Etoposide exposure in DFF40 deficient cells induces higher mortality levels and downregulation of Bcl-xL cells compared to DFF40 expressing T cells. The abolition of DFF40 expression in Jurkat cells significantly impairs histone H2AX phosphorylation following etoposide and cytarabine treatments. Our findings suggest that DFF40 is a novel key target in cancer cell resistance that potentially regulates genomic stability.
Collapse
|
15
|
Ruiz GP, Camara H, Fazolini NPB, Mori MA. Extracellular miRNAs in redox signaling: Health, disease and potential therapies. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 173:170-187. [PMID: 33965563 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as important mediators of cell-to-cell communication and intertissue crosstalk. MiRNAs are produced by virtually all types of eukaryotic cells and can be selectively packaged and released to the extracellular medium, where they may reach distal cells to regulate gene expression cell non-autonomously. By doing so, miRNAs participate in integrative physiology. Oxidative stress affects miRNA expression, while miRNAs control redox signaling. Disruption in miRNA expression, processing or release to the extracellular compartment are associated with aging and a number of chronic diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer, all of them being conditions related to oxidative stress. Here we discuss the interplay between redox balance and miRNA function and secretion as a determinant of health and disease states, reviewing the findings that support this notion and highlighting novel and yet understudied venues of research in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Palermo Ruiz
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Henrique Camara
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Narayana P B Fazolini
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcelo A Mori
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil; Experimental Medicine Research Cluster (EMRC), University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil; Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center (OCRC), University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Gong B, Zhang J, Hua Z, Liu Z, Thiele CJ, Li Z. Downregulation of ATXN3 Enhances the Sensitivity to AKT Inhibitors (Perifosine or MK-2206), but Decreases the Sensitivity to Chemotherapeutic Drugs (Etoposide or Cisplatin) in Neuroblastoma Cells. Front Oncol 2021; 11:686898. [PMID: 34322387 PMCID: PMC8311598 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.686898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chemotherapy resistance is the major cause of failure in neuroblastoma (NB) treatment. ATXN3 has been linked to various types of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases; however, its roles in NB have not been established. The aim of our study was to explore the role of ATXN3 in the cell death induced by AKT inhibitor (perifosine or MK-2206) or chemotherapy drugs (etoposide or cisplatin) in NB cells. Methods The expressions of ATXN3 and BCL-2 family members were detected by Western blot. Cell survival was evaluated by CCK8, cell confluence was measured by IncuCyte, and apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. AS and BE2 were treated with AKT inhibitors or chemotherapeutics, respectively. Results Downregulation of ATXN3 did not block, but significantly increased the perifosine/MK-2206-induced cell death. Among the BCL-2 family members, the expression of pro-apoptotic protein BIM and anti-proapoptotic protein Bcl-xl expression increased significantly when ATXN3 was down-regulated. Downregulation of BIM protected NB cells from the combination of perifosine/MK-2206 and ATXN3 downregulation. Downregulation of ATXN3 did not increase, but decrease the sensitivity of NB cells to etoposide/cisplatin, and knockdown of Bcl-xl attenuated this decrease in sensitivity. Conclusion Downregulation of ATXN3 enhanced AKT inhibitors (perifosine or MK-2206) induced cell death by BIM, but decreased the cell death induced by chemotherapeutic drugs (etoposide or cisplatin) via Bcl-xl. The expression of ATXN3 may be an indicator in selecting different treatment regimen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baocheng Gong
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Medical Research Center, Liaoning Key Laboratory of Research and Application of Animal Models for Environment and Metabolic Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jinhua Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhongyan Hua
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Medical Research Center, Liaoning Key Laboratory of Research and Application of Animal Models for Environment and Metabolic Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhihui Liu
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Section, Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Carol J Thiele
