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Taeb S, Rostamzadeh D, Amini SM, Rahmati M, Eftekhari M, Safari A, Najafi M. MicroRNAs targeted mTOR as therapeutic agents to improve radiotherapy outcome. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:233. [PMID: 38965615 PMCID: PMC11229485 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03420-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules that regulate genes and are involved in various biological processes, including cancer development. Researchers have been exploring the potential of miRNAs as therapeutic agents in cancer treatment. Specifically, targeting the mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway with miRNAs has shown promise in improving the effectiveness of radiotherapy (RT), a common cancer treatment. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of miRNAs targeting mTOR as therapeutic agents to enhance RT outcomes in cancer patients. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the specific miRNAs that target mTOR and their impact on radiosensitivity for personalized cancer treatment approaches. The review also discusses the role of mTOR in cell homeostasis, cell proliferation, and immune response, as well as its association with oncogenesis. It highlights the different ways in which miRNAs can potentially affect the mTOR pathway and their implications in immune-related diseases. Preclinical findings suggest that combining mTOR modulators with RT can inhibit tumor growth through anti-angiogenic and anti-vascular effects, but further research and clinical trials are needed to validate the efficacy and safety of using miRNAs targeting mTOR as therapeutic agents in combination with RT. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of the potential of miRNAs targeting mTOR to enhance RT efficacy in cancer treatment and emphasizes the need for further research to translate these findings into improved clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahram Taeb
- Department of Radiology, School of Paramedical Sciences, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Davoud Rostamzadeh
- Department of Immunology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Seyed Mohammad Amini
- Radiation Biology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rahmati
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Mohammad Eftekhari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Arash Safari
- Department of Radiology, Ionizing and Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection Research Center (INIRPRC), School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 71439-14693, Iran
| | - Masoud Najafi
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Department, School of Paramedical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
- Medical Biology Research Center, Institute of Health Technology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
- Medical Technology Research Center, Institute of Health Technology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
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Xu M, Hou Y, Li N, Yu W, Chen L. Targeting histone deacetylases in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets. J Transl Med 2024; 22:418. [PMID: 38702756 PMCID: PMC11067317 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05169-9] [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: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The onerous health and economic burden associated with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a global predicament. Despite the advent of novel surgical techniques and therapeutic protocols, there is an incessant need for efficacious diagnostic and therapeutic targets to monitor the invasion, metastasis and recurrence of HNSCC due to its substantial morbidity and mortality. The differential expression patterns of histone deacetylases (HDACs), a group of enzymes responsible for modifying histones and regulating gene expression, have been demonstrated in neoplastic tissues. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the role of HDACs in HNSCC. Consequently, this review aims to summarize the existing research findings and explore the potential association between HDACs and HNSCC, offering fresh perspectives on therapeutic approaches targeting HDACs that could potentially enhance the efficacy of HNSCC treatment. Additionally, the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset, CPTAC, HPA, OmicShare, GeneMANIA and STRING databases are utilized to provide supplementary evidence on the differential expression of HDACs, their prognostic significance and predicting functions in HNSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengchen Xu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration, Department of Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Yiming Hou
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration, Department of Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250022, Shandong, China
- Center of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Second Provincial General Hospital, Jinan, 250022, Shandong, China
| | - Wenqian Yu
- Research Center of Translational Medicine, Department of Cardiac Surgery, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250013, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Chen
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration, Department of Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
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An L, Li M, Jia Q. Mechanisms of radiotherapy resistance and radiosensitization strategies for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:140. [PMID: 37598158 PMCID: PMC10439611 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01839-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the sixth most common cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with more than half of them occurred in China. Radiotherapy (RT) has been widely used for treating ESCC. However, radiation-induced DNA damage response (DDR) can promote the release of cytokines and chemokines, and triggers inflammatory reactions and changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME), thereby inhibiting the immune function and causing the invasion and metastasis of ESCC. Radioresistance is the major cause of disease progression and mortality in cancer, and it is associated with heterogeneity. Therefore, a better understanding of the radioresistance mechanisms may generate more reversal strategies to improve the cure rates and survival periods of ESCC patients. We mainly summarized the possible mechanisms of radioresistance in order to reveal new targets for ESCC therapy. Then we summarized and compared the current strategies to reverse radioresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingbo An
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital and School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
- College of Medical Technology, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Mingyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital and School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Qingge Jia
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.
