1
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Leskoske K, Garcia-Mansfield K, Sharma R, Krishnan A, Rusert JM, Mesirov JP, Wechsler-Reya RJ, Pirrotte P. Subgroup-Enriched Pathways and Kinase Signatures in Medulloblastoma Patient-Derived Xenografts. J Proteome Res 2022; 21:2124-2136. [PMID: 35977718 PMCID: PMC9442791 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.2c00203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor. MB is classified into four primary molecular subgroups: wingless (WNT), sonic hedgehog (SHH), Group 3 (G3), and Group 4 (G4), and further genomic and proteomic subtypes have been reported. Subgroup heterogeneity and few actionable mutations have hindered the development of targeted therapies, especially for G3 MB, which has a particularly poor prognosis. To identify novel therapeutic targets for MB, we performed mass spectrometry-based deep expression proteomics and phosphoproteomics in 20 orthotopic patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of MB comprising SHH, G3, and G4 subgroups. We found that the proteomic profiles of MB PDX tumors are closely aligned with those of primary human MB tumors illustrating the utility of PDX models. SHH PDXs were enriched for NFκB and p38 MAPK signaling, while G3 PDXs were characterized by MYC activity. Additionally, we found a significant association between actinomycin D sensitivity and increased abundance of MYC and MYC target genes. Our results highlight several candidate pathways that may serve as targets for new MB therapies. Mass spectrometry data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD035070.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin
L. Leskoske
- Cancer
and Cell Biology Division, Translational
Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, Arizona 85004, United States
| | - Krystine Garcia-Mansfield
- Cancer
and Cell Biology Division, Translational
Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, Arizona 85004, United States
- Integrated
Mass Spectrometry Shared Resource, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer
Center, Duarte, California 91010, United States
| | - Ritin Sharma
- Cancer
and Cell Biology Division, Translational
Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, Arizona 85004, United States
- Integrated
Mass Spectrometry Shared Resource, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer
Center, Duarte, California 91010, United States
| | - Aparna Krishnan
- Cancer
and Cell Biology Division, Translational
Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, Arizona 85004, United States
| | - Jessica M. Rusert
- Tumor
Initiation and Maintenance Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Jill P. Mesirov
- Department
of Medicine, University of California San
Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Moores
Cancer Center, University of California
San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Robert J. Wechsler-Reya
- Tumor
Initiation and Maintenance Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Patrick Pirrotte
- Cancer
and Cell Biology Division, Translational
Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, Arizona 85004, United States
- Integrated
Mass Spectrometry Shared Resource, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer
Center, Duarte, California 91010, United States
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2
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Bonomini M, Piscitani L, Di Liberato L, Sirolli V. Biocompatibility of Surface-Modified Membranes for Chronic Hemodialysis Therapy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040844. [PMID: 35453594 PMCID: PMC9025662 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hemodialysis is a life-sustaining therapy for millions of people worldwide. However, despite considerable technical and scientific improvements, results are still not fully satisfactory in terms of morbidity and mortality. The membrane contained in the hemodialyzer is undoubtedly the main determinant of the success and quality of hemodialysis therapy. Membrane properties influence solute removal and the interactions with blood components that define the membrane’s biocompatibility. Bioincompatibility is considered a potential contributor to several uremic complications. Thus, the development of more biocompatible polymers used as hemodialyzer membrane is of utmost importance for improving results and clinical patient outcomes. Many different surface-modified membranes for hemodialysis have been manufactured over recent years by varying approaches in the attempt to minimize blood incompatibility. Their main characteristics and clinical results in hemodialysis patients were reviewed in the present article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Bonomini
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Department of Medicine, G. d’Annunzio University, Chieti-Pescara, SS. Annunziata Hospital, Via dei Vestini, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.D.L.); (V.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Luca Piscitani
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Department of Medicine, San Salvatore Hospital, Via Vetoio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy;
| | - Lorenzo Di Liberato
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Department of Medicine, G. d’Annunzio University, Chieti-Pescara, SS. Annunziata Hospital, Via dei Vestini, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.D.L.); (V.S.)
| | - Vittorio Sirolli
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Department of Medicine, G. d’Annunzio University, Chieti-Pescara, SS. Annunziata Hospital, Via dei Vestini, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.D.L.); (V.S.)
