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Yang Y, Peng Y, Du Y, Lin M, Li J, Gao D, Yang Z, Wang W, Zhou Y, Li X, Yan T, Qi X. Hierarchical self-recognition and response in CSC and non-CSC micro-niches for cancer therapy. Biomaterials 2024; 308:122581. [PMID: 38640783 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) characterized by self-renewal, invasiveness, tumorigenicity and resistance to treatment are regarded as the thorniest issues in refractory tumors. We develop a targeted and hierarchical controlled release nano-therapeutic platform (SEED-NPs) that self-identifies and responds to CSC and non-CSC micro-niches of tumors. In non-CSC micro-niche, reactive oxygen species (ROS) trigger the burst release of the chemotherapeutic drug and photosensitizer to kill tumor cells and reduce tumor volume by combining chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT). In CSC micro-niche, the preferentially released differentiation drug induces CSC differentiation and transforms CSCs into chemotherapy-sensitive cells. SEED-NPs exhibit an extraordinary capacity for downregulating the stemness of CD44+/CD24- SP (side population) cell population both in vitro and in vivo, and reveal a 4-fold increase of tumor-targeted accumulation. Also, PDT-generated ROS promote the formation of tunneling nanotubes and facilitate the divergent network transport of drugs in deep tumors. Moreover, ROS in turn promotes CSC differentiation and drug release. This positive-feedback-loop strategy enhances the elimination of refractory CSCs. As a result, SEED-NPs achieve excellent therapeutic effects in both 4T1 SP tumor-bearing mice and regular 4T1 tumor-bearing mice without obvious toxicities and eradicate half of mice tumors. SEED-NPs integrate differentiation, chemotherapy and PDT, which proved feasible and valuable, indicating that active targeting and hierarchical release are necessary to enhance antitumor efficacy. These findings provide promising prospects for overcoming barriers in the treatment of CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiliang Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yiwei Peng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yitian Du
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Meng Lin
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jiajia Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Datong Gao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zhenzhen Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China; Drug Clinical Trial Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Yanxia Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xinru Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Taiqiang Yan
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100034, China.
| | - Xianrong Qi
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
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Ferrer-Diaz AI, Sinha G, Petryna A, Gonzalez-Bermejo R, Kenfack Y, Adetayo O, Patel SA, Hooda-Nehra A, Rameshwar P. Revealing role of epigenetic modifiers and DNA oxidation in cell-autonomous regulation of Cancer stem cells. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:119. [PMID: 38347590 PMCID: PMC10863086 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01512-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer cells (BCCs) can remain undetected for decades in dormancy. These quiescent cells are similar to cancer stem cells (CSCs); hence their ability to initiate tertiary metastasis. Dormancy can be regulated by components of the tissue microenvironment such as bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that release exosomes to dedifferentiate BCCs into CSCs. The exosomes cargo includes histone 3, lysine 4 (H3K4) methyltransferases - KMT2B and KMT2D. A less studied mechanism of CSC maintenance is the process of cell-autonomous regulation, leading us to examine the roles for KMT2B and KMT2D in sustaining CSCs, and their potential as drug targets. METHODS Use of pharmacological inhibitor of H3K4 (WDR5-0103), knockdown (KD) of KMT2B or KMT2D in BCCs, real time PCR, western blot, response to chemotherapy, RNA-seq, and flow cytometry for circulating markers of CSCs and DNA hydroxylases in BC patients. In vivo studies using a dormancy model studied the effects of KMT2B/D to chemotherapy. RESULTS H3K4 methyltransferases sustain cell autonomous regulation of CSCs, impart chemoresistance, maintain cycling quiescence, and reduce migration and proliferation of BCCs. In vivo studies validated KMT2's role in dormancy and identified these genes as potential drug targets. DNA methylase (DNMT), predicted within a network with KMT2 to regulate CSCs, was determined to sustain circulating CSC-like in the blood of patients. CONCLUSION H3K4 methyltransferases and DNA methylation mediate cell autonomous regulation to sustain CSC. The findings provide crucial insights into epigenetic regulatory mechanisms underlying BC dormancy with KMT2B and KMT2D as potential therapeutic targets, along with standard care. Stem cell and epigenetic markers in circulating BCCs could monitor treatment response and this could be significant for long BC remission to partly address health disparity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra I Ferrer-Diaz
- Department of Medicine - Division of Hematology/Oncology, Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
- Rutgers School of Graduate Studies at New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Garima Sinha
- Department of Medicine - Division of Hematology/Oncology, Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
- Rutgers School of Graduate Studies at New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Andrew Petryna
- Department of Medicine - Division of Hematology/Oncology, Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
- Rutgers School of Graduate Studies at New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | | | - Yannick Kenfack
- Department of Medicine - Division of Hematology/Oncology, Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
- Rutgers School of Graduate Studies at New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | | | - Shyam A Patel
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, UMass Memorial Medical Center, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Anupama Hooda-Nehra
- Department of Medicine - Division of Hematology/Oncology, Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Pranela Rameshwar
- Department of Medicine - Division of Hematology/Oncology, Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
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Al Hmada Y, Brodell RT, Kharouf N, Flanagan TW, Alamodi AA, Hassan SY, Shalaby H, Hassan SL, Haikel Y, Megahed M, Santourlidis S, Hassan M. Mechanisms of Melanoma Progression and Treatment Resistance: Role of Cancer Stem-like Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:470. [PMID: 38275910 PMCID: PMC10814963 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020470] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the third most common type of skin cancer, characterized by its heterogeneity and propensity to metastasize to distant organs. Melanoma is a heterogeneous tumor, composed of genetically divergent subpopulations, including a small fraction of melanoma-initiating cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) and many non-cancer stem cells (non-CSCs). CSCs are characterized by their unique surface proteins associated with aberrant signaling pathways with a causal or consequential relationship with tumor progression, drug resistance, and recurrence. Melanomas also harbor significant alterations in functional genes (BRAF, CDKN2A, NRAS, TP53, and NF1). Of these, the most common are the BRAF and NRAS oncogenes, with 50% of melanomas demonstrating the BRAF mutation (BRAFV600E). While the successful targeting of BRAFV600E does improve overall survival, the long-term efficacy of available therapeutic options is limited due to adverse side effects and reduced clinical efficacy. Additionally, drug resistance develops rapidly via mechanisms involving fast feedback re-activation of MAPK signaling pathways. This article updates information relevant to the mechanisms of melanoma progression and resistance and particularly the mechanistic role of CSCs in melanoma progression, drug resistance, and recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssef Al Hmada
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (Y.A.H.); (R.T.B.)
| | - Robert T. Brodell
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA; (Y.A.H.); (R.T.B.)
| | - Naji Kharouf
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.K.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas W. Flanagan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Abdulhadi A. Alamodi
- College of Health Sciences, Jackson State University, 310 W Woodrow Wilson Ave Ste 300, Jackson, MS 39213, USA;
| | - Sofie-Yasmin Hassan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany;
| | - Hosam Shalaby
- Department of Urology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Sarah-Lilly Hassan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany;
| | - Youssef Haikel
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.K.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Pôle de Médecine et Chirurgie Bucco-Dentaire, Hôpital Civil, Hôpitaux Universitaire de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Mosaad Megahed
- Clinic of Dermatology, University Hospital of Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Simeon Santourlidis
- Epigenetics Core Laboratory, Medical Faculty, Institute of Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany;
| | - Mohamed Hassan
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.K.); (Y.H.)
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Research Laboratory of Surgery-Oncology, Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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Mendonza JJ, Reddy ST, Dutta H, Makani VKK, Uppuluri VM, Jain N, Bhadra MP. Retinoic acid and evernyl-based menadione-triazole hybrid cooperate to induce differentiation of neuroblastoma cells. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 396:2651-2665. [PMID: 37097334 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02489-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma arises when immature neural precursor cells do not mature into specialized cells. Although retinoic acid (RA), a pro-differentiation agent, improves the survival of low-grade neuroblastoma, resistance to retinoic acid is found in high-grade neuroblastoma patients. Histone deacetylases (HDAC) inhibitors induce differentiation and arrest the growth of cancer cells; however, HDAC inhibitors are FDA-approved mostly for liquid tumors. Therefore, combining histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors and retinoic acid can be explored as a strategy to trigger the differentiation of neuroblastoma cells and to overcome resistance to retinoic acid. Based on this rationale, in this study, we linked evernyl group and menadione-triazole motifs to synthesize evernyl-based menadione-triazole hybrids and asked if the hybrids cooperate with retinoic acid to trigger the differentiation of neuroblastoma cells. To answer this question, we treated neuroblastoma cells using evernyl-based menadione-triazole hybrids (6a-6i) or RA or both and examined the differentiation of neuroblastoma cells. Among the hybrids, we found that compound 6b inhibits class-I HDAC activity, induces differentiation, and RA co-treatments increase 6b-induced differentiation of neuroblastoma cells. In addition, 6b reduces cell proliferation, induces expression of differentiation-specific microRNAs leading to N-Myc downregulation, and RA co-treatments enhance the 6b-induced effects. We observed that 6b and RA trigger a switch from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation, maintain mitochondrial polarization, and increase oxygen consumption rate. We conclude that in evernyl-based menadione-triazole hybrid, 6b cooperates with RA to induce differentiation of neuroblastoma cells. Based on our results, we suggest that combining RA and 6b can be pursued as therapy for neuroblastoma. Schematic representation of RA and 6b in inducing differentiation of neuroblastoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolly Janette Mendonza
- Department of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, 500007, Telangana State, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Srilakshmi Tirupathamma Reddy
- Center for Natural Products and Traditional Knowledge, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, 500007, Telangana State, India
| | - Hashnu Dutta
- Department of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, 500007, Telangana State, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Venkata Krishna Kanth Makani
- Department of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, 500007, Telangana State, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Venkata Mallavadhani Uppuluri
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
- Center for Natural Products and Traditional Knowledge, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, 500007, Telangana State, India.
