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Markotić A, Omerović J, Marijan S, Režić-Mužinić N, Čikeš Čulić V. Biochemical Pathways Delivering Distinct Glycosphingolipid Patterns in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:10200-10217. [PMID: 39329960 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46090608] [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: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 08/30/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The complex structure of glycosphingolipids (GSLs) supports their important role in cell function as modulators of growth factor receptors and glutamine transporters in plasma membranes. The aberrant composition of clustered GSLs within signaling platforms, so-called lipid rafts, inevitably leads to tumorigenesis due to disturbed growth factor signal transduction and excessive uptake of glutamine and other molecules needed for increased energy and structural molecule cell supply. GSLs are also involved in plasma membrane processes such as cell adhesion, and their transition converts cells from epithelial to mesenchymal with features required for cell migration and metastasis. Glutamine activates the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), resulting in nucleotide synthesis and proliferation. In addition, glutamine contributes to the cancer stem cell GD2 ganglioside-positive phenotype in the triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. Thieno[2,3-b]pyridine derivative possesses higher cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 than against MCF-7 cells and induces a shift to aerobic metabolism and a decrease in S(6)nLc4Cer GSL-positive cancer stem cells in the MDA-MB-231 cell line. In this review, we discuss findings in MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, and other breast cancer cell lines concerning their differences in growth factor receptors and recent knowledge of the main biochemical pathways delivering distinct glycosphingolipid patterns during tumorigenesis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Markotić
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Jasminka Omerović
- Department of Immunology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Sandra Marijan
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Nikolina Režić-Mužinić
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Vedrana Čikeš Čulić
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
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2
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Jia W, Yuan J, Zhang J, Li S, Lin W, Cheng B. Bioactive sphingolipids as emerging targets for signal transduction in cancer development. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189176. [PMID: 39233263 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189176] [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: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
Sphingolipids, crucial components of cellular membranes, play a vital role in maintaining cellular structure and signaling integrity. Disruptions in sphingolipid metabolism are increasingly implicated in cancer development. Key bioactive sphingolipids, such as ceramides, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), ceramide-1-phosphate (C1P), and glycosphingolipids, profoundly impact tumor biology. They influence the behavior of tumor cells, stromal cells, and immune cells, affecting tumor aggressiveness, angiogenesis, immune modulation, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Furthermore, abnormal expression of sphingolipids and their metabolizing enzymes modulates the secretion of tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (TDEs), which are key players in creating an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, remodeling the extracellular matrix, and facilitating oncogenic signaling within in situ tumors and distant pre-metastatic niches (PMNs). Understanding the role of sphingolipids in the biogenesis of tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (TDEs) and their bioactive contents can pave the way for new biomarkers in cancer diagnosis and prognosis, ultimately enhancing comprehensive tumor treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Jia
- Department of General Practice, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; Oncology Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; Faculty of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200043, China
| | - Jiaying Yuan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Jinbo Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Tianjin Rehabilitation and Recuperation Center, Joint Logistics Support Force, Tianjin 300000, China
| | - Shu Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Baoshan Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201900, China
| | - Wanfu Lin
- Oncology Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; Faculty of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200043, China.
| | - Binbin Cheng
- Oncology Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; Faculty of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200043, China.
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3
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Zheng P, Yang S, Ren D, Zhang X, Bai Q. A Pan-Cancer Analysis of the Oncogenic Role of Methyltransferase-Like 1 in Human Tumors. Neurol India 2024; 72:837-845. [PMID: 39216043 DOI: 10.4103/neurol-india.ni_1354_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECT Although emerging cell- or animal-based evidence supports the relationship between methyltransferase-like 1 (METTL1) and cancers, no pan-cancer analysis is available. METHODS We thus first explored the potential oncogenic roles of METTL1 across 33 tumors based on the datasets of The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus. RESULTS METTL1 is highly expressed in most cancers, and distinct associations exist between METTL1 expression and prognosis of tumor patients. METTL1 level is related with the dendritic and B-cell infiltration levels in most tumors. Moreover, RNA processing- and RNA metabolism-associated functions were involved in the functional mechanisms of METTL1. CONCLUSION Our pan-cancer study offers a relatively comprehensive understanding of the oncogenic roles of METTL1 across different tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Pudong New Area People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
- Department of Key Laboratory, Shanghai Pudong New Area People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Shunmin Yang
- Department of Key Laboratory, Shanghai Pudong New Area People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Dabin Ren
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Pudong New Area People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoxue Zhang