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3
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Medeiros M, Candido MF, Valera ET, Brassesco MS. The multifaceted NF-kB: are there still prospects of its inhibition for clinical intervention in pediatric central nervous system tumors? Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:6161-6200. [PMID: 34333711 PMCID: PMC11072991 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03906-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite advances in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the basic biology and pathogenesis of pediatric central nervous system (CNS) malignancies, patients still have an extremely unfavorable prognosis. Over the years, a plethora of natural and synthetic compounds has emerged for the pharmacologic intervention of the NF-kB pathway, one of the most frequently dysregulated signaling cascades in human cancer with key roles in cell growth, survival, and therapy resistance. Here, we provide a review about the state-of-the-art concerning the dysregulation of this hub transcription factor in the most prevalent pediatric CNS tumors: glioma, medulloblastoma, and ependymoma. Moreover, we compile the available literature on the anti-proliferative effects of varied NF-kB inhibitors acting alone or in combination with other therapies in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials. As the wealth of basic research data continues to accumulate, recognizing NF-kB as a therapeutic target may provide important insights to treat these diseases, hopefully contributing to increase cure rates and lower side effects related to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Medeiros
- Department of Cell Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marina Ferreira Candido
- Department of Cell Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elvis Terci Valera
- Department of Pediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - María Sol Brassesco
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, FFCLRP-USP, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Bairro Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, CEP 14040-901, Brazil.
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4
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A systematic view of pediatric medulloblastoma proteomics-current state of the field and future directions. Childs Nerv Syst 2021; 37:779-788. [PMID: 33409616 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-020-04988-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Quantitative mass spectrometry (MS)-based approaches have allowed further characterization of medulloblastoma (MB) classification and clinical/biological behavior. By investigating protein expression, as well as the role of post-translational modifications in shaping cellular activity, novel avenues of research will clarify the current subgrouping, providing elements for tumor treatment-new molecular targets and signaling cascades-and introducing serum, urinary, and CSF markers of tumor growth and recurrence. We systematically searched and reviewed original research articles treating MB proteomics on PubMed. Reviews, opinion papers, and abstracts were excluded from the final work. A total of 30 novel articles treating the proteomic characterization of MB were included in our review. Research conducted on tissue samples, cell lines, CSF, and urine, as well as exosome and medullospheres, was considered, to picture a broad view of the different directions MS-based proteomic analysis is moving toward. In this review, we collect, summarize, and interpret the current literature on this topic. Significant progress has been achieved in the last decade in MB characterization, paving the way for further exploration of large biobanks of MB and other tissues that will allow a more systematic understanding of MB functioning and clinical progression.
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5
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Chiacchiarini M, Besharat ZM, Carai A, Miele E, Del Baldo G, Mastronuzzi A, Catanzaro G, Ferretti E. Pediatric low-grade gliomas: molecular characterization of patient-derived cellular models. Childs Nerv Syst 2021; 37:771-778. [PMID: 32162034 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-020-04559-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pediatric low-grade gliomas (pLGGs), the most frequent pediatric brain tumors, include different entities harboring distinct histological and molecular features. A major limitation in the development of treatments for these tumors is the absence of reliable in vitro models that would allow a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that support their growth. Surgical excision is the primary treatment method and the extent of resection represents one of the strongest prognostic factors. pLGGs that cannot be completely resected are prone to recur and associated with relapses and extensive morbidities, thus remaining a major clinical challenge. METHODS We established a protocol to successfully derive primary patient-derived pLGG cells and to fully characterize them from a molecular point of view. RESULTS Primary patients-derived pLGG cells were extensively analyzed in order to confirm their reliability as cellular models. Specifically, we evaluated the growth rate, senescence, and molecular features, such as BRAF mutational status, methylation, and protein expression profile. CONCLUSION This study extensively describes pLGG primary cellular models in terms of isolation, culture method, and molecular characterization that can be used to investigate pLGG biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Chiacchiarini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Zein Mersini Besharat
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Carai
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Evelina Miele
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, IRCCS Bambino Gesu Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Giada Del Baldo
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Mastronuzzi
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, IRCCS Bambino Gesu Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Catanzaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Ferretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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6
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Po A, Citarella A, Catanzaro G, Besharat ZM, Trocchianesi S, Gianno F, Sabato C, Moretti M, De Smaele E, Vacca A, Fiori ME, Ferretti E. Hedgehog-GLI signalling promotes chemoresistance through the regulation of ABC transporters in colorectal cancer cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13988. [PMID: 32814794 PMCID: PMC7438531 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70871-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer death. Chemoresistance is a pivotal feature of cancer cells leading to treatment failure and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are responsible for the efflux of several molecules, including anticancer drugs. The Hedgehog-GLI (HH-GLI) pathway is a major signalling in CRC, however its role in chemoresistance has not been fully elucidated. Here we show that the HH-GLI pathway favours resistance to 5-fluorouracil and Oxaliplatin in CRC cells. We identified potential GLI1 binding sites in the promoter region of six ABC transporters, namely ABCA2, ABCB1, ABCB4, ABCB7, ABCC2 and ABCG1. Next, we investigated the binding of GLI1 using chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments and we demonstrate that GLI1 transcriptionally regulates the identified ABC transporters. We show that chemoresistant cells express high levels of GLI1 and of the ABC transporters and that GLI1 inhibition disrupts the transporters up-regulation. Moreover, we report that human CRC tumours express high levels of the ABCG1 transporter and that its expression correlates with worse patients' prognosis. This study identifies a new mechanism where HH-GLI signalling regulates CRC chemoresistance features. Our results indicate that the inhibition of Gli1 regulates the ABC transporters expression and therefore should be considered as a therapeutic option in chemoresistant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnese Po
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Citarella
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Catanzaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Zein Mersini Besharat
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Sofia Trocchianesi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gianno
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Sabato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Moretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Vacca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Micol Eleonora Fiori
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Ferretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy.
- Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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7
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Molecular Chaperones in Cancer Stem Cells: Determinants of Stemness and Potential Targets for Antitumor Therapy. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040892. [PMID: 32268506 PMCID: PMC7226806 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a great challenge in the fight against cancer because these self-renewing tumorigenic cell fractions are thought to be responsible for metastasis dissemination and cases of tumor recurrence. In comparison with non-stem cancer cells, CSCs are known to be more resistant to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Elucidation of mechanisms and factors that promote the emergence and existence of CSCs and their high resistance to cytotoxic treatments would help to develop effective CSC-targeting therapeutics. The present review is dedicated to the implication of molecular chaperones (protein regulators of polypeptide chain folding) in both the formation/maintenance of the CSC phenotype and cytoprotective machinery allowing CSCs to survive after drug or radiation exposure and evade immune attack. The major cellular chaperones, namely heat shock proteins (HSP90, HSP70, HSP40, HSP27), glucose-regulated proteins (GRP94, GRP78, GRP75), tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated protein 1 (TRAP1), peptidyl-prolyl isomerases, protein disulfide isomerases, calreticulin, and also a transcription heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) initiating HSP gene expression are here considered as determinants of the cancer cell stemness and potential targets for a therapeutic attack on CSCs. Various approaches and agents are discussed that may be used for inhibiting the chaperone-dependent development/manifestations of cancer cell stemness.
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8
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Bahmad HF, Poppiti RJ. Medulloblastoma cancer stem cells: molecular signatures and therapeutic targets. J Clin Pathol 2020; 73:243-249. [PMID: 32034059 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2019-206246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant primary intracranial neoplasm diagnosed in childhood. Although numerous efforts have been made during the past few years to exploit novel targeted therapies for this aggressive neoplasm, there still exist substantial hitches hindering successful management of MB. Lately, progress in cancer biology has shown evidence that a subpopulation of cells within the tumour, namely cancer stem cells (CSCs), are thought to be responsible for the resistance to most chemotherapeutic agents and radiation therapy, accounting for cancer recurrence. Hence, it is crucial to identify the molecular signatures and genetic aberrations that characterise those CSCs and develop therapies that specifically target them. In this review, we aim to give an overview of the main genetic and molecular cues that depict MB-CSCs and provide a synopsis of the novel therapeutic approaches that specifically target this population of cells to attain enhanced antitumorous effects and therefore overcome resistance to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisham F Bahmad
- Arkadi M Rywlin MD Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, Florida, USA.,Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Robert J Poppiti
- Arkadi M Rywlin MD Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, Florida, USA .,Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
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9
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Iglesia RP, Fernandes CFDL, Coelho BP, Prado MB, Melo Escobar MI, Almeida GHDR, Lopes MH. Heat Shock Proteins in Glioblastoma Biology: Where Do We Stand? Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E5794. [PMID: 31752169 PMCID: PMC6888131 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are evolutionary conserved proteins that work as molecular chaperones and perform broad and crucial roles in proteostasis, an important process to preserve the integrity of proteins in different cell types, in health and disease. Their function in cancer is an important aspect to be considered for a better understanding of disease development and progression. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most frequent and lethal brain cancer, with no effective therapies. In recent years, HSPs have been considered as possible targets for GBM therapy due their importance in different mechanisms that govern GBM malignance. In this review, we address current evidence on the role of several HSPs in the biology of GBMs, and how these molecules have been considered in different treatments in the context of this disease, including their activities in glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSCs), a small subpopulation able to drive GBM growth. Additionally, we highlight recent works that approach other classes of chaperones, such as histone and mitochondrial chaperones, as important molecules for GBM aggressiveness. Herein, we provide new insights into how HSPs and their partners play pivotal roles in GBM biology and may open new therapeutic avenues for GBM based on proteostasis machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Marilene Hohmuth Lopes
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (R.P.I.); (C.F.d.L.F.); (B.P.C.); (M.B.P.); (M.I.M.E.); (G.H.D.R.A.)