| | - Nishant Jain
- Department of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, 500007, Telangana State, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
| | - Manika Pal Bhadra
- Department of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, 500007, Telangana State, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
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Lüke F, Harrer DC, Pantziarka P, Pukrop T, Ghibelli L, Gerner C, Reichle A, Heudobler D. Drug Repurposing by Tumor Tissue Editing. Front Oncol 2022; 12:900985. [PMID: 35814409 PMCID: PMC9270020 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.900985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The combinatory use of drugs for systemic cancer therapy commonly aims at the direct elimination of tumor cells through induction of apoptosis. An alternative approach becomes the focus of attention if biological changes in tumor tissues following combinatory administration of regulatorily active drugs are considered as a therapeutic aim, e.g., differentiation, transdifferentiation induction, reconstitution of immunosurveillance, the use of alternative cell death mechanisms. Editing of the tumor tissue establishes new biological ‘hallmarks’ as a ‘pressure point’ to attenuate tumor growth. This may be achieved with repurposed, regulatorily active drug combinations, often simultaneously targeting different cell compartments of the tumor tissue. Moreover, tissue editing is paralleled by decisive functional changes in tumor tissues providing novel patterns of target sites for approved drugs. Thus, agents with poor activity in non-edited tissue may reveal new clinically meaningful outcomes. For tissue editing and targeting edited tissue novel requirements concerning drug selection and administration can be summarized according to available clinical and pre-clinical data. Monoactivity is no pre-requisite, but combinatory bio-regulatory activity. The regulatorily active dose may be far below the maximum tolerable dose, and besides inhibitory active drugs stimulatory drug activities may be integrated. Metronomic scheduling often seems to be of advantage. Novel preclinical approaches like functional assays testing drug combinations in tumor tissue are needed to select potential drugs for repurposing. The two-step drug repurposing procedure, namely establishing novel functional systems states in tumor tissues and consecutively providing novel target sites for approved drugs, facilitates the systematic identification of drug activities outside the scope of any original clinical drug approvals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Lüke
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Division of Personalized Tumor Therapy, Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Dennis Christoph Harrer
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Pan Pantziarka
- The George Pantziarka TP53 Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tobias Pukrop
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lina Ghibelli
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Christopher Gerner
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Albrecht Reichle
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Heudobler
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Daniel Heudobler, , orcid.org/0000-0002-8790-4584
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Yang R, Liu B, Yang M, Xu F, Wu S, Zhao S. Lumiflavin Reduces Cisplatin Resistance in Cancer Stem-Like Cells of OVCAR-3 Cell Line by Inducing Differentiation. Front Oncol 2022; 12:859275. [PMID: 35669418 PMCID: PMC9163659 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.859275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) play a vital role in drug resistance and recurrence of ovarian cancer. Inducing phenotypic differentiation is an important strategy to enhance the effects of chemotherapy and reduce the drug resistance of CSCs. This study found that lumiflavin, a riboflavin decomposition product, reduced the development of CSC resistance and enhanced the chemotherapy effect of cisplatin (DDP) on CSCs in DDP-resistant ovarian cancer OVCAR-3 cell line (CSCs/DDP) and was related to the induction of CSC phenotypic differentiation. Results showed that the development of DDP-resistant OVCAR-3 cells was related to the increase in the proportion of CSCs/DDP, and the treatment with lumiflavin reduced the DDP-resistance levels of OVCAR-3 cells and proportion of CSCs/DDP. Further investigation found that lumiflavin synergistic with DDP increased apoptosis, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and inhibited the clonal formation of CSCs/DDP. Meanwhile, in vivo experiments showed that lumiflavin dose-dependently enhanced the chemotherapy effect of DDP on tumor-bearing nude mice inoculated by CSCs/DDP. Lumiflavin treatment also reduced the ratio of CD133+/CD177+ to CD44+/CD24 cells, which is the identification of CSCs, in CSCs/DDP. In addition, transcriptome sequencing results suggested that the role of lumiflavin was related to the notch and stem cell pathway, and Western blot analysis showed that lumiflavin inhibited the protein expression of notch signaling pathway in CSCs/DDP. In conclusion, lumiflavin reduces the development of the drug resistance of OVCAR-3 cell and increases the sensitivity of CSCs/DDP to DDP by inducing phenotypic differentiation, which may have a potential role in the chemotherapy treatment of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruhui Yang
- School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Taizhou Vocational and Technical College, Taizhou, China
- Department of Pharmacology, Lishui University School of Medicine, Lishui, China
| | - Bingjin Liu
- School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Taizhou Vocational and Technical College, Taizhou, China
| | - Mingyue Yang
- Clinical Department, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Feng Xu
- School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Taizhou Vocational and Technical College, Taizhou, China
| | - Songquan Wu
- Department of Immunology, Lishui University School of Medicine, Lishui, China
| | - Shufang Zhao
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Lishui University School of Medicine, Lishui, China
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Yeh TY, Luo IW, Hsieh YL, Tseng TJ, Chiang H, Hsieh ST. Peripheral Neuropathic Pain: From Experimental Models to Potential Therapeutic Targets in Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons. Cells 2020; 9:cells9122725. [PMID: 33371371 PMCID: PMC7767346 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122725] [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: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain exerts a global burden caused by the lesions in the somatosensory nerve system, including the central and peripheral nervous systems. The mechanisms of nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain involve multiple mechanisms, various signaling pathways, and molecules. Currently, poor efficacy is the major limitation of medications for treating neuropathic pain. Thus, understanding the detailed molecular mechanisms should shed light on the development of new therapeutic strategies for neuropathic pain. Several well-established in vivo pain models were used to investigate the detail mechanisms of peripheral neuropathic pain. Molecular mediators of pain are regulated differentially in various forms of neuropathic pain models; these regulators include purinergic receptors, transient receptor potential receptor channels, and voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels. Meanwhile, post-translational modification and transcriptional regulation are also altered in these pain models and have been reported to mediate several pain related molecules. In this review, we focus on molecular mechanisms and mediators of neuropathic pain with their corresponding transcriptional regulation and post-translational modification underlying peripheral sensitization in the dorsal root ganglia. Taken together, these molecular mediators and their modification and regulations provide excellent targets for neuropathic pain treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ti-Yen Yeh
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan;
| | - I-Wei Luo
- Department of Life Science, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan;
| | - Yu-Lin Hsieh
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
- School of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hostpital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - To-Jung Tseng
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan;
- Department of Medical Education, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | | | - Sung-Tsang Hsieh
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan;
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Brian and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan
- Center of Precision Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10055, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-23123456 (ext. 88182); Fax: +886-223915292
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Differentiation of Tumorigenic C6 Glioma Cells Induced by Enhanced IL-6 Signaling. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 56:medicina56110625. [PMID: 33227992 PMCID: PMC7699282 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56110625] [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: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background and objectives: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are obstacles to cancer therapy due to their therapeutic resistance, ability to initiate neoplasia, and roles in tumor relapse and metastasis. Efforts have been made to cure CSCs, such as the use of differentiation therapy, which induces cancer stem-like cells to undergo differentiation and decrease their tumorigenicity. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) upregulates the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in C6 glioma cells, indicating that it is able to induce the differentiation of these cells. The C6 glioma cell line forms a high percentage of cancer stem-like cells, leading us to speculate whether IL-6 signaling could modulate the differentiation of tumorigenic C6 glioma cells. However, we observed that IL-6 alone could not efficiently induce the differentiation of these cells. Therefore, different IL-6 signaling elicitors, including IL-6 alone, a combination of IL-6 and soluble IL-6 receptor (IL-6/sIL-6R), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) plus IL-6/sIL-6R (TNF-α/IL-6/sIL-6R), were evaluated for their potential use in differentiation therapy. Materials and Methods: The potential of IL-6 signaling elicitors in differentiation therapy were examined by assessing changes in biomarker levels, the rate of cell proliferation, and tumorigenicity, respectively. Results: Enhanced IL-6 signaling could effectively induce C6 glioma cell differentiation, as determined by observed variations in the expression of differentiation, cell cycle, and stem cell biomarkers. Additionally, the total cell population and the tumorigenicity of glioma cells were all considerably reduced after TNF-α/IL-6/sIL-6R treatment. Conclusions: Our findings provide evidence that enhanced IL-6 signaling can efficiently promote tumorigenic C6 glioma cells to undergo differentiation.
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Bagherpoor AJ, Kučírek M, Fedr R, Sani SA, Štros M. Nonhistone Proteins HMGB1 and HMGB2 Differentially Modulate the Response of Human Embryonic Stem Cells and the Progenitor Cells to the Anticancer Drug Etoposide. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10101450. [PMID: 33076532 PMCID: PMC7602880 DOI: 10.3390/biom10101450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
HMGB1 and HMGB2 proteins are abundantly expressed in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and hESC-derived progenitor cells (neuroectodermal cells, hNECs), though their functional roles in pluripotency and the mechanisms underlying their differentiation in response to the anticancer drug etoposide remain to be elucidated. Here, we show that HMGB1 and/or HMGB2 knockdown (KD) by shRNA in hESCs did not affect the cell stemness/pluripotency regardless of etoposide treatments, while in hESC-derived neuroectodermal cells, treatment resulted in differential effects on cell survival and the generation of rosette structures. The objective of this work was to determine whether HMGB1/2 proteins could modulate the sensitivity of hESCs and hESC-derived progenitor cells (hNECs) to etoposide. We observed that HMGB1 KD knockdown (KD) and, to a lesser extent, HMGB2 KD enhanced the sensitivity of hESCs to etoposide. Enhanced accumulation of 53BP1 on telomeres was detected by confocal microscopy in both untreated and etoposide-treated HMGB1 KD hESCs and hNECs, indicating that the loss of HMGB1 could destabilize telomeres. On the other hand, decreased accumulation of 53BP1 on telomeres in etoposide-treated HMGB2 KD hESCs (but not in HMGB2 KD hNECs) suggested that the loss of HMGB2 promoted the stability of telomeres. Etoposide treatment of hESCs resulted in a significant enhancement of telomerase activity, with the highest increase observed in the HMGB2 KD cells. Interestingly, no changes in telomerase activity were found in etoposide-treated control hNECs, but HMGB2 KD (unlike HMGB1 KD) markedly decreased telomerase activity in these cells. Changes in telomerase activity in the etoposide-treated HMGB2 KD hESCs or hNECs coincided with the appearance of DNA damage markers and could already be observed before the onset of apoptosis. Collectively, we have demonstrated that HMGB1 or HMGB2 differentially modulate the impact of etoposide treatment on human embryonic stem cells and their progenitor cells, suggesting possible strategies for the enhancement of the efficacy of this anticancer drug.
