1
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Khan A, Zhang Y, Ma N, Shi J, Hou Y. NF-κB role on tumor proliferation, migration, invasion and immune escape. Cancer Gene Ther 2024:10.1038/s41417-024-00811-6. [PMID: 39033218 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-024-00811-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) is a nuclear transcription factor that plays a key factor in promoting inflammation, which can lead to the development of cancer in a long-lasting inflammatory environment. The activation of NF-κB is essential in the initial phases of tumor development and progression, occurring in both pre-malignant cells and cells in the microenvironment such as phagocytes, T cells, and B cells. In addition to stimulating angiogenesis, inhibiting apoptosis, and promoting the growth of tumor cells, NF-κB activation also causes the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and tumor immune evasion. Therapeutic strategies that focus on immune checkpoint molecules have revolutionized cancer treatment by enabling the immune system to activate immunological responses against tumor cells. This review focused on understanding the NF-κB signaling pathway in the context of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afrasyab Khan
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, The People's Republic of China
| | - Yao Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, The People's Republic of China
| | - Ningna Ma
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, The People's Republic of China
| | - Juanjuan Shi
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, The People's Republic of China
| | - Yongzhong Hou
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, The People's Republic of China.
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2
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Zhang L, Gu S, Wang L, Zhao L, Li T, Zhao X, Zhang L. M2 macrophages promote PD-L1 expression in triple-negative breast cancer via secreting CXCL1. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 260:155458. [PMID: 39003998 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155458] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND M2 macrophages are known to play a significant role in the progression of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) by creating an immunosuppressive microenvironment. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of M2 macrophages on TNBC and their correlation with programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression. METHODS We employed a co-culture system to analyze the role of the mutual regulation of M2 macrophages and TNBC cells. Employing a multifaceted approach, including bioinformatics analysis, Western blotting, flow cytometry analysis, ELISA, qRT-PCR, lentivirus infection, mouse models, and IHC, we aimed to elucidate the influence and mechanism of M2 macrophages on PD-L1 expression. RESULTS The results showed a substantial infiltration of M2 macrophages in TNBC tissue, which demonstrated a positive correlation with PD-L1 expression. CXCL1 exhibited abnormally high expression in M2 macrophages and enhanced the expression of PD-L1 in TNBC cells. Notably, silencing CXCL1 or its receptor CXCR2 inhibited M2 macrophages-induced expression of PD-L1. Mechanistically, CXCL1 derived from M2 macrophages binding to CXCR2 activated the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway, resulting in increased PD-L1 expression in TNBC. CONCLUSION Broadly speaking, these results provide evidence for the immunosuppressive role of M2 macrophages and CXCL1 in TNBC cells, indicating their potential as therapeutic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifen Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Shanzhi Gu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Tian Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
| | - Xinhan Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China.
| | - Lingxiao Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China.
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3
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Li H, Liang L, Li J. Transcriptomic Profiling in Low-Risk Thyroid Cancer Induced by Microwave Ablation. Int J Endocrinol 2024; 2024:6674506. [PMID: 38779358 PMCID: PMC11111303 DOI: 10.1155/2024/6674506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) serve as the immune system's primary transportation hub outside of the affected ablated tissue. This study aims to explore the transcriptomic profiling of the immune response in PBMCs induced by microwave ablation (MWA) in low-risk thyroid cancer. Methods For eight patients diagnosed with low-risk thyroid cancer, 10 ml of peripheral venous blood was collected before MWA as well as one day and one month after MWA. mRNA was extracted from PBMCs for transcriptome next-generation gene sequencing and qRT-PCR analyses. The plasma samples were used for chemokine detection purposes. Results One day and one month after MWA, there were significant changes in GSEA, particularly in the NF-kappa B-TNFα pathway, inflammatory response, and early and late estrogen response. Common changes in differently expressed genes resulted in a significant downregulation of tumor-promoting genes (BCL3, NR6A1, and PFKFB3). One day after low-risk thyroid cancer MWA, GO enrichment analysis mainly revealed processes related to oxygen transport and other pathways. One month after MWA, GO enrichment analysis mainly revealed regulation of toll-like receptor signaling and other pathways. Furthermore, inflammation-related cytokines and regulatory genes, as well as tumor-promoting cytokines and regulatory genes, were downregulated after MWA. Conclusions This study presents a comprehensive profile of the systemic immune response induced by thermal ablation for treating low-risk thyroid cancer. More significantly, this study provides valuable insight into potential references for systemic antitumor immunity of ablation against low-risk thyroid cancer. This trial is registered with ChiCTR1900024544.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huarong Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lei Liang
- Department of Ultrasound, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jianming Li
- Department of Interventional Ultrasound, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Ultrasound, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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4
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Ebrahimi N, Abdulwahid AHRR, Mansouri A, Karimi N, Bostani RJ, Beiranvand S, Adelian S, Khorram R, Vafadar R, Hamblin MR, Aref AR. Targeting the NF-κB pathway as a potential regulator of immune checkpoints in cancer immunotherapy. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:106. [PMID: 38418707 PMCID: PMC10902086 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05098-8] [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: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Advances in cancer immunotherapy over the last decade have led to the development of several agents that affect immune checkpoints. Inhibitory receptors expressed on T cells that negatively regulate the immune response include cytotoxic T‑lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1), which have been studied more than similar receptors. Inhibition of these proteins and other immune checkpoints can stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells, and prevent the tumor from escaping the immune response. However, the administration of anti-PD1 and anti-CTLA4 antibodies has been associated with adverse inflammatory responses similar to autoimmune diseases. The current review discussed the role of the NF-κB pathway as a tumor promoter, and how it can govern inflammatory responses and affect various immune checkpoints. More precise knowledge about the communication between immune checkpoints and NF-κB pathways could increase the effectiveness of immunotherapy and reduce the adverse effects of checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasim Ebrahimi
- Genetics Division, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | - Atena Mansouri
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasrin Karimi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Science, Islamic Azad University Damghan Branch, Damghan, Iran
| | | | - Sheida Beiranvand
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Samaneh Adelian
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Roya Khorram
- Bone and Joint Diseases Research Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Vafadar
- Department of Orthopeadic Surgery, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Michael R Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, 2028, South Africa.
- Radiation Biology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Xsphera Biosciences, Translational Medicine Group, 6 Tide Street, Boston, MA, 02210, USA.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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5
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Saamarthy K, Ahlqvist K, Daams R, Balagunaseelan N, Rinaldo-Matthis A, Kazi JU, Sime W, Massoumi R. Discovery of a small molecule that inhibits Bcl-3-mediated cyclin D1 expression in melanoma cells. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:103. [PMID: 38238702 PMCID: PMC10795364 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11663-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Molecular targeted therapy using a drug that suppresses the growth and spread of cancer cells via inhibition of a specific protein is a foundation of precision medicine and treatment. High expression of the proto-oncogene Bcl-3 promotes the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells originating from tissues such as the colon, prostate, breast, and skin. The development of novel drugs targeting Bcl-3 alone or in combination with other therapies can cure these patients or prolong their survival. As a proof of concept, in the present study, we focused on metastatic melanoma as a model system. High-throughput screening and in vitro experiments identified BCL3ANT as a lead molecule that could interfere with Bcl-3-mediated cyclin D1 expression and cell proliferation and migration in melanoma. In experimental animal models of melanoma, it was demonstrated that the use of a Bcl-3 inhibitor can influence the survival of melanoma cells. Since there are no other inhibitors against Bcl-3 in the clinical pipeline for cancer treatment, this presents a unique opportunity to develop a highly specific drug against malignant melanoma to meet an urgent clinical need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karunakar Saamarthy
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Cancer Research, Division of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Lund University, Medicon Village, 22383, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kristofer Ahlqvist
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Cancer Research, Division of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Lund University, Medicon Village, 22383, Lund, Sweden
| | - Renée Daams
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Cancer Research, Division of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Lund University, Medicon Village, 22383, Lund, Sweden
| | - Navisraj Balagunaseelan
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Chemistry II, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Agnes Rinaldo-Matthis
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Chemistry II, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Julhash U Kazi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Cancer Research, Division of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Lund University, Medicon Village, 22383, Lund, Sweden
| | - Wondossen Sime
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Cancer Research, Division of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Lund University, Medicon Village, 22383, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ramin Massoumi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Cancer Research, Division of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Lund University, Medicon Village, 22383, Lund, Sweden.