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Non-coding RNAs in radiotherapy resistance: Roles and therapeutic implications in gastrointestinal cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114485. [PMID: 36917887 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy has become an indispensable and conventional means for patients with advanced solid tumors including gastrointestinal cancer. However, innate or acquired radiotherapy resistance remains a significant challenge and greatly limits the therapeutic effect, which results in cancer relapse and poor prognosis. Therefore, it is an urgent need to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for clarify the biological characteristics and mechanism of radiotherapy resistance. Recently, lots of studies have revealed that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are the potential indicators and regulators of radiotherapy resistance via the mediation of various targets/pathways in different cancers. These findings may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy to overcome radiotherapy resistance. In this review, we will shed light on the recent findings regarding the functions and regulatory mechanisms of ncRNAs following radiotherapy, and comprehensively discuss their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in radiotherapy resistance of gastrointestinal cancer.
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Noncoding RNAs in esophageal cancer: A glimpse into implications for therapy resistance. Pharmacol Res 2023; 188:106678. [PMID: 36709789 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the most common malignancies of the digestive system and has a high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Chemotherapy in combination with radiotherapy is one of the most important treatment modalities for EC. Chemoradiotherapy is currently acknowledged worldwide as being the standard treatment for locally advanced or unresectable disease. Unfortunately, due to the existence of therapy resistance, a number of EC patients fail to benefit from drug or irradiation treatment, which ultimately leads to poor outcomes. Considerable efforts have been made to explore the mechanisms underlying the therapy resistance of EC. Notably, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are current research areas for the modulation of therapy responses and may serve as new targets to overcome treatment resistance in EC. Herein, we summarized the mechanisms by which ncRNAs are involved in drug and radiation resistance in EC and highlighted their role in promoting or repressing treatment resistance. Additionally, we discussed the clinical relevance of ncRNAs, which may serve as potential therapeutic targets and predictive biomarkers for EC.
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Zhang L, Zhou C, Zhou Y, Zhang W, Hu X, Chen M, Hui H, Guo L, Wu C, Zhou J, Yin H. P-Y/G@NHs sensitizes non-small cell lung cancer cells to radiotherapy via blockage of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Bioorg Chem 2023; 131:106317. [PMID: 36525920 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.106317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Radioresistance represents a common phenomenon found in cancer treatment. Herein, the current study sought to evaluate the effects of a nanodrug delivery system of YSAYPDSVPMMS (YSA) peptide-modified gold nanoparticles-dextran-based hydrogel loaded with paclitaxel-succinic anhydride (P-Y/G@NHs) on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell radiosensitivity. Firstly, utilizing the coupling reaction and layer-by-layer assembly technique, P-Y/G@NHs was prepared. The therapeutic effects of the P-Y/G@NHs in NSCLC cells in relation to the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway were examined by assessing the colony formation, apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation of A549 cells under 10 Gy X-rays irradiation. Moreover, A549 tumor-bearing mice were generated to further validate the therapeutic effect in vivo. We confirmed the successful conjugation of the nanocomposite. Under 10 Gy X-rays irradiation, P-Y/G@NHs reduced the number of colonies of A549 cells, while inducing both cell apoptosis and ROS production. Moreover, P-Y/G@NHs enhanced the radiosensitivity of A549 cells by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. In vivo fluorescence experiments validated that P-Y/G@NHs effectively-targeted and accumulated at the tumor site in nude mice, thus augmenting the radiosensitivity of tumors without significant immune toxicity or side effects. Conclusively, our findings highlighted that P-Y/G@NHs significantly enhanced the radiosensitivity of NSCLC cells by repressing the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhang
- Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, PR China; Radiotherapy Department, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, PR China
| | - Chong Zhou
- Radiotherapy Department, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou 221000, PR China
| | - Yun Zhou
- Radiotherapy Department, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou 221000, PR China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Radiotherapy Department, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou 221000, PR China
| | - Xiang Hu
- Radiotherapy Department, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou 221000, PR China
| | - Meng Chen
- Radiotherapy Department, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou 221000, PR China
| | - Hui Hui
- Radiotherapy Department, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou 221000, PR China
| | - Ling Guo
- Radiotherapy Department, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou 221000, PR China
| | - Chengjun Wu
- Radiotherapy Department, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou 221000, PR China
| | - Juying Zhou
- Radiotherapy Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, PR China.
| | - Haitao Yin
- Radiotherapy Department, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou 221000, PR China.
