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Yu R, Hang Y, Tsai HI, Wang D, Zhu H. Iron metabolism: backfire of cancer cell stemness and therapeutic modalities. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:157. [PMID: 38704599 PMCID: PMC11070091 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03329-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), with their ability of self-renewal, unlimited proliferation, and multi-directional differentiation, contribute to tumorigenesis, metastasis, recurrence, and resistance to conventional therapy and immunotherapy. Eliminating CSCs has long been thought to prevent tumorigenesis. Although known to negatively impact tumor prognosis, research revealed the unexpected role of iron metabolism as a key regulator of CSCs. This review explores recent advances in iron metabolism in CSCs, conventional cancer therapies targeting iron biochemistry, therapeutic resistance in these cells, and potential treatment options that could overcome them. These findings provide important insights into therapeutic modalities against intractable cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Yu
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Yinhui Hang
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Hsiang-I Tsai
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
| | - Dongqing Wang
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
| | - Haitao Zhu
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
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Chen Y, Li M, Wu Y. The occurrence and development of induced pluripotent stem cells. Front Genet 2024; 15:1389558. [PMID: 38699229 PMCID: PMC11063328 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1389558] [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: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The ectopic expression of four transcription factors, Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc (OSKM), known as "Yamanaka factors," can reprogram or stimulate the production of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Although OSKM is still the gold standard, there are multiple ways to reprogram cells into iPSCs. In recent years, significant progress has been made in improving the efficiency of this technology. Ten years after the first report was published, human pluripotent stem cells have gradually been applied in clinical settings, including disease modeling, cell therapy, new drug development, and cell derivation. Here, we provide a review of the discovery of iPSCs and their applications in disease and development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Meng Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yanqing Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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3
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Fatma H, Siddique HR. Cancer cell plasticity, stem cell factors, and therapy resistance: how are they linked? Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:423-440. [PMID: 37796391 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10144-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Cellular plasticity can occur naturally in an organism and is considered an adapting mechanism during the developmental stage. However, abnormal cellular plasticity is observed in different diseased conditions, including cancer. Cancer cell plasticity triggers the stimuli of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), abnormal epigenetic changes, expression of stem cell factors and implicated signaling pathways, etc., and helps in the maintenance of CSC phenotype. Conversely, CSC maintains the cancer cell plasticity, EMT, and epigenetic plasticity. EMT contributes to increased cell migration and greater diversity within tumors, while epigenetic changes, stem cell factors (OCT4, NANOG, and SOX2), and various signaling pathways allow cancer cells to maintain various phenotypes, giving rise to intra- and inter-tumoral heterogeneity. The intricate relationships between cancer cell plasticity and stem cell factors help the tumor cells adopt drug-tolerant states, evade senescence, and successfully acquire drug resistance with treatment dismissal. Inhibiting molecules/signaling pathways involved in promoting CSCs, cellular plasticity, EMT, and epigenetic plasticity might be helpful for successful cancer therapy management. This review discussed the role of cellular plasticity, EMT, and stem cell factors in tumor initiation, progression, reprogramming, and therapy resistance. Finally, we discussed how the intervention in this axis will help better manage cancers and improve patient survivability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Homa Fatma
- Molecular Cancer Genetics & Translational Research Lab, Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP, 202002, India
| | - Hifzur R Siddique
- Molecular Cancer Genetics & Translational Research Lab, Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP, 202002, India.
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Wang J, Ford JC, Mitra AK. Defining the Role of Metastasis-Initiating Cells in Promoting Carcinogenesis in Ovarian Cancer. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1492. [PMID: 38132318 PMCID: PMC10740540 DOI: 10.3390/biology12121492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecological malignancy with a high prevalence of transcoelomic metastasis. Metastasis is a multi-step process and only a small percentage of cancer cells, metastasis-initiating cells (MICs), have the capacity to finally establish metastatic lesions. These MICs maintain a certain level of stemness that allows them to differentiate into other cell types with distinct transcriptomic profiles and swiftly adapt to external stresses. Furthermore, they can coordinate with the microenvironment, through reciprocal interactions, to invade and establish metastases. Therefore, identifying, characterizing, and targeting MICs is a promising strategy to counter the spread of ovarian cancer. In this review, we provided an overview of OC MICs in the context of characterization, identification through cell surface markers, and their interactions with the metastatic niche to promote metastatic colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Wang
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; (J.W.); (J.C.F.)