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Section, Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Zhijie Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Medical Research Center, Liaoning Key Laboratory of Research and Application of Animal Models for Environment and Metabolic Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Bhoopathi P, Mannangatti P, Emdad L, Das SK, Fisher PB. The quest to develop an effective therapy for neuroblastoma. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:7775-7791. [PMID: 33834508 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a common solid extracranial tumor developing in pediatric populations. NB can spontaneously regress or grow and metastasize displaying resistance to therapy. This tumor is derived from primitive cells, mainly those of the neural crest, in the sympathetic nervous system and usually develops in the adrenal medulla and paraspinal ganglia. Our understanding of the molecular characteristics of human NBs continues to advance documenting abnormalities at the genome, epigenome, and transcriptome levels. The high-risk tumors have MYCN oncogene amplification, and the MYCN transcriptional regulator encoded by the MYCN oncogene is highly expressed in the neural crest. Studies on the biology of NB has enabled a more precise risk stratification strategy and a concomitant reduction in the required treatment in an expanding number of cases worldwide. However, newer treatment strategies are mandated to improve outcomes in pediatric patients who are at high-risk and display relapse. To improve outcomes and survival rates in such high-risk patients, it is necessary to use a multicomponent therapeutic approach. Accuracy in clinical staging of the disease and assessment of the associated risks based on biological, clinical, surgical, and pathological criteria are of paramount importance for prognosis and to effectively plan therapeutic approaches. This review discusses the staging of NB and the biological and genetic features of the disease and several current therapies including targeted delivery of chemotherapy, novel radiation therapy, and immunotherapy for NB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Bhoopathi
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA.,VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Padmanabhan Mannangatti
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Luni Emdad
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA.,VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA.,VCU Massey Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Swadesh K Das
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA.,VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA.,VCU Massey Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Paul B Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA.,VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA.,VCU Massey Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Rezaei O, Honarmand Tamizkar K, Hajiesmaeili M, Taheri M, Ghafouri-Fard S. Non-Coding RNAs Participate in the Pathogenesis of Neuroblastoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:617362. [PMID: 33718173 PMCID: PMC7945591 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.617362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is one of the utmost frequent neoplasms during the first year of life. This pediatric cancer is believed to be originated during the embryonic life from the neural crest cells. Previous studies have detected several types of chromosomal aberrations in this tumor. More recent studies have emphasized on expression profiling of neuroblastoma samples to identify the dysregulated genes in this type of cancer. Non-coding RNAs are among the mostly dysregulated genes in this type of cancer. Such dysregulation has been associated with a number of chromosomal aberrations that are frequently detected in neuroblastoma. In this study, we explain the role of non-coding transcripts in the malignant transformation in neuroblastoma and their role as biomarkers for this pediatric cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omidvar Rezaei
- Skull Base Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohammadreza Hajiesmaeili
- Skull Base Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Urogenital Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Marengo B, Pulliero A, Corrias MV, Leardi R, Farinini E, Fronza G, Menichini P, Monti P, Monteleone L, Valenti GE, Speciale A, Perri P, Madia F, Izzotti A, Domenicotti C. Potential Role of miRNAs in the Acquisition of Chemoresistance in Neuroblastoma. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11020107. [PMID: 33562297 PMCID: PMC7916079 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11020107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) accounts for about 8–10% of pediatric cancers, and the main causes of death are the presence of metastases and the acquisition of chemoresistance. Metastatic NB is characterized by MYCN amplification that correlates with changes in the expression of miRNAs, which are small non-coding RNA sequences, playing a crucial role in NB development and chemoresistance. In the present study, miRNA expression was analyzed in two human MYCN-amplified NB cell lines, one sensitive (HTLA-230) and one resistant to Etoposide (ER-HTLA), by microarray and RT-qPCR techniques. These analyses showed that miRNA-15a, -16-1, -19b, -218, and -338 were down-regulated in ER-HTLA cells. In order to validate the presence of this down-regulation in vivo, the expression of these miRNAs was analyzed in primary tumors, metastases, and bone marrow of therapy responder and non-responder pediatric patients. Principal component analysis data showed that the expression of miRNA-19b, -218, and -338 influenced metastases, and that the expression levels of all miRNAs analyzed were higher in therapy responders in respect to non-responders. Collectively, these findings suggest that these miRNAs might be involved in the regulation of the drug response, and could be employed for therapeutic purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Marengo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16100 Genova, Italy; (L.M.); (G.E.V.); (A.I.); (C.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-010-3538831
| | | | - Maria Valeria Corrias
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16100 Genova, Italy; (M.V.C.); (P.P.)
| | - Riccardo Leardi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, 16100 Genova, Italy; (R.L.); (E.F.)
| | - Emanuele Farinini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, 16100 Genova, Italy; (R.L.); (E.F.)
