Loss of ZIP facilitates JAK2-STAT3 activation in tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer

The Hippo signaling pathway: from multiple signals to the hallmarks of cancers

Evolutionarily conserved, the Hippo signaling pathway is critical in regulating organ size and tissue homeostasis. The activity of this pathway is tightly regulated under normal circumstances, since its physical function is precisely maintained to control the rate of cell proliferation. Failure of maintenance leads to a variety of tumors. Our understanding of the mechanism of Hippo dysregulation and tumorigenesis is becoming increasingly precise, relying on the emergence of upstream inhibitor or activator and the connection linking Hippo target genes, mutations, and related signaling pathways with phenotypes. In this review, we summarize recent reports on the signaling network of the Hippo pathway in tumorigenesis and progression by exploring its critical mechanisms in cancer biology and potential targeting in cancer therapy.

Overcoming Acquired Drug Resistance to Cancer Therapies through Targeted STAT3 Inhibition

Anti-neoplastic agents for cancer treatment utilize many different mechanisms of action and, when combined, can result in potent inhibition of cancer growth. Combination therapies can result in long-term, durable remission or even cure; however, too many times, these anti-neoplastic agents lose their efficacy due to the development of acquired drug resistance (ADR). In this review, we evaluate the scientific and medical literature that elucidate STAT3-mediated mechanisms of resistance to cancer therapeutics. Herein, we have found that at least 24 different anti-neoplastic agents-standard toxic chemotherapeutic agents, targeted kinase inhibitors, anti-hormonal agents, and monoclonal antibodies-that utilize the STAT3 signaling pathway as one mechanism of developing therapeutic resistance. Targeting STAT3, in combination with existing anti-neoplastic agents, may prove to be a successful therapeutic strategy to either prevent or even overcome ADR to standard and novel cancer therapies.

2D-CuPd nanozyme overcome tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer by regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

Tamoxifen is the most commonly used treatment for estrogen-receptor (ER) positive breast cancer patients, but its efficacy is severely hampered by resistance. PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibition was proven to augment the benefit of endocrine therapy and exhibited potential for reversing tamoxifen-induced resistance. However, the vast majority of PI3K inhibitors currently approved for clinical use are unsatisfactory in terms of safety and efficacy. We developed two-dimensional CuPd (2D-CuPd) nanosheets with oxidase and peroxidase nanozyme activities to offer a novel solution to inhibit the activity of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. 2D-CuPd exhibit superior dual nanozyme activities converting hydrogen peroxide accumulated in drug-resistant cells into more lethal hydroxyl radicals while compensating for the insufficient superoxide anion produced by tamoxifen. The potential clinical utility was further demonstrated in an orthotopically implanted tamoxifen-resistant PDX breast cancer model. Our results reveal a novel nanozyme ROS-mediated protein mechanism for the regulation of the PI3K subunit, illustrate the cellular pathways through which increased p85β protein expression contributes to tamoxifen resistance, and reveal p85β protein as a potential therapeutic target for overcoming tamoxifen resistance. 2D-CuPd is the first reported nanomaterial capable of degrading PI3K subunits, and its high performance combined with further materials engineering may lead to the development of nanozyme-based tumor catalytic therapy.

Novel lignans from Zanthoxylum nitidum and antiproliferation activity of sesaminone in osimertinib-resistant non-small cell lung cancer cells

Seven previously undescribed tetrahydrofuran lignans with different configurations and unusual isopentenyl substitutions, nitidumlignans D-J (corresponding to compounds 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9 and 10), along with 14 known lignans, were isolated from Zanthoxylum nitidum. Notably, compound 4 is an uncommon naturally occurring furan-core lignan derived from tetrahydrofuran aromatization. The antiproliferation activity of the isolated compounds (1-21) was determined in various human cancer cell lines. The structure-activity study revealed that the steric positioning and chirality of the lignans exert important effects on their activity and selectivity. In particular, compound 3 (sesaminone) exhibited potent antiproliferative activity in cancer cells, including acquired osimertinib-resistant non-small-cell lung cancer (HCC827-osi) cells. Compound 3 also inhibited colony formation and induced the apoptotic death of HCC827-osi cells. The underlying molecular mechanisms revealed that 3 downregulated the activation of the c-Met/JAK1/STAT3 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways in the HCC827-osi cells. In addition, the combination of 3 and osimertinib exhibited synergistic effects on the antiproliferative activity against HCC827-osi cells. Overall, these findings inform the structure elucidation of novel lignans isolated from Z. nitidum, and sesaminone was identified as a potential compound for exerting antiproliferative effects on osimertinib-resistant lung cancer cells.