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10
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Thiagalingam S. Epigenetic memory in development and disease: Unraveling the mechanism. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1873:188349. [PMID: 31982403 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic memory is an essential process of life that governs the inheritance of predestined functional characteristics of normal cells and the newly acquired properties of cells affected by cancer and other diseases from parental to progeny cells. Unraveling the molecular basis of epigenetic memory dictated by protein and RNA factors in conjunction with epigenetic marks that are erased and re-established during embryogenesis/development during the formation of somatic, stem and disease cells will have far reaching implications to our understanding of embryogenesis/development and various diseases including cancer. While there has been enormous progress made, there are still gaps in knowledge which includes, the identity of unique epigenetic memory factors (EMFs) and epigenome coding enzymes/co-factors/scaffolding proteins involved in the assembly of defined "epigenetic memorysomes" and the epigenome marks that constitute collections of gene specific epigenetic memories corresponding to specific cell types and physiological conditions. A better understanding of the molecular basis for epigenetic memory will play a central role in improving diagnostics and prognostics of disease states and aid the development of targeted therapeutics of complex diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Thiagalingam
- Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics Section and Cancer Center), Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA 02118, United States of America.
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11
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Jolly MK, Celià-Terrassa T. Dynamics of Phenotypic Heterogeneity Associated with EMT and Stemness during Cancer Progression. J Clin Med 2019; 8:E1542. [PMID: 31557977 PMCID: PMC6832750 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8101542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity contribute to the generation of diverse tumor cell populations, thus enhancing cancer aggressiveness and therapy resistance. Compared to genetic heterogeneity, a consequence of mutational events, phenotypic heterogeneity arises from dynamic, reversible cell state transitions in response to varying intracellular/extracellular signals. Such phenotypic plasticity enables rapid adaptive responses to various stressful conditions and can have a strong impact on cancer progression. Herein, we have reviewed relevant literature on mechanisms associated with dynamic phenotypic changes and cellular plasticity, such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stemness, which have been reported to facilitate cancer metastasis. We also discuss how non-cell-autonomous mechanisms such as cell-cell communication can lead to an emergent population-level response in tumors. The molecular mechanisms underlying the complexity of tumor systems are crucial for comprehending cancer progression, and may provide new avenues for designing therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India.
| | - Toni Celià-Terrassa
- Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
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12
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Gonzalez-Guerrico AM, Espinoza I, Schroeder B, Park CH, Kvp CM, Khurana A, Corominas-Faja B, Cuyàs E, Alarcón T, Kleer C, Menendez JA, Lupu R. Suppression of endogenous lipogenesis induces reversion of the malignant phenotype and normalized differentiation in breast cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 7:71151-71168. [PMID: 27223424 PMCID: PMC5342069 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The correction of specific signaling defects can reverse the oncogenic phenotype of tumor cells by acting in a dominant manner over the cancer genome. Unfortunately, there have been very few successful attempts at identifying the primary cues that could redirect malignant tissues to a normal phenotype. Here we show that suppression of the lipogenic enzyme fatty acid synthase (FASN) leads to stable reversion of the malignant phenotype and normalizes differentiation in a model of breast cancer (BC) progression. FASN knockdown dramatically reduced tumorigenicity of BC cells and restored tissue architecture, which was reminiscent of normal ductal-like structures in the mammary gland. Loss of FASN signaling was sufficient to direct tumors to a reversed phenotype that was near normal when considering the development of polarized growth-arrested acinar-like structure similar to those formed by nonmalignant breast cells in a 3D reconstituted basement membrane in vitro. This process, in vivo, resulted in a low proliferation index, mesenchymal-epithelial transition, and shut-off of the angiogenic switch in FASN-depleted BC cells orthotopically implanted into mammary fat pads. The role of FASN as a negative regulator of correct breast tissue architecture and terminal epithelial cell differentiation was dominant over the malignant phenotype of tumor cells possessing multiple cancer-driving genetic lesions as it remained stable during the course of serial in vivo passage of orthotopic tumor-derived cells. Transient knockdown of FASN suppressed hallmark structural and cytosolic/secretive proteins (vimentin, N-cadherin, fibronectin) in a model of EMT-induced cancer stem cells (CSC). Indirect pharmacological inhibition of FASN promoted a phenotypic switch from basal- to luminal-like tumorsphere architectures with reduced intrasphere heterogeneity. The fact that sole correction of exacerbated lipogenesis can stably reprogram cancer cells back to normal-like tissue architectures might open a new avenue to chronically restrain BC progression by using FASN-based differentiation therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anatilde M Gonzalez-Guerrico
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Division of Experimental Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ingrid Espinoza
- Cancer Institute, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Barbara Schroeder
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Division of Experimental Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Cheol Hong Park
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Division of Experimental Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Chandra Mohan Kvp
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Division of Experimental Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ashwani Khurana
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Division of Experimental Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Bruna Corominas-Faja
- ProCURE (Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance), Metabolism and Cancer Group, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Girona, Catalonia, Spain.,Molecular Oncology Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), Girona, Spain
| | - Elisabet Cuyàs
- ProCURE (Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance), Metabolism and Cancer Group, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Girona, Catalonia, Spain.,Molecular Oncology Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), Girona, Spain
| | - Tomás Alarcón
- Computational and Mathematical Biology Research Group, Centre de Recerca Matemàtica (CRM), Barcelona, Spain.,Departament de Matemàtiques, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain.,ICREA (Institució Catalana d'Estudis i Recerca Avançats), Barcelona, Spain.,Barcelona Graduate School of Mathematics (BGSMath), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Celina Kleer
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Javier A Menendez
- ProCURE (Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance), Metabolism and Cancer Group, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Girona, Catalonia, Spain.,Molecular Oncology Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), Girona, Spain
| | - Ruth Lupu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Division of Experimental Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Rochester, MN, USA
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13
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CRISPR/Cas9 knockouts reveal genetic interaction between strain-transcendent erythrocyte determinants of Plasmodium falciparum invasion. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E9356-E9365. [PMID: 29078358 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1711310114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During malaria blood-stage infections, Plasmodium parasites interact with the RBC surface to enable invasion followed by intracellular proliferation. Critical factors involved in invasion have been identified using biochemical and genetic approaches including specific knockdowns of genes of interest from primary CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells (cRBCs). Here we report the development of a robust in vitro culture system to produce RBCs that allow the generation of gene knockouts via CRISPR/Cas9 using the immortal JK-1 erythroleukemia line. JK-1 cells spontaneously differentiate, generating cells at different stages of erythropoiesis, including terminally differentiated nucleated RBCs that we term "jkRBCs." A screen of small-molecule epigenetic regulators identified several bromodomain-specific inhibitors that promote differentiation and enable production of synchronous populations of jkRBCs. Global surface proteomic profiling revealed that jkRBCs express all known Pfalciparum host receptors in a similar fashion to cRBCs and that multiple Pfalciparum strains invade jkRBCs at comparable levels to cRBCs and RBCs. Using CRISPR/Cas9, we deleted two host factors, basigin (BSG) and CD44, for which no natural nulls exist. BSG interacts with the parasite ligand Rh5, a prominent vaccine candidate. A BSG knockout was completely refractory to parasite invasion in a strain-transcendent manner, confirming the essential role for BSG during invasion. CD44 was recently identified in an RNAi screen of blood group genes as a host factor for invasion, and we show that CD44 knockout results in strain-transcendent reduction in invasion. Furthermore, we demonstrate a functional interaction between these two determinants in mediating Pfalciparum erythrocyte invasion.
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14
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Zhou C, Jiang H, Zhang Z, Zhang G, Wang H, Zhang Q, Sun P, Xiang R, Yang S. ZEB1 confers stem cell-like properties in breast cancer by targeting neurogenin-3. Oncotarget 2017; 8:54388-54401. [PMID: 28903350 PMCID: PMC5589589 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of cancer cells believed to be implicated in cancer initiation, progression, and recurrence. Here, we report that ectopic expression of zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 protein (ZEB1) results in the acquisition of CSC properties by breast cancer cells, leading to tumor initiation and progression in vitro and in vivo. The neurogenin 3 gene (Ngn3) is a bona fide target of ZEB1, and its repression is a key factor contributing to ZEB1-induced cancer cell stemness. ZEB1 suppressed Ngn3 transcription by forming a ZEB1/DNA methyltransferase (DNMT)3B/histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) complex on the Ngn3 promoter, leading to promoter hypermethylation and gene silencing. The rescue of Ngn3 expression attenuated ZEB1-induced cancer stemness and symmetric CSC division. Immunohistological analysis of human breast cancer specimens revealed a strong inverse relationship between ZEB1 and NGN3 protein expression. Thus, our findings suggest ZEB1-mediated silencing of Ngn3 is required for breast tumor initiation and maintenance. Targeted therapies against the ZEB1/Ngn3 axis may be highly valuable for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zhou
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Neurovascular Regulation, Medical School of Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Huimin Jiang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Neurovascular Regulation, Medical School of Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Neurovascular Regulation, Medical School of Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Guomin Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Neurovascular Regulation, Medical School of Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Hang Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Neurovascular Regulation, Medical School of Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Quansheng Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Tianjin First Center Hospital, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Peiqing Sun
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Rong Xiang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Neurovascular Regulation, Medical School of Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Shuang Yang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Neurovascular Regulation, Medical School of Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
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15
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The Role of Histone Protein Modifications and Mutations in Histone Modifiers in Pediatric B-Cell Progenitor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2017; 9:cancers9010002. [PMID: 28054944 PMCID: PMC5295773 DOI: 10.3390/cancers9010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
While cancer has been long recognized as a disease of the genome, the importance of epigenetic mechanisms in neoplasia was acknowledged more recently. The most active epigenetic marks are DNA methylation and histone protein modifications and they are involved in basic biological phenomena in every cell. Their role in tumorigenesis is stressed by recent unbiased large-scale studies providing evidence that several epigenetic modifiers are recurrently mutated or frequently dysregulated in multiple cancers. The interest in epigenetic marks is especially due to the fact that they are potentially reversible and thus druggable. In B-cell progenitor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) there is a relative paucity of reports on the role of histone protein modifications (acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation) as compared to acute myeloid leukemia, T-cell ALL, or other hematologic cancers, and in this setting chromatin modifications are relatively less well studied and reviewed than DNA methylation. In this paper, we discuss the biomarker associations and evidence for a driver role of dysregulated global and loci-specific histone marks, as well as mutations in epigenetic modifiers in BCP-ALL. Examples of chromatin modifiers recurrently mutated/disrupted in BCP-ALL and associated with disease outcomes include MLL1, CREBBP, NSD2, and SETD2. Altered histone marks and histone modifiers and readers may play a particular role in disease chemoresistance and relapse. We also suggest that epigenetic regulation of B-cell differentiation may have parallel roles in leukemogenesis.