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6
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Seaton G, Smith H, Brancale A, Westwell AD, Clarkson R. Multifaceted roles for BCL3 in cancer: a proto-oncogene comes of age. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:7. [PMID: 38195591 PMCID: PMC10775530 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01922-8] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
In the early 1990's a group of unrelated genes were identified from the sites of recurring translocations in B-cell lymphomas. Despite sharing the nomenclature 'Bcl', and an association with blood-borne cancer, these genes have unrelated functions. Of these genes, BCL2 is best known as a key cancer target involved in the regulation of caspases and other cell viability mechanisms. BCL3 on the other hand was originally identified as a non-canonical regulator of NF-kB transcription factor pathways - a signaling mechanism associated with important cell outcomes including many of the hallmarks of cancer. Most of the early investigations into BCL3 function have since focused on its role in NF-kB mediated cell proliferation, inflammation/immunity and cancer. However, recent evidence is coming to light that this protein directly interacts with and modulates a number of other signaling pathways including DNA damage repair, WNT/β-catenin, AKT, TGFβ/SMAD3 and STAT3 - all of which have key roles in cancer development, metastatic progression and treatment of solid tumours. Here we review the direct evidence demonstrating BCL3's central role in a transcriptional network of signaling pathways that modulate cancer biology and treatment response in a range of solid tumour types and propose common mechanisms of action of BCL3 which may be exploited in the future to target its oncogenic effects for patient benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian Seaton
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Hannah Smith
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Andrea Brancale
- UCT Prague, Technická 5, 166 28, 6 - Dejvice, IČO: 60461337, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Andrew D Westwell
- Cardiff University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Redwood Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, UK
| | - Richard Clarkson
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK.
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7
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Pecharromán I, Solé L, Álvarez‐Villanueva D, Lobo‐Jarne T, Alonso‐Marañón J, Bertran J, Guillén Y, Montoto Á, Martínez‐Iniesta M, García‐Hernández V, Giménez G, Salazar R, Santos C, Garrido M, Borràs E, Sabidó E, Bonfill‐Teixidor E, Iurlaro R, Seoane J, Villanueva A, Iglesias M, Bigas A, Espinosa L. IκB kinase-α coordinates BRD4 and JAK/STAT signaling to subvert DNA damage-based anticancer therapy. EMBO J 2023; 42:e114719. [PMID: 37737566 PMCID: PMC10620764 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2023114719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of the IκB kinase (IKK) complex has recurrently been linked to colorectal cancer (CRC) initiation and progression. However, identification of downstream effectors other than NF-κB has remained elusive. Here, analysis of IKK-dependent substrates in CRC cells after UV treatment revealed that phosphorylation of BRD4 by IKK-α is required for its chromatin-binding at target genes upon DNA damage. Moreover, IKK-α induces the NF-κB-dependent transcription of the cytokine LIF, leading to STAT3 activation, association with BRD4 and recruitment to specific target genes. IKK-α abrogation results in defective BRD4 and STAT3 functions and consequently irreparable DNA damage and apoptotic cell death upon different stimuli. Simultaneous inhibition of BRAF-dependent IKK-α activity, BRD4, and the JAK/STAT pathway enhanced the therapeutic potential of 5-fluorouracil combined with irinotecan in CRC cells and is curative in a chemotherapy-resistant xenograft model. Finally, coordinated expression of LIF and IKK-α is a poor prognosis marker for CRC patients. Our data uncover a functional link between IKK-α, BRD4, and JAK/STAT signaling with clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Pecharromán
- Cancer Research Program, Institut Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, CIBERONCHospital del MarBarcelonaSpain
| | - Laura Solé
- Cancer Research Program, Institut Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, CIBERONCHospital del MarBarcelonaSpain
| | - Daniel Álvarez‐Villanueva
- Cancer Research Program, Institut Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, CIBERONCHospital del MarBarcelonaSpain
- Chemoresistance and Predictive Factors Group, Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE), Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL)L'Hospitalet del LlobregatBarcelonaSpain
| | - Teresa Lobo‐Jarne
- Cancer Research Program, Institut Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, CIBERONCHospital del MarBarcelonaSpain
| | - Josune Alonso‐Marañón
- Cancer Research Program, Institut Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, CIBERONCHospital del MarBarcelonaSpain
| | - Joan Bertran
- Cancer Research Program, Institut Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, CIBERONCHospital del MarBarcelonaSpain
- Faculty of Science and TechnologyUniversity of Vic – Central University of CataloniaVicSpain
| | - Yolanda Guillén
- Cancer Research Program, Institut Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, CIBERONCHospital del MarBarcelonaSpain
| | - Ángela Montoto
- Cancer Research Program, Institut Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, CIBERONCHospital del MarBarcelonaSpain
| | - María Martínez‐Iniesta
- Chemoresistance and Predictive Factors Group, Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE), Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL)L'Hospitalet del LlobregatBarcelonaSpain
| | - Violeta García‐Hernández
- Cancer Research Program, Institut Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, CIBERONCHospital del MarBarcelonaSpain
| | - Gemma Giménez
- Cancer Research Program, Institut Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, CIBERONCHospital del MarBarcelonaSpain
| | - Ramon Salazar
- Department of Medical Oncology, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL)‐CIBERONCL'Hospitalet de LlobregatBarcelonaSpain
| | - Cristina Santos
- Department of Medical Oncology, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL)‐CIBERONCL'Hospitalet de LlobregatBarcelonaSpain
| | - Marta Garrido
- Cancer Research Program, Institut Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, CIBERONCHospital del MarBarcelonaSpain
| | - Eva Borràs
- Proteomics Unit, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG)Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST)BarcelonaSpain
- Proteomics UnitUniversitat Pompeu FabraBarcelonaSpain
| | - Eduard Sabidó
- Proteomics Unit, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG)Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST)BarcelonaSpain
- Proteomics UnitUniversitat Pompeu FabraBarcelonaSpain
| | - Ester Bonfill‐Teixidor
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), CIBERONCVall d'Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Raffaella Iurlaro
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), CIBERONCVall d'Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Joan Seoane
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), CIBERONCVall d'Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Alberto Villanueva
- Chemoresistance and Predictive Factors Group, Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE), Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL)L'Hospitalet del LlobregatBarcelonaSpain
- Xenopat S.L., Parc Cientific de Barcelona (PCB)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Mar Iglesias
- Department of Pathology, Institut Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, CIBERONCUniversitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Anna Bigas
- Cancer Research Program, Institut Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, CIBERONCHospital del MarBarcelonaSpain
- Josep Carreras Leukemia Research InstituteBadalonaSpain
| | - Lluís Espinosa
- Cancer Research Program, Institut Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, CIBERONCHospital del MarBarcelonaSpain
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8