| | - Gilberto Fronza
- UOC Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16100 Genova, Italy; (G.F.); (P.M.); (P.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Paola Menichini
- UOC Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16100 Genova, Italy; (G.F.); (P.M.); (P.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Paola Monti
- UOC Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16100 Genova, Italy; (G.F.); (P.M.); (P.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Lorenzo Monteleone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16100 Genova, Italy; (L.M.); (G.E.V.); (A.I.); (C.D.)
| | - Giulia Elda Valenti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16100 Genova, Italy; (L.M.); (G.E.V.); (A.I.); (C.D.)
| | - Andrea Speciale
- UOC Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16100 Genova, Italy; (G.F.); (P.M.); (P.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Patrizia Perri
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16100 Genova, Italy; (M.V.C.); (P.P.)
| | - Francesca Madia
- Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, 16100 Genova, Italy;
| | - Alberto Izzotti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16100 Genova, Italy; (L.M.); (G.E.V.); (A.I.); (C.D.)
- UOC Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16100 Genova, Italy; (G.F.); (P.M.); (P.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Cinzia Domenicotti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16100 Genova, Italy; (L.M.); (G.E.V.); (A.I.); (C.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Monti P, Lionetti M, De Luca G, Menichini P, Recchia AG, Matis S, Colombo M, Fabris S, Speciale A, Barbieri M, Gentile M, Zupo S, Dono M, Ibatici A, Neri A, Ferrarini M, Fais F, Fronza G, Cutrona G, Morabito F. Time to first treatment and P53 dysfunction in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: results of the O-CLL1 study in early stage patients. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18427. [PMID: 33116240 PMCID: PMC7595214 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75364-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is characterised by a heterogeneous clinical course. Such heterogeneity is associated with a number of markers, including TP53 gene inactivation. While TP53 gene alterations determine resistance to chemotherapy, it is not clear whether they can influence early disease progression. To clarify this issue, TP53 mutations and deletions of the corresponding locus [del(17p)] were evaluated in 469 cases from the O-CLL1 observational study that recruited a cohort of clinically and molecularly characterised Binet stage A patients. Twenty-four cases harboured somatic TP53 mutations [accompanied by del(17p) in 9 cases], 2 patients had del(17p) only, and 5 patients had TP53 germ-line variants. While del(17p) with or without TP53 mutations was capable of significantly predicting the time to first treatment, a reliable measure of disease progression, TP53 mutations were not. This was true for cases with high or low variant allele frequency. The lack of predictive ability was independent of the functional features of the mutant P53 protein in terms of transactivation and dominant negative potential. TP53 mutations alone were more frequent in patients with mutated IGHV genes, whereas del(17p) was associated with the presence of adverse prognostic factors, including CD38 positivity, unmutated-IGHV gene status, and NOTCH1 mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paola Monti
- Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marta Lionetti
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppa De Luca
- Molecular Diagnostic Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paola Menichini
- Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Anna Grazia Recchia
- Biotechnology Research Unit, Aprigliano, A.O./ASP of Cosenza, 87100, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Serena Matis
- Molecular Pathology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Monica Colombo
- Molecular Pathology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sonia Fabris
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Speciale
- Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marzia Barbieri
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Gentile
- Hematology Unit, Department of Onco-Hematology, A.O. of Cosenza, 87100, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Simonetta Zupo
- Molecular Diagnostic Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mariella Dono
- Molecular Diagnostic Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Adalberto Ibatici
- Hematology Unit and Bone Marrow Transplantation, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonino Neri
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy.,Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Manlio Ferrarini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Franco Fais
- Molecular Pathology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gilberto Fronza
- Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giovanna Cutrona
- Molecular Pathology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Fortunato Morabito
- Biotechnology Research Unit, Aprigliano, A.O./ASP of Cosenza, 87100, Cosenza, Italy. .,Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, Augusta Victoria Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Integrated Microarray to Identify the Hub miRNAs and Constructed miRNA-mRNA Network in Neuroblastoma Via Bioinformatics Analysis. Neurochem Res 2020; 46:197-212. [PMID: 33104965 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-020-03155-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastomas (NB) are childhood malignant tumors originating in the sympathetic nervous system. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an essential regulatory role in tumorigenesis and development. In this study, NB miRNA and mRNA expression profile data in the Gene Expression Omnibus database were used to screen for differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and genes (DEGs). We used the miRTarBase and miRSystem databases to predict the target genes of the DEMs, and we selected target genes that overlapped with the DEGs as candidate genes for further study. Annotations, visualization, and the DAVID database were used to perform Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis on the candidate genes. Additionally, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and miRNA-mRNA regulatory network were constructed and visualized using the STRING database and Cytoscape, and the hub modules were analyzed for function and pathway enrichment using the DAVID database and BiNGO plug-in. 107 DEMs and 1139 DEGs were identified from the miRNA and mRNA chips, respectively. 4390 overlapping target genes were identified using the two databases, and 405 candidate genes which intersected with the DEGs were selected. These candidate genes were enriched in 363 GO terms and 24 KEGG pathways. By constructing a PPI network and a miRNA-mRNA regulatory network, three hub miRNAs (hsa-miR-30e-5p, hsa-miR-15a, and hsa-miR-16) were identified. The target genes of the hub miRNAs were significantly enriched in the following pathways: microRNAs in cancer, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, pathways in cancer, the p53 signaling pathway, and the cell cycle. In summary, our results have identified candidate genes and pathways related to the underlying molecular mechanism of NB. These findings provide a new perspective for NB research and treatment.
