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Manzar N, Khan UK, Goel A, Carskadon S, Gupta N, Palanisamy N, Ateeq B. An integrative proteomics approach identifies tyrosine kinase KIT as a therapeutic target for SPINK1-positive prostate cancer. iScience 2024; 27:108794. [PMID: 38384854 PMCID: PMC10879682 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.108794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Elevated serine peptidase inhibitor, Kazal type 1 (SPINK1) levels in ∼10%-25% of prostate cancer (PCa) patients associate with aggressive phenotype, for which there are limited treatment choices and dismal clinical outcomes. Using an integrative proteomics approach involving label-free phosphoproteome and proteome profiling, we delineated the downstream signaling pathways involved in SPINK1-mediated tumorigenesis and identified tyrosine kinase KIT as highly enriched. Furthermore, high to moderate levels of KIT expression were detected in ∼85% of SPINK1-positive PCa specimens. We show KIT signaling orchestrates SPINK1-mediated oncogenesis, and treatment with KIT inhibitor reduces tumor growth and metastases in preclinical mice models. Mechanistically, KIT signaling modulates WNT/β-catenin pathway and confers stemness-related features in PCa. Notably, inhibiting KIT signaling led to restoration of AR/REST levels, forming a feedback loop enabling SPINK1 repression. Overall, we uncover the role of KIT signaling downstream of SPINK1 in maintaining lineage plasticity and provide distinct treatment modalities for advanced-stage SPINK1-positive patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishat Manzar
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, UP 208016, India
| | - Umar Khalid Khan
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, UP 208016, India
| | - Ayush Goel
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, UP 208016, India
| | - Shannon Carskadon
- Vattikuti Urology Institute, Department of Urology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Nilesh Gupta
- Department of Pathology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Nallasivam Palanisamy
- Vattikuti Urology Institute, Department of Urology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Bushra Ateeq
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, UP 208016, India
- Mehta Family Center for Engineering in Medicine, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, UP 208016, India
- Centre of Excellence for Cancer - Gangwal School of Medical Sciences and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, UP 208016, India
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2
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Sharma NK, Bahot A, Sekar G, Bansode M, Khunteta K, Sonar PV, Hebale A, Salokhe V, Sinha BK. Understanding Cancer's Defense against Topoisomerase-Active Drugs: A Comprehensive Review. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:680. [PMID: 38398072 PMCID: PMC10886629 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040680] [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: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the emergence of cancer drug resistance has been one of the crucial tumor hallmarks that are supported by the level of genetic heterogeneity and complexities at cellular levels. Oxidative stress, immune evasion, metabolic reprogramming, overexpression of ABC transporters, and stemness are among the several key contributing molecular and cellular response mechanisms. Topo-active drugs, e.g., doxorubicin and topotecan, are clinically active and are utilized extensively against a wide variety of human tumors and often result in the development of resistance and failure to therapy. Thus, there is an urgent need for an incremental and comprehensive understanding of mechanisms of cancer drug resistance specifically in the context of topo-active drugs. This review delves into the intricate mechanistic aspects of these intracellular and extracellular topo-active drug resistance mechanisms and explores the use of potential combinatorial approaches by utilizing various topo-active drugs and inhibitors of pathways involved in drug resistance. We believe that this review will help guide basic scientists, pre-clinicians, clinicians, and policymakers toward holistic and interdisciplinary strategies that transcend resistance, renewing optimism in the ongoing battle against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilesh Kumar Sharma
- Cancer and Translational Research Centre Dr. D.Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune 411033, Maharashtra, India; (N.K.S.); (A.B.); (G.S.); (M.B.); (K.K.); (P.V.S.); (A.H.); (V.S.)
| | - Anjali Bahot
- Cancer and Translational Research Centre Dr. D.Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune 411033, Maharashtra, India; (N.K.S.); (A.B.); (G.S.); (M.B.); (K.K.); (P.V.S.); (A.H.); (V.S.)
| | - Gopinath Sekar
- Cancer and Translational Research Centre Dr. D.Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune 411033, Maharashtra, India; (N.K.S.); (A.B.); (G.S.); (M.B.); (K.K.); (P.V.S.); (A.H.); (V.S.)
| | - Mahima Bansode
- Cancer and Translational Research Centre Dr. D.Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune 411033, Maharashtra, India; (N.K.S.); (A.B.); (G.S.); (M.B.); (K.K.); (P.V.S.); (A.H.); (V.S.)