- Department of Key Laboratory, Shanghai Pudong New Area People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingke Bai
- Department of Key Laboratory, Shanghai Pudong New Area People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
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4
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Li S, Wang B, Chen X, Tu C, Peng D, Dai Y. Downregulation of B4GALNT1 inhibits proliferation and metastasis of osteosarcoma cells. ZHONG NAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF CENTRAL SOUTH UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCES 2024; 49:870-877. [PMID: 39311783 PMCID: PMC11420960 DOI: 10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2024.240020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant bone tumor in children and adolescents, characterized by a high potential for proliferation and metastasis. Patients with osteosarcoma who have distant metastases generally have a poor prognosis. Challenges in treatment include incomplete resection of tumor and chemotherapy resistance, with no effective cure currently available. Recent studies suggest that β-1,4-N-acetyl-galactosaminyltransferase 1 (B4GALNT1) plays a role in the progression of various malignant tumors. However, the function of B4GALNT1 in osteosarcoma cells has not been reported. This study aims to investigate the expression of B4GALNT1 in osteosarcoma tissues compared to normal tissues and to explore its effects on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of osteosarcoma cells, thereby providing new theoretical foundations and directions for the treatment of osteosarcoma patients. METHODS Tumor tissues and corresponding normal tissue samples were collected from 16 osteosarcoma patients who underwent tumor resection at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. The patients' ages ranged from 8 to 17 years (median age 12 years). The expression of B4GALNT1 mRNA in osteosarcoma tissues, corresponding normal tissues, 3 osteosarcoma cell lines (MG63, Saos-2, and U2OS), and human fetal osteoblastic cells (hFOB) was detected using real-time reverse transcription PCR (real-time RT-PCR). The effects of B4GALNT1 knockdown on the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells Saos-2 and U2OS were analyzed using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays and colony formation assays. The effects of B4GALNT1 knockdown on the migration and invasion abilities of Saos-2 and U2OS cells were evaluated using Transwell migration and invasion assays. Western blotting analysis was performed to assess the impact of B4GALNT1 knockdown on the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasion-related proteins in Saos-2 and U2OS cells. RESULTS Real-time RT-PCR results showed that B4GALNT1 mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in osteosarcoma tissues and the 3 osteosarcoma cell lines compared to normal tissues and hFOB cells (all P<0.01). CCK-8 and colony formation assays indicated that B4GALNT1 knockdown significantly reduced the proliferation rate of osteosarcoma cells compared to the control group (all P<0.05). Transwell migration and invasion assays demonstrated that B4GALNT1 knockdown significantly decreased the number of migrating and invading osteosarcoma cells (all P<0.01). Western blotting analysis revealed that B4GALNT1 knockdown inhibited the expression of N-cadherin, Snail, Vimentin, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) compared to the control group (all P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS B4GALNT1 is upregulated in osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines, and its knockdown suppresses the malignant phenotype of osteosarcoma cells. B4GALNT1 may function as an oncogene in the proliferation and metastasis of osteosarcoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Li
- Department of Spine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011.
- Hunan Provincial Digital Spine Research Institute, Changsha 410011.
| | - Bing Wang
- Department of Spine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011.
- Hunan Provincial Digital Spine Research Institute, Changsha 410011.
| | - Xia Chen
- Department of Orthopadics, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Chao Tu
- Department of Orthopadics, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Dan Peng
- Department of Orthopadics, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Yuliang Dai
- Department of Spine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011
- Hunan Provincial Digital Spine Research Institute, Changsha 410011
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Schengrund CL. Sphingolipids: Less Enigmatic but Still Many Questions about the Role(s) of Ceramide in the Synthesis/Function of the Ganglioside Class of Glycosphingolipids. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6312. [PMID: 38928016 PMCID: PMC11203820 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
While much has been learned about sphingolipids, originally named for their sphinx-like enigmatic properties, there are still many unanswered questions about the possible effect(s) of the composition of ceramide on the synthesis and/or behavior of a glycosphingolipid (GSL). Over time, studies of their ceramide component, the sphingoid base containing the lipid moiety of GSLs, were frequently distinct from those performed to ascertain the roles of the carbohydrate moieties. Due to the number of classes of GSLs that can be derived from ceramide, this review focuses on the possible role(s) of ceramide in the synthesis/function of just one GSL class, derived from glucosylceramide (Glc-Cer), namely sialylated ganglio derivatives, initially characterized and named gangliosides (GGs) due to their presence in ganglion cells. While much is known about their synthesis and function, much is still being learned. For example, it is only within the last 15-20 years or so that the mechanism by which the fatty acyl component of ceramide affected its transport to different sites in the Golgi, where it is used for the synthesis of Glu- or galactosyl-Cer (Gal-Cer) and more complex GSLs, was defined. Still to be fully addressed are questions such as (1) whether ceramide composition affects the transport of partially glycosylated GSLs to sites where their carbohydrate chain can be elongated or affects the activity of glycosyl transferases catalyzing that elongation; (2) what controls the differences seen in the ceramide composition of GGs that have identical carbohydrate compositions but vary in that of their ceramide and vice versa; (3) how alterations in ceramide composition affect the function of membrane GGs; and (4) how this knowledge might be applied to the development of therapies for treating diseases that correlate with abnormal expression of GGs. The availability of an updatable data bank of complete structures for individual classes of GSLs found in normal tissues as well as those associated with disease would facilitate research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara-Lynne Schengrund