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Hey J, Halperin C, Hartmann M, Mayer S, Schönung M, Lipka DB, Scherz-Shouval R, Plass C. DNA methylation landscape of tumor-associated macrophages reveals pathways, transcription factors and prognostic value relevant to triple-negative breast cancer patients. Int J Cancer 2023; 152:1226-1242. [PMID: 36408934 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The accumulation of myeloid cells, particularly tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), characterizes the tumor microenvironment (TME) of many solid cancers, including breast cancer. Compared to healthy tissue-resident macrophages, TAMs acquire distinct transcriptomes and tumor-promoting functions by largely unknown mechanisms. Here, we hypothesize the involvement of TME signaling and subsequent epigenetic reprogramming of TAMs. Using the 4T1 mouse model of triple-negative breast cancer, we demonstrate that the presence of cancer cells significantly alters the DNA methylation landscape of macrophages and, to a lesser extent, bone marrow-derived monocytes (BMDMs). TAM methylomes, dissected into BMDM-originating and TAM-specific epigenetic programs, implicated transcription factors (TFs) and signaling pathways involved in TAM reprogramming, correlated with cancer-specific gene expression patterns. Utilizing published single-cell gene expression data, we linked microenvironmentally-derived signals to the cancer-specific DNA methylation landscape of TAMs. These integrative analyses highlighted the role of altered cytokine production in the TME (eg, TGF-β, IFN-γ and CSF1) on the induction of specific TFs (eg, FOSL2, STAT1 and RUNX3) responsible for the epigenetic reprogramming of TAMs. DNA methylation deconvolution identified a TAM-specific signature associated with the identified signaling pathways and TFs, corresponding with severe tumor grade and poor prognosis of breast cancer patients. Similarly, immunosuppressive TAM functions were identified, such as induction of the immune inhibitory receptor-ligand PD-L1 by DNA hypomethylation of Cd274. Collectively, these results provide strong evidence that the epigenetic landscapes of macrophages and monocytes are perturbed by the presence of breast cancer, pointing to molecular mechanisms of TAM reprogramming, impacting patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joschka Hey
- Division of Cancer Epigenomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Faculty of Biosciences, Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Coral Halperin
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Mark Hartmann
- Translational Cancer Epigenomics, Division Translational Medical Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Shimrit Mayer
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Maximilian Schönung
- Faculty of Biosciences, Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Translational Cancer Epigenomics, Division Translational Medical Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daniel B Lipka
- Translational Cancer Epigenomics, Division Translational Medical Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ruth Scherz-Shouval
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Christoph Plass
- Division of Cancer Epigenomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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9
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Liu T, Li Y, Wang X, Yang X, Fu Y, Zheng Y, Gong H, He Z. The role of interferons in ovarian cancer progression: Hinderer or promoter? Front Immunol 2022; 13:1087620. [PMID: 36618371 PMCID: PMC9810991 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1087620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is a common gynecologic malignancy with poor prognosis and high mortality. Changes in the OC microenvironment are closely related to the genesis, invasion, metastasis, recurrence, and drug-resistance. The OC microenvironment is regulated by Interferons (IFNs) known as a type of important cytokines. IFNs have a bidirectional regulation for OC cells growth and survival. Meanwhile, IFNs positively regulate the recruitment, differentiation and activation of immune cells. This review summarizes the secretion and the role of IFNs. In particular, we mainly elucidate the actions played by IFNs in various types of therapy. IFNs assist radiotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and biotherapy for OC, except for some IFN pathways that may cause chemo-resistance. In addition, we present some advances in OC treatment with the help of IFN pathways. IFNs have the ability to powerfully modulate the tumor microenvironment and can potentially provide new combination strategies for OC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiqing Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yinqi Li
- Department of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaodong Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunhai Fu
- Department of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yeteng Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hanlin Gong
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Hanlin Gong, ; Zhiyao He,
| | - Zhiyao He
- Department of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Hanlin Gong, ; Zhiyao He,
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10
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Devanaboyina M, Kaur J, Whiteley E, Lin L, Einloth K, Morand S, Stanbery L, Hamouda D, Nemunaitis J. NF-κB Signaling in Tumor Pathways Focusing on Breast and Ovarian Cancer. Oncol Rev 2022; 16:10568. [PMID: 36531159 PMCID: PMC9756851 DOI: 10.3389/or.2022.10568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune disorders and cancer share a common pathway involving NF-κb signaling. Through involvement with GM-CSF, NF-κB can contribute to proliferation and activation of T- and B- cells as well as immune cell migration to sites of inflammation. In breast cancer, this signaling pathway has been linked to resistance with endocrine and chemotherapies. Similarly, in ovarian cancer, NF-κB influences angiogenesis and inflammation pathways. Further, BRCA1 signaling common to both breast and ovarian cancer also has the capability to induce NF-κB activity. Immunotherapy involving NF-κB can also be implemented to combat chemoresistance. The complex signaling pathways of NF-κB can be harnessed for developing cancer therapeutics to promote immunotherapy for improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Devanaboyina
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Jasskiran Kaur
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Emma Whiteley
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Leslie Lin
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Katelyn Einloth
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Susan Morand
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, United States
| | | | - Danae Hamouda
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, United States
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11
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Padmanabhan S, Gaire B, Zou Y, Uddin MM, Vancurova I. IFNγ-induced PD-L1 expression in ovarian cancer cells is regulated by JAK1, STAT1 and IRF1 signaling. Cell Signal 2022; 97:110400. [PMID: 35820543 PMCID: PMC9357219 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Expression of the immune checkpoint programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) is increased in ovarian cancer (OC) and correlates with poor prognosis. Interferon-γ (IFNγ) induces PD-L1 expression in OC cells, resulting in their increased proliferation and tumor growth, but the mechanisms that regulate the PD-L1 expression in OC remain unclear. Here, we show that the IFNγ-induced PD-L1 expression in OC cells is associated with increased levels of STAT1, Tyr-701 pSTAT1 and Ser-727 pSTAT1. Suppression of JAK1 and STAT1 significantly decreases the IFNγ-induced PD-L1 expression in OC cells, and STAT1 overexpression increases the IFNγ-induced PD-L1 expression. In addition, IFNγ induces expression of the transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) and IRF1 suppression attenuates the IFNγ-induced gene and protein levels of PD-L1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation results show that IFNγ induces PD-L1 promoter acetylation and recruitment of STAT1, Ser-727 pSTAT1 and IRF1 in OC cells. Together, these findings demonstrate that the IFNγ-induced PD-L1 expression in OC cells is regulated by JAK1, STAT1, and IRF1 signaling, and suggest that targeting the JAK1/ STAT1/IRF1 pathway may provide a leverage to regulate the PD-L1 levels in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sveta Padmanabhan
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John's University, New York 11439, USA
| | - Bijaya Gaire
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John's University, New York 11439, USA
| | - Yue Zou
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John's University, New York 11439, USA
| | - Mohammad M Uddin
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John's University, New York 11439, USA
| | - Ivana Vancurova
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John's University, New York 11439, USA.