| | - Kratika Khunteta
- Cancer and Translational Research Centre Dr. D.Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune 411033, Maharashtra, India; (N.K.S.); (A.B.); (G.S.); (M.B.); (K.K.); (P.V.S.); (A.H.); (V.S.)
| | - Priyanka Vijay Sonar
- Cancer and Translational Research Centre Dr. D.Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune 411033, Maharashtra, India; (N.K.S.); (A.B.); (G.S.); (M.B.); (K.K.); (P.V.S.); (A.H.); (V.S.)
| | - Ameya Hebale
- Cancer and Translational Research Centre Dr. D.Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune 411033, Maharashtra, India; (N.K.S.); (A.B.); (G.S.); (M.B.); (K.K.); (P.V.S.); (A.H.); (V.S.)
| | - Vaishnavi Salokhe
- Cancer and Translational Research Centre Dr. D.Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune 411033, Maharashtra, India; (N.K.S.); (A.B.); (G.S.); (M.B.); (K.K.); (P.V.S.); (A.H.); (V.S.)
| | - Birandra Kumar Sinha
- Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA
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3
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Borlongan MC, Saha D, Wang H. Tumor Microenvironment: A Niche for Cancer Stem Cell Immunotherapy. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:3-24. [PMID: 37861969 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10639-6] [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] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Tumorigenic Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs), often called tumor-initiating cells (TICs), represent a unique subset of cells within the tumor milieu. They stand apart from the bulk of tumor cells due to their exceptional self-renewal, metastatic, and differentiation capabilities. Despite significant progress in classifying CSCs, these cells remain notably resilient to conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy, contributing to cancer recurrence. In this review, our objective is to explore novel avenues of research that delve into the distinctive characteristics of CSCs within their surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME). We will start with an overview of the defining features of CSCs and then delve into their intricate interactions with cells from the lymphoid lineage, namely T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. Furthermore, we will discuss their dynamic interplay with myeloid lineage cells, including macrophages, neutrophils, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Moreover, we will illuminate the crosstalk between CSCs and cells of mesenchymal origin, specifically fibroblasts, adipocytes, and endothelial cells. Subsequently, we will underscore the pivotal role of CSCs within the context of the tumor-associated extracellular matrix (ECM). Finally, we will highlight pre-clinical and clinical studies that target CSCs within the intricate landscape of the TME, including CAR-T therapy, oncolytic viruses, and CSC-vaccines, with the ultimate goal of uncovering novel avenues for CSC-based cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia C Borlongan
- College of Medicine, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, CA, 95757, USA
| | - Dipongkor Saha
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, CA, 95757, USA.
| | - Hongbin Wang
- College of Medicine, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, CA, 95757, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, CA, 95757, USA.
- Master Program of Pharmaceutical Sciences College of Graduate Studies, Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, Department of Basic Science College of Medicine, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, CA, 95757, USA.
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4
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Zaarour RF, Ribeiro M, Azzarone B, Kapoor S, Chouaib S. Tumor microenvironment-induced tumor cell plasticity: relationship with hypoxic stress and impact on tumor resistance. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1222575. [PMID: 37886168 PMCID: PMC10598765 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1222575] [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: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of tumor interaction with stromal components during carcinogenesis is crucial for the design of efficient cancer treatment approaches. It is widely admitted that tumor hypoxic stress is associated with tumor aggressiveness and thus impacts susceptibility and resistance to different types of treatments. Notable biological processes that hypoxia functions in include its regulation of tumor heterogeneity and plasticity. While hypoxia has been reported as a major player in tumor survival and dissemination regulation, the significance of hypoxia inducible factors in cancer stem cell development remains poorly understood. Several reports indicate that the emergence of cancer stem cells in addition to their phenotype and function within a hypoxic tumor microenvironment impacts cancer progression. In this respect, evidence showed that cancer stem cells are key elements of intratumoral heterogeneity and more importantly are responsible for tumor relapse and escape to treatments. This paper briefly reviews our current knowledge of the interaction between tumor hypoxic stress and its role in stemness acquisition and maintenance. Our review extensively covers the influence of hypoxia on the formation and maintenance of cancer stem cells and discusses the potential of targeting hypoxia-induced alterations in the expression and function of the so far known stem cell markers in cancer therapy approaches. We believe that a better and integrated understanding of the effect of hypoxia on stemness during carcinogenesis might lead to new strategies for exploiting hypoxia-associated pathways and their targeting in the clinical setting in order to overcome resistance mechanisms. More importantly, at the present time, efforts are oriented towards the design of innovative therapeutical approaches that specifically target cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- RF. Zaarour