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16
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Bodenstine TM, Chandler GS, Seftor REB, Seftor EA, Hendrix MJC. Plasticity underlies tumor progression: role of Nodal signaling. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2016; 35:21-39. [PMID: 26951550 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-016-9605-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily member Nodal is an established regulator of early embryonic development, with primary roles in endoderm induction, left-right asymmetry, and primitive streak formation. Nodal signals through TGFβ family receptors at the plasma membrane and induces signaling cascades leading to diverse transcriptional regulation. While conceptually simple, the regulation of Nodal and its molecular effects are profoundly complex and context dependent. Pioneering work by developmental biologists has characterized the signaling pathways, regulatory components, and provided detailed insight into the mechanisms by which Nodal mediates changes at the cellular and organismal levels. Nodal is also an important factor in maintaining pluripotency of embryonic stem cells through regulation of core transcriptional programs. Collectively, this work has led to an appreciation for Nodal as a powerful morphogen capable of orchestrating multiple cellular phenotypes. Although Nodal is not active in most adult tissues, its reexpression and signaling have been linked to multiple types of human cancer, and Nodal has emerged as a driver of tumor growth and cellular plasticity. In vitro and in vivo experimental evidence has demonstrated that inhibition of Nodal signaling reduces cancer cell aggressive characteristics, while clinical data have established associations with Nodal expression and patient outcomes. As a result, there is great interest in the potential targeting of Nodal activity in a therapeutic setting for cancer patients that may provide new avenues for suppressing tumor growth and metastasis. In this review, we evaluate our current understanding of the complexities of Nodal function in cancer and highlight recent experimental evidence that sheds light on the therapeutic potential of its inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Bodenstine
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 225 E. Chicago Avenue, Box 222, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Grace S Chandler
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 225 E. Chicago Avenue, Box 222, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Richard E B Seftor
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 225 E. Chicago Avenue, Box 222, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Elisabeth A Seftor
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 225 E. Chicago Avenue, Box 222, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Mary J C Hendrix
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 225 E. Chicago Avenue, Box 222, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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17
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Pramanik S, Sulistio YA, Heese K. Neurotrophin Signaling and Stem Cells-Implications for Neurodegenerative Diseases and Stem Cell Therapy. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:7401-7459. [PMID: 27815842 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-0214-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neurotrophins (NTs) are members of a neuronal growth factor protein family whose action is mediated by the tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) receptor family receptors and the p75 NT receptor (p75NTR), a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family. Although NTs were first discovered in neurons, recent studies have suggested that NTs and their receptors are expressed in various types of stem cells mediating pivotal signaling events in stem cell biology. The concept of stem cell therapy has already attracted much attention as a potential strategy for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Strikingly, NTs, proNTs, and their receptors are gaining interest as key regulators of stem cells differentiation, survival, self-renewal, plasticity, and migration. In this review, we elaborate the recent progress in understanding of NTs and their action on various stem cells. First, we provide current knowledge of NTs, proNTs, and their receptor isoforms and signaling pathways. Subsequently, we describe recent advances in the understanding of NT activities in various stem cells and their role in NDs, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Finally, we compile the implications of NTs and stem cells from a clinical perspective and discuss the challenges with regard to transplantation therapy for treatment of AD and PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subrata Pramanik
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 133-791, Republic of Korea
| | - Yanuar Alan Sulistio
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 133-791, Republic of Korea
| | - Klaus Heese
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 133-791, Republic of Korea.
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18
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Hu X, Cong Y, Luo H(H, Wu S, Zhao L(E, Liu Q, Yang Y. Cancer Stem Cells Therapeutic Target Database: The First Comprehensive Database for Therapeutic Targets of Cancer Stem Cells. Stem Cells Transl Med 2016; 6:331-334. [PMID: 28191780 PMCID: PMC5442812 DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2015-0289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of tumor cells that have strong self-renewal capabilities and may contribute to the failure of conventional cancer therapies. Hence, therapeutics homing in on CSCs represent a novel and promising approach that may eradicate malignant tumors. However, the lack of information on validated targets of CSCs has greatly hindered the development of CSC-directed therapeutics. Herein, we describe the Cancer Stem Cells Therapeutic Target Database (CSCTT), the first online database to provide a rich bioinformatics resource for the display, search, and analysis of structure, function, and related annotation for therapeutic targets of cancer stem cells. CSCTT contains 135 proteins that are potential targets of CSCs, with validated experimental evidence manually curated from existing literatures. Proteins are carefully annotated with a detailed description of protein families, biological process, related diseases, and experimental evidences. In addition, CSCTT has compiled 213 documented therapeutic methods for cancer stem cells, including 118 small molecules and 20 biotherapy methods. The CSCTT may serve as a useful platform for the development of CSC-directed therapeutics against various malignant tumors. The CSCTT database is freely available to the public at http://www.csctt.org/. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2017;6:331-334.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Hu
- Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye Cong
- Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Huizhe (Howard) Luo
- Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Sijin Wu
- Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Liyuan (Eric) Zhao
- Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Quentin Liu
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China
- Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongliang Yang
- Center for Molecular Medicine, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, People's Republic of China
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19
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Zhu M, Li W, Lu Y, Dong X, Chen Y, Lin B, Xie X, Guo J, Li M. Alpha fetoprotein antagonizes apoptosis induced by paclitaxel in hepatoma cells in vitro. Sci Rep 2016; 6:26472. [PMID: 27255186 PMCID: PMC4891737 DOI: 10.1038/srep26472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell resistance to the effects of paclitaxel has not been adequately addressed. In this study, we found that paclitaxel significantly inhibited the viability of HLE, Bel 7402 and L-02 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. HLE cells and L-02 cells resisted the cytotoxicity of paclitaxel when transfected with pcDNA3.1-afp vectors. However, Bel 7402 cell sensitivity to paclitaxel was increased when transfected with alpha fetoprotein (AFP)-siRNA. Bel 7402 cell resistance to paclitaxel was associated with the expression of the “stemness” markers CD44 and CD133. Paclitaxel significantly inhibited growth and promoted apoptosis in HLE cells and L-02 cells by inducing fragmentation of caspase-3 and inhibiting the expression of Ras and Survivin, but pcDNA3.1-afp vectors prevented these effects. However, paclitaxel could not significantly promote the cleavage of caspase-3 or suppress the expression of Ras and Survivin in Bel 7402 cells. Silenced expression of AFP may be synergistic with paclitaxel to restrain proliferation and induce apoptosis, enhance cleavage of caspase-3, and suppress the expression of Ras and Survivin. Taken together, AFP may be an important molecule acting against paclitaxel-inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in HCC cells via repressing the activity of caspase-3 and stimulating the expression of Ras and Survivin. Targeted inhibition of AFP expression after treatment with paclitaxel is an available strategy for the therapy of patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyue Zhu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571159, P.R. China
| | - Wei Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571159, P.R. China
| | - Yan Lu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571159, P.R. China
| | - Xu Dong
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571159, P.R. China
| | - Yi Chen
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571159, P.R. China
| | - Bo Lin
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571159, P.R. China
| | - Xieju Xie
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, P.R. China.,Department of Pathophysiology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, China
| | - Junli Guo
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, P.R. China
| | - Mengsen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571159, P.R. China.,Institution of Tumours, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 570102, P.R. China
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Xue F, Hu L, Ge R, Yang L, Liu K, Li Y, Sun Y, Wang K. Autophagy-deficiency in hepatic progenitor cells leads to the defects of stemness and enhances susceptibility to neoplastic transformation. Cancer Lett 2016; 371:38-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2015.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Revised: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Ming H, Lan Y, He F, Xiao X, Zhou X, Zhang Z, Li P, Huang G. Cytochrome b5 reductase 2 suppresses tumor formation in nasopharyngeal carcinoma by attenuating angiogenesis. CHINESE JOURNAL OF CANCER 2015; 34:459-67. [PMID: 26275421 PMCID: PMC4593386 DOI: 10.1186/s40880-015-0044-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Background Cytochrome b5 reductase 2 (CYB5R2) is a potential tumor suppressor that inhibits cell proliferation and motility in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Inactivation of CYB5R2 is associated with lymph node metastasis in NPC. This study aimed to explore the mechanisms contributing to the anti-neoplastic effects of CYB5R2. Methods Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were used to analyze the transcription of 84 genes known to be involved in representative cancer pathways in the NPC cell line HONE1. NPC cell lines CNE2 and HONE1 were transiently transfected with CYB5R2, and data was validated by real-time PCR. A chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) embryo model was implanted with CYB5R2-expressing CNE2 and HONE1 cells to evaluate the effect of CYB5R2 on angiogenesis. An immunohistochemical assay of the CAM model was used to analyze the protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Results In CYB5R2-transfected NPC cells, PCR assays revealed up-regulated mRNA levels of Fas cell surface death receptor (FAS), FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog (FOS), phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 1 (PIK3R1), integrin beta 3 (ITGB3), metastasis suppressor 1 (MTSS1), interferon beta 1 (IFNB1), and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) and down-regulated levels of integrin beta 5 (ITGB5), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), TEK tyrosine kinase (TEK), transforming growth factor beta receptor 1 (TGFBR1), and VEGF. The angiogenesis in the CAM model implanted with CYB5R2-transfected NPC cells was inhibited. Down-regulation of VEGF by CYB5R2 in NPC cells was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining in the CAM model. Conclusion CYB5R2 up-regulates the expression of genes that negatively modulate angiogenesis in NPC cells and down-regulates the expression of VEGF to reduce angiogenesis, thereby suppressing tumor formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huixin Ming
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, P.R. China.
| | - Ying Lan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, P.R. China.
| | - Feng He
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, P.R. China.
| | - Xue Xiao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, P.R. China.
| | - Xiaoying Zhou
- Medical Research Centre, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, P.R. China.
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, P.R. China.
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, P.R. China.
| | - Guangwu Huang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, P.R. China.
