1
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Abdelnasser SM, Abu-Shahba N. Bacillus sonorinses derived exopolysaccharide enhances cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy and COX-2 down regulation in liver cancer cells. BIOTECHNOLOGY REPORTS (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 43:e00848. [PMID: 39027919 PMCID: PMC11254948 DOI: 10.1016/j.btre.2024.e00848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most serious types of cancer that accounts for numerous cancer deaths worldwide. HCC is poorly prognosed and is a highly chemotherapy-resistant tumor. Therefore, new treatments are urgently needed. Exopolysaccharides (EPS-1) produced from the novel Bacillus sonorensis strain was found to exhibit chemopreventive effects against cancer. Objective Evaluating the anti-cancer cytotoxic effect of exopolysaccharides (EPS-1) produced by the newly studied Bacillus sonorensis strain SAmt2. Methods The cytotoxic activity was investigated through cell cycle, apoptosis, and autophagy analyses using flow cytometry technique. Also, the effect of EPS-1 on Huh7 release of COX-2 was examined using ELISA. Results Our results revealed that EPS-1exhibit an anti-proliferative effect on Huh7 cells through decreasing the percentage of cells at the S-phase and G2 phase, while increasing the cell population at the sub-G1 and G1 phases. Apoptosis analysis showed that EPS-1 increased necrotic and apoptotic cell fractions in EPS-1 treated Huh7. In addition, it induced significant autophagic cell death in the Huh7.Finally, antiproliferative and apoptosis induction results were supportedby ELISA assay results where the protein level of COX-2 was declined. Conclusion : In conclusion, EPS-1 derived from B. sonorensis SAmt2, is a promising proliferation inhibitor of Huh7 cells with potential anticancer effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salma M. Abdelnasser
- Microbial Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Giza 12622, Egypt
| | - Nourhan Abu-Shahba
- Stem Cell Research Group, Medical Research Centre of Excellence, National Research Centre, Giza 12622, Egypt
- Medical Molecular Genetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Institute, National Research Centre, Giza 12622, Egypt
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2
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Andriani L, Ling YX, Yang SY, Zhao Q, Ma XY, Huang MY, Zhang YL, Zhang FL, Li DQ, Shao ZM. Sideroflexin-1 promotes progression and sensitivity to lapatinib in triple-negative breast cancer by inhibiting TOLLIP-mediated autophagic degradation of CIP2A. Cancer Lett 2024; 597:217008. [PMID: 38849012 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217008] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer and it lacks specific therapeutic targets and effective treatment protocols. By analyzing a proteomic TNBC dataset, we found significant upregulation of sideroflexin 1 (SFXN1) in tumor tissues. However, the precise function of SFXN1 in TNBC remains unclear. Immunoblotting was performed to determine SFXN1 expression levels. Label-free quantitative proteomics and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry were used to identify the downstream targets of SFXN1. Mechanistic studies of SFXN1 and cellular inhibitor of PP2A (CIP2A) were performed using immunoblotting, immunofluorescence staining, and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Functional experiments were used to investigate the role of SFXN1 in TNBC cells. SFXN1 was significantly overexpressed in TNBC tumor tissues and was associated with unfavorable outcomes in patients with TNBC. Functional experiments demonstrated that SFXN1 promoted TNBC growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic studies revealed that SFXN1 promoted TNBC progression by inhibiting the autophagy receptor TOLLIP (toll interacting protein)-mediated autophagic degradation of CIP2A. The pro-tumorigenic effect of SFXN1 overexpression was partially prevented by lapatinib-mediated inhibition of the CIP2A/PP2A/p-AKT pathway. These findings may provide a new targeted therapy for patients with TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Andriani
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yun-Xiao Ling
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shao-Ying Yang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Cancer Institute, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Ma
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Min-Ying Huang
- Cancer Institute, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yin-Ling Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Cancer Institute, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Fang-Lin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Cancer Institute, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Da-Qiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Cancer Institute, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Zhi-Ming Shao
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Cancer Institute, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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3
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Liu M, Wang Y, Wang C, Li P, Qiu J, Yang N, Sun M, Han L. A Microfluidic 3D-Tumor-Spheroid Model for the Evaluation of Targeted Therapies from Angiogenesis-Related Cytokines at the Single Spheroid Level. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2402321. [PMID: 39126126 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202402321] [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: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a key player in drug resistance to targeted therapies for breast cancer. The average expression of angiogenesis-related cytokines is widely associated with the treatments of target therapies for a population of cells or spheroids, overlooking the distinct responses for individuals. In this work, a highly integrated microfluidic platform is developed for the generation of monodisperse multicellular tumor spheroids (MTSs), drug treatments, and the measurement of cytokines for individual MTSs in a single chip. The platform allows the correlation evaluation between cytokine secretion and drug treatment at the level of individual spheroids. For validation, quantities of six representative proangiogenic cytokines are tested against treatments with four model drugs at varying times and concentrations. By applying a linear regression model, significant correlations are established between cytokine secretion and the treated drug concentration for individual spheroids. The proposed platform provides a high-throughput method for the investigation of the molecular mechanism of the cytokine response to targeted therapies and paves the way for future drug screening using predictive regression models at the single-spheroid level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Liu
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Tsingdao, 266237, China
| | - Yihe Wang
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Tsingdao, 266237, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Tsingdao, 266237, China
| | - Ping Li
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Tsingdao, 266237, China
| | - Jiaoyan Qiu
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Tsingdao, 266237, China
| | - Ningkai Yang
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Tsingdao, 266237, China
| | - Mingyuan Sun
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Tsingdao, 266237, China
| | - Lin Han
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Tsingdao, 266237, China
- Shandong Engineering Research Center of Biomarker and Artificial Intelligence Application, Jinan, 250100, P. R. China
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4
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Salih AI, Al-Sudani BT, Mshimesh BAR. Targeting POLD1 to suppress the proliferation and migration of breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell lines by downregulation of SIRT1. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2024; 13:tfae111. [PMID: 39036524 PMCID: PMC11256954 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfae111] [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: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The resistant and aggressive nature of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) renders it mostly incurable even following extensive multimodal treatment. Therefore, more studies are required to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms of its pathogenesis. SIRT1 is a class III histone deacetylase NAD + -dependent enzyme that is interlinked in tumor progression, apoptosis, metastasis, and other mechanisms of tumorigenesis, while DNA polymerase delta 1 (POLD1) functions as a gene coding for p125, which plays an important role in genome stability and DNA replication. Objective We aimed to investigate the downstream signaling pathway of EX-527, a potent and selective SIRT1 inhibitor, in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines, and the crosstalk between SIRT1 and POLD1, which is essential for the activities of polymerase δ. Methods The antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of EX-527 on MDA-MB-231 cells were assessed by MTT and annexin V/PI double staining assays. Migration and invasion activity of MDA-MB-231 cells were assessed by wound-healing scratch and transwell assays. Protein expressions were examined using Western Blot analysis. Results MDA-MB-231 cells treatment with IC50 values of 45.3 μM EX-527 significantly suppressed cell proliferation and induced apoptosis by down-regulating SIRT1. Also, it significantly repressed migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells as evaluated by wound healing and transwell invasion assays. Western blot results showed that decreased expression of SIRT1 is positively correlated with expression of p53 along with down-regulating POLD1. Conclusion SIRT1 could have an oncogenic role in breast cancer development and progression via activating POLD1. These conclusions present new insights into the underlying mechanisms of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areege Ibrahim Salih
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad 10052, Iraq
| | - Basma Talib Al-Sudani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad 10052, Iraq
| | - Bahir Abdul-Razzaq Mshimesh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad 10052, Iraq
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5
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Castillo-Sanchez R, Garcia-Hernandez A, Torres-Alamilla P, Cortes-Reynosa P, Candanedo-Gonzales F, Salazar EP. Benzo[a]pyrene promotes an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition process in MCF10A cells and mammary tumor growth and brain metastasis in female mice. Mol Carcinog 2024; 63:1319-1333. [PMID: 38629425 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23726] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequent neoplasia in developed countries and the leading cause of death in women worldwide. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular process through which epithelial cells decrease or lose their epithelial characteristics and gain mesenchymal properties. EMT mediates tumor progression, because tumor cells acquire the capacity to execute the multiple steps of invasion and metastasis. Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) is an environmental organic pollutant generated during the burning of fossil fuels, wood, and other organic materials. B[a]P exposition increases the incidence of breast cancer, and induces migration and/or invasion in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells. However, the role of B[a]P in the induction of an EMT process and metastasis of mammary carcinoma cells has not been studied in detail. In this study, we demonstrate that B[a]P induces an EMT process in MCF10A mammary non-tumorigenic epithelial cells. In addition, B[a]P promotes the formation of larger tumors in Balb/cJ mice inoculated with 4T1 cells than in untreated mice and treated with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). B[a]P also increases the number of mice with metastasis to brain and the total number of brain metastatic nodules in Balb/cJ mice inoculated with 4T1 cells compared with untreated mice and treated with DMSO. In conclusion, B[a]P induces an EMT process in MCF10A cells and the growth of mammary tumors and metastasis to brain in Balb/cJ mice inoculated with 4T1 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocio Castillo-Sanchez
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Centro de Investigacion y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Garcia-Hernandez
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Centro de Investigacion y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Pablo Torres-Alamilla
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Centro de Investigacion y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Pedro Cortes-Reynosa
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Centro de Investigacion y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Fernando Candanedo-Gonzales
- Departamento de Patologia, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Perez Salazar
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Centro de Investigacion y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
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Yu S, Cao Z, Cai F, Yao Y, Chang X, Wang X, Zhuang H, Hua ZC. ADT-OH exhibits anti-metastatic activity on triple-negative breast cancer by combinatorial targeting of autophagy and mitochondrial fission. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:463. [PMID: 38942765 PMCID: PMC11213877 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06829-w] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
High basal autophagy and enhanced mitochondrial fission in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells support cell migration and promote plasticity of cancer cell metabolism. Here, we suggest a novel combination therapy approach for the treatment of TNBC that targets Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission and autophagy pathways. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) mediates a myriad of biological processes, including autophagy and mitochondrial function. In this study, we demonstrated that 5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione (ADT-OH), one of the most widely utilized sustained-release H2S donors, effectively suppresses metastasis of TNBC cells in the absence of proliferation inhibition in vitro and in vivo. ADT-OH treatment ameliorated autophagy flux by suppressing autophagosome formation and induced mitochondrial elongation through decreasing expression of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) and increasing expression of mitochondrial fusion protein (Mfn2). At the same time, ADT-OH downregulated mitophagy flux and inhibited mitochondrial function, eventually leading to the inhibition of migration and invasion in TNBC cells. In vivo, intraperitoneal administration of ADT-OH revealed a potent anti-metastatic activity in three different animal models, the MDA-MB-231 orthotopic xenograft model, the 4T1-Luci orthotopic model and the 4T1-Luci tail vein metastasis model. However, ADT-OH has an extremely low water solubility, which is a significant barrier to its effectiveness. Thus, we demonstrated that the solubility of ADT-OH in water can be improved significantly by absorption with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (CD). Remarkably, the obtained CD-ADT-OH demonstrated superior anti-cancer effect to ADT-OH in vivo. Altogether, this study describes a novel regulator of mammalian mitochondrial fission and autophagy, with potential utility as an experimental therapeutic agent for metastatic TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihui Yu
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Zhiting Cao
- School of Biopharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Fangfang Cai
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, P. R. China
- School of Biopharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Yingying Yao
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyao Chang
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyang Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Hongqin Zhuang
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, P. R. China.