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10
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Besharat ZM, Sabato C, Po A, Gianno F, Abballe L, Napolitano M, Miele E, Giangaspero F, Vacca A, Catanzaro G, Ferretti E. Low Expression of miR-466f-3p Sustains Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Sonic Hedgehog Medulloblastoma Stem Cells Through Vegfa-Nrp2 Signaling Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1281. [PMID: 30483126 PMCID: PMC6240675 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
High-throughput analysis has improved the knowledge of medulloblastoma (MB), the leading cause of cancer related death in children, allowing a better comprehension of the key molecular pathways in MB pathogenesis. However, despite these advances, 30% of patients still die from the disease and survivors face severe long-term side effects. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subset of cells that not only drive tumorigenesis, but are also one of the main determinants of chemoresistance. Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a hallmark of cancer and up to now few data is available in MB. To give insight into the role of the EMT process in maintaining the mesenchymal phenotype of CSCs, we analyzed the expression of EMT related transcripts and microRNAs in these cells. We firstly isolated CSCs from Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) MB derived from Ptch1 heterozygous mice and compared their expression level of EMT-related transcripts and microRNAs with cerebellar NSCs. We identified two molecules linked to SHH and EMT, Vegfa and its receptor Nrp2, over-expressed in SHH MB CSCs. Inhibition of Vegfa showed impairment of cell proliferation and self-renewal ability of CSCs concurrent with an increase of the expression of the EMT gene, E-cadherin, and a decrease of the EMT marker, Vimentin. Moreover, among deregulated microRNAs, we identified miR-466f-3p, a validated inhibitor of both Vegfa and Nrp2. These results allowed us to describe a new EMT molecular network, involving the down-regulation of miR-466f-3p together with the concordant up-regulation of Vegfa and Nrp2, that sustains the mesenchymal phenotype of SHH MB CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudia Sabato
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Center for Life NanoScience@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Agnese Po
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gianno
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Science, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Luana Abballe
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Evelina Miele
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Felice Giangaspero
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Science, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Neuromed, Isernia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Vacca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Elisabetta Ferretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Neuromed, Isernia, Italy
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11
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Sonic Hedgehog Medulloblastoma Cancer Stem Cells Mirnome and Transcriptome Highlight Novel Functional Networks. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19082326. [PMID: 30096798 PMCID: PMC6121264 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19082326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular classification has improved the knowledge of medulloblastoma (MB), the most common malignant brain tumour in children, however current treatments cause severe side effects in patients. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been described in MB and represent a sub population characterised by self-renewal and the ability to generate tumour cells, thus representing the reservoir of the tumour. To investigate molecular pathways that characterise this sub population, we isolated CSCs from Sonic Hedgehog Medulloblastoma (SHH MB) arisen in Patched 1 (Ptch1) heterozygous mice, and performed miRNA- and mRNA-sequencing. Comparison of the miRNA-sequencing of SHH MB CSCs with that obtained from cerebellar Neural Stem Cells (NSCs), allowed us to obtain a SHH MB CSC miRNA differential signature. Pathway enrichment analysis in SHH MB CSCs mirnome and transcriptome was performed and revealed a series of enriched pathways. We focused on the putative targets of the SHH MB CSC miRNAs that were involved in the enriched pathways of interest, namely pathways in cancer, PI3k-Akt pathway and protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum pathway. In silico analysis was performed in SHH MB patients and identified several genes, whose expression was associated with worse overall survival of SHH MB patients. This study provides novel candidates whose functional role should be further investigated in SHH MB.
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12
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Ronci M, Leporini L, Felaco P, Sirolli V, Pieroni L, Greco V, Aceto A, Urbani A, Bonomini M. Proteomic Characterization of a New asymmetric Cellulose Triacetate Membrane for Hemodialysis. Proteomics Clin Appl 2018; 12:e1700140. [PMID: 29808585 DOI: 10.1002/prca.201700140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The artificial membrane inside the haemodialyzer is the main determinant of the quality and success of haemodialysis therapy. The performances of haemodialysis membranes are highly influenced by the interactions with plasma proteins, which in turn are related to the physical and chemical characteristics of the membrane material. The present cross-over study is aimed to analyse the haemodialysis performance of a newly developed asymmetric cellulose triacetate membrane (ATA) in comparison to the conventional parent symmetric polymer (CTA). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN In four chronic non diabetic haemodialysis patients, the protein constituents of the adsorbed material from the filters after the haemodialysis session, and the proteins recovered in the ultrafiltrate during the session, are identified using a bottom-up shotgun proteomics approach. RESULTS The ATA membrane shows a lower protein adsorption rate and a lower mass distribution pattern of the proteinaceous material. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE By highlighting the differences between the two haemodialysis filters in terms of adsorbed proteins and flow through, it is demonstrated the higher biocompatibility of the novel ATA membrane, that fulfils the indications for the development of more performant membranes and may represent a step forward for the treatment of patients on chronic haemodialysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Ronci
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy.,IRCCS-Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome 00144, Italy
| | - Lidia Leporini
- Department of Pharmacy, University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Paolo Felaco
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Vittorio Sirolli
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | | | | | - Antonio Aceto
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Andrea Urbani
- IRCCS-Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome 00144, Italy.,Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Catholic University, Rome 00144, Italy
| | - Mario Bonomini
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
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13