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
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6
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Tang Y, Xu Z, Xu F, Ye J, Chen J, He J, Chen Y, Qi C, Huang H, Liu R, Shan H, Xiao F. B4GALNT1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma stemness and progression via integrin α2β1-mediated FAK and AKT activation. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100903. [PMID: 37965158 PMCID: PMC10641234 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims β-1,4-N-Acetyl-galactosaminyltransferase 1 (B4GALNT1) has been reported to contribute to the development of human malignancies. However, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains uncharacterised. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the role of B4GALNT1 in HCC stemness and progression. Methods Immunohistochemical staining was used to evaluate B4GALNT1 expression in HCC tissues and adjacent normal liver tissues. Flow cytometry analysis and sphere formation analysis were performed to investigate the role of B4GALNT1 in HCC stemness. Colony formation, Incucyte, wound-healing, Transwell migration, and invasion assays, and an animal model were used to study the role of B4GALNT1 in HCC progression. RNA-sequencing and co-immunoprecipitation were used to investigate the downstream targets of B4GALNT1. Results B4GALNT1 was upregulated in HCC and associated with poor clinical outcome of patients with the disease. Moreover, B4GALNT1 promoted HCC stemness, migration, invasion, and growth. Mechanistically, B4GALNT1 not only promoted the expression of the integrin α2β1 ligand THBS4, but also directly interacted with the β subunit of integrin α2β1 ITGB1 to inhibit its ubiquitin-independent proteasomal degradation, resulting in activation of FAK and AKT. Ophiopogonin D inhibited HCC stemness and progression by reducing ITGB1 and THBS4 expression and inhibiting FAK and AKT activation. Conclusions Our study suggests the B4GALNT1/integrin α2β1/FAK/PI3K/AKT axis as a therapeutic target for the inhibition of HCC stemness and tumour progression. Impact and implications The role and regulatory mechanism of B4GALNT1 in HCC have not been studied previously. Here, we reveal that B4GALNT1 has a crucial role in HCC stemness and progression by activating the integrin α2β1/FAK/PI3K/AKT axis, providing a potential target for HCC therapy. In addition, we find Ophiopogonin D as a potential therapeutic drug for patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhijie Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Fuyuan Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Juan Ye
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianxu Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianzhong He
- Department of Pathology, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingchun Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Chunhui Qi
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongbin Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Ruiyang Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Hong Shan
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
- Center for Interventional Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Fei Xiao
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
- Kashi Guangdong Institute of Science and Technology, the First People’s Hospital of Kashi, Kashi 844000, Xinjiang, China
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7
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Machy P, Mortier E, Birklé S. Biology of GD2 ganglioside: implications for cancer immunotherapy. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1249929. [PMID: 37670947 PMCID: PMC10475612 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1249929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Part of the broader glycosphingolipid family, gangliosides are composed of a ceramide bound to a sialic acid-containing glycan chain, and locate at the plasma membrane. Gangliosides are produced through sequential steps of glycosylation and sialylation. This diversity of composition is reflected in differences in expression patterns and functions of the various gangliosides. Ganglioside GD2 designates different subspecies following a basic structure containing three carbohydrate residues and two sialic acids. GD2 expression, usually restrained to limited tissues, is frequently altered in various neuroectoderm-derived cancers. While GD2 is of evident interest, its glycolipid nature has rendered research challenging. Physiological GD2 expression has been linked to developmental processes. Passing this stage, varying levels of GD2, physiologically expressed mainly in the central nervous system, affect composition and formation of membrane microdomains involved in surface receptor signaling. Overexpressed in cancer, GD2 has been shown to enhance cell survival and invasion. Furthermore, binding of antibodies leads to immune-independent cell death mechanisms. In addition, GD2 contributes to T-cell dysfunction, and functions as an immune checkpoint. Given the cancer-associated functions, GD2 has been a source of interest for immunotherapy. As a potential biomarker, methods are being developed to quantify GD2 from patients' samples. In addition, various therapeutic strategies are tested. Based on initial success with antibodies, derivates such as bispecific antibodies and immunocytokines have been developed, engaging patient immune system. Cytotoxic effectors or payloads may be redirected based on anti-GD2 antibodies. Finally, vaccines can be used to mount an immune response in patients. We review here the pertinent biological information on GD2 which may be of use for optimizing current immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stéphane Birklé
- Nantes Université, Univ Angers, INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France
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8