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - James C. Ford
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; (J.W.); (J.C.F.)
| | - Anirban K. Mitra
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; (J.W.); (J.C.F.)
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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Jung E, Lee YH, Ou S, Kim TY, Shin SY. EGR1 Regulation of Vasculogenic Mimicry in the MDA-MB-231 Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cell Line through the Upregulation of KLF4 Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14375. [PMID: 37762678 PMCID: PMC10532327 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814375] [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: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is an intriguing phenomenon observed in tumor masses, in which cancer cells organize themselves into capillary-like channels that closely resemble the structure and function of blood vessels. Although VM is believed to contribute to alternative tumor vascularization, the detailed regulatory mechanisms controlling these cellular processes remain poorly understood. Our study aimed to investigate the role of Early Growth Response 1 (EGR1) in regulating VM in aggressive cancer cells, specifically MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells. Our study revealed that EGR1 promotes the formation of capillary-like tubes by MDA-MB-231 cells in a 3-dimensional Matrigel matrix. EGR1 was observed to upregulate Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) expression, which regulates the formation of the capillary-like tube structure. Additionally, our findings highlight the involvement of the ERK1/2 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways in mediating the expression of EGR1 and KLF4, underscoring their crucial role in VM in MDA-MB-231 cells. Understanding these regulatory mechanisms will provide valuable insights into potential therapeutic targets for preventing VM during the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Euitaek Jung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sanghuh College of Life Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; (E.J.); (Y.H.L.); (S.O.); (T.Y.K.)
| | - Young Han Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sanghuh College of Life Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; (E.J.); (Y.H.L.); (S.O.); (T.Y.K.)
- Cancer and Metabolism Institute, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Sukjin Ou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sanghuh College of Life Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; (E.J.); (Y.H.L.); (S.O.); (T.Y.K.)
| | - Tae Yoon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sanghuh College of Life Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; (E.J.); (Y.H.L.); (S.O.); (T.Y.K.)
| | - Soon Young Shin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sanghuh College of Life Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; (E.J.); (Y.H.L.); (S.O.); (T.Y.K.)
- Cancer and Metabolism Institute, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
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Abd GM, Laird MC, Ku JC, Li Y. Hypoxia-induced cancer cell reprogramming: a review on how cancer stem cells arise. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1227884. [PMID: 37614497 PMCID: PMC10442830 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1227884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells are a subset of cells within the tumor that possess the ability to self-renew as well as differentiate into different cancer cell lineages. The exact mechanisms by which cancer stem cells arise is still not completely understood. However, current research suggests that cancer stem cells may originate from normal stem cells that have undergone genetic mutations or epigenetic changes. A more recent discovery is the dedifferentiation of cancer cells to stem-like cells. These stem-like cells have been found to express and even upregulate induced pluripotent stem cell markers known as Yamanaka factors. Here we discuss developments in how cancer stem cells arise and consider how environmental factors, such as hypoxia, plays a key role in promoting the progression of cancer stem cells and metastasis. Understanding the mechanisms that give rise to these cells could have important implications for the development of new strategies in cancer treatments and therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve M. Abd
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Biomedical. Engineering, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Madison C. Laird
- Medical Students, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Jennifer C. Ku
- Medical Students, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Biomedical. Engineering, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
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Siddique HR. Editorial: Genes, diseases, immunity and immunogenomics. Front Genet 2023; 14:1218084. [PMID: 37347057 PMCID: PMC10280735 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1218084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