Collapse
|
22
|
Aravindan N, Herman T, Aravindan S. Emerging therapeutic targets for neuroblastoma. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:899-914. [PMID: 33021426 PMCID: PMC7554151 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1790528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuroblastoma (NB) is the prime cancer of infancy, and accounts for 9% of pediatric cancer deaths. While children diagnosed with clinically stable NB experience a complete cure, those with high-risk disease (HR-NB) do not recover, despite intensive therapeutic strategies. Development of novel and effective targeted therapies is needed to counter disease progression, and to benefit long-term survival of children with HR-NB. AREAS COVERED Recent studies (2017-2020) pertinent to NB evolution are selectively reviewed to recognize novel and effective therapeutic targets. The prospective and promising therapeutic targets/strategies for HR-NB are categorized into (a) targeting oncogene-like and/or reinforcing tumor suppressor (TS)-like lncRNAs; (b) targeting oncogene-like microRNAs (miRs) and/or mimicking TS-miRs; (c) targets for immunotherapy; (d) targeting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cells; (e) novel and beneficial combination approaches; and (f) repurposing drugs and other strategies in development. EXPERT OPINION It is highly unlikely that agents targeting a single candidate or signaling will be beneficial for an HR-NB cure. We must develop efficient drug deliverables for functional targets, which could be integrated and advance clinical therapy. Fittingly, the looming evidence indicated an aggressive evolution of promising novel and integrative targets, development of efficient drugs, and improvised strategies for HR-NB treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Terence Herman
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, USA
- Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Alfei S, Marengo B, Zuccari G, Turrini F, Domenicotti C. Dendrimer Nanodevices and Gallic Acid as Novel Strategies to Fight Chemoresistance in Neuroblastoma Cells. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 10:E1243. [PMID: 32604768 PMCID: PMC7353457 DOI: 10.3390/nano10061243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Human neuroblastoma (NB), a pediatric tumor inclined to relapse, after an initial response to therapy, usually develops resistance. Since several chemotherapeutics exert anticancer effect by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS), NB cells overproduce antioxidant compounds becoming drugs-resistant. A strategy to sensitize NB cells to chemotherapy involves reducing their antioxidant defenses and inducing ROS overproduction. Concerning this, although affected by several issues that limit their clinical application, antioxidant/pro-oxidant polyphenols, such as gallic acid (GA), showed pro-oxidant anti-cancer effects and low toxicity for healthy cells, in several kind of tumors, not including NB. Herein, for the first time, free GA, two GA-dendrimers, and the dendrimer adopted as GA reservoir were tested on both sensitive and chemoresistant NB cells. The dendrimer device, administered at the dose previously found active versus sensitive NB cells, induced ROS-mediated death also in chemoresistant cells. Free GA proved a dose-dependent ROS-mediated cytotoxicity on both cell populations. Intriguingly, when administered in dendrimer formulations at a dose not cytotoxic for NB cells, GA nullified any pro-oxidant activity of dendrimer. Unfortunately, due to GA, nanoformulations were inactive on NB cells, but GA resized in nanoparticles showed considerable ability in counteracting, at low dose, ROS production and oxidative stress, herein induced by the dendrimer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Alfei
- Department of Pharmacy (DiFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (G.Z.); (F.T.)
| | - Barbara Marengo
- Department of Experimental Medicine—DIMES, University of Genoa, Via Alberti L.B., 16132 Genoa, Italy; (B.M.); (C.D.)