| | - Zi-Chun Hua
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, P. R. China.
- School of Biopharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China.
- Changzhou High-Tech Research Institute of Nanjing University and Jiangsu TargetPharma Laboratories Inc., Changzhou, 213164, P. R. China.
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7
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Garlapati C, Joshi S, Yang C, Chandrashekar DS, Rida P, Aneja R. A novel role for KIFC1-MYH9 interaction in triple-negative breast cancer aggressiveness and racial disparity. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:312. [PMID: 38902769 PMCID: PMC11188183 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01664-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
African American (AA) women are twice as likely to develop triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) as women of European descent. Additionally, AA women with TNBC present a much more aggressive disease course than their European American (EA) counterparts. Thus, there is an unmet clinical need to identify race-specific biomarkers and improve survival outcomes in AA patients with TNBC. The minus-end directed microtubule motor protein kinesin family member C1 (KIFC1) promotes centrosome clustering and chromosomal instability and is often overexpressed in TNBC. Previous findings suggest that KIFC1 plays a role in cell proliferation and migration in TNBC cells from AAs and that the levels of nuclear KIFC1 (nKIFC1) are particularly high in AA patients with TNBC. The nuclear localization of KIFC1 in interphase may underlie its previously unrecognized race-specific association. In this study, we found that in TNBC cells derived from AAs, nKIFC1 interacted with the tumor suppressor myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9) over EA cells. Treatment of AA TNBC cells with commercial inhibitors of KIFC1 and MYH9 disrupted the interaction between KIFC1 and MYH9. To characterize the racial differences in the KIFC1-MYH9-MYC axis in TNBC, we established homozygous KIFC1 knockout (KO) TNBC cell lines. KIFC1 KO significantly inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion in AA TNBC cells but not in EA TNBC cells. RNA sequencing analysis showed significant downregulation of genes involved in cell migration, invasion, and metastasis upon KIFC1 KO in TNBC cell lines from AAs compared to those from EAs. These data indicate that mechanistically, the role of nKIFC1 in driving TNBC progression and metastasis is stronger in AA patients than in EA patients, and that KIFC1 may be a critical therapeutic target for AA patients with TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chakravarthy Garlapati
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
- Alkermes Inc, Waltham, MA, 02451, USA
| | - Shriya Joshi
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
- Alkermes Inc, Waltham, MA, 02451, USA
- Small molecule drug discovery, Bristol Myers Squibb, Cambridge, MA, 02141, USA
| | - Chunhua Yang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | | | | | - Ritu Aneja
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA.
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.
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8
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Thakur C, Qiu Y, Pawar A, Chen F. Epigenetic regulation of breast cancer metastasis. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:597-619. [PMID: 37857941 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10146-7] [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: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide. Recurrent metastasis is associated with poor patient outcomes and poses a significant challenge in breast cancer therapies. Cancer cells adapting to a new tissue microenvironment is the key event in distant metastasis development, where the disseminating tumor cells are likely to acquire genetic and epigenetic alterations during the process of metastatic colonization. Despite several decades of research in this field, the exact mechanisms governing metastasis are not fully understood. However, emerging body of evidence indicates that in addition to genetic changes, epigenetic reprogramming of cancer cells and the metastatic niche are paramount toward successful metastasis. Here, we review and discuss the latest knowledge about the salient attributes of metastasis and epigenetic regulation in breast cancer and crucial research domains that need further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chitra Thakur
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.
| | - Yiran Qiu
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Aashna Pawar
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Fei Chen
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.
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9
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Papakyriacou I, Kutkaite G, Rúbies Bedós M, Nagarajan D, Alford LP, Menden MP, Mao Y. Loss of NEDD8 in cancer cells causes vulnerability to immune checkpoint blockade in triple-negative breast cancer. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3581. [PMID: 38678024 PMCID: PMC11055868 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47987-x] [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: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade therapy aims to activate the immune system to eliminate cancer cells. However, clinical benefits are only recorded in a subset of patients. Here, we leverage genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screens in a Tumor-Immune co-Culture System focusing on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We reveal that NEDD8 loss in cancer cells causes a vulnerability to nivolumab (anti-PD-1). Genetic deletion of NEDD8 only delays cell division initially but cell proliferation is unaffected after recovery. Since the NEDD8 gene is commonly essential, we validate this observation with additional CRISPR screens and uncover enhanced immunogenicity in NEDD8 deficient cells using proteomics. In female immunocompetent mice, PD-1 blockade lacks efficacy against established EO771 breast cancer tumors. In contrast, we observe tumor regression mediated by CD8+ T cells against Nedd8 deficient EO771 tumors after PD-1 blockade. In essence, we provide evidence that NEDD8 is conditionally essential in TNBC and presents as a synergistic drug target for PD-1/L1 blockade therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irineos Papakyriacou
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ginte Kutkaite
- Computational Health Center, Helmholtz Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Marta Rúbies Bedós
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Divya Nagarajan
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Liam P Alford
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Michael P Menden
- Computational Health Center, Helmholtz Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Yumeng Mao
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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10
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Kohan AA, Lupien M, Cescon D, Deblois G, Ventura M, Metser U, Veit-Haibach P. Detection of metabolic adaptation in a triple-negative breast cancer animal model with [ 18F]choline-PET imaging as a surrogate for drug resistance. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2024; 51:1261-1267. [PMID: 38095672 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-023-06546-0] [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: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Test the feasibility of an image-based method to identify taxane resistance in mouse bearing triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) tumor xenografts. METHODS Xenograft tumor-bearing mice from paclitaxel-sensitive and paclitaxel-resistant TNBC cells (MDA-MD-346) were generated by orthotopic injection into female NOD-SCID mice. When tumors reached 100-150 mm3, mice were scanned using [18F]choline PET/CT. Tumors were collected and sliced for autoradiography and immunofluorescence analysis. Quantitative data was analyzed accordingly. RESULTS From fifteen mice scanned, five had taxane-sensitive cell line tumors of which two underwent taxol-based treatment. From the remaining 10 mice with taxane-resistant cell line tumors, four underwent taxol-based treatment. Only 13 mice had the tumor sample analyzed histologically. When normalized to the blood pool, both cell lines showed differences in metabolic uptake before and after treatment. CONCLUSIONS Treated and untreated taxane-sensitive and taxane-resistant cell lines have different metabolic properties that could be leveraged before the start of chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres A Kohan
- University Medical Imaging Toronto, Toronto Joint Department Medical Imaging, University Health Network, Sinai Health System, Women's College Hospital, 263 McCaul St 4th floor, Toronto, ON, M5T 1W7, Canada.