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - M. Ribeiro
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - B. Azzarone
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - S. Kapoor
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - S. Chouaib
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- INSERM UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, Faculty of Medicine, University Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
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5
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Koukourakis IM, Platoni K, Kouloulias V, Arelaki S, Zygogianni A. Prostate Cancer Stem Cells: Biology and Treatment Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14890. [PMID: 37834336 PMCID: PMC10573523 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cells differentiate into mature organ/tissue-specific cells at a steady pace under normal conditions, but their growth can be accelerated during the process of tissue healing or in the context of certain diseases. It is postulated that the proliferation and growth of carcinomas are sustained by the presence of a vital cellular compartment resembling stem cells residing in normal tissues: 'stem-like cancer cells' or cancer stem cells (CSCs). Mutations in prostate stem cells can lead to the formation of prostate cancer. Prostate CSCs (PCSCs) have been identified and partially characterized. These express surface markers include CD44, CD133, integrin α2β1, and pluripotency factors like OCT4, NANOG, and SOX2. Several signaling pathways are also over-activated, including Notch, PTEN/Akt/PI3K, RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK and HH. Moreover, PCSCs appear to induce resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, while their presence has been linked to aggressive cancer behavior and higher relapse rates. The development of treatment policies to target PCSCs in tumors is appealing as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, through cancer cell killing, trigger tumor repopulation via activated stem cells. Thus, blocking this reactive stem cell mobilization may facilitate a positive outcome through cytotoxic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis M. Koukourakis
- Radiation Oncology Unit, 1st Department of Radiology, Aretaieion Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUOA), 11528 Athens, Greece; (I.M.K.); (A.Z.)
| | - Kalliopi Platoni
- Medical Physics Unit, 2nd Department of Radiology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUOA), 12462 Athens, Greece
| | - Vassilis Kouloulias
- Radiation Oncology Unit, 2nd Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUOA), 12462 Athens, Greece;
| | - Stella Arelaki
- Translational Functional Cancer Genomics, National Center for Tumor Diseases, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Anna Zygogianni
- Radiation Oncology Unit, 1st Department of Radiology, Aretaieion Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUOA), 11528 Athens, Greece; (I.M.K.); (A.Z.)
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6
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Vlajic K, Pennington Kluger H, Bie W, Merrill BJ, Nonn L, Kajdacsy-Balla A, Tyner AL. Appearance of tuft cells during prostate cancer progression. Oncogene 2023; 42:2374-2385. [PMID: 37386128 PMCID: PMC10374444 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02743-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Tuft cells are chemosensory epithelial cells that increase in number following infection or injury to robustly activate the innate immune response to alleviate or promote disease. Recent studies of castration resistant prostate cancer and its subtype, neuroendocrine prostate cancer, revealed Pou2f3+ populations in mouse models. The transcription factor Pou2f3 is a master regulator of the tuft cell lineage. We show that tuft cells are upregulated early during prostate cancer development, and their numbers increase with progression. Cancer-associated tuft cells in the mouse prostate express DCLK1, COX1, COX2, while human tuft cells express COX1. Mouse and human tuft cells exhibit strong activation of signaling pathways including EGFR and SRC-family kinases. While DCLK1 is a mouse tuft cell marker, it is not present in human prostate tuft cells. Tuft cells that appear in mouse models of prostate cancer display genotype-specific tuft cell gene expression signatures. Using bioinformatic analysis tools and publicly available datasets, we characterized prostate tuft cells in aggressive disease and highlighted differences between tuft cell populations. Our findings indicate that tuft cells contribute to the prostate cancer microenvironment and may promote development of more advanced disease. Further research is needed to understand contributions of tuft cells to prostate cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Vlajic
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - Hannah Pennington Kluger
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - Wenjun Bie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - Bradley J Merrill
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
- The University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - Larisa Nonn
- The University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
- The Department of Pathology, at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - Andre Kajdacsy-Balla
- The University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
- The Department of Pathology, at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - Angela L Tyner
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA.
- The University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA.