Etomidate elicits anti-tumor capacity by disrupting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading malignancy of the digestive system, especially in China. Although radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and transarterial chemoembolization have achieved tremendous success, surgical resection remains the primary treatment for HCC patients. Recent studies have shown that intravenous anesthetic drugs may affect the malignant behaviors of tumor cells, ultimately leading to differences in the postoperative prognosis of patients. Etomidate is one of the most widely used intravenous anesthetic drugs for the induction and maintenance of anesthesia in tumor patients undergoing surgery. However, the effects and underlying mechanisms of etomidate on HCC cells have not yet been characterized. Our study indicated that etomidate significantly impedes the malignant progression of HCC cells. Mechanistically, etomidate inhibits phosphorylation and, ultimately, the activity of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) by competing with ATP for binding to the ATP-binding pocket of JAK2. Thus, it suppresses the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in HCC cells to exert its anti-tumor efficacy. Herein, we provide preclinical evidence that etomidate is the optimal choice for surgical treatment of HCC patients.

AKTIP loss is enriched in ERα-positive breast cancer for tumorigenesis and confers endocrine resistance

Recurrent deletion of 16q12.2 is observed in luminal breast cancer, yet the causal genomic alterations in this region are largely unknown. In this study, we identify that loss of AKTIP, which is located on 16q12.2, drives tumorigenesis of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-positive, but not ERα-negative, breast cancer cells and is associated with poor prognosis of patients with ERα-positive breast cancer. Intriguingly, AKTIP-depleted tumors have increased ERα protein level and activity. Cullin-associated and neddylation-dissociated protein 1 (CAND1), which regulates the cullin-RING E3 ubiquitin ligases, protects ERα from cullin 2-dependent proteasomal degradation. Apart from ERα signaling, AKTIP loss triggers JAK2-STAT3 activation, which provides an alternative survival signal when ERα is inhibited. AKTIP-depleted MCF7 cells and ERα-positive patient-derived organoids are more resistant to ERα antagonists. Importantly, the resistance can be overcome by co-inhibition of JAK2/STAT3. Together, our results highlight the subtype-specific functional consequences of AKTIP loss and provide a mechanistic explanation for the enriched AKTIP copy-number loss in ERα-positive breast cancer.

Role of HOXA9 in solid tumors: mechanistic insights and therapeutic potential

HOXA9 functioning as a transcription factor is one of the members of HOX gene family, which governs multiple cellular activities by facilitating cellular signal transduction. In addition to be a driver in AML which has been widely studied, the role of HOXA9 in solid tumor progression has also received increasing attention in recent years, where the aberrant expression of HOXA9 is closely associated with the prognosis of patient. This review details the signaling pathways, binding partners, post-transcriptional regulation of HOXA9, and possible inhibitors of HOXA9 in solid tumors, which provides a reference basis for further study on the role of HOXA9 in solid tumors.

Narciclasine targets STAT3 via distinct mechanisms in tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells

STAT3 is constitutively activated in multiple malignant tumors. Compared with regular estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancers, the patients with tamoxifen-resistant breast cancers often exhibit higher levels of STAT3 phosphorylation. Narciclasine (Nar) possesses strong inhibiting effects against a variety of cancer cells; however, the underlying antitumor target(s)/mechanism(s) remains barely understood. In this study, we successfully identified the STAT3 was the direct target of Nar through the combination strategies of connectivity map and drug affinity responsive target stability. In MCF7 cells, Nar could suppress phosphorylation, activation, dimerization, and nuclear translocation of STAT3 by directly binding with the STAT3 SH2 domain. In addition, Nar could specifically degrade total STAT3 via the proteasome pathway in MCF-7/TR (tamoxifen-resistant MCF-7) cells. This distinct mechanism of Nar-targeting STAT3 was mainly attributed to the various levels of reactive oxygen species in regular and tamoxifen-resistant ER-positive breast cancer cells. Meanwhile, Nar-loaded nanoparticles could markedly decrease the protein levels of STAT3 in tumors, resulting in significantly increased MCF-7/TR xenograft tumor regression without obvious toxicity. Our findings successfully highlight the STAT3 as the direct therapeutic target of Nar in ER-positive breast cancer cells, especially, Nar leaded STAT3 degradation as a promising strategy for the tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer treatment.

