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Gao F, Liu S, Wang J, Wei G, Yu C, Zheng L, Sun L, Wang G, Sun Y, Bao Y, Song Z. TSP50 facilitates breast cancer stem cell-like properties maintenance and epithelial-mesenchymal transition via PI3K p110α mediated activation of AKT signaling pathway. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:201. [PMID: 39030572 PMCID: PMC11264956 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03118-4] [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: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have confirmed that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cell (CSC)-like properties are conducive to cancer metastasis. In recent years, testes-specific protease 50 (TSP50) has been identified as a prognostic factor and is involved in tumorigenesis regulation. However, the role and molecular mechanisms of TSP50 in EMT and CSC-like properties maintenance remain unclear. METHODS The expression and prognostic value of TSP50 in breast cancer were excavated from public databases and explored using bioinformatics analysis. Then the expression of TSP50 and related genes was further validated by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blot, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). In order to investigate the function of TSP50 in breast cancer, loss- and gain-of-function experiments were conducted, both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, immunofluorescence (IF) and immunoprecipitation (IP) assays were performed to explore the potential molecular mechanisms of TSP50. Finally, the correlation between the expression of TSP50 and related genes in breast cancer tissue microarray and clinicopathological characteristics was analyzed by IHC. RESULTS TSP50 was negatively correlated with the prognosis of patients with breast cancer. TSP50 promoted CSC-like traits and EMT in both breast cancer cells and mouse xenograft tumor tissues. Additionally, inhibition of PI3K/AKT partly reversed TSP50-induced activation of CSC-like properties, EMT and tumorigenesis. Mechanistically, TSP50 and PI3K p85α regulatory subunit could competitively interact with the PI3K p110α catalytic subunit to promote p110α enzymatic activity, thereby activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway for CSC-like phenotypes maintenance and EMT promotion. Moreover, IHC analysis of human breast cancer specimens revealed that TSP50 expression was positively correlated with p-AKT and ALDH1 protein levels. Notably, breast cancer clinicopathological characteristics, such as patient survival time, tumor size, Ki67, pathologic stage, N stage, estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) levels, correlated well with TSP50/p-AKT/ALDH1 expression status. CONCLUSION The effects of TSP50 on EMT and CSC-like properties promotion were verified to be dependent on PI3K p110α. Together, our study revealed a novel mechanism by which TSP50 facilitates the progression of breast cancer, which can provide new insights into TSP50-based breast cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Gao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, NO.5268 Renmin Street, Changchun, 130117, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Cell and Gene Therapy Medicine Products, Northeast Normal University, NO.5268 Renmin Street, Changchun, 130117, China
- China International Joint Research Center for Human Stem Cell Bank, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin, 130024, China
| | - Sichen Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery/Neuro-Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, China
| | - Jing Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, NO.5268 Renmin Street, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Gang Wei
- Department of Breast Surgery, Jilin Province Cancer Hospital, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Chunlei Yu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, NO.5268 Renmin Street, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Lihua Zheng
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Cell and Gene Therapy Medicine Products, Northeast Normal University, NO.5268 Renmin Street, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Luguo Sun
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, NO.5268 Renmin Street, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Guannan Wang
- China International Joint Research Center for Human Stem Cell Bank, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin, 130024, China
| | - Ying Sun
- China International Joint Research Center for Human Stem Cell Bank, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin, 130024, China
| | - Yongli Bao
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Cell and Gene Therapy Medicine Products, Northeast Normal University, NO.5268 Renmin Street, Changchun, 130117, China.
| | - Zhenbo Song
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, NO.5268 Renmin Street, Changchun, 130117, China.