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Catanzaro G, Besharat ZM, Miele E, Chiacchiarini M, Po A, Carai A, Marras CE, Antonelli M, Badiali M, Raso A, Mascelli S, Schrimpf D, Stichel D, Tartaglia M, Capper D, von Deimling A, Giangaspero F, Mastronuzzi A, Locatelli F, Ferretti E. The miR-139-5p regulates proliferation of supratentorial paediatric low-grade gliomas by targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTORC1 signalling. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2018; 44:687-706. [PMID: 29478280 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Paediatric low-grade gliomas (pLGGs) are a heterogeneous group of brain tumours associated with a high overall survival: however, they are prone to recur and supratentorial lesions are difficult to resect, being associated with high percentage of disease recurrence. Our aim was to shed light on the biology of pLGGs. METHODS We performed microRNA profiling on 45 fresh-frozen grade I tumour samples of various histological classes, resected from patients aged ≤16 years. We identified 93 microRNAs specifically dysregulated in tumours as compared to non-neoplastic brain tissue. Pathway analysis of the microRNAs signature revealed PI3K/AKT signalling as one of the centrally enriched oncogenic signalling. To date, activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway in pLGGs has been reported, although activation mechanisms have not been fully investigated yet. RESULTS One of the most markedly down-regulated microRNAs in our supratentorial pLGGs cohort was miR-139-5p, whose targets include the gene encoding the PI3K's (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase) catalytic unit, PIK3CA. We investigated the role of miR-139-5p in regulating PI3K/AKT signalling by the use of human cell cultures derived from supratentorial pLGGs. MiR-139-5p overexpression inhibited pLGG cell proliferation and decreased the phosphorylation of PI3K target AKT and phosphorylated-p70 S6 kinase (p-p70 S6K), a hallmark of PI3K/AKT/mTORC1 signalling activation. The effect of miR-139-5p was mediated by PI3K inhibition, as suggested by the decrease in proliferation and phosphorylation of AKT and p70 S6K after treatment with the direct PI3K inhibitor LY294002. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide the first evidence that down-regulation of miR-139-5p in supratentorial pLGG drives cell proliferation by derepressing PI3K/AKT signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Catanzaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Z M Besharat
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - E Miele
- Center for Life NanoScience@Sapienza, IIT, Rome, Italy
| | - M Chiacchiarini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- Center for Life NanoScience@Sapienza, IIT, Rome, Italy
| | - A Po
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - A Carai
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - C E Marras
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - M Antonelli
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Science, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - M Badiali
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Microcitemico Children's Hospital, Cagliari, Italy
| | - A Raso
- Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - S Mascelli
- Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - D Schrimpf
- Department of Neuropathology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neuropathology, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - D Stichel
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neuropathology, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - M Tartaglia
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - D Capper
- Department of Neuropathology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neuropathology, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - A von Deimling
- Department of Neuropathology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neuropathology, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - F Giangaspero
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Science, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - A Mastronuzzi
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - F Locatelli
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - E Ferretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
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14
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Abballe L, Mastronuzzi A, Miele E, Carai A, Besharat ZM, Moretti M, De Smaele E, Giangaspero F, Locatelli F, Ferretti E, Po A. Numb Isoforms Deregulation in Medulloblastoma and Role of p66 Isoform in Cancer and Neural Stem Cells. Front Pediatr 2018; 6:315. [PMID: 30443541 PMCID: PMC6221942 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2018.00315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Numb is an intracellular protein with multiple functions. The two prevalent isoforms, Numb p66 and Numb p72, are regulators of differentiation and proliferation in neuronal development. Additionally, Numb functions as cell fate determinant of stem cells and cancer stem cells and its abnormal expression has been described in several types of cancer. Involvement of deregulated Numb expression has been described in the malignant childhood brain tumor medulloblastoma, while Numb isoforms in these tumors and in cancer stem-like cells derived from them, have not been studied to date. Here we show that medulloblastoma stem-like cells and cerebellar neuronal stem cells (NSCs) express Numb p66 where its expression tampers stemness features. Furthermore, medulloblastoma samples evaluated in this study express decreased levels of Numb p66 while overexpressed Numb p72 compared with normal tissues. Our results uncover different roles for the two major Numb isoforms examined in medulloblastoma and a critical role for Numb p66 in regulating stem-like cells and NSCs maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Abballe
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Mastronuzzi
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Evelina Miele
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Carai
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Marta Moretti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Felice Giangaspero
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Science, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Ferretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Agnese Po
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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15
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Loss of miR-107, miR-181c and miR-29a-3p Promote Activation of Notch2 Signaling in Pediatric High-Grade Gliomas (pHGGs). Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18122742. [PMID: 29258209 PMCID: PMC5751342 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18122742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms by which microRNAs control pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGGs) have yet to be fully elucidated. Our studies of patient-derived pHGG tissues and of the pHGG cell line KNS42 revealed down-regulation in these tumors of three microRNAs, specifically miR-107, miR-181c, and miR-29a-3p. This down-regulation increases the proliferation of KNS42 cells by de-repressing expression of the Notch2 receptor (Notch2), a validated target of miR-107 and miR-181c and a putative target of miR-29a-3p. Inhibition (either pharmacologic or genetic) of Notch2 or re-expression of the implicated microRNAs (all three combined but also individually) significantly reduced KNS42 cell proliferation. These findings suggest that Notch2 pathway activation plays a critical role in pHGGs growth and reveal a direct epigenetic mechanism that controls Notch2 expression, which could potentially be targeted by novel forms of therapy for these childhood tumors characterized by high-morbidity and high-mortality.