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12
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Pan W, Deng L, Wang H, Wang VYF. Atypical IκB Bcl3 enhances the generation of the NF-κB p52 homodimer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:930619. [PMID: 35990614 PMCID: PMC9389042 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.930619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The NF-κB family of dimeric transcription factors regulate diverse biological functions. Their cellular expression profiles differ, which lead to different concentrations in different cell/tissue types. Although the activation mechanisms of different NF-κB dimers have been widely investigated, there is limited information on specific NF-κB dimers’ formation. The NF-κB p52:p52 homodimer regulates an important subset of target genes in cancer cells; however, the molecular mechanism of the generation of this specific homodimer remains unclear. Our study has revealed that the atypical IκB protein, Bcl3, plays an essential role in enhancing the p52:p52 homodimer population which is a unique mechanism to p52 within the NF-κB family. p52 was shown to heterodimerize with four other NF-κB subunits (RelA, RelB, cRel, and p50); all heterodimers, except p52:p50, are significantly more stable than the p52:p52 homodimer. Bcl3 is able to compete with all other NF-κB subunits in cells for efficient p52:p52 homodimer formation which consequently leads to the upregulation of target genes that are involved in cell proliferation, migration, and inflammation, which explain why aberrant activation of Bcl3 and p52 leads to cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfei Pan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Macau SAR, China
| | - Limei Deng
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Macau SAR, China
| | - Haitao Wang
- Thoracic Surgery Branch, Clinical Research, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Vivien Ya-Fan Wang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Macau SAR, China
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Macau SAR, China
- MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Macau SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Vivien Ya-Fan Wang,
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13
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Fan S, Wu N, Chang S, Chen L, Sun X. The immune regulation of BCL3 in glioblastoma with mutated IDH1. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:3856-3873. [PMID: 35488886 PMCID: PMC9134951 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background: Glioblastoma in the brain is the most malignant solid tumor with a poor prognosis. Screening critical targets and exploring underlying mechanisms will be a benefit for diagnoses and treatment. IDH1 mutation (R132) was used to distinguish glioblastoma grade and predict prognosis as a significant marker. However, the manner of IDH1 mutation regulating glioblastoma development was still unclear. Methods: To study the function of IDH1 mutation, multi-type sequencing data (transcriptome, methylation and copy number variation) from the GEO and TCGA database were analyzed using bioinformatics techniques. The biological functions of IDH1 mutation (R132) would be comprehensively evaluated from the regulatory networks, tumor immune microenvironment and clinical relevance. Then the analysis result would be validated by experimental techniques. Results: Compared with adjacent tissues, IDH1 was up-regulated in glioblastoma, which also positively correlated with the malignant degree and a poor prognosis. To further study the mechanism of mutated IDH1 (R132) function, 5 correlated genes (FABP5, C1RL, MIR155HG, CSTA and BCL3) were identified by different expression gene screening, enrichment analysis and network construction successively. Among them, the BCL3 was a transcription factor that may induce IDH1expression. Through calculating the correlation coefficient, it was found that in IDH1mut glioblastoma, the dendritic cell infiltration was reduced which may result in a better prognosis. In addition, the level of IDH1, FABP5, C1RL, MIR155HG, CSTA and BCL3 might also influence lymphocytes infiltration (eg. CD4+ T cell) and chemokine expression (CXCL family). Conclusions: IDH1 may participate in pathological mechanisms of glioblastoma via expression alteration or gene mutation. Furthermore, IDH1 mutation might improve prognosis via suppressing the expression of FABP5, C1RL, MIR155HG, CSTA and BCL3. Meanwhile, it was identified that BCL3 might perform similar immunomodulatory functions with IDH1 as an upstream transcript factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shibing Fan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Wanzhou, Chongqing, China
| | - Na Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Wanzhou, Chongqing, China
| | - Shichuan Chang
- Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Wanzhou, Chongqing, China
| | - Long Chen
- Chongqing University, Shapingba, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaochuan Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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14
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Shao C, Jing Y, Zhao S, Yang X, Hu Y, Meng Y, Huang Y, Ye F, Gao L, Liu W, Sheng D, Li R, Zhang X, Wei L. LPS/Bcl3/YAP1 signaling promotes Sox9+HNF4α+ hepatocyte-mediated liver regeneration after hepatectomy. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:277. [PMID: 35351855 PMCID: PMC8964805 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04715-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
AbstractRecent reports have demonstrated that Sox9+HNF4α+ hepatocytes are involved in liver regeneration after chronic liver injury; however, little is known about the origin of Sox9+HNF4α+ hepatocytes and the regulatory mechanism. Employing a combination of chimeric lineage tracing, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry, we demonstrate that Sox9+HNF4α+ hepatocytes, generated by transition from mature hepatocytes, play an important role in the initial phase after partial hepatectomy (PHx). Additionally, knocking down the expression of Sox9 suppresses hepatocyte proliferation and blocks the recovery of lost hepatic tissue. In vitro and in vivo assays demonstrated that Bcl3, activated by LPS, promotes hepatocyte conversion and liver regeneration. Mechanistically, Bcl3 forms a complex with and deubiquitinates YAP1 and further induces YAP1 to translocate into the nucleus, resulting in Sox9 upregulation and mature hepatocyte conversion. We demonstrate that Bcl3 promotes Sox9+HNF4α+ hepatocytes to participate in liver regeneration, and might therefore be a potential target for enhancing regeneration after liver injury.
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15
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Padmanabhan S, Gaire B, Zou Y, Uddin MM, DeLeon D, Vancurova I. IFNγ induces JAK1/STAT1/p65 NFκB-dependent interleukin-8 expression in ovarian cancer cells, resulting in their increased migration. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2021; 141:106093. [PMID: 34626802 PMCID: PMC8639749 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2021.106093] [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: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Interferon-γ (IFNγ) is a pleiotropic cytokine that has a crucial role in immune response and tumor immunity. Because of its anti-tumor effects, IFNγ has been used in cancer treatment. However, IFNγ also has tumor-promoting functions that are less well understood. Here, we show that IFNγ induces expression of the pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic chemokine interleukin-8 (IL-8, CXCL8) in ovarian cancer (OC) cells. The IFNγ-induced IL-8 expression is dependent on JAK1, STAT1, and p65 NFκB, and is associated with an increased occupancy of K314/315 acetylated p65 NFκB and Ser-727 phosphorylated STAT1 at the IL-8 promoter. Neutralization of IL-8 using anti-IL-8 antibody reduces IFNγ-induced migration of OC cells, and their invasion ability in 3D spheroids. Together, these findings identify IL-8 as a novel target induced by IFNγ/JAK1/STAT1/p65 NFκB signaling, and indicate that the IFNγ-induced IL-8 contributes to IFNγ pro-tumorigenic effects in ovarian cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sveta Padmanabhan
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John's University, NY 11439, USA
| | - Bijaya Gaire
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John's University, NY 11439, USA
| | - Yue Zou
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John's University, NY 11439, USA
| | - Mohammad M Uddin
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John's University, NY 11439, USA
| | - Daniel DeLeon
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John's University, NY 11439, USA
| | - Ivana Vancurova
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John's University, NY 11439, USA.