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Nihei M, Kawaguchi S, Mineyama A, Sato T. Transcriptional Mechanism of the Mouse β4-Galactosyltransferase 6 Gene in Mouse Neuroblastoma Cell Line Neuro-2a. Biol Pharm Bull 2023; 46:741-745. [PMID: 36928041 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b23-00122] [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] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Lactosylceramide (Lac-Cer) constitutes the backbone structure of various gangliosides whose abnormal expression is associated with malignancy of neuroblastoma. The understanding of the regulatory mechanism of Lac-Cer contributes to the development of neuroblastoma therapy. In this study, the transcriptional mechanism of mouse β4-galactosyltransferase (β4GalT) 6, which is one of Lac-Cer synthase, was analyzed using mouse neuroblastoma cell line Neuro-2a. The -226 to -13 region relative to the most downstream transcriptional start site was determined to be the promoter region by luciferase assay using the 5'-deletion constructs. The mutation into the activating protein (AP) 4-binding site -110/-101 drastically decreased the promoter activity, indicating that this site is mainly implicated in the transcription. Furthermore, the mutation into the GATA-binding site -210/-201 or another AP4-binding site -202/-193 partially decreased the promoter activity. The study suggests that the mouse β4GalT6 gene is transcriptionally regulated by AP4 in cooperation with GATA family transcription factor in neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanobu Nihei
- Laboratory of Glycobiology, Department of Bioengineering, Nagaoka University of Technology
| | - Saori Kawaguchi
- Laboratory of Glycobiology, Department of Bioengineering, Nagaoka University of Technology
| | - Anri Mineyama
- Laboratory of Glycobiology, Department of Bioengineering, Nagaoka University of Technology
| | - Takeshi Sato
- Laboratory of Glycobiology, Department of Bioengineering, Nagaoka University of Technology
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9
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Mabe NW, Huang M, Dalton GN, Alexe G, Schaefer DA, Geraghty AC, Robichaud AL, Conway AS, Khalid D, Mader MM, Belk JA, Ross KN, Sheffer M, Linde MH, Ly N, Yao W, Rotiroti MC, Smith BAH, Wernig M, Bertozzi CR, Monje M, Mitsiades CS, Majeti R, Satpathy AT, Stegmaier K, Majzner RG. Transition to a mesenchymal state in neuroblastoma confers resistance to anti-GD2 antibody via reduced expression of ST8SIA1. NATURE CANCER 2022; 3:976-993. [PMID: 35817829 PMCID: PMC10071839 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-022-00405-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy with anti-GD2 antibodies has advanced the treatment of children with high-risk neuroblastoma, but nearly half of patients relapse, and little is known about mechanisms of resistance to anti-GD2 therapy. Here, we show that reduced GD2 expression was significantly correlated with the mesenchymal cell state in neuroblastoma and that a forced adrenergic-to-mesenchymal transition (AMT) conferred downregulation of GD2 and resistance to anti-GD2 antibody. Mechanistically, low-GD2-expressing cell lines demonstrated significantly reduced expression of the ganglioside synthesis enzyme ST8SIA1 (GD3 synthase), resulting in a bottlenecking of GD2 synthesis. Pharmacologic inhibition of EZH2 resulted in epigenetic rewiring of mesenchymal neuroblastoma cells and re-expression of ST8SIA1, restoring surface expression of GD2 and sensitivity to anti-GD2 antibody. These data identify developmental lineage as a key determinant of sensitivity to anti-GD2 based immunotherapies and credential EZH2 inhibitors for clinical testing in combination with anti-GD2 antibody to enhance outcomes for children with neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel W Mabe
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Min Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Guillermo N Dalton
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Gabriela Alexe
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Daniel A Schaefer
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anna C Geraghty
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Amanda L Robichaud
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amy S Conway
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Delan Khalid
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marius M Mader
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Julia A Belk
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kenneth N Ross
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Michal Sheffer
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Miles H Linde
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Immunology Graduate Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nghi Ly
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Winnie Yao
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Benjamin A H Smith
- Department of Chemical & Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Marius Wernig
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Carolyn R Bertozzi
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Michelle Monje
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Ravindra Majeti
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ansuman T Satpathy
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kimberly Stegmaier
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Robbie G Majzner
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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10
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Pan-Cancer Analysis of B4GALNT1 as a Potential Prognostic and Immunological Biomarker. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:4355890. [PMID: 35935585 PMCID: PMC9352475 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4355890] [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: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Gangliosides act as important roles in tumor progression. B4GALNT1 is a key enzyme in ganglioside biosynthesis. B4GALNT1 expression is linked to tumorigenesis and the prognosis of tumor patients. Nevertheless, the role of B4GALNT1 in pan-cancer remains unclear. Methods. Several databases, including TCGA, GEO, GTEx, NCI-60, and TIMER, were searched. Methods including correlation analysis, Cox regression analysis, and Kaplan-Meier analysis were used to explore the expression pattern, prognosis, tumor infiltration pattern, genetics and epigenetics, and drug sensitivity of B4GALNT1 in pan-cancer patients from the above datasets. Results. B4GALNT1 was found to be aberrantly expressed in multiple types of tumors. The survival status of tumor patients was significantly related to B4GALNT1 expression, but the correlations were tumor-specific. Moreover, the expression of B4GALNT1 was associated with ImmuneScore and StromalScore in 21 and 27 tumor types, respectively. Also, B4GALNT1 was significantly associated with TMB, MSI, MMR, and DNA methylation. Additionally, the sensitivity of 9 drugs was correlated with the expression of B4GALNT1. Conclusion. A correlation of B4GALNT1 expression with prognosis exists in multiple types of cancers. In addition, B4GALNT1 expression may play a role in TME and tumor immunity regulation. Further investigation of the biological mechanisms of its different roles in tumorigenesis and clinical application as a biomarker is still required.