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16
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Miele E, Valente S, Alfano V, Silvano M, Mellini P, Borovika D, Marrocco B, Po A, Besharat ZM, Catanzaro G, Battaglia G, Abballe L, Zwergel C, Stazi G, Milite C, Castellano S, Tafani M, Trapencieris P, Mai A, Ferretti E. The histone methyltransferase EZH2 as a druggable target in SHH medulloblastoma cancer stem cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:68557-68570. [PMID: 28978137 PMCID: PMC5620277 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The histone methyltransferase EZH2 plays a role in maintenance of the stem component of cancer, and its overexpression and/or mutation typically drives tumor aggressiveness, drug resistance and patients' poor prognosis. In this study, we use mouse and human medulloblastoma stem-like cells belonging to the Sonic Hedgehog subgroup (SHH MB-SLCs) and demonstrate that genetic suppression of EZH2 reduces the level of its histone mark H3K27me3 and lowers proliferation and self-renewal. We designed an EZH2 inhibitor (EZH2i) as a simplified analog of EPZ005687 and GSK2816126, MC3629, and we tested its biological activity in SHH MB-SLCs. Pharmacological inhibition of EZH2 impairs SHH MB cells proliferation and self-renewal, and induces apoptosis in vitro. Finally, we generated xenograft MB-SLCs orthotopic tumors in nude mice to test MC3629 in vivo. In treated mice, we observed impairment of tumor growth, together with induction of apoptosis and reduction of proliferation and stemness. Overall, these findings describe EZH2 as a druggable target in MB and provide insight into the biological activity of MC3629 as an EZH2i.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelina Miele
- Center for Life NanoScience@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome 00161, Italy
- Current address: Department of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Bambino Gesù, 28 Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome 00165, Italy
| | - Sergio Valente
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Alfano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Marianna Silvano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Paolo Mellini
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Diana Borovika
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga LV-1006, Latvia
| | - Biagina Marrocco
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Agnese Po
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppina Catanzaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | | | - Luana Abballe
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Clemens Zwergel
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Giulia Stazi
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Ciro Milite
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano 84084, Italy
| | - Sabrina Castellano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano 84084, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Baronissi 84084, Italy
| | - Marco Tafani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | | | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
- Pasteur Institute, Cenci-Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Ferretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
- Neuromed Institute, Località Camerelle, Pozzilli 86077, Italy
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17
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Noncanonical GLI1 signaling promotes stemness features and in vivo growth in lung adenocarcinoma. Oncogene 2017; 36:4641-4652. [PMID: 28368412 PMCID: PMC5558095 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2017.91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Revised: 02/04/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant Hedgehog/GLI signaling has been implicated in a diverse spectrum of human cancers, but its role in lung adenocarcinoma (LAC) is still under debate. We show that the downstream effector of the Hedgehog pathway, GLI1, is expressed in 76% of LACs, but in roughly half of these tumors, the canonical pathway activator, Smoothened, is expressed at low levels, possibly owing to epigenetic silencing. In LAC cells including the cancer stem cell compartment, we show that GLI1 is activated noncanonically by MAPK/ERK signaling. Different mechanisms can trigger the MAPK/ERK/GLI1 cascade including KRAS mutation and stimulation of NRP2 by VEGF produced by the cancer cells themselves in an autocrine loop or by stromal cells as paracrine cross talk. Suppression of GLI1, by silencing or drug-mediated, inhibits LAC cells proliferation, attenuates their stemness and increases their susceptibility to apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. These findings provide insight into the growth of LACs and point to GLI1 as a downstream effector for oncogenic pathways. Thus, strategies involving direct inhibition of GLI1 may be useful in the treatment of LACs.