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7
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Yehya A, Youssef J, Hachem S, Ismael J, Abou-Kheir W. Tissue-specific cancer stem/progenitor cells: Therapeutic implications. World J Stem Cells 2023; 15:323-341. [PMID: 37342220 PMCID: PMC10277968 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v15.i5.323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiation are the standard therapeutic modalities for treating cancer. These approaches are intended to target the more mature and rapidly dividing cancer cells. However, they spare the relatively quiescent and intrinsically resistant cancer stem cells (CSCs) subpopulation residing within the tumor tissue. Thus, a temporary eradication is achieved and the tumor bulk tends to revert supported by CSCs' resistant features. Based on their unique expression profile, the identification, isolation, and selective targeting of CSCs hold great promise for challenging treatment failure and reducing the risk of cancer recurrence. Yet, targeting CSCs is limited mainly by the irrelevance of the utilized cancer models. A new era of targeted and personalized anti-cancer therapies has been developed with cancer patient-derived organoids (PDOs) as a tool for establishing pre-clinical tumor models. Herein, we discuss the updated and presently available tissue-specific CSC markers in five highly occurring solid tumors. Additionally, we highlight the advantage and relevance of the three-dimensional PDOs culture model as a platform for modeling cancer, evaluating the efficacy of CSC-based therapeutics, and predicting drug response in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amani Yehya
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Joe Youssef
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Sana Hachem
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Jana Ismael
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Wassim Abou-Kheir
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
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Jang A, Lanka SM, Huang M, Casado CV, Caputo SA, Sweeney PL, Gupta K, Pocha O, Habibian N, Hawkins ME, Lieberman AD, Schwartz J, Jaeger EB, Miller PJ, Layton JL, Barata PC, Lewis BE, Ledet EM, Sartor O. Comparison of circulating tumor DNA between African American and Caucasian patients with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer post-abiraterone and/or enzalutamide. Prostate 2023. [PMID: 37113064 DOI: 10.1002/pros.24544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND African American men are much more likely than Caucasian men to be diagnosed with and to die of prostate cancer. Genetic differences likely play a role. The cBioPortal database reveals that African American men with prostate cancer have higher rates of CDK12 somatic mutations compared to Caucasian men. However, this does not account for prior prostate cancer treatments, which are particularly important in the castrate-resistant setting. We aimed to compare somatic mutations based on circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) between African American and Caucasian men after exposure to abiraterone and/or enzalutamide. METHODS This single-institution retrospective study characterizes the somatic mutations detected on ctDNA for African American and Caucasian men with mCRPC who had progressed after abiraterone and/or enzalutamide from 2015 through 2022. We evaluated the gene mutations and types of mutations in this mCRPC cohort. RESULTS There were 50 African American and 200 Caucasian men with CRPC with available ctDNA data. African American men were younger at the time of diagnosis (p = 0.008) and development of castration resistance (p = 0.006). African American men were more likely than Caucasian men to have pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) mutations in CDK12 (12% vs. 1.5%; p = 0.003) and copy number amplifications and P/LP mutations in KIT (8.0% vs. 1.5%; p = 0.031). African American men were also significantly more likely to have frameshift mutations (28% vs. 14%; p = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS Compared to Caucasian men, African American men with mCRPC after exposure to abiraterone and/or enzalutamide had a higher incidence of somatic CDK12 P/LP mutations and KIT amplifications and P/LP mutations based on ctDNA. African American men also had more frameshift mutations. We hypothesize that these findings have potential implications for tumor immunogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Jang
- Deming Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Sree M Lanka
- Deming Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Minqi Huang
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Crystal V Casado
- Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Sydney A Caputo
- Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Patrick L Sweeney
- Deming Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Kanika Gupta
- Deming Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Olivia Pocha
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | | | - Madeline E Hawkins
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Alexandra D Lieberman
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Jennifer Schwartz
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Ellen B Jaeger
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Patrick J Miller
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Jodi L Layton
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Pedro C Barata
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Brian E Lewis
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Elisa M Ledet
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Oliver Sartor
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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9