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Fatma H, Siddique HR. AURORA KINASE A and related downstream molecules: A potential network for cancer therapy. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2023; 134:115-145. [PMID: 36858732 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2022.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Aurora-A kinase (AURKA) belongs to the serine/threonine kinase family specific to cell division. In normal cells, activation of the AURKA protein is essential for regulating chromosomal segregation and centrosome maturation. The physiological concentration of AURKA accumulation has utmost importance during cell division. AURKA starts accumulating during the S phase of the cell cycle, gets functionally activated during the G2/M phase, attaches to the microtubule, and gets degraded during mitotic exit. Overexpression of AURKA could lead to deregulated cell cycle division, which is intrinsic to numerous cancers. Moreover, dysregulated AURKA affects various downstream molecules that aid in cancer pathogenesis. AURKA phosphorylates its substrates, including oncoproteins, transcriptional factors, tumor suppressor proteins, or other kinases central to various oncogenic signaling pathways critical to cancer. Considering the central role of AURKA in cell proliferation and tumorigenesis, targeting AURKA can be a novel alternative to cancer management. Several AURKA inhibitors have shown promising responses against different cancers either as a single agent or combined with various therapies. This chapter briefly discusses the role of AURKA and its downstream molecules in cancer vis-à-vis the role of AURKA inhibitor in chemoprevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Homa Fatma
- Molecular Cancer Genetics & Translational Research Laboratory, Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Hifzur R Siddique
- Molecular Cancer Genetics & Translational Research Laboratory, Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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An Update on Phytochemicals in Redox Homeostasis: “Virtuous or Evil” in Cancer Chemoprevention? CHEMISTRY 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/chemistry5010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Redox homeostasis, a dynamic process ensuring a balance between cellular oxidizing and reducing reactions, is crucial for maintaining healthy cellular physiology and regulating many biological processes, requiring continuous monitoring and fine-tuning. Reactive species play a critical role in intra/intercellular signaling, and each cell has a specific system guarding cellular redox homeostasis. ROS signaling and oxidative stress are involved in cancer initiation and progression. However, the generation of reactive species beyond the threshold level inside the tumor microenvironment is considered one of the therapeutic approaches. Various studies have shown that some phytochemicals can target the redox homeostasis of the tumor microenvironment. Recent advances have focused on developing and introducing phytochemical interventions as favorable therapeutic options against cancer. However, studies have also suggested the “virtuous” and “evil” impacts of phytochemicals. Some phytochemicals enhance therapeutic efficacy by promoting intracellular oxidant accumulation. However, under certain conditions, some phytochemicals may harm the cellular microenvironment to promote cancer and tend to target different pathways for cancer initiation and development instead of targeting redox homeostasis. In this context, this review is focused on providing an overall understanding of redox homeostasis and intends to highlight the potential positive and negative impacts of phytochemicals in redox homeostasis and disease development. We also discuss the recent nanotechnology-based advancements in combating cancer development.
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Otsuka-Kamakura N, Sugiura Y, Yamazaki T, Shimizu N, Hiruta N. Case report: Plasmablastic neoplasm with multinucleated giant cells—Analysis of stemness of the neoplastic multinucleated giant cells. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1023785. [DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1023785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells have the capability of self-renewal and multipotency and are, therefore, associated with tumor heterogeneity, resistance to chemoradiation therapy, and metastasis. The hypothesis that multinucleated giant cells, which often emerge following chemo- and/or radiotherapy, serve as cancer stem cells has not been fully evaluated. Although a previous study demonstrated that these cells functioned as stem cells, only low levels of Yamanaka factors were expressed, contrasting with the high expression seen from their gestated first-generation mononuclear cells. Herein, we report a case of a plasmablastic neoplasm with multinucleated giant cells that were analyzed for stemness to test the above hypothesis. The patient was a male in his 80s who had a plasmablastic neoplasm that was not easily distinguishable as plasmablastic lymphoma versus plasma cell myeloma of plasmablastic type. Lymph node biopsy showed predominant mononuclear cell proliferation with admixed multinucleated giant cells. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization showed that both multinucleated and mononuclear cells had the same profile: CD138(+), light chain restriction of κ>λ, cyclin D1(+), CD68(-), EBER-ISH (+). These results suggested that both cell types were neoplastic. In accordance with the previous study, the multinucleated giant cells showed low expression of Yamanaka factors, which were highly expressed in some of the mononuclear cells. Furthermore, the multinucleated giant cells showed a much lower proliferative activity (Mib1/Ki67 index) than the mononuclear cells. Based on these results, the multinucleated giant cells were compatible with cancer stem cells. This case is expected to expand the knowledge base regarding biology of cancer stem cells.