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18
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Gruber W, Scheidt T, Aberger F, Huber CG. Understanding cell signaling in cancer stem cells for targeted therapy - can phosphoproteomics help to reveal the secrets? Cell Commun Signal 2017; 15:12. [PMID: 28356110 PMCID: PMC5372284 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-017-0166-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer represents heterogeneous and aberrantly proliferative manifestations composed of (epi)genetically and phenotypically distinct cells with a common clonal origin. Cancer stem cells (CSC) make up a rare subpopulation with the remarkable capacity to initiate, propagate and spread a malignant disease. Furthermore, CSC show increased therapy resistance, thereby contributing to disease relapse. Elimination of CSC, therefore, is a crucial aim to design efficacious treatments for long-term survival of cancer patients. In this article, we highlight the nature of CSC and propose that phosphoproteomics based on unbiased high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry provides a powerful tool to decipher the molecular CSC programs. Detailed knowledge about the regulation of signaling processes in CSC is a prerequisite for the development of patient-tailored multi-modal treatments including the elimination of rare CSC. Main body Phosphorylation is a crucial post-translational modification regulating a plethora of both intra- and intercellular communication processes in normal and malignant cells. Small-molecule targeting of kinases has proven successful in the therapy, but the high rates of relapse and failure to stem malignant spread suggest that these kinase inhibitors largely spare CSC. Studying the kinetics of global phosphorylation patterns in an unbiased manner is, therefore, required to improve strategies and successful treatments within multi-modal therapeutic regimens by targeting the malignant behavior of CSC. The phosphoproteome comprises all phosphoproteins within a cell population that can be analyzed by phosphoproteomics, allowing the investigation of thousands of phosphorylation events. One major aspect is the perception of events underlying the activation and deactivation of kinases and phosphatases in oncogenic signaling pathways. Thus, not only can this tool be harnessed to better understand cellular processes such as those controlling CSC, but also applied to identify novel drug targets for targeted anti-CSC therapy. Conclusion State-of-the-art phosphoproteomics approaches focusing on single cell analysis have the potential to better understand oncogenic signaling in heterogeneous cell populations including rare, yet highly malignant CSC. By eliminating the influence of heterogeneity of populations, single-cell studies will reveal novel insights also into the inter- and intratumoral communication processes controlling malignant CSC and disease progression, laying the basis for improved rational combination treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Gruber
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Strasse 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Tamara Scheidt
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Strasse 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Fritz Aberger
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Strasse 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Christian G Huber
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Strasse 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria.
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19
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Martelli C, D'Angelo L, Barba M, Baranzini M, Inserra I, Iavarone F, Vincenzoni F, Tamburrini G, Massimi L, Rocco CD, Caldarelli M, Messana I, Michetti F, Castagnola M, Lattanzi W, Desiderio C. Top-down proteomic characterization of DAOY medulloblastoma tumor cell line. EUPA OPEN PROTEOMICS 2016; 12:13-21. [PMID: 29900115 PMCID: PMC5988510 DOI: 10.1016/j.euprot.2016.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Revised: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
DAOY cells have been analyzed by top-down LC-high resolution-MS proteomic platform. New protein identifications in medulloblastoma cells are reported. PTMs, isoforms and naturally occurring peptide fragments were identified. Most of the identified proteins were connected in a biological interacting network. The data contribute to the further molecular characterization of medulloblastoma.