Pyroptosis-Related lncRNAs Predict the Prognosis and Immune Response in Patients With Breast Cancer

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignant tumor and the leading cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. Pyroptosis and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to play vital roles in the tumorigenesis and development of BC. However, the clinical significance of pyroptosis-related lncRNAs in BC remains unclear.

Methods: Using the mRNA and lncRNA profiles of BC obtained from TCGA dataset, a risk model based on the pyroptosis-related lncRNAs for prognosis was constructed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression model, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. Patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups based on the risk model, and the prognosis value and immune response in different risk groups were analyzed. Furthermore, functional enrichment annotation, therapeutic signature, and tumor mutation burden were performed to evaluate the risk model we established. Moreover, the expression level and clinical significance of the selected pyroptosis-related lncRNAs were further validated in BC samples.

Results: 3,364 pyroptosis-related lncRNAs were identified using Pearson’s correlation analysis. The risk model we constructed comprised 10 pyroptosis-related lncRNAs, which was identified as an independent predictor of overall survival (OS) in BC. The nomogram we constructed based on the clinicopathologic features and risk model yielded favorable performance for prognosis prediction in BC. In terms of immune response and mutation status, patients in the low-risk group had a higher expression of immune checkpoint markers and exhibited higher fractions of activated immune cells, while the high-risk group had a highly percentage of TMB. Further analyses in our cohort BC samples found that RP11-459E5.1 was significantly upregulated, while RP11-1070N10.3 and RP11-817J15.3 were downregulated and significantly associated with worse OS.

Conclusion: The risk model based on the pyroptosis-related lncRNAs we established may be a promising tool for predicting the prognosis and personalized therapeutic response in BC patients.

Validation-Based Insertional Mutagenesis (VBIM), A Powerful Forward Genetic Screening Strategy

Forward genetics begins with a biological phenotype and attempts to identify genetic changes that influence that phenotype. These changes can be induced in a selected group of genes, for instance, by using libraries of cDNAs, shRNAs, CRISPR guide RNAs, or genetic suppressor elements (GSEs), or randomly throughout the genome using chemical or insertional mutagens, with each approach creating distinct genetic changes. The Validation-Based Insertional Mutagenesis (VBIM) strategy utilizes modified lentiviruses as insertional mutagens, placing strong promoters throughout the genome. Generating libraries with millions of cells carrying one or a few VBIM promoter insertions is straightforward, allowing selection of cells in which overexpression of VBIM-driven RNAs or proteins promote the phenotype of interest. VBIM-driven RNAs may encode full-length proteins, truncated proteins (which may have wild-type, constitutive, or dominant-negative activity), or antisense RNAs that can disrupt gene expression. The diversity in VBIM-driven changes allows for the identification of both gain-of-function and loss-of-function mutations in a single screen. Additionally, VBIM can target any genomic locus, regardless of whether it is expressed in the cells under study or known to have a biological function, allowing for true whole-genome screens without the complication and cost of constructing, maintaining, and delivering a comprehensive library. Here, we review the VBIM strategy and discuss examples in which VBIM has been successfully used in diverse screens to identify novel genes or novel functions for known genes. In addition, we discuss considerations for transitioning the VBIM strategy to in vivo screens. We hope that other laboratories will be encouraged to use the VBIM strategy to identify genes that influence their phenotypes of interest. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

The ubiquitin E3 ligase FBXO22 degrades PD-L1 and sensitizes cancer cells to DNA damage

High expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in cancer cells drives immune-independent, cell-intrinsic functions, leading to resistance to DNA-damaging therapies. We find that high expression of the ubiquitin E3 ligase FBXO22 sensitizes nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells to ionizing radiation (IR) and cisplatin, and that activation of FBXO22 by phosphorylation is necessary for this function. Importantly, FBXO22 activates PD-L1 ubiquitination and degradation, which in turn increases the sensitivity of NSCLC cells to DNA damage. Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5), aberrantly active in cancer cells, plays a crucial role in increasing the expression of PD-L1 in medulloblastoma [R. D. Dorand et al, Science 353, 399-403 (2016)]. We show in NSCLC cells that inhibiting CDK5 or reducing its expression increases the level of FBXO22, decreases that of PD-L1, and increases the sensitivity of the cells to DNA damage. We conclude that FBXO22 is a substrate of CDK5, and that inhibiting CDK5 reduces PD-L1 indirectly by increasing FBXO22. Pairing inhibitors of CDK5 with immune checkpoint inhibitors may increase the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade alone or in combination with DNA-damaging therapies.

JAK2 regulates paclitaxel resistance in triple negative breast cancers

We investigated the molecular mechanisms of paclitaxel resistance in TNBC using seven patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models and TNBC cell lines. Among the seven PDX models, four models showed resistance to paclitaxel. Dysregulation of JAK/STAT pathways and JAK2 copy number gains were observed in the four paclitaxel-resistant PDX tumors. In TNBC cell lines, silencing the JAK2 gene showed a significant but mild synergistic effect when combined with paclitaxel in vitro. However, JAK1/2 inhibitor treatment resulted in restoration of paclitaxel sensitivity in two out of four paclitaxel-resistant PDX models and JAK1/2 inhibitor alone significantly suppressed the tumor growth in one out of the two remaining PDX models. Transcriptome data derived from the murine microenvironmental cells revealed an enrichment of genes involved in the cell cycle processes among the four paclitaxel-resistant PDX tumors. Histologic examination of those PDX tumor tissues showed increased Ki67-positive fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment. Among the four different cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) subtypes, cycling CAF exhibiting features of active cell cycle was enriched in the paclitaxel-resistant PDX tumors. Additionally, fibroblasts treated with the conditioned media from the JAK2-silenced breast cancer cells showed downregulation of cell cycle-related genes. Our data suggest that the JAK2 gene may play a critical role in determining responses of TNBC to paclitaxel by modulating the intrinsic susceptibility of cancer cells against paclitaxel and also by eliciting functional transitions of CAF subtypes in the tumor microenvironment. KEY MESSAGES : We investigated the molecular mechanisms of paclitaxel resistance in TNBC. JAK2 signaling was associated with paclitaxel resistance in TNBC PDX models. Paclitaxel-resistant PDX tumors were enriched with microenvironment cCAF subpopulation. JAK2 regulated paclitaxel-resistant CAF phenotype transition.

Thymus hirtus sp. algeriensis Boiss. and Reut. volatile oil enhances TRAIL/Apo2L induced apoptosis and inhibits colon carcinogenesis through upregulation of death receptor pathway

Background: The aim of the study is to determine the anticancer activity of Thymus algeriensis (TS) and its underlying mechanisms using in vitro and in animal models.

Methods: HCT116 cells were treated with TS essential oil alone or with TRAIL, and then its anticancer effect was determined by using MTT assay, live dead assay, caspase activation and PARP cleavage. Further mechanisms of its anticancer effects was determined by analyzing expression of death receptor signaling pathway using Western blotting. A mouse model was also used to assess the antitumor potential of thyme essential oil.

Results: TS oily fraction showed tumor growth inhibitory effect even at lower concentration. TS induces apoptotic cell death as indicated by cleavage of PARP, and activation of the initiator and effector caspases (caspase-3, -8 and -9). Further, results showed that TS increases the expression of death receptors (DRs) and reduces the expression of TRAIL decoy receptors (DcRs). In addition, upregulation of signaling molecules of MAPK pathway (p38 kinase, ERK, JNK), down-regulation of c-FLIP, and overexpression of SP1 and CHOP were observed by TS. Further in animal model, intragastric administration of TS (12.5 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml) prevented colorectal carcinogenesis by blocking multi-steps in carcinoma.