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16
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Kaur P, Nagar S, Bhagwat M, Uddin M, Zhu Y, Vancurova I, Vancura A. Activated heme synthesis regulates glycolysis and oxidative metabolism in breast and ovarian cancer cells. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260400. [PMID: 34807950 PMCID: PMC8608300 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Heme is an essential cofactor for enzymes of the electron transport chain (ETC) and ATP synthesis in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Heme also binds to and destabilizes Bach1, a transcription regulator that controls expression of several groups of genes important for glycolysis, ETC, and metastasis of cancer cells. Heme synthesis can thus affect pathways through which cells generate energy and precursors for anabolism. In addition, increased heme synthesis may trigger oxidative stress. Since many cancers are characterized by a high glycolytic rate regardless of oxygen availability, targeting glycolysis, ETC, and OXPHOS have emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy. Here, we report that enhancing heme synthesis through exogenous supplementation of heme precursor 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) suppresses oxidative metabolism as well as glycolysis and significantly reduces proliferation of both ovarian and breast cancer cells. ALA supplementation also destabilizes Bach1 and inhibits migration of both cell types. Our data indicate that the underlying mechanisms differ in ovarian and breast cancer cells, but involve destabilization of Bach1, AMPK activation, and induction of oxidative stress. In addition, there appears to be an inverse correlation between the activity of oxidative metabolism and ALA sensitivity. Promoting heme synthesis by ALA supplementation may thus represent a promising new anti-cancer strategy, particularly in cancers that are sensitive to altered redox signaling, or in combination with strategies that target the antioxidant systems or metabolic weaknesses of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pritpal Kaur
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John’s University, New York, United States of America
| | - Shreya Nagar
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John’s University, New York, United States of America
| | - Madhura Bhagwat
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John’s University, New York, United States of America
| | - Mohammad Uddin
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John’s University, New York, United States of America
| | - Yan Zhu
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John’s University, New York, United States of America
| | - Ivana Vancurova
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John’s University, New York, United States of America
| | - Ales Vancura
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John’s University, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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17
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Soares-Lima SC, Gonzaga IM, Camuzi D, Nicolau-Neto P, Vieira da Silva R, Guaraldi S, Ferreira MA, Hernandez-Vargas H, Herceg Z, Ribeiro Pinto LF. IL6 and BCL3 Expression Are Potential Biomarkers in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:722417. [PMID: 34422669 PMCID: PMC8371528 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.722417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) ranks among the most lethal tumors worldwide, as a consequence of late detection and poor treatment response, evidencing the need for diagnosis anticipation and new therapeutic targets. First, we investigated the IL6 gene and protein expression in the esophagus of individuals without esophageal disorders (healthy), ESCC, and non-tumoral surrounding tissue (NTST). Our results showed that IL6 mRNA and protein expression is upregulated in tumor cells relative to NTST. In the TCGA dataset, we identified a set of genes whose expression was correlated with IL6 mRNA levels, including the antiapoptotic gene BCL3. By using an immortalized esophageal cell line, we confirmed that IL6 was capable of inducing BCL3 expression in esophageal cells. BCL3 mRNA and protein are overexpressed in ESCC and NTST compared to healthy esophagus, and BCL3 mRNA could distinguish the morphologically normal samples (healthy and NTST) with 100% sensitivity and 95.12% specificity. The spatial intratumoral heterogeneity of both IL6 and BCL3 expression was evaluated, corroborating IL6 upregulation throughout the tumor, while tumor and NTST showed a consistent increase of BCL3 expression relative to the healthy esophagus. Our study shows that IL6 overexpression seems to be a key event in ESCC carcinogenesis, contributing to ESCC through a homogeneous antiapoptotic signalling via BCL3 overexpression, thus suggesting anti-IL6 therapies to be further considered for ESCC treatment. Finally, our data support the use of BCL3 mRNA expression as a potential biomarker for ESCC detection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isabela Martins Gonzaga
- Programa de Carcinogênese Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Diego Camuzi
- Programa de Carcinogênese Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Pedro Nicolau-Neto
- Programa de Carcinogênese Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Raissa Vieira da Silva
- Programa de Carcinogênese Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Simone Guaraldi
- Programa de Carcinogênese Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Seção de Endoscopia, Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Hector Hernandez-Vargas
- Cancer Research Centre of Lyon (CRCL), Inserm U 1052, CNRS UMR 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Zdenko Herceg
- Epigenetics Group, Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis Section, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France
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18
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Messeha SS, Zarmouh NO, Soliman KFA. Polyphenols Modulating Effects of PD-L1/PD-1 Checkpoint and EMT-Mediated PD-L1 Overexpression in Breast Cancer. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13051718. [PMID: 34069461 PMCID: PMC8159140 DOI: 10.3390/nu13051718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigating dietary polyphenolic compounds as antitumor agents are rising due to the growing evidence of the close association between immunity and cancer. Cancer cells elude immune surveillance for enhancing their progression and metastasis utilizing various mechanisms. These mechanisms include the upregulation of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) cell phenotype activation. In addition to its role in stimulating normal embryonic development, EMT has been identified as a critical driver in various aspects of cancer pathology, including carcinogenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance. Furthermore, EMT conversion to another phenotype, Mesenchymal-to-Epithelial Transition (MET), is crucial in developing cancer metastasis. A central mechanism in the upregulation of PD-L1 expression in various cancer types is EMT signaling activation. In breast cancer (BC) cells, the upregulated level of PD-L1 has become a critical target in cancer therapy. Various signal transduction pathways are involved in EMT-mediated PD-L1 checkpoint overexpression. Three main groups are considered potential targets in EMT development; the effectors (E-cadherin and Vimentin), the regulators (Zeb, Twist, and Snail), and the inducers that include members of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). Meanwhile, the correlation between consuming flavonoid-rich food and the lower risk of cancers has been demonstrated. In BC, polyphenols were found to downregulate PD-L1 expression. This review highlights the effects of polyphenols on the EMT process by inhibiting mesenchymal proteins and upregulating the epithelial phenotype. This multifunctional mechanism could hold promises in the prevention and treating breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samia S. Messeha
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA;
| | - Najla O. Zarmouh
- Faculty of Medical Technology-Misrata, Libyan National Board for Technical & Vocational Education, Misrata LY72, Libya;
| | - Karam F. A. Soliman
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-850-599-3306; Fax: +1-850-599-3667
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19
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Soukupová J, Bordoni C, Turnham DJ, Yang WW, Seaton G, Gruca A, French R, Lee KY, Varnava A, Piggott L, Clarkson RWE, Westwell AD, Brancale A. The Discovery of a Novel Antimetastatic Bcl3 Inhibitor. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:775-786. [PMID: 33649105 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The development of antimetastatic drugs is an urgent healthcare priority for patients with cancer, because metastasis is thought to account for around 90% of cancer deaths. Current antimetastatic treatment options are limited and often associated with poor long-term survival and systemic toxicities. Bcl3, a facilitator protein of the NF-κB family, is associated with poor prognosis in a range of tumor types. Bcl3 has been directly implicated in the metastasis of tumor cells, yet is well tolerated when constitutively deleted in murine models, making it a promising therapeutic target. Here, we describe the identification and characterization of the first small-molecule Bcl3 inhibitor, by using a virtual drug design and screening approach against a computational model of the Bcl3-NF-kB1(p50) protein-protein interaction. From selected virtual screening hits, one compound (JS6) showed potent intracellular Bcl3-inhibitory activity. JS6 treatment led to reductions in Bcl3-NF-kB1 binding, tumor colony formation, and cancer cell migration in vitro; and tumor stasis and antimetastatic activity in vivo, while being devoid of overt systemic toxicity. These results represent a successful application of in silico screening in the identification of protein-protein inhibitors for novel intracellular targets, and confirm Bcl3 as a potential antimetastatic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitka Soukupová
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom.,European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Cinzia Bordoni
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel J Turnham
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - William W Yang
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Gillian Seaton
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Aleksandra Gruca
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Rhiannon French
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Kok Yung Lee
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Athina Varnava
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Luke Piggott
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Richard W E Clarkson
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew D Westwell
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Brancale
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom.