| | - Mathieu Lupien
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Cescon
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Geneviève Deblois
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Manuela Ventura
- STTARR Innovation Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Animal Resources GSU, Human Technopole Foundation, Milan, Italy
| | - Ur Metser
- University Medical Imaging Toronto, Toronto Joint Department Medical Imaging, University Health Network, Sinai Health System, Women's College Hospital, 263 McCaul St 4th floor, Toronto, ON, M5T 1W7, Canada
| | - Patrick Veit-Haibach
- University Medical Imaging Toronto, Toronto Joint Department Medical Imaging, University Health Network, Sinai Health System, Women's College Hospital, 263 McCaul St 4th floor, Toronto, ON, M5T 1W7, Canada
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11
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Babu S, Choudhary A, Jacob L, K N L, A H R, L K R, Saldanha S, Amirtham U, C R V. Frequency of Programmed Death Receptor Ligand 1 Expression and Clinicopathological Factors Associated With Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer at a Tertiary Cancer Care Centre in South India. Cureus 2024; 16:e55880. [PMID: 38595897 PMCID: PMC11002970 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55880] [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] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a poor outcome compared to other subtypes. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have changed the treatment paradigm in metastatic diseases as well as in neoadjuvant setting. The response to these agents is affected by programmed death ligand 1 (PDL1) receptor expression which are reported objectively as a score. PDL1 is a prognostic marker also. Here, we present clinicopathological characteristics of metastatic TNBCs, report the proportion of PDL1 expression and its association with clinicopathological factors as well as survival. Methods This is a prospective study carried out at a tertiary cancer care centre in South India. Case records of all breast cancer patients treated in two years between August 2021 and July 2023 were reviewed, patients with metastatic TNBC were selected. Patient's characteristics, histological features, molecular profile, and treatment were analyzed. PDL1 testing was carried out on pretreatment tumor tissue sections with immunohistochemistry (IHC) (Dako 22C3). PDL1 staining was interpreted as negative or positive based on combined positive score (CPS), with an expression less than 10 considered negative. Results A total of 118 patients were analyzed. With a median age of 46 years (36-65 years), 52.5% (62/118) were premenopausal. Family history of Ca Breast was seen in 22% (26/118) patients. A majority of patients had left-sided tumor 55.9% (66/118). Visceral metastasis was more common 96.6% (82/118) than skeletal. Radical intent of treatment was adopted in 10% as patients had oligometastatic disease at presentation. As front-line treatment, anthracycline-based chemotherapy was administered to the majority 54.2% (64/118). The PDL1 expression with CPS more or equal to 10 was seen in 32.2% (38/118) patients. Survival was associated with menopausal status (p value=0.000) and family history (p value=0.028) but not with PDL1 nor sidedness in our study. Estimated survival at 12 months in PDL1 negative case is 10 ± 0.29 months, while in PDL1 positive case it is slightly more at 10 ± 0.75 months, but difference was not found to be statistically significant (p value=0.15). Conclusion TNBCs are highly aggressive subtype with limited treatment options and poorer outcomes. Our study shows PDL1 expression in 31.66% of the cases similar to other literature from India. Survival is associated with menopausal status and family history. No association was found between survival and PDL1 as well sidedness in our study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Babu
- Medical Oncology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore, IND
| | - Akansha Choudhary
- Medical Oncology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore, IND
| | - Linu Jacob
- Medical Oncology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore, IND
| | - Lokesh K N
- Medical Oncology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore, IND
| | - Rudresha A H
- Medical Oncology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore, IND
| | - Rajeev L K
- Medical Oncology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore, IND
| | - Smitha Saldanha
- Medical Oncology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore, IND
| | - Usha Amirtham
- Pathology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore, IND
| | - Vijay C R
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore, IND
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12
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Yan G, Xiao Q, Zhao J, Chen H, Xu Y, Tan M, Peng L. Brucea javanica derived exosome-like nanovesicles deliver miRNAs for cancer therapy. J Control Release 2024; 367:425-440. [PMID: 38295998 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.01.060] [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: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by complex heterogeneity, high recurrence and metastasis rates, and short overall survival, owing to the lack of endocrine and targeted receptors, which necessitates chemotherapy as the major treatment regimen. Exosome-like nanovesicles derived from medicinal plants have shown great potential as novel biotherapeutics for cancer therapy by delivering their incorporated nucleic acids, especially microRNAs (miRNAs), to mammalian cells. In this study, we isolated exosome-like nanovesicles derived from B. javanica (BF-Exos) and investigated their influence and underlying molecular mechanisms in TNBC. We found that BF-Exos delivered 10 functional miRNAs to 4T1 cells, significantly retarding the growth and metastasis of 4T1 cells by regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and promoting ROS/caspase-mediated apoptosis. Moreover, BF-Exos were shown to inhibit the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor, contributing to anti-angiogenesis in the tumor microenvironment. In vivo, BF-Exos inhibited tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis in breast tumor mouse models, while maintaining high biosafety. Overall, BF-Exos are considered promising nanoplatforms for the delivery of medicinal plant-derived nucleic acids, with great potential to be developed into novel biotherapeutics for the treatment of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Yan
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Qiyao Xiao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Jingyu Zhao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Haoran Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Yang Xu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Minhong Tan
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Lihua Peng
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, PR China; Jinhua Institute of Zhejiang University, Jinhua 321299, Zhejiang, PR China.
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13
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Moon HR, Surianarayanan N, Singh T, Han B. Microphysiological systems as reliable drug discovery and evaluation tools: Evolution from innovation to maturity. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2023; 17:061504. [PMID: 38162229 PMCID: PMC10756708 DOI: 10.1063/5.0179444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Microphysiological systems (MPSs), also known as organ-on-chip or disease-on-chip, have recently emerged to reconstitute the in vivo cellular microenvironment of various organs and diseases on in vitro platforms. These microfluidics-based platforms are developed to provide reliable drug discovery and regulatory evaluation testbeds. Despite recent emergences and advances of various MPS platforms, their adoption of drug discovery and evaluation processes still lags. This delay is mainly due to a lack of rigorous standards with reproducibility and reliability, and practical difficulties to be adopted in pharmaceutical research and industry settings. This review discusses the current and potential use of MPS platforms in drug discovery processes while considering the context of several key steps during drug discovery processes, including target identification and validation, preclinical evaluation, and clinical trials. Opportunities and challenges are also discussed for the broader dissemination and adoption of MPSs in various drug discovery and regulatory evaluation steps. Addressing these challenges will transform long and expensive drug discovery and evaluation processes into more efficient discovery, screening, and approval of innovative drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Ran Moon
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| | | | - Tarun Singh
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| | - Bumsoo Han
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:. Tel: +1-765-494-5626
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14
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Yin L, Cao R, Liu Z, Luo G, Li Y, Zhou X, Chen X, Wu Y, He J, Zu X, Shen Y. FUNDC2, a mitochondrial outer membrane protein, mediates triple-negative breast cancer progression via the AKT/GSK3β/GLI1 pathway. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2023; 55:1770-1783. [PMID: 37700593 PMCID: PMC10679879 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2023142] [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: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks effective therapeutic targets and has a poor prognosis, easy recurrence and metastasis. It is urgent and important to explore TNBC treatment targets. Through mass spectrometry combined with qRT-PCR validation in luminal A cells and TNBC cells, high-content screening and clinical sample analysis, FUNDC2 was discovered as a novel target. The function of the outer mitochondrial membrane protein FUNDC2 in breast cancer is still unclear. In this study, we find that FUNDC2 expression in TNBC tissues is significantly higher than that in luminal subtype breast cancer tissues. FUNDC2 silencing in TNBC cells significantly reduces cell proliferation, migration and invasion. As demonstrated in vivo using subcutaneous tumor xenografts in mice, FUNDC2 suppression significantly inhibits tumor growth. The underlying mechanism might be mediated by inactivating its downstream signal AKT/GSK3β and GLI1, a key factor of the Hedgehog signaling pathway. Therefore, FUNDC2 may promote TNBC progression and provide a therapeutic target for treating TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyang Yin
