1
|
Sun S, Su M, Xiao H, Yin X, Liu Y, Yang W, Chen Y. Self-powered biosensing platform for Highly sensitive detection of soluble CD44 protein. Talanta 2024; 272:125824. [PMID: 38422906 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.125824] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
In this study, a self-powered biosensor based on an enzymatic biofuel cell was proposed for the first time for the ultrasensitive detection of soluble CD44 protein. The as-prepared biosensor was composed of the co-exist aptamer and glucose oxidase bioanode and bilirubin oxidase modified biocathode. Initially, the electron transfer from bioanode to biocathode was hindered due to the presence of the aptamer with high insulation, generating a low open-circuit voltage (EOCV). Once the target CD44 protein was present, it was recognized and captured by the aptamer at the bioanode, thus the interaction between the target CD44 protein and the immobilized aptamer caused the structural change at the surface of the electrode, which facilitated the transfer of electrons. The EOCV showed a good linear relationship with the logarithm of the CD44 protein concentrations in the range of 0.5-1000 ng mL-1 and the detection limit was 0.052 ng mL-1 (S/N = 3). The sensing platform showed excellent anti-interference performance and outstanding stability that maintained over 97% of original EOCV after 15 days. In addition, the relative standard deviation (1.40-1.96%) and recovery (100.23-101.31%) obtained from detecting CD44 protein in real-life blood samples without special pre-treatment indicated that the constructed biosensor had great potential for early cancer diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Sun
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, No. 30 Puzhu Road (S), Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Meng Su
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, No. 30 Puzhu Road (S), Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Han Xiao
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, No. 30 Puzhu Road (S), Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Xiaoshuang Yin
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, No. 30 Puzhu Road (S), Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Ying Liu
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, No. 30 Puzhu Road (S), Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Wenzhong Yang
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, No. 30 Puzhu Road (S), Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Yun Chen
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, No. 30 Puzhu Road (S), Nanjing 211816, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang H, Yang S, Chen L, Li Y, He P, Wang G, Dong H, Ma P, Ding G. Tumor diagnosis using carbon-based quantum dots: Detection based on the hallmarks of cancer. Bioact Mater 2024; 33:174-222. [PMID: 38034499 PMCID: PMC10684566 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Carbon-based quantum dots (CQDs) have been shown to have promising application value in tumor diagnosis. Their use, however, is severely hindered by the complicated nature of the nanostructures in the CQDs. Furthermore, it seems impossible to formulate the mechanisms involved using the inadequate theoretical frameworks that are currently available for CQDs. In this review, we re-consider the structure-property relationships of CQDs and summarize the current state of development of CQDs-based tumor diagnosis based on biological theories that are fully developed. The advantages and deficiencies of recent research on CQDs-based tumor diagnosis are thus explained in terms of the manifestation of nine essential changes in cell physiology. This review makes significant progress in addressing related problems encountered with other nanomaterials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hang Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Materials for Integrated Circuit, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, PR China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Superconducting Electronics (CENSE), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, PR China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Siwei Yang
- National Key Laboratory of Materials for Integrated Circuit, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, PR China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Liangfeng Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Materials for Integrated Circuit, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, PR China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Yongqiang Li
- National Key Laboratory of Materials for Integrated Circuit, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, PR China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Peng He
- National Key Laboratory of Materials for Integrated Circuit, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, PR China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Microelectronic Science and Engineering, School of Physical Science and Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, PR China
| | - Hui Dong