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Zhu H, Xiao H, Lu G, Fang S. Effect of Transdermal Fentanyl Patch Combined with Enhanced Recovery after Surgery on the Curative Effect and Analgesic Effect of Liver Cancer. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:9722458. [PMID: 35924273 PMCID: PMC9343188 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9722458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Its goal was to see how a transdermal fentanyl patch combined with accelerated recovery after surgery (ERAS) affected the treatment efficacy and analgesic effect of liver cancer, as well as to help patients with liver cancer choose the right analgesic treatment and nursing mode. 150 patients with liver cancer were divided into group A (transdermal fentanyl patch), group B (ERAS), and group C (transdermal fentanyl patch combined with ERAS). Patients in the three groups were compared in terms of pain, survival, psychological status, adverse responses, postoperative recovery, and patient satisfaction. The results showed that under different treatment and nursing methods, the number of patients with mild cancer pain in the three groups was increased, especially the number of patients with mild cancer pain in group C (P < 0.05). Besides, the quality of life score of patients in each group was decreased. Patients who received the combination analgesia had a significantly higher quality of life than those who received simply a transdermal fentanyl patch or ERAS (P < 0.05). The scores of both the Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) and Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD) of patients with the combined analgesia were decreased signally (P < 0.05). There were few patients with combined analgesia who had adverse reactions (P < 0.05). After surgery, the time of the first anal exhaust, first defecation, and first ambulation in group C were shorter than those in the other two groups (P < 0.05). To summarize, combining the two techniques aided in the recovery of gastrointestinal function as well as the physical recovery of patients following surgery. Furthermore, combining the two approaches produced a clear analgesic impact, which could improve patients' quality of life while also having a favorable clinical adoption effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengmei Zhu
- Special Needs Diagnosis and Treatment Department, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438 Shanghai, China
| | - Hongmei Xiao
- Operating Room of Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200438 Shanghai, China
| | - Guihua Lu
- Hematology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of PLA Navy Medical University, Shanghai, 200438 Shanghai, China
| | - Shuheng Fang
- Operating Room of Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200438 Shanghai, China
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Oncofetal proteins and cancer stem cells. Essays Biochem 2022; 66:423-433. [PMID: 35670043 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20220025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are considered as a small population of cells with stem-like properties within the tumor bulk, and are largely responsible for tumor recurrence, metastasis, and therapy resistance. CSCs share critical features with embryonic stem cells (ESCs). The pluripotent transcription factors (TFs) and developmental signaling pathways of ESCs are invariably hijacked by CSCs termed ‘oncofetal drivers’ in many cancers, which are rarely detectable in adult tissues. The unique expression pattern makes oncofetal proteins ideal therapeutic targets in cancer treatment. Therefore, elucidation of oncofetal drivers in cancers is critical for the development of effective CSCs-directed therapy. In this review, we summarize the common pluripotent TFs such as OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, KLF4, MYC, SALL4, and FOXM1, as well as the development signaling including Wnt/β-catenin, Hedgehog (Hh), Hippo, Notch, and TGF-β pathways of ESCs and CSCs. We also describe the newly identified oncofetal proteins that drive the self-renewal, plasticity, and therapy-resistance of CSCs. Finally, we explore how the clinical implementation of targeting oncofetal drivers, including small-molecule inhibitors, vaccines, antibodies, and CAR-T (chimeric antigen receptor T cell) can facilitate the development of CSCs-directed therapy.