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20
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Kuo CS, Yang CY, Lin CK, Lin GJ, Sytwu HK, Chen YW. Triptolide suppresses oral cancer cell PD-L1 expression in the interferon-γ-modulated microenvironment in vitro, in vivo, and in clinical patients. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 133:111057. [PMID: 33378962 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.111057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological and prognostic roles of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) remain unclear in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Moreover, the pivotal role of tumor microenvironmental interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in host responses to malignant cells, oral cancer growth, and PD-L1 expression has not been adequately studied. Thus, PD-L1 expression in 130 OSCC samples was analyzed using immunohistochemistry, which was found significantly overexpressed at the tumor site (P < .01). We further analyzed the effects of IFN-γ on OSCC cell proliferation using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and found that IFN-γ drives PD-L1 expression in OSCC cells in a dose-dependent manner. Triptolide (TPL), a bioactive compound isolated from Tripterygium wilfordii, exhibits anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities. To investigate whether the antitumor effect of TPL involves the suppression of PD-L1 expression, we treated OSCC cells in vitro and a patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDTX) model with TPL. TPL suppressed PD-L1 expression in the PDTX model, inhibiting tumor growth, and in OSCC cells in an IFN-γ-modulated microenvironment. We concluded that TPL inhibits tumor growth in oral cancer and downregulates PD-L1 expression in oral cancer cells in vitro. Our results provide evidence for the clinical development of PD-L1-targeted therapy for OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Shan Kuo
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Dentistry, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yu Yang
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Dentistry, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Kung Lin
- Department of Pathology, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Gu-Jiun Lin
- Department of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Huey-Kang Sytwu
- Graduate Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Wu Chen
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
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21
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Bastaki S, Aravindhan S, Ahmadpour Saheb N, Afsari Kashani M, Evgenievich Dorofeev A, Karoon Kiani F, Jahandideh H, Beigi Dargani F, Aksoun M, Nikkhoo A, Masjedi A, Mahmoodpoor A, Ahmadi M, Dolati S, Namvar Aghdash S, Jadidi-Niaragh F. Codelivery of STAT3 and PD-L1 siRNA by hyaluronate-TAT trimethyl/thiolated chitosan nanoparticles suppresses cancer progression in tumor-bearing mice. Life Sci 2020; 266:118847. [PMID: 33309720 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy methods using potential tumor microenvironment modulators have elicited durable therapeutic responses in cancer treatment. Immune checkpoint molecule programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and oncogenic transcription factor STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription-3) assigned as inhibitory targets of our study and particular delivery system designed to deliver small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to silence the targeted genes. Generated trimethyl chitosan (TMC) and thiolated chitosan (TC) nanoparticles (NPs) conjugated with HIV-1-derived TAT peptide and HA (hyaluronic acid) exhibited eligible physicochemical characteristics, notable siRNA encapsulation, serum stability, non-toxicity, controlled siRNA release, and extensive cellular uptake by cancer cells. Dual inhibition with STAT3/PD-L1 siRNA-loaded HA-TAT-TMC-TC NPs led to promising results, including significant downregulation of PD-L1 and STAT3 genes, striking suppressive effects on proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of breast and melanoma cancer cell lines, and restrained tumor growth in vivo. These findings infer the capability of HA-TAT-TMC-TC NPs containing STAT3/PD-L1 siRNAs as a novel tumor-suppressive candidate in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Bastaki
- Immunology research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Surendar Aravindhan
- Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, AL-AMEEN ENGINEERING COLLEGE (Autonomous), Erode, Tamilnadu 638104, India.
| | | | | | | | - Fariba Karoon Kiani
- Immunology research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hediyeh Jahandideh
- Immunology research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Mohsen Aksoun
- Immunology research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Afshin Nikkhoo
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Masjedi
- Immunology research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ata Mahmoodpoor
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Imam Reza Medical Research & Training Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Majid Ahmadi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sanam Dolati
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research Center, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Simin Namvar Aghdash
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Farhad Jadidi-Niaragh
- Immunology research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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22
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Ring A, Kaur P, Lang JE. EP300 knockdown reduces cancer stem cell phenotype, tumor growth and metastasis in triple negative breast cancer. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:1076. [PMID: 33167919 PMCID: PMC7653866 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-07573-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype with basal features, lacking the expression of receptors targeted successfully in other breast cancer subtypes. Treatment response to adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy is often short-lived and metastatic spread occurs at higher rates than other subtypes within the first five years after diagnosis. TNBCs exhibit stem cell features and are enriched for cancer stem cell (CSC) populations. E1A Binding Protein P300 (EP300) is a large protein with multiple cellular functions, including as an effector in stem cell biology. METHODS We used a genetic knockdown (KD) model of EP300 in TNBC cell lines to investigate the effect on CSC phenotype, tumor growth and metastasis. Side population assay and tumorsphere suspension culture were used in vitro. Xenograft mouse models were used for in vivo studies. We performed in silico analysis of publicly available gene expression data sets to investigate CSC gene expression and molecular pathways as well as survival outcomes associated with EP300 expression in patients with TNBC and basal-like BC. RESULTS EP300 KD abolished the CSC phenotype by reducing ABCG2 expression, side population cells and tumorsphere formation capacity in vitro as well as tumor formation in a xenograft mouse model in vivo. Metastatic capacity was markedly reduced in EP300 KD cells in vivo, with no detection of circulating tumor cells. TCGA data analysis demonstrated that genes positively correlated with EP300 expression in TNBC and basal-like BC were associated with CSC biology. Survival analysis demonstrated that EP300 expression predicts poor recurrence free survival in TNBC and basal BC. CONCLUSION We report a novel oncogenic role for EP300 in driving CSC phenotype representing a potential target to address tumor initiation and metastatic spread in TNBC and basal-like BC. EP300 might serve as a prognostic marker and potential therapeutic target in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Ring
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery and University of Southern California Norris Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA. .,Present Address: Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Universitätsspital Zürich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Pushpinder Kaur
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery and University of Southern California Norris Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Julie E Lang
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery and University of Southern California Norris Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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23
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Legge DN, Chambers AC, Parker CT, Timms P, Collard TJ, Williams AC. The role of B-Cell Lymphoma-3 (BCL-3) in enabling the hallmarks of cancer: implications for the treatment of colorectal carcinogenesis. Carcinogenesis 2020; 41:249-256. [PMID: 31930327 PMCID: PMC7221501 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgaa003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
With its identification as a proto-oncogene in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and central role in regulating NF-κB signalling, it is perhaps not surprising that there have been an increasing number of studies in recent years investigating the role of BCL-3 (B-Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia/Lymphoma-3) in a wide range of human cancers. Importantly, this work has begun to shed light on our mechanistic understanding of the function of BCL-3 in tumour promotion and progression. Here, we summarize the current understanding of BCL-3 function in relation to the characteristics or traits associated with tumourigenesis, termed ‘Hallmarks of Cancer’. With the focus on colorectal cancer, a major cause of cancer related mortality in the UK, we describe the evidence that potentially explains why increased BCL-3 expression is associated with poor prognosis in colorectal cancer. As well as promoting tumour cell proliferation, survival, invasion and metastasis, a key emerging function of this proto-oncogene is the regulation of the tumour response to inflammation. We suggest that BCL-3 represents an exciting new route for targeting the Hallmarks of Cancer; in particular by limiting the impact of the enabling hallmarks of tumour promoting inflammation and cell plasticity. As BCL-3 has been reported to promote the stem-like potential of cancer cells, we suggest that targeting BCL-3 could increase the tumour response to conventional treatment, reduce the chance of relapse and hence improve the prognosis for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny N Legge
- Colorectal Tumour Biology Group, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences Building, University Walk, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Adam C Chambers
- Colorectal Tumour Biology Group, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences Building, University Walk, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Christopher T Parker
- Colorectal Tumour Biology Group, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences Building, University Walk, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Penny Timms
- Colorectal Tumour Biology Group, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences Building, University Walk, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Tracey J Collard
- Colorectal Tumour Biology Group, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences Building, University Walk, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Ann C Williams
- Colorectal Tumour Biology Group, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences Building, University Walk, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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24
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James NE, Woodman M, DiSilvestro PA, Ribeiro JR. The Perfect Combination: Enhancing Patient Response to PD-1-Based Therapies in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2150. [PMID: 32756436 PMCID: PMC7466102 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy, with an overall 5-year survival of only 47%. As the development of novel targeted therapies is drastically necessary in order to improve patient survival, current EOC clinical trials have heavily focused on immunotherapeutic approaches, centered upon programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) inhibitors. While PD-1 monotherapies have only exhibited modest responses for patients, it has been theorized that in order to enhance EOC patient response to immunotherapy, combinatorial regimens must be investigated. In this review, unique challenges to EOC PD-1 response will be discussed, along with a comprehensive description of both preclinical and clinical studies evaluating PD-1-based combinatorial therapies. Promising aspects of PD-1-based combinatorial approaches are highlighted, while also discussing specific preclinical and clinical areas of research that need to be addressed, in order to optimize EOC patient immunotherapy response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole E. James
- Program in Women’s Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Infants Hospital, Providence, RI 02905, USA; (N.E.J.); (M.W.); (P.A.D.)