- National Key Laboratory of Materials for Integrated Circuit, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, PR China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Superconducting Electronics (CENSE), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, PR China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Peixiang Ma
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopedic Implants, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, PR China
| | - Guqiao Ding
- National Key Laboratory of Materials for Integrated Circuit, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, PR China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing, 100049, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gao T, Li W, Ma J, Chen Y, Wang Z, Sun N, Pei R. Selection of DNA aptamer recognizing CD44 for high-efficiency capture of circulating tumor cells. Talanta 2023; 262:124728. [PMID: 37247446 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.124728] [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: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells play critical roles in cancer progression, cancer invasion and metastasis, and cancer recurrence. CD44 is known as a specific surface marker of cancer stem cells, which has been well-studied in cancer invasion and metastasis. Herein, we successfully selected the DNA aptamers for recognizing CD44+ cells using Cell-SELEX strategy, in which the engineered CD44 overexpression cells were used as target cells for selection. The optimized aptamer candidate C24S showed high binding affinity with the Kd value of 14.54 nM and good specificity. Then, the aptamer C24S was employed to prepare the functional aptamer-magnetic nanoparticles (C24S-MNPs) for CTC capture. To investigate the capture efficiency and sensitivity of C24S-MNPs, series of cell capture tests were performed using artificial samples with 10-200 of HeLa cells spiked into 1 mL PBS or PBMCs isolated from 1 mL peripheral blood, obtaining an efficiency of 95% and 90%, respectively. More importantly, we finally explored the facility of C24S-MNPs for CTC detection in blood samples from clinical cancer patients, indicating a potential and feasible strategy for cancer diagnostic technology in clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tian Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Wenjing Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, China; School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Jialing Ma
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, China; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, China
| | - Zhili Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Na Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, China; School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Renjun Pei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, China; School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Electrochemical biosensors based on conducting polymer composite and PAMAM dendrimer for the ultrasensitive detection of acetamiprid in vegetables. Microchem J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2022.108284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
5
|
Different Expression Patterns of Metabolic Reprogramming Proteins in Testicular Germ Cell Cancer. ENDOCRINES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/endocrines3040049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is an emerging hallmark of cancer, involving the overexpression of metabolism-related proteins, such as glucose and monocarboxylate transporters and intracellular glycolytic enzymes. The biology of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) is very complex, and although their metabolic profile has been scantily explored, some authors have recently reported that the metabolic rewiring of cancer cells resulted in an association with aggressive clinicopathological characteristics. In this study we have investigated, by immunohistochemical analysis, the expression of key proteins sustaining the hyperglycolytic phenotype in pure seminoma (SE, nr. 35), pure embryonal carcinoma (EC, nr. 17) tissues samples, and normal testes (nr. 5). GLUT1, CD44, PFK-1, MCT1, MCT4, LDH-A, and PDH resulted in more expression in EC cells compared to SE cells. TOM20 was more expressed in SE than in EC. GLUT1, MCT1, and MCT4 expression showed a statistically significant association with SE histology, while for EC, the association resulted in being significant only for GLUT1 and MCT4. Finally, we observed that EC resulted as negative for p53, suggesting that the GLUT1 and MTC overexpression observed in EC could be also attributed to p53 downregulation. In conclusion, our findings evidenced that EC exhibits a higher expression of markers of active aerobic glycolysis compared to SE, suggesting that the aggressive phenotype is associated with a higher glycolytic rate. These data corroborate the emerging evidence on the involvement of metabolic reprogramming in testicular malignancies as well, highlighting that the metabolic players should be explored in the future as promising therapeutic targets.