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11
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Voelkel-Johnson C. Sphingolipids in embryonic development, cell cycle regulation, and stemness - Implications for polyploidy in tumors. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 81:206-219. [PMID: 33429049 PMCID: PMC8263803 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The aberrant biology of polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCC) includes dysregulation of the cell cycle, induction of stress responses, and dedifferentiation, all of which are likely accompanied by adaptations in biophysical properties and metabolic activity. Sphingolipids are the second largest class of membrane lipids and play important roles in many aspects of cell biology that are potentially relevant to polyploidy. We have recently shown that the function of the sphingolipid enzyme acid ceramidase (ASAH1) is critical for the ability of PGCC to generate progeny by depolyploidization but mechanisms by which sphingolipids contribute to polyploidy and generation of offspring with stem-like properties remain elusive. This review discusses the role of sphingolipids during embryonic development, cell cycle regulation, and stem cells in an effort to highlight parallels to polyploidy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Voelkel-Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
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12
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Glycosyltransferases in Cancer: Prognostic Biomarkers of Survival in Patient Cohorts and Impact on Malignancy in Experimental Models. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092128. [PMID: 35565254 PMCID: PMC9100214 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092128] [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: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Glycosylation changes are a main feature of cancer. Some carbohydrate epitopes and expression levels of glycosyltransferases have been used or proposed as prognostic markers, while many experimental works have investigated the role of glycosyltransferases in malignancy. Using the transcriptomic data of the 21 TCGA cohorts, we correlated the expression level of 114 glycosyltransferases with the overall survival of patients. Methods: Using the Oncolnc website, we determined the Kaplan−Meier survival curves for the patients falling in the 15% upper or lower percentile of mRNA expression of each glycosyltransferase. Results: Seventeen glycosyltransferases involved in initial steps of N- or O-glycosylation and of glycolipid biosynthesis, in chain extension and sialylation were unequivocally associated with bad prognosis in a majority of cohorts. Four glycosyltransferases were associated with good prognosis. Other glycosyltransferases displayed an extremely high predictive value in only one or a few cohorts. The top were GALNT3, ALG6 and B3GNT7, which displayed a p < 1 × 10−9 in the low-grade glioma (LGG) cohort. Comparison with published experimental data points to ALG3, GALNT2, B4GALNT1, POFUT1, B4GALT5, B3GNT5 and ST3GAL2 as the most consistently malignancy-associated enzymes. Conclusions: We identified several cancer-associated glycosyltransferases as potential prognostic markers and therapeutic targets.
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13
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Fujimura T. Stromal Factors as a Target for Immunotherapy in Melanoma and Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23074044. [PMID: 35409404 PMCID: PMC8999844 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23074044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD1) antibodies (Abs) and anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA4) Abs, have been widely administered for not only advanced melanoma, but also various non-melanoma skin cancers. Since profiles of tumor-infiltrating leukocytes (TILs) play important roles in immunotherapy using ICIs, it is important to evaluate cancer stromal cells such as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), as well as stromal extracellular matrix protein, to predict the efficacy of ICIs. This review article focuses particularly on TAMs and related factors. Among TILs, TAMs and their related factors could be the optimal biomarkers for immunotherapy such as anti-PD1 Ab therapy. According to the studies presented, TAM-targeting therapies for advanced melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer will develop in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taku Fujimura
- Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
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14
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Zhou Z, Wang T, Du Y, Deng J, Gao G, Zhang J. Identification of a Novel Glycosyltransferase Prognostic Signature in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on LASSO Algorithm. Front Genet 2022; 13:823728. [PMID: 35356430 PMCID: PMC8959637 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.823728] [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: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Although many prognostic models have been developed to help determine personalized prognoses and treatments, the predictive efficiency of these prognostic models in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is a highly heterogeneous malignancy, is less than ideal. Recently, aberrant glycosylation has been demonstrated to universally participate in tumour initiation and progression, suggesting that dysregulation of glycosyltransferases can serve as novel cancer biomarkers. In this study, a total of 568 RNA-sequencing datasets of HCC from the TCGA database and ICGC database were analysed and integrated via bioinformatic methods. LASSO regression analysis was applied to construct a prognostic signature. Kaplan-Meier survival, ROC curve, nomogram, and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to assess the predictive efficiency of the prognostic signature. GSEA and the "CIBERSORT" R package were utilized to further discover the potential biological mechanism of the prognostic signature. Meanwhile, the differential expression of the prognostic signature was verified by western blot, qRT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining derived from the HPA. Ultimately, we constructed a prognostic signature in HCC based on a combination of six glycosyltransferases, whose prognostic value was evaluated and validated successfully in the testing cohort and the validation cohort. The prognostic signature was identified as an independent unfavourable prognostic factor for OS, and a nomogram including the risk score was established and showed the good performance in predicting OS. Further analysis of the underlying mechanism revealed that the prognostic signature may be potentially associated with metabolic disorders and tumour-infiltrating immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyang Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Day Ward, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yao Du
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Junping Deng
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ge Gao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jiangnan Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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15
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Mansoori M, Abdi Rad I, Mirzaei A, Tam KJ, Mohsen Hosseini S, Mahmodlu R, Mansouri F, Saeednejad Zanjani L, Madjd Z. Does GD2 synthase (GD2S) detect cancer stem cells in blood samples of breast carcinomas? J Appl Biomed 2021; 19:181-189. [PMID: 34907737 DOI: 10.32725/jab.2021.019] [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: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a theorized subset of cells within the tumor that is thought to drive disease recurrence and metastatic spread. The aim of this study is to investigate mRNA and protein levels of ganglioside GD2 synthase (GD2S), in breast cancer (BC) patients. METHODS 65 PBMCs of preoperative BC patients without chemotherapy were compared to PBMCs after chemotherapy and controls. RESULTS GD2S were significantly higher in BC patients after chemotherapy compared to pre-chemotherapy at both mRNA and protein. GD2S was higher in pre-chemotherapy blood samples compared to control samples. CONCLUSIONS Higher expression of GD2S in BC samples compared to healthy control indicates the potential utility of GD2S as a marker of malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Mansoori