| | - Morgan Woodman
- Program in Women’s Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Infants Hospital, Providence, RI 02905, USA; (N.E.J.); (M.W.); (P.A.D.)
| | - Paul A. DiSilvestro
- Program in Women’s Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Infants Hospital, Providence, RI 02905, USA; (N.E.J.); (M.W.); (P.A.D.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Jennifer R. Ribeiro
- Program in Women’s Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Infants Hospital, Providence, RI 02905, USA; (N.E.J.); (M.W.); (P.A.D.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
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25
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Betzler AC, Theodoraki MN, Schuler PJ, Döscher J, Laban S, Hoffmann TK, Brunner C. NF-κB and Its Role in Checkpoint Control. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21113949. [PMID: 32486375 PMCID: PMC7312739 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) has been described as one of the most important molecules linking inflammation to cancer. More recently, it has become clear that NF-κB is also involved in the regulation of immune checkpoint expression. Therapeutic approaches targeting immune checkpoint molecules, enabling the immune system to initiate immune responses against tumor cells, constitute a key breakthrough in cancer treatment. This review discusses recent evidence for an association of NF-κB and immune checkpoint expression and examines the therapeutic potential of inhibitors targeting either NF-κB directly or molecules involved in NF-κB regulation in combination with immune checkpoint blockade.
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26
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Giordano M, Cavallaro U. Different Shades of L1CAM in the Pathophysiology of Cancer Stem Cells. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E1502. [PMID: 32429448 PMCID: PMC7291284 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9051502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) is aberrantly expressed in several tumor types where it is causally linked to malignancy and therapy resistance, acting also as a poor prognosis factor. Accordingly, several approaches have been developed to interfere with L1CAM function or to deliver cytotoxic agents to L1CAM-expressing tumors. Metastatic dissemination, tumor relapse and drug resistance can be fueled by a subpopulation of neoplastic cells endowed with peculiar biological properties that include self-renewal, efficient DNA repair, drug efflux machineries, quiescence, and immune evasion. These cells, known as cancer stem cells (CSC) or tumor-initiating cells, represent, therefore, an ideal target for tumor eradication. However, the molecular and functional traits of CSC have been unveiled only to a limited extent. In this context, it appears that L1CAM is expressed in the CSC compartment of certain tumors, where it plays a causal role in stemness itself and/or in biological processes intimately associated with CSC (e.g., epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and chemoresistance). This review summarizes the role of L1CAM in cancer focusing on its functional contribution to CSC pathophysiology. We also discuss the clinical usefulness of therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting L1CAM in the context of anti-CSC treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ugo Cavallaro
- Unit of Gynaecological Oncology Research, European Institute of Oncology IRCSS, 20128 Milan, Italy;
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27
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Hu L, Bai Z, Ma X, Bai N, Zhang Z. The Influence of Bcl-3 Expression on Cell Migration and Chemosensitivity of Gastric Cancer Cells via Regulating Hypoxia-Induced Protective Autophagy. J Gastric Cancer 2020; 20:95-105. [PMID: 32269848 PMCID: PMC7105414 DOI: 10.5230/jgc.2020.20.e9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Gastric cancer is a highly metastatic malignant tumor, often characterized by chemoresistance and high mortality. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the role of B-cell lymphoma 3 (Bcl-3) protein on cell migration and chemosensitivity of gastric cancer. Materials and Methods The gastric cancer cell lines, AGS and NCI-N87, were used for the in vitro studies and the in vivo studies were performed using BALB/c nude mice. Western blotting, wound healing assay, Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, immunohistochemistry, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay were used to evaluate the role of Bcl-3 in gastric cancer. Results We found that the protein expression of hypoxia (HYP)-inducible factor-1α and Bcl-3 were markedly upregulated under hypoxic conditions in both AGS and NCI-N87 cells in a time-dependent manner. Interestingly, small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of Bcl-3 expression affected the migration and chemosensitivity of the gastric cancer cells. AGS and NCI-N87 cells transfected with si-RNA-Bcl-3 (si-Bcl-3) showed significantly reduced migratory ability and increased chemosensitivity to oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and irinotecan. In addition, si-Bcl-3 restored the autophagy induced by HYP. Further, the protective role of si-Bcl-3 on the gastric cancer cells could be reversed by the autophagy inducer, rapamycin. Importantly, the in vivo xenograft tumor experiments showed similar results. Conclusions Our present study reveals that Bcl-3 knockdown inhibits cell migration and chemoresistance of gastric cancer cells through restoring HYP-induced autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Zhigang Bai
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Xuemei Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Bai
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, The 4th Medical College of Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongtao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
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28
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Kongtawelert P, Wudtiwai B, Shwe TH, Pothacharoen P, Phitak T. Inhibitory Effect of Hesperidin on the Expression of Programmed Death Ligand (PD-L1) in Breast Cancer. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25020252. [PMID: 31936263 PMCID: PMC7024188 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25020252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) is overexpressed in the most aggressive breast cancer subtype, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), assisting the eradication of antitumor immunity, and thereby enhancing the survival of the tumor. This study explored how hesperidin affects PD-L1 expression, and thereby cancer progression in breast cancer cells. We found that MDA-MB231, the triple-negative breast adenocarcinoma cancer cell line, (high aggressiveness) has higher expression, in both mRNA and protein, of PD-L1 than that of the other breast cancer cell line, MCF-7 (low aggressiveness). Hesperidin inhibited cell proliferation in MDA-MB231 cells. Additionally, high expression of PD-L1 (both mRNA and protein) in aggressive cancer cells was strongly inhibited by hesperidin through inhibition of Akt and NF-κB signaling. Moreover, hesperidin treatment, by inhibiting activation of matrix metalloproteinases such as MMP-9 and MMP-2, suppressed the metastatic phenotype and cell migration in the PD-L1 high-expressing MDA-MB231 cells. In summary, hesperidin inhibits breast cancer cell growth through the inhibition of the expression of PD-L1 via downregulation of Akt and NF-κB signaling in TNBC. Moreover, hesperidin significantly suppresses cell migration of MDA-MB231 cells. Our findings reveal fresh insights into the anticancer effects of hesperidin which might have potential clinical implications.