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Zhou Y, Li T, Jia M, Dai R, Wang R. The Molecular Biology of Prostate Cancer Stem Cells: From the Past to the Future. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087482. [PMID: 37108647 PMCID: PMC10140972 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) continues to rank as the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in western countries, despite the golden treatment using androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) or anti-androgen therapy. With decades of research, scientists have gradually realized that the existence of prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs) successfully explains tumor recurrence, metastasis and therapeutic failure of PCa. Theoretically, eradication of this small population may improve the efficacy of current therapeutic approaches and prolong PCa survival. However, several characteristics of PCSCs make their diminishment extremely challenging: inherent resistance to anti-androgen and chemotherapy treatment, over-activation of the survival pathway, adaptation to tumor micro-environments, escape from immune attack and being easier to metastasize. For this end, a better understanding of PCSC biology at the molecular level will definitely inspire us to develop PCSC targeted approaches. In this review, we comprehensively summarize signaling pathways responsible for homeostatic regulation of PCSCs and discuss how to eliminate these fractional cells in clinical practice. Overall, this study deeply pinpoints PCSC biology at the molecular level and provides us some research perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Tian Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Man Jia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Rongyang Dai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Ronghao Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
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10
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Shnaider PV, Petrushanko IY, Aleshikova OI, Babaeva NA, Ashrafyan LA, Borovkova EI, Dobrokhotova JE, Borovkov IM, Shender VO, Khomyakova E. Expression level of CD117 (KIT) on ovarian cancer extracellular vesicles correlates with tumor aggressiveness. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1057484. [PMID: 36875773 PMCID: PMC9978408 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1057484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is known to be the most lethal malignancy among all gynecological cancers affecting a large number of women worldwide. The treatment of ovarian cancer is challenging due to the high recurrence rate of the disease and is further complicated by acquired chemoresistance. Most ovarian cancer deaths are the result of the metastatic spread of drug-resistant cells. The theory of cancer stem cells (CSC) suggests that both tumor initiation and progression are driven by a population of undifferentiated capable of self-renewal, tumor initiation and development of chemoresistance. The CD117 mast/stem cell growth factor receptor (KIT) is the most commonly used marker for ovarian CSCs. Here, we analyze the correlation between CD117 expression and histological tumor type in ovarian cancer cell lines (SK-OV-3 and MES-OV) and in small/medium extracellular vesicles (EVs) isolated from the urine of ovarian cancer patients. We have demonstrated that the abundance of CD117 on cells and EVs is correlated with tumor grade and therapy resistance status. Moreover, using small EVs isolated from ovarian cancer ascites, it was shown that recurrent disease is characterized by a much higher abundance of CD117 on EVs than primary tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polina V Shnaider
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia.,Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia.,Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina Yu Petrushanko
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga I Aleshikova
- National Medical Scientific Centre of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Perinatal Medicine named after V.I. Kulakov, Moscow, Russia
| | - Nataliya A Babaeva
- National Medical Scientific Centre of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Perinatal Medicine named after V.I. Kulakov, Moscow, Russia
| | - Lev A Ashrafyan
- National Medical Scientific Centre of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Perinatal Medicine named after V.I. Kulakov, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina I Borovkova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Julia E Dobrokhotova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ivan M Borovkov
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, RUDN University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Victoria O Shender
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia.,Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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11
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Castellón EA, Indo S, Contreras HR. Cancer Stemness/Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Axis Influences Metastasis and Castration Resistance in Prostate Cancer: Potential Therapeutic Target. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314917. [PMID: 36499245 PMCID: PMC9736174 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is a leading cause of cancer death in men, worldwide. Mortality is highly related to metastasis and hormone resistance, but the molecular underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. We have studied the presence and role of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and the Epithelial-Mesenchymal transition (EMT) in PCa, using both in vitro and in vivo models, thereby providing evidence that the stemness-mesenchymal axis seems to be a critical process related to relapse, metastasis and resistance. These are complex and related processes that involve a cooperative action of different cancer cell subpopulations, in which CSCs and mesenchymal cancer cells (MCCs) would be responsible for invading, colonizing pre-metastatic niches, initiating metastasis and an evading treatments response. Manipulating the stemness-EMT axis genes on the androgen receptor (AR) may shed some light on the effect of this axis on metastasis and castration resistance in PCa. It is suggested that the EMT gene SNAI2/Slug up regulates the stemness gene Sox2, and vice versa, inducing AR expression, promoting metastasis and castration resistance. This approach will provide new sight about the role of the stemness-mesenchymal axis in the metastasis and resistance mechanisms in PCa and their potential control, contributing to develop new therapeutic strategies for patients with metastatic and castration-resistant PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique A. Castellón
- Correspondence: (E.A.C.); (H.R.C.); Tel.: +56-229-786-863 (E.A.C.); +56-229-786-862 (H.R.C.)
| | | | - Héctor R. Contreras
- Correspondence: (E.A.C.); (H.R.C.); Tel.: +56-229-786-863 (E.A.C.); +56-229-786-862 (H.R.C.)