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Chu X, Tian W, Ning J, Xiao G, Zhou Y, Wang Z, Zhai Z, Tanzhu G, Yang J, Zhou R. Cancer stem cells: advances in knowledge and implications for cancer therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:170. [PMID: 38965243 PMCID: PMC11224386 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01851-y] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small subset of cells in tumors that are characterized by self-renewal and continuous proliferation, lead to tumorigenesis, metastasis, and maintain tumor heterogeneity. Cancer continues to be a significant global disease burden. In the past, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were the main cancer treatments. The technology of cancer treatments continues to develop and advance, and the emergence of targeted therapy, and immunotherapy provides more options for patients to a certain extent. However, the limitations of efficacy and treatment resistance are still inevitable. Our review begins with a brief introduction of the historical discoveries, original hypotheses, and pathways that regulate CSCs, such as WNT/β-Catenin, hedgehog, Notch, NF-κB, JAK/STAT, TGF-β, PI3K/AKT, PPAR pathway, and their crosstalk. We focus on the role of CSCs in various therapeutic outcomes and resistance, including how the treatments affect the content of CSCs and the alteration of related molecules, CSCs-mediated therapeutic resistance, and the clinical value of targeting CSCs in patients with refractory, progressed or advanced tumors. In summary, CSCs affect therapeutic efficacy, and the treatment method of targeting CSCs is still difficult to determine. Clarifying regulatory mechanisms and targeting biomarkers of CSCs is currently the mainstream idea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianjing Chu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Wentao Tian
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Jiaoyang Ning
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Gang Xiao
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Yunqi Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Ziqi Wang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Zhuofan Zhai
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Guilong Tanzhu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Rongrong Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Xiangya Lung Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China.
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Zhou Z, Nan Y, Li X, Ma P, Du Y, Chen G, Ning N, Huang S, Gu Q, Li W, Yuan L. Hawthorn with "homology of medicine and food": a review of anticancer effects and mechanisms. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1384189. [PMID: 38915462 PMCID: PMC11194443 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1384189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past few years, there has been a gradual increase in the incidence of cancer, affecting individuals at younger ages. With its refractory nature and substantial fatality rate, cancer presents a notable peril to human existence and wellbeing. Hawthorn, a medicinal food homology plant belonging to the Crataegus genus in the Rosaceae family, holds great value in various applications. Due to its long history of medicinal use, notable effects, and high safety profile, hawthorn has garnered considerable attention and plays a crucial role in cancer treatment. Through the integration of modern network pharmacology technology and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a range of anticancer active ingredients in hawthorn have been predicted, identified, and analyzed. Studies have shown that ingredients such as vitexin, isoorientin, ursolic acid, and maslinic acid, along with hawthorn extracts, can effectively modulate cancer-related signaling pathways and manifest anticancer properties via diverse mechanisms. This review employs network pharmacology to excavate the potential anticancer properties of hawthorn. By systematically integrating literature across databases such as PubMed and CNKI, the review explores the bioactive ingredients with anticancer effects, underlying mechanisms and pathways, the synergistic effects of drug combinations, advancements in novel drug delivery systems, and ongoing clinical trials concerning hawthorn's anticancer properties. Furthermore, the review highlights the preventive health benefits of hawthorn in cancer prevention, offering valuable insights for clinical cancer treatment and the development of TCM with anticancer properties that can be used for both medicinal and edible purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziying Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yi Nan
- Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Xiangyang Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Ping Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yuhua Du
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Guoqing Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Na Ning
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Shicong Huang
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Qian Gu
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Weiqiang Li
- Department of Chinese Medical Gastrointestinal, The Affiliated TCM Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Wuzhong, China
| | - Ling Yuan
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
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Yin Y, Wang Y, Wang C, Zhang Y, Qi A, Song J, Xu L, Yang W, Jiao L. Predicting the mechanism of action of YQYYJD prescription in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer using transcriptomics analysis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 326:117984. [PMID: 38428661 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The efficacy of the herbal formula Yiqi Yangyin Jiedu (YQYYJD) in the treatment of advanced lung cancer has been reported in clinical trials. However, the key anti-lung cancer herbs and molecular mechanisms underlying its inhibition of lung cancer are not well-understood. AIM OF THE STUDY To identify the key anti-lung cancer herbs in the YQYYJD formula and investigate their therapeutic effect and potential mechanism of action in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using transcriptomics and bioinformatics techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS A mouse Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) subcutaneous inhibitory tumor model was established with 6 mice in each group. Mice were treated with the YQYYJD split formula: Yiqi Formula (YQ), Yangyin Formula (YY), and Ruanjian Jiedu Formula (RJJD) for 14 days. The tumor volume and mouse weight were recorded, and the status of tumor occurrence was further observed by taking photos. The tumor was stained with hematoxylin-eosin to observe its histopathological changes. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of the proliferation marker Ki67 and the apoptotic marker Caspase-3 in tumor tissues. Flow cytometry was used to detect the number of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and cytokines interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in the spleen and tumor tissues. The differential genes of key drugs against tumors were obtained by transcriptome sequencing of tumors. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed on differential genes to obtain pathways and biological processes where targets were aggregated. TIMER2.0 and TISIDB databases were used to evaluate the impact of drugs on immune cell infiltration and immune-related genes. The binding activity of the key targets and compounds was verified by molecular docking. RESULTS YQ, YY, and RJJD inhibited the growth of subcutaneous transplanted tumors in LLC mice to varying degrees and achieved antitumor effects by inhibiting the expression of tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis-related proteins. Among the three disassembled prescriptions, YQ better inhibited the growth of subcutaneous transplanted tumors in LLC mice, significantly promoted tumor necrosis, significantly increased the expression of Caspase-3 protein in tumor tissue, and significantly decreased the expression of Ki-67 (P < 0.05), thereby increasing the infiltration of CD8+ T cells. YQ significantly increased the expression of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in tumor and splenic tissues of tumor-bearing mice and up-regulated the expression of IL-2 and IFN-γ. Transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics results showed that after YQ intervention, differentially expressed genes were enriched in more than one tumor-related pathway and multiple immune regulation-related biological functions. There were 12 key immune-related target genes. CONCLUSION YQ was the key disassembled prescription of YQYYJD, exerting significant antitumor effects and immune regulation effects on NSCLC. It may have relieved T cell exhaustion and regulated the immune microenvironment to exert antitumor effects by changing lung cancer-related targets, pathways, and biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinan Yin
- Department of Oncology, Yue Yang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yichao Wang
- Department of Oncology, Yue Yang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chengyan Wang
- Department of Oncology, Jing'an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yilu Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Yue Yang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ao Qi
- Department of Oncology, Yue Yang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiajun Song
- Department of Oncology, Yue Yang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Xu
- Department of Oncology, Yue Yang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China; Institute of Translational Cancer Research for Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenxiao Yang
- Department of Oncology, Yue Yang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Lijing Jiao
- Department of Oncology, Yue Yang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China; Institute of Translational Cancer Research for Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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Naponelli V, Rocchetti MT, Mangieri D. Apigenin: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential against Cancer Spreading. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5569. [PMID: 38791608 PMCID: PMC11122459 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105569] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to its propensity to metastasize, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Thanks in part to their intrinsic low cytotoxicity, the effects of the flavonoid family in the prevention and treatment of various human cancers, both in vitro and in vivo, have received increasing attention in recent years. It is well documented that Apigenin (4',5,7-trihydroxyflavone), among other flavonoids, is able to modulate key signaling molecules involved in the initiation of cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, including JAK/STAT, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, MAPK/ERK, NF-κB, and Wnt/β-catenin pathways, as well as the oncogenic non-coding RNA network. Based on these premises, the aim of this review is to emphasize some of the key events through which Apigenin suppresses cancer proliferation, focusing specifically on its ability to target key molecular pathways involved in angiogenesis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), maintenance of cancer stem cells (CSCs), cell cycle arrest, and cancer cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Naponelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Plesso Biotecnologico Integrato, Via Volturno 39, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Rocchetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Pinto 1, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Domenica Mangieri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Pinto 1, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
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Yao M, Oduro PK, Akintibu AM, Yan H. Modulation of the vitamin D receptor by traditional Chinese medicines and bioactive compounds: potential therapeutic applications in VDR-dependent diseases. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1298181. [PMID: 38318147 PMCID: PMC10839104 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1298181] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The Vitamin D receptor (VDR) is a crucial nuclear receptor that plays a vital role in various physiological functions. To a larger extent, the genomic effects of VDR maintain general wellbeing, and its modulation holds implications for multiple diseases. Current evidence regarding using vitamin D or its synthetic analogs to treat non-communicable diseases is insufficient, though observational studies suggest potential benefits. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and bioactive compounds derived from natural sources have garnered increasing attention. Interestingly, TCM formulae and TCM-derived bioactive compounds have shown promise in modulating VDR activities. This review explores the intriguing potential of TCM and bioactive compounds in modulating VDR activity. We first emphasize the latest information on the genetic expression, function, and structure of VDR, providing a comprehensive understanding of this crucial receptor. Following this, we review several TCM formulae and herbs known to influence VDR alongside the mechanisms underpinning their action. Similarly, we also discuss TCM-based bioactive compounds that target VDR, offering insights into their roles and modes of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghe Yao
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Patrick Kwabena Oduro
- Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The State University of New York, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Ayomide M. Akintibu
- School of Community Health and Policy, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Haifeng Yan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
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