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29
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Abstract
IFNγ is a pleiotropic cytokine that has both antitumor functions and pro-tumorigenic effects. Recent studies have shown that IFNγ induces expression of the immune checkpoint PD-L1 in ovarian cancer (OC) cells, resulting in their increased proliferation and tumor growth. Here, we tested the hypothesis that IFNγ induces migration of OC cells. Using the scratch wound healing assay, our results demonstrate that IFNγ promotes OC cell migration, thus adding to the complexities of IFNγ pro-tumorigenic mechanisms. This chapter describes analysis of the IFNγ-induced migration of OC cells by the wound healing assay followed by quantification of the obtained images using ImageJ software.
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30
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Zou Y, Padmanabhan S, Vancurova I. Analysis of PD-L1 Transcriptional Regulation in Ovarian Cancer Cells by Chromatin Immunoprecipitation. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2108:229-239. [PMID: 31939185 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0247-8_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The immune checkpoint molecule, programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1; B7-H1, CD274), induces T cell apoptosis and tolerance, thus inhibiting the antitumor immunity. PD-L1 expression is increased in many types of cancer, including ovarian cancer (OC), and correlates with poor prognosis. However, the mechanisms that regulate the PD-L1 expression in cancer cells are incompletely understood. The transcriptional regulation of PD-L1 expression is orchestrated by several transcription factors, including NFκB. The human PD-L1 promoter contains five NFκB-binding sites. Interferon-γ (IFNγ) stimulation of OC cells induces p65, and particularly K314/315 acetylated p65 recruitment to all five NFκB-binding sites in PD-L1 promoter, resulting in increased PD-L1 expression. In this chapter, we describe a protocol that uses chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) to analyze the transcriptional regulation of PD-L1 by measuring recruitment of NFκB p65 and K314/315 acetylated p65 to PD-L1 promoter in human OC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zou
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Sveta Padmanabhan
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Ivana Vancurova
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, USA.
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31
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Padmanabhan S, Zou Y, Vancurova I. Flow Cytometry Analysis of Surface PD-L1 Expression Induced by IFNγ and Romidepsin in Ovarian Cancer Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2108:221-228. [PMID: 31939184 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0247-8_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Expression of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1, CD274) on cancer cells is regulated by interferon-γ (IFNγ) signaling as well as by epigenetic mechanisms. By binding to PD-1 on cytotoxic T cells, PD-L1 inhibits T cell-mediated antitumor responses, resulting in immune escape. This chapter describes analysis of the surface PD-L1 expression in ovarian cancer (OC) cells using flow cytometry (FC). Our data demonstrate that the surface PD-L1 expression in OC cells is induced by IFNγ as well as by the class I histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition by romidepsin, suggesting that class I HDAC inhibition might provide a useful strategy to modulate the PD-L1 levels on OC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sveta Padmanabhan
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Yue Zou
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Ivana Vancurova
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, USA.
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32
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Immunoblotting Analysis of Intracellular PD-L1 Levels in Interferon-γ-Treated Ovarian Cancer Cells Stably Transfected with Bcl3 shRNA. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2108:211-220. [PMID: 31939183 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0247-8_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Expression of the immune checkpoint programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1, CD274) is increased in many types of cancer, including ovarian cancer (OC), but the mechanisms that regulate the PD-L1 expression are not fully understood. In addition to binding to PD-1 on T cells, thus inhibiting T cell-mediated antitumor responses, PD-L1 has also tumor-intrinsic effects that include increased cancer cell survival and proliferation, and that might be in part mediated by the intracellular PD-L1. In this chapter, we describe a protocol for the analysis of the intracellular PD-L1 protein levels in OC cells by immunoblotting. Our results show that interferon-γ (IFNγ) induces the intracellular levels of PD-L1 and the proto-oncogene Bcl3 in OC cells. However, the PD-L1 expression is significantly decreased in OC cells stably transfected with Bcl3 shRNA, demonstrating that the IFNγ-induced PD-L1 expression in OC cells is mediated by Bcl3. These data identify the IFNγ-Bcl3-PD-L1 axis as a novel therapeutic target in OC, and suggest that targeting Bcl3 may provide a novel strategy to regulate the PD-L1 expression, and especially the tumor-intrinsic PD-L1 effects mediated by the intracellular PD-L1 in OC cells.
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33
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Dai L, Niu J, Feng Y. Knockdown of long non-coding RNA LINC00176 suppresses ovarian cancer progression by BCL3-mediated down-regulation of ceruloplasmin. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:202-213. [PMID: 31668012 PMCID: PMC6933345 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a common malignancy among women with some clinically approved diagnostic coding gene biomarkers. However, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been indicated to play an important role in controlling tumorigenesis of ovarian cancer. Hereby, the aim of the study was to uncover the function of lncRNA LINC00176 in the development and progression of ovarian cancer by regulating ceruloplasmin (CP). Bioinformatics prediction in combination with RT-qPCR analysis for the expression pattern of LINC00176 revealed that LINC00176 was highly expressed in ovarian cancer tissues as well as in ovarian cancer cell lines, respectively. LINC00176 was predominantly localized in the nucleus. Delivery of si-LINC00176, oe-LINC00176, si-BCL3 and si-CP plasmids was conducted to explore the effects of LINC00176 on ovarian cancer. Promoted proliferation, migration and invasion along with reduced apoptosis were observed in cells treated with oe-LINC00176, while si-BCL3 and si-CP were able to block the promoting effects. Investigations with regard to the correlation between LINC00176 and promoter region of CP turned out to be positive via B-cell CLL/lymphoma 3 (BCL3) by means of dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, ChIP and RIP assays. Furthermore, oncogenic properties of the LINC00176/BCL3/CP axis were also demonstrated by tumour formation in vivo generated upon injecting cells in nude mice. Our results demonstrate that restored LINC00176 initiates tumorigenesis in ovarian cancer by increasing CP expression via recruiting BCL3, the mechanism of which represented a potential and promising therapeutic target for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Dai
- Department of Gynaecology and ObstetricsChinese Medicine Hospital in Linyi CityLinyiChina
| | - Jixiang Niu
- Department of General SurgeryChinese Medicine Hospital in Linyi CityLinyiChina
| | - Yanli Feng
- Department of Gynaecology and ObstetricsChinese Medicine Hospital in Linyi CityLinyiChina
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34
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Salmonella Breaks Tumor Immune Tolerance by Downregulating Tumor Programmed Death-Ligand 1 Expression. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 12:cancers12010057. [PMID: 31878272 PMCID: PMC7017279 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is becoming a popular treatment modality in combat against cancer, one of the world’s leading health problems. While tumor cells influence host immunity via expressing immune inhibitory signaling proteins, some bacteria possess immunomodulatory activities that counter the symptoms of tumors. The accumulation of Salmonella in tumor sites influences tumor protein expression, resulting in T cell infiltration. However, the molecular mechanism by which Salmonella activates T cells remains elusive. Many tumors have been reported to have high expressions of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), which is an important immune checkpoint molecule involved in tumor immune escape. In this study, Salmonella reduced the expression of PD-L1 in tumor cells. The expression levels of phospho-protein kinase B (P-AKT), phospho-mammalian targets of rapamycin (P-mTOR), and the phospho-p70 ribosomal s6 kinase (P-p70s6K) pathway were revealed to be involved in the Salmonella-mediated downregulation of PD-L1. In a tumor-T cell coculture system, Salmonella increased T cell number and reduced T cell apoptosis. Systemic administration of Salmonella reduced the expressions of PD-L-1 in tumor-bearing mice. In addition, tumor growth was significantly inhibited along with an enhanced T cell infiltration following Salmonella treatment. These findings suggest that Salmonella acts upon the immune checkpoint, primarily PD-L1, to incapacitate protumor effects and thereby inhibit tumor growth.
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