Collapse
|
6
|
Kazemi Y, Dehghani S, Soltani F, Abnous K, Alibolandi M, Taghdisi SM, Ramezani M. PNA-ATP aptamer-capped doxorubicin-loaded silica nanoparticles for targeted cancer therapy. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2022; 45:102588. [PMID: 35905843 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2022.102588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nanomaterial-based drug delivery has opened new horizons in cancer therapy. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro and in vivo anti-cancer effects of a hyaluronic acid (HA)-targeted nanocarrier based on hollow silica nanoparticles (HSNPs), gated with peptide nucleic acid (PNA) and ATP aptamer (ATPApt) and loaded with doxorubicin (DOX). After formulation of a smart drug delivery nanosystem (HSNPs/DOX/ATPApt/PNA/HA), drug release, cytotoxicity, uptake, and in vivo anti-tumor properties were studied. Drug release test showed the controlled release of encapsulated DOX in response to ATP content. MTT and flow cytometry indicated that HA could improve both cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of the formulation. Moreover, HA-targeted formulation enhanced both the survival rate and tumor inhibition in the tumor-bearing mice compared with free DOX (P < 0.05). Our findings confirmed that HA-targeted nanoformulation, gated with PNA/aptamer and loaded with DOX can provide a novel therapeutic platform with great potential for cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youkabed Kazemi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sadegh Dehghani
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Soltani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Khalil Abnous
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mona Alibolandi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Taghdisi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Targeted Drug Delivery Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Ramezani
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Imaging of Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma with Immune Checkpoint Targeting Aptamer-Based Probe. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15060697. [PMID: 35745616 PMCID: PMC9229018 DOI: 10.3390/ph15060697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint targeting immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of certain cancers in the recent years. Determination of the status of immune checkpoint expression in particular cancers may assist decision making. Here, we describe the development of a single-stranded aptamer-based molecular probe specifically recognizing human PD-L1. Target engaging aptamers are selected by iterative enrichment from a random ssDNA pool and the binding is characterized biochemically. Specificity and dose dependence is demonstrated in vitro in the cell culture using human kidney tumor cells (786-0), human melanoma cells (WM115 and WM266.4) and human glioblastoma LN18 cancer cells. The utility of the probe in vivo is demonstrated using two mouse tumor models, where we show that the probe exhibits excellent potential in imaging. We postulate that further development of the probe may allow universal imaging of different types of tumors depending on their PD-L1 status, which may find utility in cancer diagnosis.
Collapse
|
8
|
Role of CD44 isoforms in epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity and metastasis. Clin Exp Metastasis 2022; 39:391-406. [PMID: 35023031 PMCID: PMC10042269 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-022-10146-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Cellular plasticity lies at the core of cancer progression, metastasis, and resistance to treatment. Stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in cancer are concepts that represent a cancer cell's ability to coopt and adapt normal developmental programs to promote survival and expansion. The cancer stem cell model states that a small subset of cancer cells with stem cell-like properties are responsible for driving tumorigenesis and metastasis while remaining especially resistant to common chemotherapeutic drugs. Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity describes a cancer cell's ability to transition between epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes which drives invasion and metastasis. Recent research supports the existence of stable epithelial/mesenchymal hybrid phenotypes which represent highly plastic states with cancer stem cell characteristics. The cell adhesion molecule CD44 is a widely accepted marker for cancer stem cells, and it lies at a functional intersection between signaling networks regulating both stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity. CD44 expression is complex, with alternative splicing producing many isoforms. Interestingly, not only does the pattern of isoform expression change during transitions between epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes in cancer, but these isoforms have distinct effects on cell behavior including the promotion of metastasis and stemness. The role of CD44 both downstream and upstream of signaling pathways regulating epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity and stemness make this protein a valuable target for further research and therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
|
9
|
Kazemi Y, Dehghani S, Nosrati R, Taghdisi SM, Abnous K, Alibolandi M, Ramezani M. Recent progress in the early detection of cancer based on CD44 biomarker; nano-biosensing approaches. Life Sci 2022; 300:120593. [PMID: 35500679 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120593] [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: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