The proteome of the DAOY medulloblastoma cell line has been investigated by an LC–MS top-down platform. This approach, unlike bottom-up ones, allows identifying proteins and peptides in their intact/native forms, disclosing post-translational modifications, proteoforms and naturally occurring peptides. Indeed, 25 out of the 53 proteins identified, were not previously characterized in DAOY cells. Most of them were functionally interconnected, being mainly involved in binding, catalytic and structural activities, and metabolic processes. The top-down approach, applied in this preliminary study, disclosed the presence of several naturally occurring peptide fragments that characterize DAOY cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Martelli
- Istituto di Biochimica e Biochimica Clinica, Università' Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca D'Angelo
- Istituto di Biochimica e Biochimica Clinica, Università' Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Barba
- Istituto di Anatomia Umana e Biologia Cellulare, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Mirko Baranzini
- Istituto di Anatomia Umana e Biologia Cellulare, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Inserra
- Istituto di Biochimica e Biochimica Clinica, Università' Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Iavarone
- Istituto di Biochimica e Biochimica Clinica, Università' Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Vincenzoni
- Istituto di Biochimica e Biochimica Clinica, Università' Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianpiero Tamburrini
- Reparto di Neurochirurgia Infantile, Istituto di Neurochirurgia, Policlinico A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Massimi
- Reparto di Neurochirurgia Infantile, Istituto di Neurochirurgia, Policlinico A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Concezio Di Rocco
- Reparto di Neurochirurgia Infantile, Istituto di Neurochirurgia, Policlinico A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Caldarelli
- Reparto di Neurochirurgia Infantile, Istituto di Neurochirurgia, Policlinico A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Irene Messana
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università di Cagliari, Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Fabrizio Michetti
- Istituto di Anatomia Umana e Biologia Cellulare, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Castagnola
- Istituto di Biochimica e Biochimica Clinica, Università' Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Rome, Italy
| | - Wanda Lattanzi
- Istituto di Anatomia Umana e Biologia Cellulare, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Desiderio
- Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Rome, Italy
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20
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MicroRNAs-Proteomic Networks Characterizing Human Medulloblastoma-SLCs. Stem Cells Int 2016; 2016:2683042. [PMID: 26880947 PMCID: PMC4736593 DOI: 10.1155/2016/2683042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumor of pediatric age and is characterized by cells expressing stem, astroglial, and neuronal markers. Among them, stem-like cells (hMB-SLCs) represent a fraction of the tumor cell population with the potential of self-renewal and proliferation and have been associated with tumor poor prognosis. In this context, microRNAs have been described as playing a pivotal role in stem cells differentiation. In our paper, we analyze microRNAs profile and genes expression of hMB-SLCs before and after Retinoic Acid- (RA-) induced differentiation. We aimed to identify pivotal players of specific pathways sustaining stemness and/or tumor development and progression and integrate the results of our recent proteomic study. Our results uncovered 22 differentially expressed microRNAs that were used as input together with deregulated genes and proteins in the Genomatix Pathway System (GePS) analysis revealing 3 subnetworks that could be interestingly involved in the maintenance of hMB-SLCs proliferation. Taken together, our findings highlight microRNAs, genes, and proteins that are significantly modulated in hMB-SLCs with respect to their RA-differentiated counterparts and could open new perspectives for prognostic and therapeutic intervention on MB.
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21
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May Sonic Hedgehog proteins be markers for malignancy in uterine smooth muscle tumors? Hum Pathol 2015; 50:43-50. [PMID: 26997437 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2015.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Revised: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have demonstrated that the Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway (SHH) plays an important role in tumorigenesis and cellular differentiation. We analyzed the protein expression of SHH pathway components and evaluated whether their profile could be useful for the diagnosis, prognosis, or prediction of the risk of malignancy for uterine smooth muscle tumors (USMTs). A total of 176 samples (20 myometrium, 119 variants of leiomyoma, and 37 leiomyosarcoma) were evaluated for the protein expression of the SHH signaling components, HHIP1 (SHH inhibitor), and BMP4 (SHH target) by immunohistochemistry. Western blot analysis was performed to verify the specificity of the antibodies. We grouped leiomyoma samples into conventional leiomyomas and unusual leiomyomas that comprise atypical, cellular, mitotically active leiomyomas and uterine smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that SMO, SUFU, GLI1, GLI3, and BMP4 expression gradually increased depending on to the histologic tissue type. The protein expression of SMO, SUFU, and GLI1 was increased in unusual leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma samples compared to normal myometrium. The inhibitor HHIP1 showed higher expression in myometrium, whereas only negative or basal expression of SMO, SUFU, GLI1, and GLI3 was detected in these samples. Strong expression of SHH was associated with poorer overall survival. Our data suggest that the expression of SHH proteins can be useful for evaluating the potential risk of malignancy for USMTs. Moreover, GLI1 and SMO may serve as future therapeutic targets for women with USMTs.
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22
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Exploring the Potential of Venom from Nasonia vitripennis as Therapeutic Agent with High-Throughput Screening Tools. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:2051-70. [PMID: 26046700 PMCID: PMC4488689 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7062051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The venom from the ectoparasitoid wasp Nasonia vitripennis (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) contains at least 80 different proteins and possibly even more peptides or other small chemical compounds, demonstrating its appealing therapeutic application. To better understand the dynamics of the venom in mammalian cells, two high-throughput screening tools were performed. The venom induced pathways related to an early stress response and activated reporters that suggest the involvement of steroids. Whether these steroids reside from the venom itself or show an induced release/production caused by the venom, still remains unsolved. The proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β was found to be down-regulated after venom and LPS co-treatment, confirming the anti-inflammatory action of N. vitripennis venom. When analyzing the expression levels of the NF-κB target genes, potentially not only the canonical but also the alternative NF-κB pathway can be affected, possibly explaining some counterintuitive results. It is proposed that next to an NF-κB binding site, the promoter of the genes tested by the PCR array may also contain binding sites for other transcription factors, resulting in a complex puzzle to connect the induced target gene with its respective transcription factor. Interestingly, Nasonia venom altered the expression of some drug targets, presenting the venom with an exciting therapeutical potential.
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