- The First Affiliated HospitalCancer Research InstituteHengyang Medical SchoolUniversity of South ChinaHengyang421001China
| | - Renxian Cao
- The First Affiliated HospitalCancer Research InstituteHengyang Medical SchoolUniversity of South ChinaHengyang421001China
| | - Zhuoqing Liu
- The First Affiliated HospitalCancer Research InstituteHengyang Medical SchoolUniversity of South ChinaHengyang421001China
| | - Gang Luo
- The First Affiliated HospitalCancer Research InstituteHengyang Medical SchoolUniversity of South ChinaHengyang421001China
| | - Yu Li
- The First Affiliated HospitalCancer Research InstituteHengyang Medical SchoolUniversity of South ChinaHengyang421001China
| | - Xiaolong Zhou
- The First Affiliated HospitalCancer Research InstituteHengyang Medical SchoolUniversity of South ChinaHengyang421001China
| | - Xiguang Chen
- The First Affiliated HospitalCancer Research InstituteHengyang Medical SchoolUniversity of South ChinaHengyang421001China
| | - Ying Wu
- The First Affiliated HospitalCancer Research InstituteHengyang Medical SchoolUniversity of South ChinaHengyang421001China
| | - Jun He
- Nanhua Affiliated HospitalDepartment of Spine SurgeryHengyang Medical SchoolUniversity of South ChinaHengyang421001China
| | - Xuyu Zu
- The First Affiliated HospitalCancer Research InstituteHengyang Medical SchoolUniversity of South ChinaHengyang421001China
| | - Yingying Shen
- The First Affiliated HospitalCancer Research InstituteHengyang Medical SchoolUniversity of South ChinaHengyang421001China
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15
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Zhao JL, Yang J, Li K, Chen Y, Tang M, Zhu HL, Nie CL, Yuan Z, Zhao XY. Abrogation of ATR function preferentially augments cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity in PTEN-deficient breast cancer cells. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 385:110740. [PMID: 37802411 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110740] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Targeting replication stress response is currently emerging as new therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment, based on monotherapy and combination approaches. As a key sensor in response to DNA damage, ataxia telangiectasia and rad3-related (ATR) kinase has become a potential therapeutic target as tumor cells are to rely heavily on ATR for survival. The tumor suppressor phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) plays a crucial role in maintaining chromosome integrity. Although ATR inhibition was recently confirmed to show a synergistic inhibitory effect in PTEN-deficient triple-negative breast cancer cells, the molecular mechanism needs to be further elucidated. Additionally, whether the PTEN-deficient breast cancer cells are more preferentially sensitized than PTEN-wild type breast cancer cells to cisplatin plus ATR inhibitor remains unanswered. We demonstrate PTEN dysfunction promotes the killing effect of ATR blockade through the use of RNA interference for PTEN and a highly selective ATR inhibitor VE-821, and certify that VE-821 (1.0 μmol/L) aggravates cytotoxicity of cisplatin on breast cancer cells, especially PTEN-null MDA-MB-468 cells which show more chemoresistance than PTEN-expressing MDA-MB-231 cells. The co-treatment with VE-821 and cisplatin significantly reduced cell viability and proliferative capacity compared with cisplatin mono-treatment (P < 0.05). The increased cytotoxic activity is tied to the enhanced poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage and consequently cell death due to the decrease in phosphorylation levels of checkpoint kinases 1 and 2 (CHK1/2), the reduction of radiation sensitive 51 (RAD51) foci and the increase in phosphorylation of the histone variant H2AX (γ-H2AX) foci (P < 0.05) as well. Together, these findings suggest combination therapy of ATR inhibitor and cisplatin may offer a potential therapeutic strategy for breast tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Lei Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ke Li
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Mei Tang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hui-Li Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Chun-Lai Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zhu Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xin-Yu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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16
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Pulya S, Himaja A, Paul M, Adhikari N, Banerjee S, Routholla G, Biswas S, Jha T, Ghosh B. Selective HDAC3 Inhibitors with Potent In Vivo Antitumor Efficacy against Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. J Med Chem 2023; 66:12033-12058. [PMID: 37660352 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
HDAC3 modulation shows promise for breast cancer, including triple-negative cases. Novel pyrazino-hydrazide-based HDAC3 inhibitors were designed and synthesized. Lead compound 4i exhibited potent HDAC3 inhibition (IC50 = 14 nM) with at least 121-fold selectivity. It demonstrated strong cytotoxicity against triple-negative breast cancer cells (IC50: 0.55 μM for 4T1, 0.74 μM for MDA-MB-231) with least normal cell toxicity. Metabolically stable 4i displayed a superior pharmacokinetic profile. A dose-dependent therapeutic efficacy of 4i was observed in a tumor-bearing mouse model. The biomarker analysis with tumor tissues displayed enhanced acetylation on Ac-H3K9, Ac-H3K27, and Ac-H4K12 compared to Ac-tubulin and Ac-SMC3 indicating HDAC3 selectivity of 4i in vivo. The immunoblotting study with tumor tissue showed upregulation of apoptotic proteins caspase-3, caspase-7, and cytochrome c and the downregulation of proliferation markers Bcl-2, CD44, EGFR, and Ki-67. Compound 4i represents a promising candidate for targeted breast cancer therapy, particularly for cases with triple-negative breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sravani Pulya
- Epigenetic Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-Pilani Hyderabad Campus, Shamirpet, Hyderabad 500078, India
| | - Ambati Himaja
- Epigenetic Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-Pilani Hyderabad Campus, Shamirpet, Hyderabad 500078, India
| | - Milan Paul
- Nanomedicine Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-Pilani Hyderabad Campus, Shamirpet, Hyderabad 500078, India
| | - Nilanjan Adhikari
- Natural Science Laboratory, Division of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, P.O. Box 17020, Kolkata, West Bengal 700032, India
| | - Suvankar Banerjee
- Natural Science Laboratory, Division of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, P.O. Box 17020, Kolkata, West Bengal 700032, India
| | - Ganesh Routholla
- Epigenetic Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-Pilani Hyderabad Campus, Shamirpet, Hyderabad 500078, India
| | - Swati Biswas
- Nanomedicine Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-Pilani Hyderabad Campus, Shamirpet, Hyderabad 500078, India
| | - Tarun Jha
- Natural Science Laboratory, Division of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, P.O. Box 17020, Kolkata, West Bengal 700032, India
| | - Balaram Ghosh
- Epigenetic Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-Pilani Hyderabad Campus, Shamirpet, Hyderabad 500078, India
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17
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Ebrahimi A, Bakhshaei Shahrebabaki P, Fouladi H, Mansoori Derakhshan S. The impact of microRNAs on the resistance of breast cancer subtypes to chemotherapy. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 249:154702. [PMID: 37562283 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) formation is primarily influenced by genetics, epigenetics and environmental factors. Aberrant Genetics and epigenetics leads to a condition known as heterogeneity. The heterogeneity of BC can be divided into several subtypes. Among the epigenetic factors, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to play a crucial role in the development and progression of malignancies. These small non-coding RNAs regulate gene expression through a variety of mechanisms, resulting in either mRNA degradation or translation repression. As miRNAs directly control many proteins, genetic anomalies affect tumor metastasis, apoptosis, proliferation, and cell transportation. Consequently, miRNA dysregulations contribute not only in cancer development but also in invasiveness, proliferation rate and more importantly, drug response. Findings mostly indicate subtype-specified identical miRNA profile in BC. Among the BC subtypes, TNBC, HER2 + and luminal are the most resistant to therapy, respectively. Therapy resistance is greatly associated with miRNA expression profile. Hence, concentration of miRNA is the first marker of its role in chemotherapy response. Overexpressed miRNAs may disrupt drug efflux transporters and decrease the drug accumulation in cell. While down-regulated miRNAs which mediate drug resistance processes are mostly correlated with poor treatment response. Moreover, other mechanisms in which miRNAs play crucial roles in chemoresistance such as cell receptor mediations, dysregulation by environmental factors, DNA defects, etc. Recently, several miRNA-based treatments have shown promising results in cancer treatment. Inhibition of up-regulated miRNAs is one of these therapeutic approaches whilst transfecting cell with down-regulated miRNAs also show promising results. Moreover, drug-resistance could also be determined while in the pre-treatment phase via expression levels of miRNAs. Therefore, miRNAs provide intriguing insights and challenges in overcoming chemoresistance. In this article, we have discussed how miRNAs regulate breast cancer subtypes-specific chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Ebrahimi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Genetics, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Peyman Bakhshaei Shahrebabaki
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Ayatollah Taleghani Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hadi Fouladi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Genetics, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sima Mansoori Derakhshan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Genetics, Tabriz, Iran.