| | - Guendalina Zuccari
- Department of Pharmacy (DiFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (G.Z.); (F.T.)
| | - Federica Turrini
- Department of Pharmacy (DiFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (G.Z.); (F.T.)
| | - Cinzia Domenicotti
- Department of Experimental Medicine—DIMES, University of Genoa, Via Alberti L.B., 16132 Genoa, Italy; (B.M.); (C.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Marengo B, Pulliero A, Izzotti A, Domenicotti C. miRNA Regulation of Glutathione Homeostasis in Cancer Initiation, Progression and Therapy Resistance. Microrna 2020; 9:187-197. [PMID: 31849293 PMCID: PMC7366003 DOI: 10.2174/2211536609666191218103220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Glutathione (GSH) is the most abundant antioxidant that contributes to regulating the cellular production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) which, maintained at physiological levels, can exert a function of second messengers in living organisms. In fact, it has been demonstrated that moderate amounts of ROS can activate the signaling pathways involved in cell growth and proliferation, while high levels of ROS induce DNA damage leading to cancer development. Therefore, GSH is a crucial player in the maintenance of redox homeostasis and its metabolism has a role in tumor initiation, progression, and therapy resistance. Our recent studies demonstrated that neuroblastoma cells resistant to etoposide, a common chemotherapeutic drug, show a partial monoallelic deletion of the locus coding for miRNA 15a and 16-1 leading to a loss of these miRNAs and the activation of GSH-dependent responses. Therefore, the aim of this review is to highlight the role of specific miRNAs in the modulation of intracellular GSH levels in order to take into consideration the use of modulators of miRNA expression as a useful strategy to better sensitize tumors to current therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Marengo
- Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Tel: +39 010 3538831; Fax: +39 010 3538836; E-mail:
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Aravindan N, Subramanian K, Somasundaram DB, Herman TS, Aravindan S. MicroRNAs in neuroblastoma tumorigenesis, therapy resistance, and disease evolution. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2019; 2:1086-1105. [PMID: 31867575 PMCID: PMC6924638 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2019.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) deriving from neural crest cells is the most common extra-cranial solid cancer at infancy. NB originates within the peripheral sympathetic ganglia in adrenal medulla and along the midline of the body. Clinically, NB exhibits significant heterogeneity stretching from spontaneous regression to rapid progression to therapy resistance. MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are small (19-22 nt in length) non-coding RNAs that regulate human gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and are known to regulate cellular signaling, growth, differentiation, death, stemness, and maintenance. Consequently, the function of miRs in tumorigenesis, progression and resistance is of utmost importance for the understanding of dysfunctional cellular pathways that lead to disease evolution, therapy resistance, and poor clinical outcomes. Over the last two decades, much attention has been devoted to understanding the functional roles of miRs in NB biology. This review focuses on highlighting the important implications of miRs within the context of NB disease progression, particularly miRs’ influences on NB disease evolution and therapy resistance. In this review, we discuss the functions of both the “oncomiRs” and “tumor suppressor miRs” in NB progression/therapy resistance. These are the critical components to be considered during the development of novel miR-based therapeutic strategies to counter therapy resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natarajan Aravindan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Karthikeyan Subramanian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Dinesh Babu Somasundaram
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Terence S Herman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
MYC Expression and Metabolic Redox Changes in Cancer Cells: A Synergy Able to Induce Chemoresistance. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:7346492. [PMID: 31341534 PMCID: PMC6614970 DOI: 10.1155/2019/7346492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Chemoresistance is due to multiple factors including the induction of a metabolic adaptation of tumor cells. In fact, in these cells, stress conditions induced by therapies stimulate a metabolic reprogramming which involves the strengthening of various pathways such as glycolysis, glutaminolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway. This metabolic reprogramming is the result of a complex network of mechanisms that, through the activation of oncogenes (i.e., MYC, HIF1, and PI3K) or the downregulation of tumor suppressors (i.e., TP53), induces an increased expression of glucose and/or glutamine transporters and of glycolytic enzymes. Therefore, in order to overcome chemoresistance, it is necessary to develop combined therapies which are able to selectively and simultaneously act on the multiple molecular targets responsible for this adaptation. This review is focused on highlighting the role of MYC in modulating the epigenetic redox changes which are crucial in the acquisition of therapy resistance.
Collapse
|