CD44 is a cell matrix adhesion molecule overexpressed on the cell surfaces of the major cancers. CD44 as a cancer-related biomarker has an essential role in the invasion and metastasis of cancer. The detection and quantification of CD44 can provide essential information useful for clinical cancer diagnosis. In this regard, biosensors with sensitive and specific properties, give prominence to the development of CD44 detection platforms. To date, various aptamer-based sensitive-enhancers together with nanoparticles (NPs) have been combined into the biosensors systems to provide an innovative biosensing method (aptasensors/nano-aptasensors) with substantially improved detection limit. This review article discusses the recent advances in the field of biosensors, nanobiosensors, and aptasensors for the quantitative determination of CD44 and the detection of CD44-expressing cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youkabed Kazemi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sadegh Dehghani
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Rahim Nosrati
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Taghdisi
- Targeted Drug Delivery Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Khalil Abnous
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mona Alibolandi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Ramezani
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hassn Mesrati M, Syafruddin SE, Mohtar MA, Syahir A. CD44: A Multifunctional Mediator of Cancer Progression. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1850. [PMID: 34944493 PMCID: PMC8699317 DOI: 10.3390/biom11121850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
CD44, a non-kinase cell surface transmembrane glycoprotein, has been widely implicated as a cancer stem cell (CSC) marker in several cancers. Cells overexpressing CD44 possess several CSC traits, such as self-renewal and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) capability, as well as a resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy. The CD44 gene regularly undergoes alternative splicing, resulting in the standard (CD44s) and variant (CD44v) isoforms. The interaction of such isoforms with ligands, particularly hyaluronic acid (HA), osteopontin (OPN) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), drive numerous cancer-associated signalling. However, there are contradictory results regarding whether high or low CD44 expression is associated with worsening clinicopathological features, such as a higher tumour histological grade, advanced tumour stage and poorer survival rates. Nonetheless, high CD44 expression significantly contributes to enhanced tumourigenic mechanisms, such as cell proliferation, metastasis, invasion, migration and stemness; hence, CD44 is an important clinical target. This review summarises current research regarding the different CD44 isoform structures and their roles and functions in supporting tumourigenesis and discusses CD44 expression regulation, CD44-signalling pathways and interactions involved in cancer development. The clinical significance and prognostic value of CD44 and the potential of CD44 as a therapeutic target in cancer are also addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malak Hassn Mesrati
- Nanobiotechnology Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400 UPM, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - Saiful Effendi Syafruddin
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (S.E.S.); (M.A.M.)
| | - M. Aiman Mohtar
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (S.E.S.); (M.A.M.)
| | - Amir Syahir
- Nanobiotechnology Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400 UPM, Selangor, Malaysia;
- UPM-MAKNA Cancer Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400 UPM, Selangor, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Manzo G. Specific and Aspecific Molecular Checkpoints as Potential Targets for Dismantling Tumor Hierarchy and Preventing Relapse and Metastasis Through Shielded Cytolytic Treatments. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:665321. [PMID: 34295890 PMCID: PMC8291084 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.665321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
I have recently theorized that several similarities exist between the tumor process and embryo development. Starting from an initial cancer stem cell (CSC0), similar to an embryonic stem cell (ESC), after implantation in a niche, primary self-renewing CSCs (CSC1s) would arise, which then generate secondary proliferating CSCs (CSC2s). From these epithelial CSCs, tertiary mesenchymal CSCs (CSC3s) would arise, which, under favorable stereotrophic conditions, by asymmetric proliferation, would generate cancer progenitor cells (CPCs) and then cancer differentiated cells (CDCs), thus giving a defined cell heterogeneity and hierarchy. CSC1s-CSC2s-CSC3s-CPCs-CDCs would constitute a defined "tumor growth module," able to generate new tumor modules, forming a spherical avascular mass, similar to a tumor sphere. Further growth in situ of this initial tumor would require implantation in the host and vascularization through the overexpression of some aspecific checkpoint molecules, such as CD44, ID, LIF, HSP70, and HLA-G. To expand and spread in the host tissues, this vascularized tumor would then carry on a real growth strategy based on other specific checkpoint factors, such as those contained in the extracellular vesicles (EVs), namely, microRNAs, messenger RNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and integrins. These EV components would be crucial in tumor progression because they can mediate intercellular communications in the surrounding microenvironment and systemically, dictating to recipient cells a new tumor-enslaved phenotype, thus determining pre-metastatic conditions. Moreover, by their induction properties, the EV contents could also frustrate in time the effects of cytolytic tumor therapies, where EVs released by killed CSCs might enter other cancer and non-cancer cells, thus giving chemoresistance, non-CSC/CSC transition (recurrence), and metastasis. Thus, antitumor cytotoxic treatments, "shielded" from the EV-specific checkpoints by suitable adjuvant agents, simultaneously targeting the aforesaid aspecific checkpoints should be necessary for dismantling the hierarchic tumor structure, avoiding recurrence and preventing metastasis.
Collapse
|