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Alaouna M, Penny C, Hull R, Molefi T, Chauke-Malinga N, Khanyile R, Makgoka M, Bida M, Dlamini Z. Overcoming the Challenges of Phytochemicals in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Therapy: The Path Forward. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:2350. [PMID: 37375975 DOI: 10.3390/plants12122350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a very aggressive subtype of breast cancer that lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptor expression. TNBC is thought to be produced by Wnt, Notch, TGF-beta, and VEGF pathway activation, which leads to cell invasion and metastasis. To address this, the use of phytochemicals as a therapeutic option for TNBC has been researched. Plants contain natural compounds known as phytochemicals. Curcumin, resveratrol, and EGCG are phytochemicals that have been found to inhibit the pathways that cause TNBC, but their limited bioavailability and lack of clinical evidence for their use as single therapies pose challenges to the use of these phytochemical therapies. More research is required to better understand the role of phytochemicals in TNBC therapy, or to advance the development of more effective delivery mechanisms for these phytochemicals to the site where they are required. This review will discuss the promise shown by phytochemicals as a treatment option for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Alaouna
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), DSI/NRF SARChI Chair in Precision Oncology and Cancer Prevention (POCP), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, South Africa
| | - Clement Penny
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, South Africa
| | - Rodney Hull
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), DSI/NRF SARChI Chair in Precision Oncology and Cancer Prevention (POCP), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Thulo Molefi
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), DSI/NRF SARChI Chair in Precision Oncology and Cancer Prevention (POCP), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- Department of Medical Oncology, Steve Biko Academic Hospital and University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Nkhensani Chauke-Malinga
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), DSI/NRF SARChI Chair in Precision Oncology and Cancer Prevention (POCP), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Richard Khanyile
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), DSI/NRF SARChI Chair in Precision Oncology and Cancer Prevention (POCP), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- Department of Medical Oncology, Steve Biko Academic Hospital and University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Malose Makgoka
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), DSI/NRF SARChI Chair in Precision Oncology and Cancer Prevention (POCP), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Meshack Bida
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), DSI/NRF SARChI Chair in Precision Oncology and Cancer Prevention (POCP), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Zodwa Dlamini
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), DSI/NRF SARChI Chair in Precision Oncology and Cancer Prevention (POCP), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
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19
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Guo S, Liu X, Zhang J, Huang Z, Ye P, Shi J, Stalin A, Wu C, Lu S, Zhang F, Gao Y, Jin Z, Tao X, Huang J, Zhai Y, Shi R, Guo F, Zhou W, Wu J. Integrated analysis of single-cell RNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq unravels T cell-related prognostic risk model and tumor immune microenvironment modulation in triple-negative breast cancer. Comput Biol Med 2023; 161:107066. [PMID: 37263064 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.107066] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive and fatal malignancy. The current success of tumor immunotherapy has focused attention on intermediate T-cell subsets and the tumor microenvironment, which are essential for activation of the anti-tumor response. Therefore, both areas require further research to accelerate progress in developing tailored immunotherapeutic approaches for patients with TNBC. METHODS We obtained scRNA-seq data of TNBC from the GEO database. A multiplex strategy was used to analyze and identify the T-cell heterogeneity of TNBC. By combining the METABRIC and GEO databases, a prognostic risk model for T-cell marker genes was constructed and validated. In addition, the immune-infiltrating cells of TNBC was analyzed using CIBERSORT, and the association between the risk model and response to immunotherapy was investigated. RESULTS Based on scRNA-seq data, 25,932 cells were identified for multiple analyzes. T cells were studied with a focus on 2 subtypes, including CD8+ and CD4+. There were also communication relationships between T cells and multiple cell types. The results of the enrichment analysis showed that the T-cell marker genes were focused in pathways related to the immune system. In addition, OPTN, TMEM176A, PKM and HES1 deserve attention as prognostic markers in TNBC. The immune infiltration results showed that the high-risk group had significant immune cell infiltration and immunosuppression status. CONCLUSION This study provides a resource for understanding T-cell heterogeneity and the associated prognostic risk model for TNBC. The results show that the model helps predict prognosis and response to treatment in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Guo
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xinkui Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jingyuan Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Zhihong Huang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Peizhi Ye
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Chinese Medicine Department of the Caner Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Shi
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Tumor Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Antony Stalin
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, China
| | - Chao Wu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Shan Lu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Fanqin Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yifei Gao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Zhengseng Jin
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xiaoyu Tao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jiaqi Huang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yiyan Zhai
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Rui Shi
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Fengying Guo
- School of Management, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Jiarui Wu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
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Xu B, Ma F, Wang T, Wang S, Tong Z, Li W, Wu X, Wang X, Sun T, Pan Y, Yao H, Wang X, Luo T, Yang J, Zeng X, Zhao W, Cong XJ, Chen J. A Phase IIb, single arm, multicenter trial of sacituzumab govitecan in Chinese patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer who received at least two prior treatments. Int J Cancer 2023; 152:2134-2144. [PMID: 36621000 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Refractory or relapsing metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) has a poor prognosis. Sacituzumab govitecan (SG) is a novel antibody-drug conjugate, targeting human trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2 (Trop-2). This is the first report of SG's efficacy and safety in Chinese patients with mTNBC. EVER-132-001 (NCT04454437) was a multicenter, single-arm, Phase IIb study in Chinese patients with mTNBC who failed ≥2 prior chemotherapy regimens. Eligible patients received 10 mg/kg SG on Days 1 and 8 of each 21-day treatment cycle, until disease progression/unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) assessed by the Independent Review Committee. Secondary endpoints included: duration of response (DOR), clinical benefit rate (CBR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and safety. Eighty female Chinese patients (median age 47.6 years; range 24-69.9 years) received ≥1 SG dose with a median of 8 treatment cycles by the cutoff date (August 6, 2021). Median number of prior systemic cancer treatments was 4.0 (range 2.0-8.0). ORR and CBR were reported 38.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 28.06-50.30) and 43.8% (95% CI, 32.68-55.30) of patients, respectively. The median PFS was 5.55 months (95% CI, 4.14-N/A). SG-related Grade ≥3 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were reported in 71.3%, the most common were neutrophil count decreased (62.5%), white blood cell count decreased (48.8%) and anemia (21.3%); 6.3% discontinued SG because of TEAEs. SG demonstrated substantial clinical activity in heavily pretreated Chinese patients with mTNBC. The observed safety profile was generally manageable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binghe Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Ma
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Breast Cancer, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shusen Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yet-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongsheng Tong
- Department of Breast Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xinhong Wu
- Department of Breast Oncology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaojia Wang
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Department of Medical Oncology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital &Institute, Shenyang, China
| | - Yueyin Pan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Herui Yao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xian Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ting Luo
- Department of Head, Neck and Mammary Gland Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaohua Zeng
- Department of Breast Cancer Center, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Weihong Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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21
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Feng J, Wang L, Zhang K, Ni S, Li B, Liu J, Wang D. Identification and panoramic analysis of drug response-related genes in triple negative breast cancer using as an example NVP-BEZ235. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5984. [PMID: 37045929 PMCID: PMC10097725 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32757-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Taking NVP-BEZ235 (BEZ235) as an example to screen drug response-related genes (DRRGs) and explore their potential value in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Through high-throughput technique, multidimensional transcriptome expression data (mRNA, miRNA and lncRNA) of BEZ235-treated and -untreated MDA-MB-468 cell lines were obtained. Combined with transcriptome data of the MDA-MB-468 cells and TCGA-TNBC tissues, differential gene expression analysis and WGCNA were performed to identify DRRGs associated with tumor trait by simulating the drug response microenvironment (DRM) of BEZ235-treated patients. Based on DRRGs, we constructed a ceRNA network and verified the expression levels of three key molecules by RT-qPCR, which not only demonstrated the successful construction of a BEZ235-treated cell line model but also explained the antitumor mechanism of BEZ235. Four molecular subtypes related to the DRM with survival difference were proposed using cluster analysis, namely glycolysis subtype, proliferation depression subtype, immune-suppressed subtype, and immune-activated subtype. A novel prognostic signature consisting of four DRRGs was established by Lasso-Cox analysis, which exhibited outstanding performance in predicting overall survival compared with several excellent reported signatures. The high- and low-risk groups were characterized by enrichment of metabolism-related pathways and immune-related pathways, respectively. Of note, the low-risk group had a better response to immune checkpoint blockade. Besides, pRRophetic analysis found that patients in the low-risk group were more sensitive to methotrexate and cisplation, whereas more resistant to BEZ235, docetaxel and paclitaxel. In conclusion, the DRRGs exemplified by BEZ235 are potential biomarkers for TNBC molecular typing, prognosis prediction and targeted therapy. The novel DRRGs-guided strategy for predicting the subtype, survival and therapy efficacy, might be also applied to more cancers and drugs other than TNBC and BEZ235.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Feng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Luchang Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Kaijiong Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Sujiao Ni
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Baolin Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Jinbo Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.
| | - Dongsheng Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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22
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Zhu JW, Charkhchi P, Adekunte S, Akbari MR. What Is Known about Breast Cancer in Young Women? Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061917. [PMID: 36980802 PMCID: PMC10047861 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women under the age of 40 years worldwide. In addition, the incidence of breast cancer in young women (BCYW) has been rising. Young women are not the focus of screening programs and BC in younger women tends to be diagnosed in more advanced stages. Such patients have worse clinical outcomes and treatment complications compared to older patients. BCYW has been associated with distinct tumour biology that confers a worse prognosis, including poor tumour differentiation, increased Ki-67 expression, and more hormone-receptor negative tumours compared to women >50 years of age. Pathogenic variants in cancer predisposition genes such as BRCA1/2 are more common in early-onset BC compared to late-onset BC. Despite all these differences, BCYW remains poorly understood with a gap in research regarding the risk factors, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Age-specific clinical characteristics or outcomes data for young women are lacking, and most of the standard treatments used in this subpopulation currently are derived from older patients. More age-specific clinical data and treatment options are required. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology, clinicopathologic characteristics, outcomes, treatments, and special considerations of breast cancer in young women. We also underline future directions and highlight areas that require more attention in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wei Zhu
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Parsa Charkhchi
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Shadia Adekunte
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Mohammad R Akbari
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada
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23
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Xie XQ, Yang Y, Wang Q, Liu HF, Fang XY, Li CL, Jiang YZ, Wang S, Zhao HY, Miao JY, Ding SS, Liu XD, Yao XH, Yang WT, Jiang J, Shao ZM, Jin G, Bian XW. Targeting ATAD3A-PINK1-mitophagy axis overcomes chemoimmunotherapy resistance by redirecting PD-L1 to mitochondria. Cell Res 2023; 33:215-228. [PMID: 36627348 PMCID: PMC9977947 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-022-00766-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Only a small proportion of patients with triple-negative breast cancer benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) targeting PD-1/PD-L1 signaling in combination with chemotherapy. Here, we discovered that therapeutic response to ICI plus paclitaxel was associated with subcellular redistribution of PD-L1. In our immunotherapy cohort of ICI in combination with nab-paclitaxel, tumor samples from responders showed significant distribution of PD-L1 at mitochondria, while non-responders showed increased accumulation of PD-L1 on tumor cell membrane instead of mitochondria. Our results also revealed that the distribution pattern of PD-L1 was regulated by an ATAD3A-PINK1 axis. Mechanistically, PINK1 recruited PD-L1 to mitochondria for degradation via a mitophagy pathway. Importantly, paclitaxel increased ATAD3A expression to disrupt proteostasis of PD-L1 by restraining PINK1-dependent mitophagy. Clinically, patients with tumors exhibiting high expression of ATAD3A detected before the treatment with ICI in combination with paclitaxel had markedly shorter progression-free survival compared with those with ATAD3A-low tumors. Preclinical results further demonstrated that targeting ATAD3A reset a favorable antitumor immune microenvironment and increased the efficacy of combination therapy of ICI plus paclitaxel. In summary, our results indicate that ATAD3A serves not only as a resistant factor for the combination therapy of ICI plus paclitaxel through preventing PD-L1 mitochondrial distribution, but also as a promising target for increasing the therapeutic responses to chemoimmunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Qing Xie
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University) and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University) and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University) and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
- Department of Oncology, Shandong Second Provincial General Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Hao-Fei Liu
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University) and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuan-Yu Fang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University) and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Cheng-Long Li
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University) and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi-Zhou Jiang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University) and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong-Yu Zhao
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing-Ya Miao
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University) and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Shuai-Shuai Ding
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University) and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin-Dong Liu
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University) and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Yao
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University) and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Wen-Tao Yang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Jiang
- Department of Breast Diseases, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Shao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoxiang Jin
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University) and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China.