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12
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Ding L, Yang Y, Lu Q, Qu D, Chandrakesan P, Feng H, Chen H, Chen X, Liao Z, Du J, Cao Z, Weygant N. Bufalin Inhibits Tumorigenesis, Stemness, and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Colorectal Cancer through a C-Kit/Slug Signaling Axis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13354. [PMID: 36362141 PMCID: PMC9656328 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major source of morbidity and mortality, characterized by intratumoral heterogeneity and the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Bufalin has potent activity against many tumors, but studies of its effect on CRC stemness are limited. We explored bufalin's function and mechanism using CRC patient-derived organoids (PDOs) and cell lines. In CRC cells, bufalin prevented nuclear translocation of β-catenin and down-regulated CSC markers (CD44, CD133, LGR5), pluripotency factors, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers (N-Cadherin, Slug, ZEB1). Functionally, bufalin inhibited CRC spheroid formation, aldehyde dehydrogenase activity, migration, and invasion. Network analysis identified a C-Kit/Slug signaling axis accounting for bufalin's anti-stemness activity. Bufalin treatment significantly downregulated C-Kit, as predicted. Furthermore, overexpression of C-Kit induced Slug expression, spheroid formation, and bufalin resistance. Similarly, overexpression of Slug resulted in increased expression of C-Kit and identical functional effects, demonstrating a pro-stemness feedback loop. For further study, we established PDOs from diagnostic colonoscopy. Bufalin differentially inhibited PDO growth and proliferation, induced apoptosis, restored E-cadherin, and downregulated CSC markers CD133 and C-Myc, dependent on C-Kit/Slug. These findings suggest that the C-Kit/Slug axis plays a pivotal role in regulating CRC stemness, and reveal that targeting this axis can inhibit CRC growth and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Ding
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine in Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Yuning Yang
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine in Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Qin Lu
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine in Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Dongfeng Qu
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | | | - Hailan Feng
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine in Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine in Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Xuzheng Chen
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine in Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Zhuhui Liao
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine in Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Jian Du
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine in Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Zhiyun Cao
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine in Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Nathaniel Weygant
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine in Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
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13
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Bray AW, Duan R, Malalur P, Drusbosky LM, Gourdin TS, Hill EG, Lilly MB. Elevated serum CEA is associated with liver metastasis and distinctive circulating tumor DNA alterations in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer. Prostate 2022; 82:1264-1272. [PMID: 35766303 PMCID: PMC9388585 DOI: 10.1002/pros.24400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elevated serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is used to identify "treatment emergent" forms of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) such as aggressive variant prostate cancer (AVPC). However, its individual utility as a prognostic marker and the genetic alterations associated with its expression have not been extensively studied in CRPC. METHODS This study retrospectively analyzed clinical outcomes and circulating tumor DNA profiles in 163 patients with CRPC and elevated or normal serum CEA. These same patients were then classified as AVPC or non-AVPC and compared to determine the uniqueness of CEA-associated gene alterations. RESULTS Patients with elevated CEA demonstrated higher rates of liver metastasis (37.5% vs. 19.1%, p = 0.02) and decreased median overall survival from CRPC diagnosis (28.7 vs. 73.2 mo, p < 0.0001). In addition, patients with elevated CEA were more likely to harbor copy number amplifications (CNAs) in AR, PIK3CA, MYC, BRAF, CDK6, MET, CCNE1, KIT, RAF1, and KRAS. Based on variant allele frequency we also defined "clonal" single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) thought to be driving disease progression in each patient and found that CEA expression was negatively correlated with clonal AR SNVs and positively correlated with clonal TP53 SNVs. Of these genetic associations, only the increases in clonal TP53 SNVs and KRAS amplifications were recapitulated among patients with AVPC when compared to patients without AVPC. CONCLUSIONS Together these findings suggest that CEA expression in CRPC is associated with aggressive clinical behavior and gene alterations distinct from those in AVPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander W. Bray
- Department of MedicineMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSouth CarolinaUSA
| | - Rong Duan
- Department of Public Health SciencesMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSouth CarolinaUSA
- Hollings Cancer CenterMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSouth CarolinaUSA