- Iran University of Medical Sciences, Oncopathology Research Center, Tehran, Iran.,Iran University of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Department of Molecular Medicine, Tehran, Iran
| | - Isa Abdi Rad
- Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Urmia, Iran
| | - Alireza Mirzaei
- Iran University of Medical Sciences, Shafa Orthopedic Hospital, Bone and Joint Reconstruction Research Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kevin J Tam
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Seyed Mohsen Hosseini
- Omid specialty and subspecialty Hospital, Oncology and Radiotherapy Ward, Urmia, Iran
| | - Rahim Mahmodlu
- Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Department of Surgery, Urmia, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Mansouri
- Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Genetics and Immunology, Urmia, Iran
| | | | - Zahra Madjd
- Iran University of Medical Sciences, Oncopathology Research Center, Tehran, Iran.,Iran University of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Department of Molecular Medicine, Tehran, Iran
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16
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Matias M, Pinho JO, Penetra MJ, Campos G, Reis CP, Gaspar MM. The Challenging Melanoma Landscape: From Early Drug Discovery to Clinical Approval. Cells 2021; 10:3088. [PMID: 34831311 PMCID: PMC8621991 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is recognized as the most dangerous type of skin cancer, with high mortality and resistance to currently used treatments. To overcome the limitations of the available therapeutic options, the discovery and development of new, more effective, and safer therapies is required. In this review, the different research steps involved in the process of antimelanoma drug evaluation and selection are explored, including information regarding in silico, in vitro, and in vivo experiments, as well as clinical trial phases. Details are given about the most used cell lines and assays to perform both two- and three-dimensional in vitro screening of drug candidates towards melanoma. For in vivo studies, murine models are, undoubtedly, the most widely used for assessing the therapeutic potential of new compounds and to study the underlying mechanisms of action. Here, the main melanoma murine models are described as well as other animal species. A section is dedicated to ongoing clinical studies, demonstrating the wide interest and successful efforts devoted to melanoma therapy, in particular at advanced stages of the disease, and a final section includes some considerations regarding approval for marketing by regulatory agencies. Overall, considerable commitment is being directed to the continuous development of optimized experimental models, important for the understanding of melanoma biology and for the evaluation and validation of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Matias
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jacinta O Pinho
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria João Penetra
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo Campos
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Catarina Pinto Reis
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria Manuela Gaspar
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
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17
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Wang J, Liu G, Liu M, Cai Q, Yao C, Chen H, Song N, Yuan C, Tan D, Hu Y, Xiang Y, Xiang T. High-Risk HPV16 E6 Activates the cGMP/PKG Pathway Through Glycosyltransferase ST6GAL1 in Cervical Cancer Cells. Front Oncol 2021; 11:716246. [PMID: 34745942 PMCID: PMC8564291 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.716246] [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: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in glycosylation regulate fundamental molecular and cellular processes of cancer, serving as important biomarkers and therapeutic targets. However, the potential association and regulatory mechanisms of E6 oncoprotein on glycosylation of cervical cancer cells are still unclear. Here, we evaluated the glycomic changes via using Lectin microarray and determined the corresponding enzymes associated with endogenous high-risk HPV16 E6 expression in cervical cancer cells. α-2,6 sialic acids and the corresponding glycosyltransferase ST6GAL1 were significantly increased in E6 stable-expressing HPV- cervical cancer C33A cells. Clinical validation further showed that the expression of ST6GAL1 was significantly increased in patients infected with high-risk HPV subtypes and showed a positive association with E6 in cervical scraping samples. Interfering ST6GAL1 expression markedly blocked the oncogenic effects of E6 on colony formulation, proliferation, and metastasis. Importantly, ST6GAL1 overexpression enhanced tumorigenic activities of both E6-positive and E6-negative cells. Mechanistical investigations revealed that E6 depended on activating YAP1 to stimulate ST6GAL1 expression, as verteporfin (inhibitor of YAP1) significantly suppressed the E6-induced ST6GAL1 upregulation. E6/ST6GAL1 triggered the activation of downstream cGMP/PKG signaling pathway and ODQ (inhibitor of GMP production) simultaneously suppressed the oncogenic activities of both E6 and ST6GAL1 in cervical cancer cells. Taken together, these findings indicate that ST6GAL1 is an important mediator for oncogenic E6 protein to activate the downstream cGMP/PKG signaling pathway, which represents a novel molecular mechanism and potential therapeutic targets for cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wuhan Children’s Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Gao Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Central Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi Clinical College, Medical School of Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, China
| | - Mei Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wuhan Hankou Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Qinzhen Cai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wuhan Children’s Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Cong Yao
- Health Care Department, Wuhan Children’s Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Pathology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Neng Song
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Integrated Chinese & Western Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Chunhui Yuan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wuhan Children’s Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Decai Tan
- Department of Science and Education, Central Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi Clinical College, Medical School of Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, China
| | - Yuhai Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wuhan Hankou Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Yun Xiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wuhan Children’s Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tian Xiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Central Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi Clinical College, Medical School of Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, China
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18