| | - Xiu-Wu Bian
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University) and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China.
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24
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Hao M, Zhu L, Hou S, Chen S, Li X, Li K, Zhu N, Chen S, Xue L, Ju C, Zhang C. Sensitizing Tumors to Immune Checkpoint Blockage via STING Agonists Delivered by Tumor-Penetrating Neutrophil Cytopharmaceuticals. ACS NANO 2023; 17:1663-1680. [PMID: 36595464 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c11764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have displayed potential efficacy in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) treatment, while only a minority of patients benefit from ICI therapy currently. Although activation of the innate immune stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway potentiates antitumor immunity and thus sensitizes tumors to ICIs, the efficient tumor penetration of STING agonists remains critically challenging. Herein, we prepare a tumor-penetrating neotype neutrophil cytopharmaceutical (NEs@STING-Mal-NP) with liposomal STING agonists conjugating on the surface of neutrophils, which is different from the typical neutrophil cytopharmaceutical that loads drugs inside the neutrophils. We show NEs@STING-Mal-NP that inherit the merits of neutrophils including proactive tumor vascular extravasation and tissue penetration significantly boost the tumor penetration of STING agonists. Moreover, the backpacked liposomal STING agonists can be released in response to hyaluronidase rich in the tumor environment, leading to enhanced uptake by tumor-infiltrating immune cells and tumor cells. Thus, NEs@STING-Mal-NP effectively activate the STING pathway and reinvigorate the tumor environment through converting macrophages and neutrophils to antitumor phenotypes, promoting the maturation of dendritic cells, and enhancing the infiltration and tumoricidal ability of T cells. Specifically, this cytopharmaceutical displays a significant inhibition on tumor growth and prolongs the survival of TNBC-bearing mice when combined with ICIs. We demonstrate that neutrophils serve as promising vehicles for delivering STING agonists throughout solid tumors and the developed neutrophil cytopharmaceuticals with backpacked STING agonists exhibit huge potential in boosting the immunotherapy of ICIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meixi Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Advanced Pharmaceuticals and Biomaterials, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P.R. China
| | - Lulu Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Advanced Pharmaceuticals and Biomaterials, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P.R. China
| | - Siyuan Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Advanced Pharmaceuticals and Biomaterials, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P.R. China
| | - Sijia Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Advanced Pharmaceuticals and Biomaterials, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P.R. China
| | - Xiuqi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Advanced Pharmaceuticals and Biomaterials, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P.R. China
| | - Kaiming Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Advanced Pharmaceuticals and Biomaterials, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P.R. China
| | - Nianci Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Advanced Pharmaceuticals and Biomaterials, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P.R. China
| | - Shanshan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Advanced Pharmaceuticals and Biomaterials, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P.R. China
| | - Lingjing Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Advanced Pharmaceuticals and Biomaterials, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P.R. China
| | - Caoyun Ju
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Advanced Pharmaceuticals and Biomaterials, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P.R. China
| | - Can Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Advanced Pharmaceuticals and Biomaterials, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P.R. China
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25
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Identification and Validation of a Novel Glycolysis-Related Gene Signature for Predicting the Prognosis and Therapeutic Response in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Adv Ther 2023; 40:310-330. [PMID: 36316558 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-022-02330-y] [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: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A high malignancy rate and poor prognosis are common problems with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). There is increasing evidence that glycolysis plays vital roles in tumorigenesis, tumor invasion, immune evasion, chemoresistance, and metastasis. However, a comprehensive analysis of the diagnostic and prognostic significance of glycolysis in TNBC is lacking. METHODS Transcriptomic and clinical data of TNBC patients were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) databases, respectively. Glycolysis-related genes (GRGs) were collected from the Molecular Signatures Database (MSigDB). Differential comparative analysis was performed to obtain the differentially expressed (DE)-GRGs associated with TNBC. Based on the DE-GRGs, a glycolysis-related risk signature was established using Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selector Operation (LASSO) and multivariable Cox regression analyses. The prognostic value, tumor microenvironment, mutation status, and chemotherapy response of different risk groups were analyzed. An independent cohort from the METABRIC database was used for external validation. Furthermore, the expression patterns of five genes derived from the prognostic model were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). RESULTS The glycolysis-related prognostic signature included five genes (IFNG, ACSS2, IRS2, GFUS, and GAL3ST1) and predicted the prognosis of TNBC patients independent of clinical factors (p < 0.05). Patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups based on the median risk score. Compared to low-risk TNBC patients, high-risk patients had significantly decreased overall survival (HR = 2.718, p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic and calibration curves demonstrated that the model had high performance in terms of predicting survival and risk stratification. The results remained consistent after external verification. Additionally, the tumor immune microenvironment significantly differed between the risk groups. Low-risk TNBC patients had a better immunotherapy response than high-risk patients. High-risk TNBC patients with a poor prognosis may benefit from targeted therapy. CONCLUSIONS This study developed a novel glycolysis and prognosis-related (GRP) signature based on GRGs to predict the prognosis of TNBC patients, and may aid clinical decision-making for these patients.
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A combination of novel NSC small molecule inhibitor along with doxorubicin inhibits proliferation of triple-negative breast cancer through metabolic reprogramming. Oncogene 2022; 41:5076-5091. [PMID: 36243802 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02497-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has been challenging due to the absence of well-defined molecular targets and the highly invasive and proliferative nature of TNBC cells. Current treatments against TNBC have shown little promise due to high recurrence rate in patients. Consequently, there is a pressing need for novel and efficacious therapies against TNBC. Here, we report the discovery of a novel small molecule inhibitor (NSC33353) with potent anti-tumor activity against TNBC cells. The anti-proliferative effects of this small molecule inhibitor were determined using 2D and 3D cell proliferation assays. We found that NSC33353 significantly reduces the proliferation of TNBC cells in these assays. Using proteomics, next generation sequencing (NGS), and gene enrichment analysis, we investigated global regulatory pathways affected by this compound in TNBC cells. Proteomics data indicate a significant metabolic reprograming affecting both glycolytic enzymes and energy generation through oxidative phosphorylation. Subsequently, using metabolic (Seahorse) and enzymatic assays, we validated our proteomics and NGS analysis findings. Finally, we showed the inhibitory and anti-tumor effects of this small molecule in vitro and confirmed its inhibitory activity in vivo. Doxorubicin is one of the most effective agents in the treatment of TNBC and resistance to this drug has been a major problem. We show that the combination of NSC33353 and doxorubicin suppresses the growth of TNBC cells synergistically, suggesting that NSC33353 enhances TNBC sensitivity to doxorubicin. In summary, our data indicate that the small molecule inhibitor, NSC33353, exhibits anti-tumor activity in TNBC cells, and works in a synergistic fashion with a well-known chemotherapeutic agent.