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Singh D, Khan MA, Siddique HR. Specific targeting of cancer stem cells by immunotherapy: A possible stratagem to restrain cancer recurrence and metastasis. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 198:114955. [PMID: 35181312 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.114955] [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: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), the tumor-initiating cells playing a crucial role in cancer progression, recurrence, and metastasis, have the intrinsic property of self-renewal and therapy resistance. The tumorigenic properties of these cells include generation of cellular heterogeneity and immuno-suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), conferring them the capability to resist a variety of anti-cancer therapeutics. Further, CSCs possess several unique immunological properties that help them escape recognition by the innate and adaptive immune system and shape a TME into a pro-tumorigenic and immunosuppressive landscape. In this context, immunotherapy is considered one of the best therapeutic options for eliminating CSCs to halt cancer recurrence and metastasis. In this review, we discuss the various immunomodulatory properties of CSCs and the interaction of CSCs with the immune system enabling immune evasion. In addition, we also highlight the present research update on immunotherapeutic targeting of CSCs and the possible further scope of research on this topic. We believe that a deeper understanding of CSCs' immunological properties and the crosstalk between CSCs and the immune system can develop better innovative immune-therapeutics and enhance the efficacy of current therapy-resistant cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepti Singh
- Molecular Cancer Genetics & Translational Research Lab, Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India
| | - Mohammad Afsar Khan
- Molecular Cancer Genetics & Translational Research Lab, Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India
| | - Hifzur R Siddique
- Molecular Cancer Genetics & Translational Research Lab, Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India.
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miR-126 in Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Hepatoblastoma Cells Promotes the Tumorigenesis of Hepatoblastoma through Inducing the Differentiation of BMSCs into Cancer Stem Cells. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:6744715. [PMID: 34746322 PMCID: PMC8570887 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6744715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Extracellular vesicles (EVs) can deliver miRNAs between cells and play a crucial role in hepatoblastoma progression. In this study, we explored the differentially expressed miRNAs related to tumor cell-derived EVs and the mechanism by which EVs regulate hepatoblastoma progression. Methods Bioinformatics analysis was performed to explore the differentially expressed miRNAs between the hepatoblastoma and adjacent normal tissues. TEM, NTA, and western blotting were conducted to identify EVs. The expression of miR-126-3p, miR-126-5p, miR-30b-3p, miR-30b-3p, SRY, IL-1α, IL-6, and TGF-β was detected by RT-qPCR. Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to analyze the expression of PKH67, and flow cytometry was applied to assess the ratio of CD44+ CD90+ CD133+ cells. ELISA was used to evaluate the levels of IL-6 and TGF-β. A xenograft mouse model was constructed to detect the function of EVs with downregulated miR-126. IHC was performed to calculate β-catenin levels in tumor tissues. Results miR-126 was upregulated in hepatoblastoma. EVs derived from hepatoblastoma cells significantly increased the ratio of CD44+ CD90+ CD133+ cells and increased the expression of IL-6, Oct4, SRY, and TGF-β in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), while EVs with downregulated miR-126 reversed these phenomena. miR-126 downregulation notably attenuated hepatoblastoma tumor growth and decreased the ratio of CD44+ CD90+ CD133+ cells and increased the expression of IL-6, Oct4, SRY, TGF-β, and β-catenin in tumor tissues of mice. Furthermore, EVs with downregulated miR-126 inhibited the differentiation of BMSCs into cancer stem cells. Conclusions Exosomal miR-126 derived from hepatoblastoma cells promoted the tumorigenesis of liver cancer through inducing the differentiation of BMSCs into cancer stem cells.
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Fatma H, Siddique HR, Maurya SK. The multiple faces of NANOG in cancer: a therapeutic target to chemosensitize therapy-resistant cancers. Epigenomics 2021; 13:1885-1900. [PMID: 34693722 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2021-0228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor NANOG regulates self-renewal and pluripotency in embryonic cells, and its downregulation leads to cell differentiation. Recent studies have linked upregulation of NANOG in various cancers and the regulation of expression of different molecules, and vice versa, to induce proliferation, metastasis, invasion and chemoresistance. Thus NANOG is an oncogene that functions by inducing stem cells' circuitries and heterogeneity in cancers. Understanding NANOG's role in various cancers may lead to it becoming a therapeutic target to halt cancer progression. The NANOG network can also be targeted to resensitize resistant cancer cells to conventional therapies. The current review focuses on NANOG regulation in the various signaling networks leading to cancer progression and chemoresistance, and highlights the therapeutic aspect of targeting NANOG in various cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Homa Fatma
- Molecular Cancer Genetics & Translational Research Lab, Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, 202002, India
| | - Hifzur R Siddique
- Molecular Cancer Genetics & Translational Research Lab, Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, 202002, India
| | - Santosh K Maurya
- Molecular Cancer Genetics & Translational Research Lab, Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, 202002, India
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