| | - Pannaga Malalur
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterColumbusOhioUSA
| | | | - Theodore S. Gourdin
- Department of MedicineMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSouth CarolinaUSA
- Hollings Cancer CenterMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSouth CarolinaUSA
| | - Elizabeth G. Hill
- Department of Public Health SciencesMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSouth CarolinaUSA
- Hollings Cancer CenterMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSouth CarolinaUSA
| | - Michael B. Lilly
- Department of MedicineMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSouth CarolinaUSA
- Hollings Cancer CenterMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSouth CarolinaUSA
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14
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Prostate cancer as a dedifferentiated organ: androgen receptor, cancer stem cells, and cancer stemness. Essays Biochem 2022; 66:291-303. [PMID: 35866337 PMCID: PMC9484140 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20220003] [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: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cancer progression is characterized and driven by gradual loss of a differentiated phenotype and gain of stem cell-like features. In prostate cancer (PCa), androgen receptor (AR) signaling is important for cancer growth, progression, and emergence of therapy resistance. Targeting the AR signaling axis has been, over the decades, the mainstay of PCa therapy. However, AR signaling at the transcription level is reduced in high-grade cancer relative to low-grade PCa and loss of AR expression promotes a stem cell-like phenotype, suggesting that emergence of resistance to AR-targeted therapy may be associated with loss of AR signaling and gain of stemness. In the present mini-review, we first discuss PCa from the perspective of an abnormal organ with increasingly deregulated differentiation, and discuss the role of AR signaling during PCa progression. We then focus on the relationship between prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs) and AR signaling. We further elaborate on the current methods of using transcriptome-based stemness-enriched signature to evaluate the degree of oncogenic dedifferentiation (cancer stemness) in pan-cancer datasets, and present the clinical significance of scoring transcriptome-based stemness across the spectrum of PCa development. Our discussions highlight the importance to evaluate the dynamic changes in both stem cell-like features (stemness score) and AR signaling activity across the PCa spectrum.
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15
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Wolf I, Gratzke C, Wolf P. Prostate Cancer Stem Cells: Clinical Aspects and Targeted Therapies. Front Oncol 2022; 12:935715. [PMID: 35875084 PMCID: PMC9304860 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.935715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of research and successful improvements in diagnosis and therapy, prostate cancer (PC) remains a major challenge. In recent years, it has become clear that PC stem cells (PCSCs) are the driving force in tumorigenesis, relapse, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance of PC. In this minireview, we discuss the impact of PCSCs in the clinical practice. Moreover, new therapeutic approaches to combat PCSCs are presented with the aim to achieve an improved outcome for patients with PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isis Wolf
- Department of Urology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christian Gratzke
- Department of Urology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Wolf
- Department of Urology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Philipp Wolf,
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16
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Foster BM, Shi L, Harris KS, Patel C, Surratt VE, Langsten KL, Kerr BA. Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cell Factor Regulates Prostate Cancer-Induced Shifts in Pre-Metastatic Niche Composition. Front Oncol 2022; 12:855188. [PMID: 35515124 PMCID: PMC9063312 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.855188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal metastasis is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in prostate cancer, with 80% of advanced prostate cancer patients developing bone metastases. Before metastasis, bone remodeling occurs, stimulating pre-metastatic niche formation and bone turnover, and platelets govern this process. Stem cell factor (SCF, Kit Ligand) is increased in advanced prostate cancer patient platelet releasates. Further, SCF and its receptor, CD117/c-kit, correlate with metastatic prostate cancer severity. We hypothesized that bone-derived SCF plays an important role in prostate cancer tumor communication with the bone inducing pre-metastatic niche formation. We generated two cell-specific SCF knockout mouse models deleting SCF in either mature osteoblasts or megakaryocytes and platelets. Using two syngeneic androgen-insensitive murine prostate cancer cell lines, RM1 (Ras and Myc co-activation) and mPC3 (Pten and Trp53 deletion), we examined the role of bone marrow-derived SCF in primary tumor growth and bone microenvironment alterations. Platelet-derived SCF was required for mPC3, but not RM1, tumor growth, while osteoblast-derived SCF played no role in tumor size in either cell line. While exogenous SCF induced proangiogenic protein secretion by RM1 and mPC3 prostate cancer cells, no significant changes in tumor angiogenesis were measured by immunohistochemistry. Like our previous studies, tumor-induced bone formation occurred in mice bearing RM1 or mPC3 neoplasms, demonstrated by bone