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27
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Wang X, Yu J, Liu X, Luo D, Li Y, Song L, Jiang X, Yin X, Wang Y, Chai L, Luo T, Jing J, Shi H. PSMG2-controlled proteasome-autophagy balance mediates the tolerance for MEK-targeted therapy in triple-negative breast cancer. Cell Rep Med 2022; 3:100741. [PMID: 36099919 PMCID: PMC9512673 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Although the MAPK pathway is aberrantly activated in triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs), the clinical outcome of MEK-targeted therapy is still poor. Through a genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 library screening, we find that inhibition of PSMG2 sensitizes TNBC cells BT549 and MB468 to the MEK inhibitor AZD6244. Mechanistically, PSMG2 knockdown impairs proteasome function, which in turn activates autophagy-mediated PDPK1 degradation. The PDPK1 degradation significantly enhances AZD6244-induced tumor cell growth inhibition by interrupting the negative feedback signals toward the AKT pathway. Consistently, co-targeting proteasomes and MEK with inhibitors synergistically suppresses tumor cell growth. The autophagy inhibitor chloroquine partially relieves the PDPK1 degradation and reverses the growth inhibition induced by combinatorial inhibition of MEK and proteasome. The combination regimen with the proteasome inhibitor MG132 plus AZD6244 synergistically inhibits tumor growth in a 4T1 xenograft mouse model. In summary, our study not only unravels the mechanism of MEK inhibitor resistance but also provides a combinatorial therapeutic strategy for TNBC in clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyan Wang
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Jing Yu
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xiaowei Liu
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Dan Luo
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China
| | - Yanchu Li
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Linlin Song
- Department of Ultrasound and Laboratory of Ultrasound Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xian Jiang
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xiaomeng Yin
- Department of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Research Core Facility, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Li Chai
- Research Core Facility, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Ting Luo
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Jing Jing
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
| | - Hubing Shi
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
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Furlanetto J, Marmé F, Loibl S. Sacituzumab govitecan: past, present and future of a new antibody-drug conjugate and future horizon. Future Oncol 2022; 18:3199-3215. [PMID: 36069628 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2022-0407] [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] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Sacituzumab govitecan (SG) is a new antibody-drug conjugate directed against the cell-surface antigen Trop-2. Characteristics of the linker connecting the payload SN-38 to the antibody allows SG to kill tumor cells expressing Trop-2 and also the adjacent tumor cells (bystander effect). SG showed efficacy and safety in several epithelial tumors. The phase III ASCENT trial led to the approval of SG (10 mg/kg, d1,8 q3w) in patients with advanced or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) who have received ≥2 prior systemic therapies, including ≥1 for metastatic disease. The phase III TROPiCS-02 trial in heavily pretreated advanced hormone receptor (HR)-positive breast cancer has recently shown an improvement in progression-free survival for patients treated with SG compared to single-agent chemotherapy. The phase III post-neoadjuvant SASCIA study in early high-risk TNBC and HR-positive breast cancer is currently recruiting patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Frederik Marmé
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Universitätsfrauenklinik, Mannheim, 68167, Germany
| | - Sibylle Loibl
- German Breast Group, Neu-Isenburg, 63263, Germany.,Centre for Haematology & Oncology, Bethanien, Frankfurt/M, 60389, Germany
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Werner M, Dyas A, Parfentev I, Schmidt GE, Mieczkowska IK, Müller-Kirschbaum LC, Müller C, Kalkhof S, Reinhardt O, Urlaub H, Alves F, Gallwas J, Prokakis E, Wegwitz F. ROBO3s: a novel ROBO3 short isoform promoting breast cancer aggressiveness. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:762. [PMID: 36057630 PMCID: PMC9440919 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05197-7] [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: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) is a highly aggressive breast cancer subtype frequently associated with poor prognosis. Due to the scarcity of targeted treatment options, conventional cytotoxic chemotherapies frequently remain the standard of care. Unfortunately, their efficacy is limited as BLBC malignancies rapidly develop resistant phenotypes. Using transcriptomic and proteomic approaches in human and murine BLBC cells, we aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the acquisition of aggressive and chemotherapy-resistant phenotypes in these mammary tumors. Specifically, we identified and characterized a novel short isoform of Roundabout Guidance Receptor 3 (ROBO3s), upregulated in BLBC in response to chemotherapy and encoding for a protein variant lacking the transmembrane domain. We established an important role for the ROBO3s isoform, mediating cancer stem cell properties by stimulating the Hippo-YAP signaling pathway, and thus driving resistance of BLBC cells to cytotoxic drugs. By uncovering the conservation of ROBO3s expression across multiple cancer types, as well as its association with reduced BLBC-patient survival, we emphasize its potential as a prognostic marker and identify a novel attractive target for anti-cancer drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Werner
- grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany ,grid.4567.00000 0004 0483 2525Chromosome Dynamics and Genome Stability, Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Anna Dyas
- grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany ,grid.4372.20000 0001 2105 1091International Max-Planck Research School for Molecular Biology, Göttingen, Germany ,Early Cancer Institute, University of Cambridge, Department of Oncology, Hutchison Research Centre, Box 197 Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, Germany
| | - Iwan Parfentev
- grid.4372.20000 0001 2105 1091Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry group, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Geske E. Schmidt
- grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Iga K. Mieczkowska
- grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lukas C. Müller-Kirschbaum
- grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Claudia Müller
- grid.418008.50000 0004 0494 3022Department of Preclinical Development and Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefan Kalkhof
- grid.418008.50000 0004 0494 3022Department of Preclinical Development and Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Oliver Reinhardt
- grid.4372.20000 0001 2105 1091Translational Molecular Imaging, Max-Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Henning Urlaub
- grid.4372.20000 0001 2105 1091Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry group, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany ,grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Bioanalytics, Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Frauke Alves
- grid.4372.20000 0001 2105 1091Translational Molecular Imaging, Max-Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany ,grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Medicine Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Julia Gallwas
- grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Evangelos Prokakis
- grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Florian Wegwitz
- grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Liu J, Ma J, Zhang Q. Identification of the pyroptosis-related prognostic gene signature and characterization of tumor microenvironment infiltration in triple-negative breast cancer. Front Genet 2022; 13:929870. [PMID: 36092879 PMCID: PMC9453819 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.929870] [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: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Triple-negative breast cancer remains a highly malignant disease due to the lack of specific targeted therapy and immunotherapy. A growing body of evidence supports the role of pyroptosis in tumorigenesis and prognosis, but further exploration is needed to improve our understanding of the tumor microenvironment in patients with triple-negative breast cancer.Methods: Consensus clustering analysis was performed to construct pattern clusters. A correlation analysis was conducted between the pattern clusters and the tumor microenvironment using GSVA, ESTIMATE, and CIBERSORT. Then, a risk score and a nomogram were constructed and verified to predict overall survival.Results: Two pyro-clusters and three pyro-gene clusters that differed significantly in terms of prognosis, biological processes, clinical features, and tumor microenvironment were identified. The different clusters corresponded to different immune expression profiles. The constructed risk score predicted patient prognosis and response to immunotherapy. Patients with low risk scores exhibited favorable outcomes with increased immune cell infiltration and expression of immune checkpoint molecules. Compared to other models, the nomogram was extremely effective in predicting prognosis.Conclusion: In the landscape of the immune microenvironment, pyroptosis-mediated pattern clusters differed markedly. Both the developed risk score and the nomogram were effective predictive models. These findings could help develop customized treatment for patients with triple-negative breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jianli Ma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Qingyuan Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- *Correspondence: Qingyuan Zhang,
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Konozy EHE, Osman MEFM. Plant lectin: A promising future anti-tumor drug. Biochimie 2022; 202:136-145. [PMID: 35952948 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Since the early discovery of plant lectins at the end of the 19th century, and the finding that they could agglutinate erythrocytes and precipitate glycans from their solutions, many applications and biological roles have been described for these proteins. Later, the observed erythrocytes clumping features were attributed to the lectin-cell surface glycoconjugates recognition. Neoplastic transformation leads to various cellular alterations which impact the growth of the cell and its persistence, among which is the mutation in the outer surface glycosylation signatures. Quite a few lectins have been found to act as excellent biomarkers for cancer diagnosis while some were presented with antiproliferative activity that initiated by lectin binding to the respective glycocalyx receptors. These properties are blocked by the hapten sugar that is competing for the lectin affinity binding site. In vitro investigations of lectin-cancer cell's glycocalyx interactions lead to a series of immunological reactions that result in autophagy or apoptosis of the transformed cells. Mistletoe lectin, an agglutinin purified from the European Viscum album is the first plant lectin employed in the treatment of cancer to enter into the clinical trial phases. The entrapment of lectin in nanoparticles besides other techniques to promote bioavailability and stability have also been recently studied. This review summarizes our up-to-date understanding of the future applications of plant lectins in cancer prognosis and diagnosis. With the provision of many examples of lectins that exhibit anti-neoplastic properties.