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Le Bescont A, Vitte AL, Debernardi A, Curtet S, Buchou T, Vayr J, de Reyniès A, Ito A, Guardiola P, Brambilla C, Yoshida M, Brambilla E, Rousseaux S, Khochbin S. Receptor-Independent Ectopic Activity of Prolactin Predicts Aggressive Lung Tumors and Indicates HDACi-Based Therapeutic Strategies. Antioxid Redox Signal 2015; 23:1-14. [PMID: 24512221 PMCID: PMC4492736 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2013.5581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Ectopic activation of tissue-specific genes accompanies malignant transformation in many cancers. Prolactin (PRL) aberrant activation in lung cancer was investigated here to highlight its value as a biomarker. RESULTS PRL is ectopically activated in a subset of very aggressive lung tumors, associated with a rapid fatal outcome, in our cohort of 293 lung tumor patients and in an external independent series of patients. Surprisingly PRL receptor expression was not detected in the vast majority of PRL-expressing lung tumors. Additionally, the analysis of the PRL transcripts in lung tumors and cell lines revealed systematic truncations of their 5' regions, including the signal peptide-encoding portions. PRL expression was found to sustain cancer-specific gene expression circuits encompassing genes that are normally responsive to hypoxia. Interestingly, this analysis also indicated that histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors could counteract the PRL-associated transcriptional activity. INNOVATION AND CONCLUSION Altogether, this work not only unravels a yet unknown oncogenic mechanism but also indicates that the specific category of PRL-expressing aggressive lung cancers could be particularly responsive to an HDAC inhibitor-based treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurore Le Bescont
- 1 INSERM U823, Université Joseph Fourier-Grenoble 1 , Institut Albert Bonniot, Grenoble, France
| | - Anne-Laure Vitte
- 1 INSERM U823, Université Joseph Fourier-Grenoble 1 , Institut Albert Bonniot, Grenoble, France
| | - Alexandra Debernardi
- 1 INSERM U823, Université Joseph Fourier-Grenoble 1 , Institut Albert Bonniot, Grenoble, France
| | - Sandrine Curtet
- 1 INSERM U823, Université Joseph Fourier-Grenoble 1 , Institut Albert Bonniot, Grenoble, France
| | - Thierry Buchou
- 1 INSERM U823, Université Joseph Fourier-Grenoble 1 , Institut Albert Bonniot, Grenoble, France
| | - Jessica Vayr
- 1 INSERM U823, Université Joseph Fourier-Grenoble 1 , Institut Albert Bonniot, Grenoble, France
| | - Aurélien de Reyniès
- 2 Cartes d'Identité des Tumeurs Program, Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer , Paris, France
| | - Akihiro Ito
- 3 Chemical Genetics Laboratory , RIKEN, Wako, Japan
| | - Philippe Guardiola
- 4 INSERM U892, Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer Nantes Angers and UMR_S 892, Université d'Angers , Plateforme SNP, Transcriptome & Epigénomique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - Christian Brambilla
- 1 INSERM U823, Université Joseph Fourier-Grenoble 1 , Institut Albert Bonniot, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Elisabeth Brambilla
- 1 INSERM U823, Université Joseph Fourier-Grenoble 1 , Institut Albert Bonniot, Grenoble, France
| | - Sophie Rousseaux
- 1 INSERM U823, Université Joseph Fourier-Grenoble 1 , Institut Albert Bonniot, Grenoble, France
| | - Saadi Khochbin
- 1 INSERM U823, Université Joseph Fourier-Grenoble 1 , Institut Albert Bonniot, Grenoble, France
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Low-dose decitabine-based chemoimmunotherapy for patients with refractory advanced solid tumors: a phase I/II report. J Immunol Res 2014; 2014:371087. [PMID: 24963497 PMCID: PMC4054619 DOI: 10.1155/2014/371087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2013] [Revised: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant DNA methylation is one of the main drivers of tumor initiation and progression. The reversibility of methylation modulation makes it an attractive target for novel anticancer therapies. Clinical studies have demonstrated that high-dose decitabine, a hypomethylating agent, results in some clinical benefits in patients with refractory advanced tumors; however, they are extremely toxic. Low doses of decitabine minimize toxicity while potentially improving the targeted effects of DNA hypomethylation. Based on these mechanisms, low-dose decitabine combined with chemoimmunotherapy may be a new treatment option for patients with refractory advanced tumors. We proposed the regimen of low-dose decitabine-based chemoimmunotherapy for patients with refractory advanced solid tumors. A favorable adverse event profile was observed in our trial that was highlighted by the finding that most of these adverse events were grades 1-2. Besides, the activity of our cohort was optimistic and the clinical benefit rate was up to 60%, and the median PFS was prolonged compared with PFS to previous treatment. We also identified a significant correlation between the PFS to previous treatment and clinical response. The low-dose DAC decitabine-based chemoimmunotherapy might be a promising protocol for improving the specificity and efficiency of patients with refractory advanced solid tumors. This trial is registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov database (identifier NCT01799083).
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Nguyen TD, Widera D, Greiner J, Müller J, Martin I, Slotta C, Hauser S, Kaltschmidt C, Kaltschmidt B. Prolonged cultivation of hippocampal neural precursor cells shifts their differentiation potential and selects for aneuploid cells. Biol Chem 2014; 394:1623-36. [PMID: 24084358 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2013-0191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Accepted: 09/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Neural precursor cells (NPCs) are lineage-restricted neural stem cells with limited self-renewal, giving rise to a broad range of neural cell types such as neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. Despite this developmental potential, the differentiation capacity of NPCs has been controversially discussed concerning the trespassing lineage boundaries, for instance resulting in hematopoietic competence. Assessing their in vitro plasticity, we isolated nestin+/Sox2+, NPCs from the adult murine hippocampus. In vitro-expanded adult NPCs were able to form neurospheres, self-renew, and differentiate into neuronal, astrocytic, and oligodendrocytic cells. Although NPCs cultivated in early passage efficiently gave rise to neuronal cells in a directed differentiation assay, extensively cultivated NPCs revealed reduced potential for ectodermal differentiation. We further observed successful differentiation of long-term cultured NPCs into osteogenic and adipogenic cell types, suggesting that NPCs underwent a fate switch during culture. NPCs cultivated for more than 12 passages were aneuploid (abnormal chromosome numbers such as 70 chromosomes). Furthermore, they showed growth factor-independent proliferation, a hallmark of tumorigenic transformation. In conclusion, our findings substantiate the lineage restriction of NPCs from adult mammalian hippocampus. Prolonged cultivation results, however, in enhanced differentiation potential, which may be attributed to transformation events leading to aneuploid cells.
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Saldanha SN, Tollefsbol TO. Pathway modulations and epigenetic alterations in ovarian tumorbiogenesis. J Cell Physiol 2014; 229:393-406. [PMID: 24105793 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cellular pathways are numerous and are highly integrated in function in the control of cellular systems. They collectively regulate cell division, proliferation, survival and apoptosis of cells and mutagenesis of key genes that control these pathways can initiate neoplastic transformations. Understanding these pathways is crucial to future therapeutic and preventive strategies of the disease. Ovarian cancers are of three major types; epithelial, germ-cell, and stromal. However, ovarian cancers of epithelial origin, arising from the mesothelium, are the predominant form. Of the subtypes of ovarian cancer, the high-grade serous tumors are fatal, with low survival rate due to late detection and poor response to treatments. Close examination of preserved ovarian tissues and in vitro studies have provided insights into the mechanistic changes occurring in cells mediated by a few key genes. This review will focus on pathways and key genes of the pathways that are mutated or have aberrant functions in the pathology of ovarian cancer. Non-genetic mechanisms that are gaining prominence in the pathology of ovarian cancer, miRNAs and epigenetics, will also be discussed in the review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabita N Saldanha
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama; Department of Biological Sciences, Alabama State University, Montgomery, Alabama
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26
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Frumm SM, Fan ZP, Ross KN, Duvall JR, Gupta S, VerPlank L, Suh BC, Holson E, Wagner FF, Smith WB, Paranal RM, Bassil CF, Qi J, Roti G, Kung AL, Bradner JE, Tolliday N, Stegmaier K. Selective HDAC1/HDAC2 inhibitors induce neuroblastoma differentiation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 20:713-25. [PMID: 23706636 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2013.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2012] [Revised: 03/07/2013] [Accepted: 03/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
While cytotoxic chemotherapy remains the hallmark of cancer treatment, intensive regimens fall short in many malignancies, including high-risk neuroblastoma. One alternative strategy is to therapeutically promote tumor differentiation. We created a gene expression signature to measure neuroblast maturation, adapted it to a high-throughput platform, and screened a diversity oriented synthesis-generated small-molecule library for differentiation inducers. We identified BRD8430, containing a nine-membered lactam, an ortho-amino anilide functionality, and three chiral centers, as a selective class I histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor (HDAC1 > 2 > 3). Further investigation demonstrated that selective HDAC1/HDAC2 inhibition using compounds or RNA interference induced differentiation and decreased viability in neuroblastoma cell lines. Combined treatment with 13-cis retinoic acid augmented these effects and enhanced activation of retinoic acid signaling. Therefore, by applying a chemical genomic screening approach, we identified selective HDAC1/HDAC2 inhibition as a strategy to induce neuroblastoma differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey M Frumm
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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27
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Xiao X, Zhao W, Tian F, Zhou X, Zhang J, Huang T, Hou B, Du C, Wang S, Mo Y, Yu N, Zhou S, You J, Zhang Z, Huang G, Zeng X. Cytochrome b5 reductase 2 is a novel candidate tumor suppressor gene frequently inactivated by promoter hypermethylation in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Tumour Biol 2013; 35:3755-63. [PMID: 24338690 PMCID: PMC3980038 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-013-1497-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytochrome b5 reductase 2 (CYB5R2), a member of the flavoprotein pyridine nucleotide cytochrome reductase family, is associated with a number of physiological reactions. However, its role in cancer, especially nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), has not been addressed. Here, we investigate the transcript levels and promoter methylation status of CYB5R2 in NPC derived cell lines and tumor biopsies and experimentally address its role as a tumor suppressor gene. We find that CYB5R2 transcript levels are decreased in NPC cell lines and tumor biopsies. Promoter hypermethylation of CYB5R2 was detected in all six tested NPC cell lines and in 84 % of primary NPC tumor biopsies but not in normal nasopharyngeal epithelium. Clinically, CYB5R2 methylation was associated with lymph node metastasis in NPC patients (P < 0.05). The endogenous expression of CYB5R2 could be restored in vitro by the methyltransferase inhibitor 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine in NPC cell lines. Ectopic expression of CYB5R2 had an inhibitory effect on proliferation, clonogenicity and migration of NPC cells. Moreover, in vivo tests in nude mice indicated that ectopic expression of CYB5R2 reduces the tumorigenicity of CYB5R2-negative NPC cells. Collectively, these findings suggest that CYB5R2 may be a functional tumor suppressor gene, frequently inactivated by hypermethylation of its promoter in NPC. We report here the first instance of epigenetic downregulation in NPC tumor biopsies of a key enzyme, CYB5R2, which is responsible for the detoxification of environmental carcinogens. We propose the possibility of utilizing CYB5R2 promoter methylation as a diagnostic biomarker of NPC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Xiao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, 6# Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, China