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Banik K, Khatoon E, Hegde M, Thakur KK, Puppala ER, Naidu VGM, Kunnumakkara AB. A novel bioavailable curcumin-galactomannan complex modulates the genes responsible for the development of chronic diseases in mice: A RNA sequence analysis. Life Sci 2021; 287:120074. [PMID: 34687757 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic diseases or non-communicable diseases are a major burden worldwide due to the lack of highly efficacious treatment modalities and the serious side effects associated with the available therapies. PURPOSE/STUDY DESIGN A novel self-emulsifying formulation of curcumin with fenugreek galactomannan hydrogel scaffold as a water-dispersible non-covalent curcumin-galactomannan molecular complex (curcumagalactomannosides, CGM) has shown better bioavailability than curcumin and can be used for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. However, the exact potential of this formulation has not been studied, which would pave the way for its use for the prevention and treatment of multiple chronic diseases. METHODS The whole transcriptome analysis (RNAseq) was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the liver tissues of mice treated with LPS to investigate the potential of CGM on the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. Expression analysis using DESeq2 package, GO, and pathway analysis of the differentially expressed transcripts was performed using UniProtKB and KEGG-KAAS server. RESULTS The results showed that 559 genes differentially expressed between the liver tissue of control mice and CGM treated mice (100 mg/kg b.wt. for 14 days), with adjusted p-value below 0.05, of which 318 genes were significantly upregulated and 241 were downregulated. Further analysis showed that 33 genes which were upregulated (log2FC > 8) in the disease conditions were significantly downregulated, and 32 genes which were downregulated (log2FC < -8) in the disease conditions were significantly upregulated after the treatment with CGM. CONCLUSION Overall, our study showed CGM has high potential in the prevention and treatment of multiple chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kishore Banik
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati, Guwahati 781 039, Assam, India; DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research, Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati, Guwahati 781 039, Assam, India
| | - Elina Khatoon
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati, Guwahati 781 039, Assam, India; DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research, Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati, Guwahati 781 039, Assam, India
| | - Mangala Hegde
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati, Guwahati 781 039, Assam, India; DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research, Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati, Guwahati 781 039, Assam, India
| | - Krishan Kumar Thakur
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati, Guwahati 781 039, Assam, India; DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research, Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati, Guwahati 781 039, Assam, India
| | - Eswara Rao Puppala
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Educational Research (NIPER) Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - V G M Naidu
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Educational Research (NIPER) Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Ajaikumar B Kunnumakkara
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati, Guwahati 781 039, Assam, India; DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research, Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati, Guwahati 781 039, Assam, India.
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19
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Shao C, Anand V, Andreeff M, Battula VL. Ganglioside GD2: a novel therapeutic target in triple-negative breast cancer. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2021; 1508:35-53. [PMID: 34596246 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by lack of hormone receptor expression and is known for high rates of recurrence, distant metastases, and poor clinical outcomes. TNBC cells lack targetable receptors; hence, there is an urgent need for targetable markers for the disease. Breast cancer stem-like cells (BCSCs) are a fraction of cells in primary tumors that are associated with tumorigenesis, metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapy. Targeting BCSCs is thus an effective strategy for preventing cancer metastatic spread and sensitizing tumors to chemotherapy. The CD44hi CD24lo phenotype is a well-established phenotype for identification of BCSCs, but CD44 and CD24 are not targetable markers owing to their expression in normal tissues. The ganglioside GD2 has been shown to be upregulated in primary TNBC tumors compared with normal breast tissue and has been shown to identify BCSCs. In this review, we discuss GD2 as a BCSC- and tumor-specific marker in TNBC; epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and the signaling pathways that are upstream and downstream of GD2 and the role of these pathways in tumorigenesis and metastasis in TNBC; direct and indirect approaches for targeting GD2; and ongoing clinical trials and treatments directed against GD2 as well as future directions for these strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Shao
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Vivek Anand
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Michael Andreeff
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Venkata Lokesh Battula
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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20
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Neuroblastoma GD2 Expression and Computational Analysis of Aptamer-Based Bioaffinity Targeting. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22169101. [PMID: 34445807 PMCID: PMC8396649 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22169101] [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: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a neuroectodermal embryonic cancer that originates from primordial neural crest cells, and amongst pediatric cancers with high mortality rates. NB is categorized into high-, intermediate-, and low-risk cases. A significant proportion of high-risk patients who achieve remission have a minimal residual disease (MRD) that causes relapse. Whilst there exists a myriad of advanced treatment options for NB, it is still characterized by a high relapse rate, resulting in a reduced chance of survival. Disialoganglioside (GD2) is a lipo-ganglioside containing a fatty acid derivative of sphingosine that is coupled to a monosaccharide and a sialic acid. Amongst pediatric solid tumors, NB tumor cells are known to express GD2; hence, it represents a unique antigen for subclinical NB MRD detection and analysis with implications in determining a response for treatment. This article discusses NB MRD expression and analytical assays for GD2 detection and quantification as well as computational approaches for GD2 characterization based on high-throughput image processing and genomic data analysis.
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21
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Cancer-Associated Glycosphingolipids as Tumor Markers and Targets for Cancer Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22116145. [PMID: 34200284 PMCID: PMC8201009 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant expression of glycosphingolipids is a hallmark of cancer cells and is associated with their malignant properties. Disialylated gangliosides GD2 and GD3 are considered as markers of neuroectoderm origin in tumors, whereas fucosyl-GM1 is expressed in very few normal tissues but overexpressed in a variety of cancers, especially in small cell lung carcinoma. These gangliosides are absent in most normal adult tissues, making them targets of interest in immuno-oncology. Passive and active immunotherapy strategies have been developed, and have shown promising results in clinical trials. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge on GD2, GD3, and fucosyl-GM1 expression in health and cancer, their biosynthesis pathways in the Golgi apparatus, and their biological roles. We described how their overexpression can affect intracellular signaling pathways, increasing the malignant phenotypes of cancer cells, including their metastatic potential and invasiveness. Finally, the different strategies used to target these tumor-associated gangliosides for immunotherapy were discussed, including the use and development of monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, immune system modulators, and immune effector-cell therapy, with a special focus on adoptive cellular therapy with T cells engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors.