histomorphometry. RM1 tumor-bearing osteoblast SCF knockout mice did not display tumor-induced bone formation. Bone stromal cell composition analysis by flow cytometry showed significant shifts in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC), mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), and osteoblast cell percentages in mice bearing RM1 or mPC3 tumors. There were no significant changes in the percentage of macrophages, osteoclasts, or osteocytes. Our study demonstrates that megakaryocyte/platelet-derived SCF regulates primary mPC3 tumor growth, while SCF originating from osteoblasts plays a role in bone marrow-derived progenitor cell composition and pre-metastatic niche formation. Further, we show that both the source of SCF and the genetic profile of prostate cancer determine the effects of SCF. Thus, targeting the SCF/CD117 signaling axis with tyrosine kinase inhibitors could affect primary prostate carcinomas or play a role in reducing bone metastasis dependent on the gene deletions or mutations driving the patients' prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittni M. Foster
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Lihong Shi
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Koran S. Harris
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Chirayu Patel
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Victoria E. Surratt
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Kendall L. Langsten
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Bethany A. Kerr
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
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17
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Tang DG. Understanding and targeting prostate cancer cell heterogeneity and plasticity. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 82:68-93. [PMID: 34844845 PMCID: PMC9106849 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is a prevalent malignancy that occurs primarily in old males. Prostate tumors in different patients manifest significant inter-patient heterogeneity with respect to histo-morphological presentations and molecular architecture. An individual patient tumor also harbors genetically distinct clones in which PCa cells display intra-tumor heterogeneity in molecular features and phenotypic marker expression. This inherent PCa cell heterogeneity, e.g., in the expression of androgen receptor (AR), constitutes a barrier to the long-term therapeutic efficacy of AR-targeting therapies. Furthermore, tumor progression as well as therapeutic treatments induce PCa cell plasticity such that AR-positive PCa cells may turn into AR-negative cells and prostate tumors may switch lineage identity from adenocarcinomas to neuroendocrine-like tumors. This induced PCa cell plasticity similarly confers resistance to AR-targeting and other therapies. In this review, I first discuss PCa from the perspective of an abnormal organ development and deregulated cellular differentiation, and discuss the luminal progenitor cells as the likely cells of origin for PCa. I then focus on intrinsic PCa cell heterogeneity in treatment-naïve tumors with the presence of prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs). I further elaborate on PCa cell plasticity induced by genetic alterations and therapeutic interventions, and present potential strategies to therapeutically tackle PCa cell heterogeneity and plasticity. My discussions will make it clear that, to achieve enduring clinical efficacy, both intrinsic PCa cell heterogeneity and induced PCa cell plasticity need to be targeted with novel combinatorial approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean G Tang
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; Experimental Therapeutics (ET) Graduate Program, The University at Buffalo & Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.
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18
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KIT Expression Is Regulated by DNA Methylation in Uveal Melanoma Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910748. [PMID: 34639089 PMCID: PMC8509522 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910748] [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: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is an ocular tumor with a dismal prognosis. Despite the availability of precise molecular and cytogenetic techniques, clinicopathologic features with limited accuracy are widely used to predict metastatic potential. In 51 UM tissues, we assessed a correlation between the expression of nine proteins evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) (Melan-A, S100, HMB45, Cyclin D1, Ki-67, p53, KIT, BCL2, and AIFM1) and the presence of UM-specific chromosomal rearrangements measured by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), to find IHC markers with increased prognostic information. Furthermore, mRNA expression and DNA methylation values were extracted from the whole-genome data, achieved by analyzing 22 fresh frozen UM tissues. KIT positivity was associated with monosomy 3, increasing the risk of poor prognosis more than 17-fold (95% CI 1.53–198.69, p = 0.021). A strong negative correlation was identified between mRNA expression and DNA methylation values for 12 of 20 analyzed positions, five located in regulatory regions of the KIT gene (r = −0.658, p = 0.001; r = −0.662, p = 0.001; r = −0.816; p < 0.001; r = −0.689, p = 0.001; r = −0.809, p < 0.001, respectively). DNA methylation β values were also inversely associated with KIT protein expression (p = 0.001; p = 0.001; p = 0.015; p = 0.025; p = 0.002). Our findings, showing epigenetic deregulation of KIT expression, may contribute to understanding the past failure to therapeutically target KIT in UM.
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