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28
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Matsuda S, Yan T, Mizutani A, Sota T, Hiramoto Y, Prieto-Vila M, Chen L, Satoh A, Kudoh T, Kasai T, Murakami H, Fu L, Salomon DS, Seno M. Cancer stem cells maintain a hierarchy of differentiation by creating their niche. Int J Cancer 2013; 135:27-36. [PMID: 24323788 PMCID: PMC4276292 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.28648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2013] [Revised: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The self-renewal and differentiation properties of cancer stem cells (CSCs) are regulated and maintained by the CSC niche. However, the mechanism of this maintenance, especially the maintenance contributed by differentiated cancer cells, remains to be fully elucidated. Recently, we have established a model of CSCs, miPS-LLCcm, from mouse induced pluripotent stem cells (miPSCs). In vitro cultured miPS-LLCcm cells were autonomously balanced with stem-like cells and differentiated cells including vascular endothelial cells. Under these conditions, the CSC properties appeared to be stable in the presence of the factor(s) secreted by the differentiated cells. The factor(s) activated Notch signaling and promoted self-renewal of CSCs. In addition, the secreted factor(s) appeared to regulate the differentiation lineage of CSCs. Our results indicate that the differentiated progenies of CSCs containing vascular endothelium play important roles for regulating the CSC's properties. Therefore, miPS-LLCcm cells create their own in vitro niche to maintain themselves in the hierarchy of differentiating CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuichi Matsuda
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
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Di J, Duiveman-de Boer T, Figdor CG, Torensma R. Aiming to immune elimination of ovarian cancer stem cells. World J Stem Cells 2013; 5:149-162. [PMID: 24179603 PMCID: PMC3812519 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v5.i4.149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2013] [Revised: 03/15/2013] [Accepted: 07/19/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer accounts for only 3% of all cancers in women, but it causes more deaths than any other gynecologic cancer. Treatment with chemotherapy and cytoreductive surgery shows a good response to the therapy. However, in a large proportion of the patients the tumor grows back within a few years. Cancer stem cells, that are less responsive to these treatments, are blamed for this recurrence of disease. Immune therapy either cellular or humoral is a novel concept to treat cancer. It is based on the notice that immune cells invade the tumor. However, the tumor invest heavily to escape from immune elimination by recruiting several immune suppressive mechanisms. These processes are normally in place to limit excessive immune activation and prevent autoimmune phenomena. Here, we discuss current knowledge about the immune (suppressive) status in ovarian cancer. Moreover, we discuss the immunological targets of ovarian cancer stem cells.
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30
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Lee HR, Kim MJ, Ha G, Kim SJ, Kim SH, Kang CD. Presence of Leukemia-maintaining Cells in Differentiation-resistant Fraction of K562 Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.5352/jls.2013.23.2.197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Shah M, Allegrucci C. Stem cell plasticity in development and cancer: epigenetic origin of cancer stem cells. Subcell Biochem 2013; 61:545-65. [PMID: 23150267 DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-4525-4_24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Stem cells are unique cells that can self-renew and differentiate into many cell types. Plasticity is a fundamental characteristic of stem cells and it is regulated by reversible epigenetic modifications. Although gene-restriction programs are established during embryonic development when cell lineages are formed, stem cells retain a degree of flexibility that is essential for tissue regeneration. For instance, quiescent adult stem cells can be induced to proliferate and trans-differentiate in response to injury. The same degree of plasticity is observed in cancer, where cancer cells with stem cell characteristics (or cancer stem cells) are formed by transformation of normal stem cells or de-differentiation of somatic cells. Reprogramming experiments with normal somatic cells and cancer cells show that epigenetic landscapes are more plastic than originally thought and that their manipulation can induce changes in cell fate. Our knowledge of stem cell function is still limited and only by understanding the mechanisms regulating developmental potential together with the definition of epigenetic maps of normal and diseased tissues we can reveal the true extent of their plasticity. In return, the control of plastic epigenetic programs in stem cells will allow us to develop effective treatments for degenerative diseases and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansi Shah
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, LE12 5RD, Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK
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Epigenetic targeting therapies to overcome chemotherapy resistance. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2013; 754:285-311. [PMID: 22956507 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-9967-2_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
It is now well established that epigenetic aberrations occur early in malignant transformation, raising the possibility of identifying chemopreventive compounds or reliable diagnostic screening using epigenetic biomarkers. Combinatorial therapies effective for the reexpression of tumor suppressors, facilitating resensitization to conventional chemotherapies, hold great promise for the future therapy of cancer. This approach may also perturb cancer stem cells and thus represent an effective means for managing a number of solid tumors. We believe that in the near future, anticancer drug regimens will routinely include epigenetic therapies, possibly in conjunction with inhibitors of "stemness" signal pathways, to effectively reduce the devastating occurrence of cancer chemotherapy resistance.
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Szemes M, Dallosso AR, Melegh Z, Curry T, Li Y, Rivers C, Uney J, Mägdefrau AS, Schwiderski K, Park JH, Brown KW, Shandilya J, Roberts SGE, Malik K. Control of epigenetic states by WT1 via regulation of de novo DNA methyltransferase 3A. Hum Mol Genet 2013; 22:74-83. [PMID: 23042785 PMCID: PMC6296327 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/dds403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2012] [Accepted: 09/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although tumour suppressor gene hypermethylation is a universal feature of cancer cells, little is known about the necessary molecular triggers. Here, we show that Wilms' tumour 1 (WT1), a developmental master regulator that can also act as a tumour suppressor or oncoprotein, transcriptionally regulates the de novo DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) and that cellular WT1 levels can influence DNA methylation of gene promoters genome-wide. Specifically, we demonstrate that depletion of WT1 by short-interfering RNAs leads to reduced DNMT3A in Wilms' tumour cells and human embryonal kidney-derived cell lines. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrate WT1 recruitment to the DNMT3A promoter region and reporter assays confirm that WT1 directly transactivates DNMT3A expression. Consistent with this regulatory role, immunohistochemical analysis shows co-expression of WT1 and DNMT3A proteins in nuclei of blastemal cells in human fetal kidney and Wilms' tumours. Using genome-wide promoter methylation arrays, we show that human embryonal kidney cells over-expressing WT1 acquire DNA methylation changes at specific gene promoters where DNMT3A recruitment is increased, with hypermethylation being associated with silencing of gene expression. Elevated DNMT3A is also demonstrated at hypermethylated genes in Wilms' tumour cells, including a region of long-range epigenetic silencing. Finally, we show that depletion of WT1 in Wilms' tumour cells can lead to reactivation of gene expression from methylated promoters, such as TGFB2, a key modulator of epithelial-mesenchymal transitions. Collectively, our work defines a new regulatory modality for WT1 involving elicitation of epigenetic alterations which is most likely crucial to its functions in development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zsombor Melegh
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Yifan Li
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory and
| | - Caroline Rivers
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK and
| | - James Uney
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK and
| | | | | | | | | | - Jayasha Shandilya
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo (SUNY), 625 Cooke Hall, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Stefan G. E. Roberts
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
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Abstract
Heterogeneity of tumor tissue has been accounted for in recent years by a hierarchy-based model in which cancer stem cells (CSCs) have the ability both to self-renew and to give rise to differentiated tumor cells and are responsible for the overall organization of a tumor. Research into CSCs has progressed rapidly and concomitantly with recent advances in the biology of normal tissue stem cells, resulting in the identification of CSCs in a wide range of human tumors. Studies of mouse models of human cancer have provided further insight into the characteristics of CSCs as well as a basis for the development of novel therapies targeted to these cells. However, recent studies have revealed complexities, such as plasticity of stem cell properties and clonal diversity of CSCs, in certain tumor types that have led to revision of the original CSC model. In this review, we summarize the history of the discovery and characterization of CSCs, as well as address recent advances that have revealed the complexity of these cells and their therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiji Sugihara
- Division of Gene Regulation, Institute for Advanced Medical Research, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
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Scatena R, Bottoni P, Giardina B. Circulating tumour cells and cancer stem cells: a role for proteomics in defining the interrelationships between function, phenotype and differentiation with potential clinical applications. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2012; 1835:129-43. [PMID: 23228700 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2012.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2012] [Revised: 11/29/2012] [Accepted: 12/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Research on the discovery and implementation of valid cancer biomarkers is one of the most challenging fields in oncology and oncoproteomics in particular. Moreover, it is generally accepted that an evaluation of cancer biomarkers from the blood could significantly enable biomarker assessments by providing a relatively non-invasive source of representative tumour material. In this regard, circulating tumour cells (CTCs) isolated from the blood of metastatic cancer patients have significant promise. It has been demonstrated that localised and metastatic cancers may give rise to CTCs, which are detectable in the bloodstream. Despite technical difficulties, recent studies have highlighted the prognostic significance of the presence and number of CTCs in the blood. Future studies are necessary not only to detect CTCs but also to characterise them. Furthermore, another pathogenically significant type of cancer cells, known as cancer stem cells (CSCs) or more recently termed circulating tumour stem cells (CTSCs), appears to have a significant role as a subpopulation of CTCs. This review discusses the potential application of proteomic methodologies to improve the isolation and characterisation of CTCs and to distinguish between CTCs with a poor clinical significance and those with important biological and clinical implications.