Conclusion: Overall, these results indicate that thymus essential oil promotes apoptosis in HCT116 cells and impedes tumorigenesis in animal model. Moreover, thyme potentiates TRAIL-induced cell death through upregulation of DRs, CHOP and SP1 as well as downregulation of antiapoptotic proteins in HCT116 cells. However, therapeutic potential of TS needs to be further explored.

Oxidative Stress Activated by Sorafenib Alters the Temozolomide Sensitivity of Human Glioma Cells Through Autophagy and JAK2/STAT3-AIF Axis

The development of temozolomide (TMZ) resistance in glioma leads to poor patient prognosis. Sorafenib, a novel diaryl urea compound and multikinase inhibitor, has the ability to effectively cross the blood-brain barrier. However, the effect of sorafenib on glioma cells and the molecular mechanism underlying the ability of sorafenib to enhance the antitumor effects of TMZ remain elusive. Here, we found that sorafenib could enhance the cytotoxic effects of TMZ in glioma cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, the combination of sorafenib and TMZ induced mitochondrial depolarization and apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) translocation from mitochondria to nuclei, and this process was dependent on STAT3 inhibition. Moreover, the combination of sorafenib and TMZ inhibited JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation and STAT3 translocation to mitochondria. Inhibition of STAT3 activation promoted the autophagy-associated apoptosis induced by the combination of sorafenib and TMZ. Furthermore, the combined sorafenib and TMZ treatment induced oxidative stress while reactive oxygen species (ROS) clearance reversed the treatment-induced inhibition of JAK2/STAT3. The results indicate that sorafenib enhanced the temozolomide sensitivity of human glioma cells by inducing oxidative stress-mediated autophagy and JAK2/STAT3-AIF axis.

Antitumor Activity of Pulvomycin via Targeting Activated-STAT3 Signaling in Docetaxel-Resistant Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells

Although docetaxel-based regimens are common and effective for early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) treatment, acquired drug resistance frequently occurs. Therefore, a novel therapeutic strategy for docetaxel-resistant TNBC is urgently required. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) plays a pivotal role in the tumorigenesis and metastasis of numerous cancers, and STAT3 signaling is aberrantly activated in TNBC cells. In this study, a docetaxel-resistant TNBC cell line (MDA-MB-231-DTR) was established, and mechanisms for the antitumor activity of pulvomycin, a novel STAT3 inhibitor isolated from marine-derived actinomycete, were investigated. Levels of activated STAT3 (p-STAT3 (Y705)) increased in docetaxel-resistant cells, and knockdown of STAT3 recovered the sensitivity to docetaxel in MDA-MB-231-DTR cells. Pulvomycin effectively inhibited the proliferation of both cell lines. In addition, pulvomycin suppressed the activation of STAT3 and subsequently induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Pulvomycin also significantly inhibited the invasion and migration of MDA-MB-231-DTR cells through the modulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers. In an MDA-MB-231-DTR-bearing xenograft mouse model, the combination of pulvomycin and docetaxel effectively inhibited tumor growth through STAT3 regulation. Thus, our findings demonstrate that the combination of docetaxel and STAT3 inhibitors is an effective strategy for overcoming docetaxel resistance in TNBC.

βA1-crystallin regulates glucose metabolism and mitochondrial function in mouse retinal astrocytes by modulating PTP1B activity

βA3/A1-crystallin, a lens protein that is also expressed in astrocytes, is produced as βA3 and βA1-crystallin isoforms by leaky ribosomal scanning. In a previous human proteome high-throughput array, we found that βA3/A1-crystallin interacts with protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), a key regulator of glucose metabolism. This prompted us to explore possible roles of βA3/A1-crystallin in metabolism of retinal astrocytes. We found that βA1-crystallin acts as an uncompetitive inhibitor of PTP1B, but βA3-crystallin does not. Loss of βA1-crystallin in astrocytes triggers metabolic abnormalities and inflammation. In CRISPR/cas9 gene-edited βA1-knockdown (KD) mice, but not in βA3-knockout (KO) mice, the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic retinopathy (DR)-like phenotype is exacerbated. Here, we have identified βA1-crystallin as a regulator of PTP1B; loss of this regulation may be a new mechanism by which astrocytes contribute to DR. Interestingly, proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) patients showed reduced βA1-crystallin and higher levels of PTP1B in the vitreous humor.