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22
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Exploiting Gangliosides for the Therapy of Ewing's Sarcoma and H3K27M-Mutant Diffuse Midline Glioma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030520. [PMID: 33572900 PMCID: PMC7866294 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Osteosarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma, and H3K27M-mutant diffuse midline glioma are rare but aggressive malignancies occurring mainly in children. Due to their rareness and often fatal course, drug development is challenging. Here, we repurposed the existing drugs dinutuximab and eliglustat and investigated their potential to directly target or indirectly modulate the tumor cell-specific ganglioside GD2. Our data suggest that targeting and/or modulating tumor cell-specific GD2 may offer a new therapeutic strategy for the above mentioned tumor entities. Abstract The ganglioside GD2 is an important target in childhood cancer. Nevertheless, the only therapy targeting GD2 that is approved to date is the monoclonal antibody dinutuximab, which is used in the therapy of neuroblastoma. The relevance of GD2 as a target in other tumor entities remains to be elucidated. Here, we analyzed the expression of GD2 in different pediatric tumor entities by flow cytometry and tested two approaches for targeting GD2. H3K27M-mutant diffuse midline glioma (H3K27M-mutant DMG) samples showed the highest expression of GD2 with all cells strongly positive for the antigen. Ewing’s sarcoma (ES) samples also showed high expression, but displayed intra- and intertumor heterogeneity. Osteosarcoma had low to intermediate expression with a high percentage of GD2-negative cells. Dinutuximab beta in combination with irinotecan and temozolomide was used to treat a five-year-old girl with refractory ES. Disease control lasted over 12 months until a single partially GD2-negative intracranial metastasis was detected. In order to target GD2 in H3K27M-mutant DMG, we blocked ganglioside synthesis via eliglustat, since dinutuximab cannot cross the blood–brain barrier. Eliglustat is an inhibitor of glucosylceramide synthase, and it is used for treating children with Gaucher’s disease. Eliglustat completely inhibited the proliferation of primary H3K27M-mutant DMG cells in vitro. In summary, our data provide evidence that dinutuximab might be effective in tumors with high GD2 expression. Moreover, disrupting the ganglioside metabolism in H3K27M-mutant DMG could open up a new therapeutic option for this highly fatal cancer.
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Jiang T, Wu H, Lin M, Yin J, Tan L, Ruan Y, Feng M. B4GALNT1 promotes progression and metastasis in lung adenocarcinoma through JNK/c-Jun/Slug pathway. Carcinogenesis 2020; 42:621-630. [PMID: 33367717 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgaa141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of the most common types of cancer and has a low survival rate. β-1,4-N-Acetyl galactosaminyltransferase 1 (B4GALNT1), which is involved in the synthesis of complex gangliosides, is highly expressed in the progression of various cancers. This study aimed to elucidate the biological functions of B4GALNT1 in LUAD progression and metastasis. We observed that B4GALNT1 overexpression showed enhanced cell migration and invasion in vitro, and promoted tumor metastasis, with reduced survival in mice. Mechanistically, B4GALNT1 regulated metastatic potential of LUAD through activating the JNK/c-Jun/Slug pathway, and with the form of its enzymatic activity. Clinical samples confirmed that B4GALNT1 expression was upregulated in LUAD, and B4GALNT1 was correlated with c-Jun/Slug expression, lymph node involvement, advanced clinical stage, and reduced overall survival. Collectively, our results suggest that B4GALNT1 promotes progression and metastasis of LUAD through activating JNK/c-Jun/Slug signaling, and with the form of its enzymatic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No.180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Miao Lin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No.180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Yin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No.180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Lijie Tan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No.180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanyuan Ruan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingxiang Feng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No.180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, China
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Schengrund CL. Gangliosides and Neuroblastomas. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5313. [PMID: 32726962 PMCID: PMC7432824 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The focus of this review is the ganglio-series of glycosphingolipids found in neuroblastoma (NB) and the myriad of unanswered questions associated with their possible role(s) in this cancer. NB is one of the more common solid malignancies of children. Five-year survival for those diagnosed with low risk NB is 90-95%, while that for children with high-risk NB is around 40-50%. Much of the survival rate reflects age of diagnosis with children under a year having a much better prognosis than those over two. Identification of expression of GD2 on the surface of most NB cells led to studies of the effectiveness and subsequent approval of anti-GD2 antibodies as a treatment modality. Despite much success, a subset of patients, possibly those whose tumors fail to express concentrations of gangliosides such as GD1b and GT1b found in tumors from patients with a good prognosis, have tumors refractory to treatment. These observations support discussion of what is known about control of ganglioside synthesis, and their actual functions in NB, as well as their possible relationship to treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara-Lynne Schengrund
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
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