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Crea F, Sun L, Mai A, Chiang YT, Farrar WL, Danesi R, Helgason CD. The emerging role of histone lysine demethylases in prostate cancer. Mol Cancer 2012; 11:52. [PMID: 22867098 PMCID: PMC3441810 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-11-52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2012] [Accepted: 07/17/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Early prostate cancer (PCa) is generally treatable and associated with good prognosis. After a variable time, PCa evolves into a highly metastatic and treatment-refractory disease: castration-resistant PCa (CRPC). Currently, few prognostic factors are available to predict the emergence of CRPC, and no curative option is available. Epigenetic gene regulation has been shown to trigger PCa metastasis and androgen-independence. Most epigenetic studies have focused on DNA and histone methyltransferases. While DNA methylation leads to gene silencing, histone methylation can trigger gene activation or inactivation, depending on the target amino acid residues and the extent of methylation (me1, me2, or me3). Interestingly, some histone modifiers are essential for PCa tumor-initiating cell (TIC) self-renewal. TICs are considered the seeds responsible for metastatic spreading and androgen-independence. Histone Lysine Demethylases (KDMs) are a novel class of epigenetic enzymes which can remove both repressive and activating histone marks. KDMs are currently grouped into 7 major classes, each one targeting a specific methylation site. Since their discovery, KDM expression has been found to be deregulated in several neoplasms. In PCa, KDMs may act as either tumor suppressors or oncogenes, depending on their gene regulatory function. For example, KDM1A and KDM4C are essential for PCa androgen-dependent proliferation, while PHF8 is involved in PCa migration and invasion. Interestingly, the possibility of pharmacologically targeting KDMs has been demonstrated. In the present paper, we summarize the emerging role of KDMs in regulating the metastatic potential and androgen-dependence of PCa. In addition, we speculate on the possible interaction between KDMs and other epigenetic effectors relevant for PCa TICs. Finally, we explore the role of KDMs as novel prognostic factors and therapeutic targets. We believe that studies on histone demethylation may add a novel perspective in our efforts to prevent and cure advanced PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Crea
- Experimental Therapeutics, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, 675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V5Z 1L3.
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Abstract
Heterogeneity is an omnipresent feature of mammalian cells in vitro and in vivo. It has been recently realized that even mouse and human embryonic stem cells under the best culture conditions are heterogeneous containing pluripotent as well as partially committed cells. Somatic stem cells in adult organs are also heterogeneous, containing many subpopulations of self-renewing cells with distinct regenerative capacity. The differentiated progeny of adult stem cells also retain significant developmental plasticity that can be induced by a wide variety of experimental approaches. Like normal stem cells, recent data suggest that cancer stem cells (CSCs) similarly display significant phenotypic and functional heterogeneity, and that the CSC progeny can manifest diverse plasticity. Here, I discuss CSC heterogeneity and plasticity in the context of tumor development and progression, and by comparing with normal stem cell development. Appreciation of cancer cell plasticity entails a revision to the earlier concept that only the tumorigenic subset in the tumor needs to be targeted. By understanding the interrelationship between CSCs and their differentiated progeny, we can hope to develop better therapeutic regimens that can prevent the emergence of tumor cell variants that are able to found a new tumor and distant metastases.
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Cross-species hybridization of microarrays for studying tumor transcriptome of brain metastasis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2011; 108:17456-61. [PMID: 21987811 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1114210108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the importance of the cellular microenvironment (soil) during invasion and metastasis of cancer cells (seed) has been well-recognized, technical challenges have limited the ability to assess the influence of the microenvironment on cancer cells at the molecular level. Here, we show that an experimental strategy, competitive cross-species hybridization of microarray experiments, can characterize the influence of different microenvironments on cancer cells by independently extracting gene expression data of cancer and host cells when human cancer cells were xenografted into different organ sites of immunocompromised mice. Surprisingly, the analysis of gene expression data showed that the brain microenvironment induces complete reprogramming of metastasized cancer cells, resulting in a gain of neuronal cell characteristics and mimicking neurogenesis during development. We also show that epigenetic changes coincide with transcriptional reprogramming in cancer cells. These observations provide proof of principle for competitive cross-species hybridization of microarray experiments to characterize the effect of the microenvironment on tumor cell behavior.
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El-Serafi AT, Oreffo ROC, Roach HI. Epigenetic modifiers influence lineage commitment of human bone marrow stromal cells: Differential effects of 5-aza-deoxycytidine and trichostatin A. Differentiation 2011; 81:35-41. [PMID: 20970916 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2010.09.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2010] [Revised: 08/10/2010] [Accepted: 09/10/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Clinical imperatives for new bone to replace or restore the function of traumatized or bone lost as a consequence of age or disease has led to the need for therapies or procedures to generate bone for skeletal applications. However, current in vitro methods for the differentiation of human bone marrow stromal cells (HBMSCs) do not, to date, produce homogeneous cell populations of the osteogenic or chondrogenic lineages. As epigenetic modifiers are known to influence differentiation, we investigated the effects of the DNA demethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) or the histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) on osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation. Monolayer cultures of HBMSCs were treated for 3 days with the 5-aza-dC or TSA, followed by culture in the absence of modifiers. Cells were subsequently grown in pellet culture to determine matrix production. 5-aza-dC stimulated osteogenic differentiation as evidenced by enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity, increased Runx-2 expression in monolayer, and increased osteoid formation in 3D cell pellets. In pellets cultured in chondrogenic media, TSA enhanced cartilage matrix formation and chondrogenic structure. These findings indicate the potential of epigenetic modifiers, as agents, possibly in combination with other factors, to enhance the ability of HBMSCs to form functional bone or cartilage with significant therapeutic implications therein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed T El-Serafi
- Bone and Joint Research Group, Centre for Human Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration, Institute of Developmental Sciences, University of Southampton, School of Medicine, UK.
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Tumor-initiating and -propagating cells: cells that we would like to identify and control. Neoplasia 2010; 12:506-15. [PMID: 20651980 DOI: 10.1593/neo.10290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2010] [Revised: 03/26/2010] [Accepted: 03/29/2010] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Identification of the cell types capable of initiating and sustaining growth of the neoplastic clone in vivo is a fundamental problem in cancer research. It is likely that tumor growth can be sustained both by rare cancer stem-like cells and selected aggressive clones and that the nature of the mutations, the cell of origin, and its environment will contribute to tumor propagation. Genomic instability, suggested as a driving force in tumorigenesis, may be induced by genetic and epigenetic changes. The feature of self-renewal in stem cells is shared with tumor cells, and deviant function of the stem cell regulatory networks may, in complex ways, contribute to malignant transformation and the establishment of a cancer stem cell-like phenotype. Understanding the nature of the more quiescent cancer stem-like cells and their niches has the potential to develop novel cancer therapeutic protocols including pharmacological targeting of self-renewal pathways. Drugs that target cancer-related inflammation may have the potential to reeducate a tumor-promoting microenvironment. Because most epigenetic modifications may be reversible, DNA methylation and histone deacetylase inhibitors can be used to induce reexpression of genes that have been silenced epigenetically. Design of therapies that eliminate cancer stem-like cells without eliminating normal stem cells will be important. Further insight into the mechanisms by which pluripotency transcription factors (e.g., OCT4, SOX2, and Nanog), polycomb repressive complexes and microRNA balance selfrenewal and differentiation will be essential for our understanding of both embryonic differentiation and human carcinogenesis and for the development of new treatment strategies.
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Sun B, Yu KR, Bhandari DR, Jung JW, Kang SK, Kang KS. Human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular matrix prohibits metastatic cancer cell MDA-MB-231 proliferation. Cancer Lett 2010; 296:178-85. [PMID: 20435406 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2010.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2009] [Revised: 03/26/2010] [Accepted: 04/06/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
It is not clear whether adult stem cell extracellular matrix (ECM) can regulate cancer cells. We demonstrated that the ECM produced by UCB-MSCs was able to arrest the growth of metastatic tumor cells by upregulating levels of PTEN in aggressive cancer cells. Human UCB-MSCs produced dickkopf (DKK1) are capable of inhibiting cancer cell proliferation but has no contribution to the tumor inhibition effect of UCB-MSC ECM. This study also provides an innovative approach to specifically examine the effect of stem cell microenvironments on cancer cells without the complexity of cell-cell interactions. In conclusion, human UCB-MSC ECM prohibits cancer cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Sun
- Adult Stem Cell Research Center, Seoul National University, South Korea
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Wegwitz F, Kluth MA, Mänz C, Otto B, Gruner K, Heinlein C, Kühl M, Warnecke G, Schumacher U, Deppert W, Tolstonog GV. Tumorigenic WAP-T mouse mammary carcinoma cells: a model for a self-reproducing homeostatic cancer cell system. PLoS One 2010; 5:e12103. [PMID: 20730114 PMCID: PMC2920333 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0012103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2010] [Accepted: 07/14/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In analogy to normal stem cell differentiation, the current cancer stem cell (CSC) model presumes a hierarchical organization and an irreversible differentiation in tumor tissue. Accordingly, CSCs should comprise only a small subset of the tumor cells, which feeds tumor growth. However, some recent findings raised doubts on the general applicability of the CSC model and asked for its refinement. Methodology/Principal Findings In this study we analyzed the CSC properties of mammary carcinoma cells derived from transgenic (WAP-T) mice. We established a highly tumorigenic WAP-T cell line (G-2 cells) that displays stem-like traits. G-2 cells, as well as their clonal derivates, are closely related to primary tumors regarding histology and gene expression profiles, and reflect heterogeneity regarding their differentiation states. G-2 cultures comprise cell populations in distinct differentiation states identified by co-expression of cytoskeletal proteins (cytokeratins and vimentin), a combination of cell surface markers and a set of transcription factors. Cellular subsets sorted according to expression of CD24a, CD49f, CD61, Epcam, Sca1, and Thy1 cell surface proteins, or metabolic markers (e.g. ALDH activity) are competent to reconstitute the initial cellular composition. Repopulation efficiency greatly varies between individual subsets and is influenced by interactions with the respective complementary G-2 cellular subset. The balance between differentiation states is regulated in part by the transcription factor Sox10, as depletion of Sox10 led to up-regulation of Twist2 and increased the proportion of Thy1-expressing cells representing cells in a self-renewable, reversible, quasi-mesenchymal differentiation state. Conclusions/Significance G-2 cells constitute a self-reproducing cancer cell system, maintained by bi- and unidirectional conversion of complementary cellular subsets. Our work contributes to the current controversial discussion on the existence and nature of CSC and provides a basis for the incorporation of alternative hypotheses into the CSC model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Wegwitz