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Song L, Liu S, Zhao S. Everolimus (RAD001) combined with programmed death-1 (PD-1) blockade enhances radiosensitivity of cervical cancer and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression by blocking the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) pathway. Bioengineered 2022; 13:11240-11257. [PMID: 35485300 PMCID: PMC9208494 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2064205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC) is the 4th most prevalent malignancy in females. This study explored the mechanism of everolimus (RAD001) combined with programmed death-1 (PD-1) blockade on radiosensitivity by phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and autophagy in CC cells. Low-radiosensitive CaSki cells were selected as study objects. After RAD001 treatment, PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activation, autophagy, migration and invasion abilities, autophagy-related proteins (LC3-I, LC3-II, and p62), and PD-L1 expression in CC cells were detected. After triple treatment of radiotherapy (RT), RAD001, and PD-1 blockade to the CC mouse models, tumor weight and volume were recorded. Ki67 expression, the number of CD8 + T cells, and the ability to produce IFN-γ and TNF-α in tumor tissues were determined. RAD001 promoted autophagy by repressing PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, augmented RT-induced apoptosis, and weakened migration and invasion, thereby increasing CC cell radiosensitivity. RAD001 elevated RT-induced PD-L1 level. RT combined with RAD001 and PD-1 blockade intensified the inhibitory effect of RT on tumor growth, reduced the amount of Ki67-positive cells, enhanced radiosensitivity of CC mice, and increased the quantity and killing ability of CD8 + T cells. Briefly, RAD001 combined with PD-1 blockade increases radiosensitivity of CC by impeding the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and potentiating cell autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Shikai Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei, China
| | - Sufen Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
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Otsuka R, Hayano K, Matsubara H. Role of sirtuins in esophageal cancer: Current status and future prospects. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2022; 14:794-807. [PMID: 35582109 PMCID: PMC9048530 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v14.i4.794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) is a malignant cancer that still has a poor prognosis, although its prognosis has been improving with the development of multidisciplinary treatment modalities such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Therefore, identifying specific molecular markers that can be served as biomarkers for the prognosis and treatment response of EC is highly desirable to aid in the personalization and improvement of the precision of medical treatment. Sirtuins are a family of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent proteins consisting of seven members (SIRT1-7). These proteins have been reported to be involved in the regulation of a variety of biological functions including apoptosis, metabolism, stress response, senescence, differentiation and cell cycle progression. Given the variety of functions of sirtuins, they are speculated to be associated in some manner with cancer progression. However, while the role of sirtuins in cancer progression has been investigated over the past few years, their precise role remains difficult to characterize, as they have both cancer-promoting and cancer-suppressing properties, depending on the type of cancer. These conflicting characteristics make research into the nature of sirtuins all the more fascinating. However, the role of sirtuins in EC remains unclear due to the limited number of reports concerning sirtuins in EC. We herein review the current findings and future prospects of sirtuins in EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Otsuka
- Department of Frontier Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Koichi Hayano
- Department of Frontier Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Hisahiro Matsubara
- Department of Frontier Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
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Huang X, Wu B, Zhang F, Chen F, Zhang Y, Guo H, Zhang H. Epigenetic Biomarkers Screening of Non-Coding RNA and DNA Methylation Based on Peripheral Blood Monocytes in Smokers. Front Genet 2022; 13:766553. [PMID: 35233217 PMCID: PMC8882369 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.766553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to use bioinformatics methods to determine the epigenetic changes in microRNA expression and DNA methylation caused by cigarette smoking. The data of mRNA, miRNA expression, and methylation microarray were obtained from the GEO database to filter differentially expressed genes (DEGs), differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs), and methylated CpG probes (DMPs) through the limma package. The R clusterProfile package was used for functional annotation and enrichment analysis. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by the String database and visualized in Cytoscape software. Starbase database was employed to predict lncRNA and CirRNA based on the sequence of miRNA, and to establish a regulatory network of ceRNA. By overlapping DEG and DEM, 107 down-miRNA-targeted up-regulated genes and 65 up-miRNA-target down-regulated genes were obtained, which were mainly enriched in autophagy signaling pathways and protein ubiquitination pathways, respectively. In addition, 324 genes with low methylation and high expression and 204 genes with high methylation and low expression were respectively related to the degeneration of the nervous system and the function of the cardiovascular system. Interestingly, 43 genes were up-regulated under the dual regulation of reduced miRNA and hypomethylation, while 14 genes were down-regulated under the dual regulation of increased miRNA and hypermethylation. Ten chemicals have been identified as putative therapeutic agents for pathological conditions caused by smoking. In addition, among these genes, HSPA4, GRB2, PRKCA, and BCL2L1 could play a fundamental role in related diseases caused by smoking and may be used as the biomarkers for precise diagnosis and targets for future therapies of smoking-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Bian Wu
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Fangxue Zhang
- Knee Surgery Department of the Institute of Sports Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Sports Injuries, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Fancheng Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Huizhi Guo
- The First Institute of Clinical Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongtao Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Hongtao Zhang,
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