- Department of Tumor Virology, Heinrich-Pette-Institute for Experimental Virology and Immunology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mark-Andreas Kluth
- Department of Tumor Virology, Heinrich-Pette-Institute for Experimental Virology and Immunology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Mänz
- Department of Tumor Virology, Heinrich-Pette-Institute for Experimental Virology and Immunology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Benjamin Otto
- Department of Clinical Chemistry/Central Laboratories, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Gruner
- Department of Tumor Virology, Heinrich-Pette-Institute for Experimental Virology and Immunology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christina Heinlein
- Department of Tumor Virology, Heinrich-Pette-Institute for Experimental Virology and Immunology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marion Kühl
- Department of Tumor Virology, Heinrich-Pette-Institute for Experimental Virology and Immunology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gabriele Warnecke
- Department of Tumor Virology, Heinrich-Pette-Institute for Experimental Virology and Immunology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Udo Schumacher
- Department of Anatomy II: Experimental Morphology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Deppert
- Department of Tumor Virology, Heinrich-Pette-Institute for Experimental Virology and Immunology, Hamburg, Germany
- * E-mail: (WD); (GVT)
| | - Genrich V. Tolstonog
- Department of Tumor Virology, Heinrich-Pette-Institute for Experimental Virology and Immunology, Hamburg, Germany
- * E-mail: (WD); (GVT)
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Susa M, Milane L, Amiji MM, Hornicek FJ, Duan Z. Nanoparticles: A Promising Modality in the Treatment of Sarcomas. Pharm Res 2010; 28:260-72. [DOI: 10.1007/s11095-010-0173-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2010] [Accepted: 05/13/2010] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Frank NY, Schatton T, Frank MH. The therapeutic promise of the cancer stem cell concept. J Clin Invest 2010; 120:41-50. [PMID: 20051635 DOI: 10.1172/jci41004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 488] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of tumor cells that selectively possess tumor initiation and self-renewal capacity and the ability to give rise to bulk populations of nontumorigenic cancer cell progeny through differentiation. As we discuss here, they have been prospectively identified in several human malignancies, and their relative abundance in clinical cancer specimens has been correlated with malignant disease progression in human patients. Furthermore, recent findings suggest that clinical cancer progression driven by CSCs may contribute to the failure of existing therapies to consistently eradicate malignant tumors. Therefore, CSC-directed therapeutic approaches might represent translationally relevant strategies to improve clinical cancer therapy, in particular for those malignancies that are currently refractory to conventional anticancer agents directed predominantly at tumor bulk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Y Frank
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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Giuffrida D, Rogers IM, Nagy A, Calogero AE, Brown TJ, Casper RF. Human embryonic stem cells secrete soluble factors that inhibit cancer cell growth. Cell Prolif 2009; 42:788-98. [PMID: 19732065 PMCID: PMC6495992 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2184.2009.00640.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2009] [Accepted: 03/09/2009] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine whether normal human embryonic stem cells (hESC) would secrete factors that arrest growth of human epithelial cancer cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cell proliferation was examined using the MTT assay then haemocytometer cell counts. Staining with propidium iodide followed by flow cytometry was used to detect cell cycle stages. Heat denaturation and molecular fractionation experiments were also performed. RESULTS We found that hESC conditioned medium (hESC CM) inhibited SKOV-3 and HEY cell proliferation. Similar results were also obtained when we used breast and prostate cancer cell lines, whereas little or no inhibitory effect was observed when human fibroblasts were tested. Moreover, a co-culture model confirmed that inhibition of cancer cell proliferation is mediated by soluble factors produced by hESCs. We also determined that the proportion of cancer cells in G(1) phase was increased by hESC CM treatment, accompanied by decrease in cells in S and G(2)/M phases, suggesting that the factors slow progression of cancer cells by cell cycle inhibition. Heat denaturation and molecular fractionation experiments indicated a low molecular weight thermostable factor was responsible for these properties. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide evidence that the human embryonic microenvironment contains soluble factor(s) that are capable of inhibiting growth of cancer cells, and that exposure to such factors may represent a new cancer treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Giuffrida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 2X9
- Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X5
- Section of Endocrinology, Andrology and Internal Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - I. M. Rogers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 2X9
- Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X5
| | - A. Nagy
- Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X5
| | - A. E. Calogero
- Section of Endocrinology, Andrology and Internal Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - T. J. Brown
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 2X9
- Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X5
| | - R. F. Casper
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 2X9
- Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X5
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46
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Multilevel targeting of hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal, differentiation and apoptosis for leukemia therapy. Pharmacol Ther 2009; 122:264-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2009.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2008] [Accepted: 03/03/2009] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Hussain M, Rao M, Humphries AE, Hong JA, Liu F, Yang M, Caragacianu D, Schrump DS. Tobacco smoke induces polycomb-mediated repression of Dickkopf-1 in lung cancer cells. Cancer Res 2009; 69:3570-8. [PMID: 19351856 PMCID: PMC8374472 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-08-2807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Limited information is available about epigenetic mechanisms by which cigarette smoke enhances the initiation and progression of lung cancer. To examine this issue, A549 and Calu-6 lung cancer cells were cultured in normal media with or without tobacco smoke condensate (TSC) under clinically relevant exposure conditions. Ten-day TSC exposure dramatically increased the tumorigenicity of lung cancer cells in nude mice. Microarray and quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) experiments revealed that this phenomenon coincided with diminished expression of Dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1). Western blot, chromatin immunoprecipitation, methylation-specific PCR, and pyrosequencing experiments showed that repression of Dkk-1 coincided with decreased H4K16Ac, increased H3K27me3, and recruitment of SirT1, EZH2, SUZ12, and Bmi1 without DNA hypermethylation within the Dkk-1 promoter despite prolonged TSC exposures. Removal of TSC from culture media resulted in loss of promoter-associated polycomb repressor complexes and reexpression of Dkk-1. siRNA-mediated knockdown of EZH2 and SirT1 partially abrogated TSC-mediated inhibition of Dkk-1 expression. Western blot and quantitative RT-PCR array experiments showed that TSC exposure as well as knockdown of Dkk-1 activated Wnt signaling and significantly up-regulated Wnt5a in lung cancer cells. Knockdown of Dkk-1 recapitulated the dramatic protumorigenic effects of TSC exposure in Calu-6 cells. Despite the transient nature of Dkk-1 repression following TSC exposure in vitro, Dkk-1 remained silenced in tumor xenografts derived from TSC-treated Calu-6 cells. Collectively, these data provide evidence that cigarette smoke directly engages polycomb machinery to activate a signaling network implicated in maintenance of cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Hussain
- Thoracic Oncology Section, Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1201, USA
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Parri M, Taddei ML, Bianchini F, Calorini L, Chiarugi P. EphA2 reexpression prompts invasion of melanoma cells shifting from mesenchymal to amoeboid-like motility style. Cancer Res 2009; 69:2072-81. [PMID: 19244130 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-08-1845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Eph tyrosine kinases instruct cell for a repulsive behavior, regulating cell shape, adhesion, and motility. Beside its role during embryogenesis, neurogenesis, and angiogenesis, EphA2 kinase is frequently up-regulated in tumor cells of different histotypes, including prostate, breast, colon, and lung carcinoma, as well as melanoma. Although a function in both tumor onset and metastasis has been proposed, the role played by EphA2 is still debated. Here, we showed that EphA2 reexpression in B16 murine melanoma cells, which use a defined mesenchymal invasion strategy, converts their migration style from mesenchymal to amoeboid-like, conferring a plasticity in tumor cell invasiveness. Indeed, in response to reexpression and activation of EphA2, melanoma cells activate a nonproteolytic invasive program that proceeds through the activation of cytoskeleton motility, the retraction of cell protrusions, a Rho-mediated rounding of the cell body, and squeezing among three-dimensional matrix, giving rise to successful lung and peritoneal lymph node metastases. Our results suggest that, among the redundant mechanisms operating in tumor cells to penetrate the anatomic barriers of host tissues, EphA2 plays a pivotal role in the adaptive switch in migration pattern and mechanism, defining and distinguishing tumor cell invasion strategies. Thus, targeting EphA2 might represent a future approach for the therapy of cancer dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Parri
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, University of Florence, Center for Research, Transfer and High Education Study, Italy
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49
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Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSC) have been identified in hematological malignancies and several solid cancers. Similar to physiological stem cells, CSC are capable of self-renewal and differentiation and have the potential for indefinite proliferation, a function through which they may cause tumor growth. Although conventional anti-cancer treatments might eradicate most malignant cells in a tumor, they are potentially ineffective against chemoresistant CSC, which may ultimately be responsible for recurrence and progression. Human malignant melanoma is a highly aggressive and drug-resistant cancer. Detection of tumor heterogeneity, undifferentiated molecular signatures, and increased tumorigenicity of melanoma subsets with embryonic-like differentiation plasticity strongly suggest the presence and involvement of malignant melanoma stem cells (MMSC) in the initiation and propagation of this malignancy. Here, we review these findings in the context of functional properties ascribed to melanocyte stem cells and CSC in other cancers. We discuss the association of deregulated signaling pathways, genomic instability, and vasculogenic mimicry phenomena observed in melanoma subpopulations in light of the CSC concept. We propose that a subset of MMSC may be responsible for melanoma therapy-resistance, tumor invasiveness, and neoplastic progression and that targeted abrogation of a MMSC compartment could therefore ultimately lead to stable remissions and perhaps cures of metastatic melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Schatton
- Transplantation Research Center, Children's Hospital Boston & Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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50
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Wels J, Kaplan RN, Rafii S, Lyden D. Migratory neighbors and distant invaders: tumor-associated niche cells. Genes Dev 2008; 22:559-74. [PMID: 18316475 DOI: 10.1101/gad.1636908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 277] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The cancer environment is comprised of tumor cells as well as a wide network of stromal and vascular cells participating in the cellular and molecular events necessary for invasion and metastasis. Tumor secretory factors can activate the migration of host cells, both near to and far from the primary tumor site, as well as promote the exodus of cells to distant tissues. Thus, the migration of stromal cells and tumor cells among specialized microenvironments takes place throughout tumor and metastatic progression, providing evidence for the systemic nature of a malignancy. Investigations of the tumor-stromal and stromal-stromal cross-talk involved in cellular migration in cancer may lead to the design of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared Wels
- Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
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