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Zhang H, Zhang X, Wang X, Sun H, Hou C, Yu Y, Wang S, Yin F, Yang Z. Comprehensive Analysis of TRP Channel–Related Genes in Patients With Triple-Negative Breast Cancer for Guiding Prognostic Prediction. Front Oncol 2022; 12:941283. [PMID: 35875096 PMCID: PMC9300844 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.941283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a special subtype of breast cancer. Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channel superfamily has emerged as a novel and interesting target in a variety of tumors. However, the association of TRP channel–related genes with TNBC is still unclear. Methods The The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-TNBC and GSE58812 datasets were downloaded from the public database. The differentially expressed TRP channel–related genes (DETGs) were screened by limma package, and mutations of the above genes were analyzed. Subsequently, new molecular subtypes in TNBC-based DETGs were explored by consensus clustering analysis. In addition, Lasso–Cox regression analysis was used to divide it into two robust risk subtypes: high-risk group and low-risk group. The accuracy and distinguishing ability of above models were verified by a variety of methods, including Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, ROC analysis, calibration curve, and PCA analysis. Meanwhile, CIBERSORT algorithm was used to excavate status of immune-infiltrating cells in TNBC tissues. Last, we explored the therapeutic effect of drugs and underlying mechanisms of risk subgroups by pRRophetic package and GSEA algorithm, respectively. Results A total of 19 DETGs were identified in 115 TNBC and 113 normal samples from TCGA database. In addition, missense mutation and SNP were the most common variant classification. According to Lasso–Cox regression analysis, the risky formula performed best when nine genes were used: TRPM5, TRPV2, HTR2B, HRH1, P2RY2, MAP2K6, NTRK1, ADCY6, and PRKACB. Subsequently, Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, ROC analysis, calibration curve, and Principal Components Analysis (PCA) analysis showed an excellent accuracy for predicting OS using risky formula in each cohort (P < 0.05). Specifically, high-risk group had a shorter OS compared with low-risk group. In addition, T-cell CD4 memory activated and macrophages M1 were enriched in normal tissues, whereas Tregs were increased in tumor tissues. Note that the low-risk group was better therapeutic effect to docetaxel, doxorubicin, cisplatin, paclitaxel, and gemcitabine than the high-risk group (P < 0.05). Last, in vitro assays, Quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) indicated that TRPM5 was significantly highly expressed in MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells compared with that in MCF-10A cells (P < 0.01). Conclusion We identified a risky formula based on expression of TRP channel–related genes that can predict prognosis, therapeutic effect, and status of tumor microenvironment for patients with TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haojie Zhang
- The Second Medical College, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Xiangsheng Zhang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaohong Wang, ; Zhenlin Yang,
| | - Hongguang Sun
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Changran Hou
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Yue Yu
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Song Wang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Fangxu Yin
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Zhenlin Yang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaohong Wang, ; Zhenlin Yang,
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Khan MA, Zheng M, Fu J, Tania M, Li J, Fu J. Thymoquinone upregulates IL17RD in controlling the growth and metastasis of triple negative breast cancer cells in vitro. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:707. [PMID: 35761256 PMCID: PMC9238053 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09782-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a molecular subtype of breast cancer, which is a major health burden of females worldwide. Thymoquinone (TQ), a natural compound, has been found to be effective against TNBC cells, and this study identified IL17RD as a novel target of TQ in TNBC cells.
Methods
We have performed chromatin immunoprecipitation Sequence (ChIP-Seq) by MBD1 (methyl-CpG binding domain protein 1) antibody to identify genome-wide methylated sites affected by TQ. ChIP-seq identified 136 genes, including the tumor suppressor IL17RD, as a novel target of TQ, which is epigenetically upregulated by TQ in TNBC cell lines BT-549 and MDA-MB-231. The IL17RD expression and survival outcomes were studied by Kaplan–Meier analysis.
Results
TQ treatment inhibited the growth, migration, and invasion of TNBC cells with or without IL17RD overexpression or knockdown, while the combination of IL17RD overexpression and TQ treatment were the most effective against TNBC cells. Moreover, higher expression of IL17RD is associated with longer survival in TNBC patients, indicating potential therapeutic roles of TQ and IL17RD against TNBC.
Conclusions
Our data suggest that IL17RD might be epigenetically upregulated in TNBC cell lines by TQ, and this might be one of the mechanisms by which TQ exerts its anticancer and antimetastatic effects on TNBC cells.
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Breast Cancer Metastasis: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126806. [PMID: 35743249 PMCID: PMC9224686 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide. Metastasis is the leading cause of high mortality in most cancers. Although predicting the early stage of breast cancer before metastasis can increase the survival rate, breast cancer is often discovered or diagnosed after metastasis has occurred. In general, breast cancer has a poor prognosis because it starts as a local disease and can spread to lymph nodes or distant organs, contributing to a significant impediment in breast cancer treatment. Metastatic breast cancer cells acquire aggressive characteristics from the tumor microenvironment (TME) through several mechanisms including epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and epigenetic regulation. Therefore, understanding the nature and mechanism of breast cancer metastasis can facilitate the development of targeted therapeutics focused on metastasis. This review discusses the mechanisms leading to metastasis and the current therapies to improve the early diagnosis and prognosis in patients with metastatic breast cancer.
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Dewi C, Fristiohady A, Amalia R, Khairul Ikram NK, Ibrahim S, Muchtaridi M. Signaling Pathways and Natural Compounds in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cell Line. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27123661. [PMID: 35744786 PMCID: PMC9227697 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27123661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer, having a poor prognosis and rapid metastases. TNBC is characterized by the absence of estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth receptor-2 (HER2) expressions and has a five-year survival rate. Compared to other breast cancer subtypes, TNBC patients only respond to conventional chemotherapies, and even then, with limited success. Shortages of chemotherapeutic medication can lead to resistance, pressured index therapy, non-selectivity, and severe adverse effects. Finding targeted treatments for TNBC is difficult owing to the various features of cancer. Hence, identifying the most effective molecular targets in TNBC pathogenesis is essential for predicting response to targeted therapies and preventing TNBC cell metastases. Nowadays, natural compounds have gained attention as TNBC treatments, and have offered new strategies for solving drug resistance. Here, we report a systematic review using the database from Pubmed, Science Direct, MDPI, BioScince, Springer, and Nature for articles screening from 2003 to 2022. This review analyzes relevant signaling pathways and the prospect of utilizing natural compounds as a therapeutic agent to improve TNBC treatments in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Citra Dewi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang 45363, Indonesia;
- Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Science and Technology, Mandala Waluya University, Kendari 93561, Indonesia
| | - Adryan Fristiohady
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Halu Oleo University, Kampus Hijau Bumi Tridharma, Kendari 93232, Indonesia;
| | - Riezki Amalia
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang 45363, Indonesia;
| | - Nur Kusaira Khairul Ikram
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Sugeng Ibrahim
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Katolik Soegijapranata, Semarang 50234, Indonesia;
| | - Muchtaridi Muchtaridi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang 45363, Indonesia;
- Correspondence:
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Shafi S, Parwani AV, Li Z. PD-L1 (SP142 and 22C3) Immunohistochemistry in Clinical Metastatic Triple Negative or Low Hormone Receptor Breast Carcinomas: Experience from a Large Academic Institution. Hum Pathol 2022; 126:100-107. [PMID: 35623466 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2022.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of new immune checkpoint molecules has led to the emergence of new treatment for metastatic breast carcinoma. We aimed to investigate PD-L1 (SP142 and 22C3) expression in 77 clinical metastatic triple negative or low hormone receptor (<10%) breast carcinomas (TNBC/LHRBC). SP142 was positive in 23.4% (18/77) of cases. SP142 positive (SP142+) cases showed lower liver metastasis and androgen receptor expression, but increased tumor infiltrating lymphocytes than SP142 negative (SP142-) cases in univariate analysis, but only increased tumor infiltrating lymphocyte in multivariate analysis. 22C3 testing was available in 21 cases including 14 with combined positive score (CPS) ≥10 (9 SP142- and 5 SP142+) and 7 with CPS <10 (7 SP142-). Ten (13%) patients received immunotherapy including 8 SP142+ (7 with atezolizumab, 1 with pembrolizumab) and 2 SP142- cases (2 with pembrolizumab). Survival data showed a trend of increased survival rate in SP142+ (72.2%) when comparing to SP142- patients (55.9%). Our study provides unique insights into the distribution of PD-L1 staining in metastatic breast carcinomas in a real-world clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Shafi
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, 410 W. 10th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Anil V Parwani
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, 410 W. 10th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Zaibo Li
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, 410 W. 10th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210.
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Tan Q, Yin S, Zhou D, Chi Y, Man X, Li H. Potential Predictive and Prognostic Value of Biomarkers Related to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:779786. [PMID: 35646659 PMCID: PMC9134495 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.779786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As an aggressive subtype of breast cancer, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is associated with poor prognosis and lack of effective therapy, except chemotherapy. In recent years, immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint (IC) inhibition has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy in TNBC. TNBC has more tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and higher rate of mutation and programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression than other subtypes of breast cancer have. However, previous studies have shown that monotherapy has little efficacy and only some TNBC patients can benefit from immunotherapy. Therefore, it is important to identify biomarkers that can predict the efficacy of IC inhibitors (ICIs) in TNBC. Recently, various biomarkers have been extensively explored, such as PD-L1, TILs and tumor mutational burden (TMB). Clinical trials have shown that PD-L1-positive patients with advanced TNBC benefit from ICIs plus chemotherapy. However, in patients with early TNBC receiving neoadjuvant therapy, PD-L1 cannot predict the efficacy of ICIs. These inconsistent conclusions suggest that PD-L1 is the best to date but an imperfect predictive biomarker for efficacy of ICIs. Other studies have shown that advanced TNBC patients with TMB ≥10 mutations/Mb can achieve clinical benefits from pembrolizumab. TILs also have potential predictive value in TNBC. Here, we select some biomarkers related to ICIs and discuss their potential predictive and prognostic value in TNBC. We hope these biomarkers could help to identify suitable patients and realize precision immunotherapy.
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Fuso P, Muratore M, D’Angelo T, Paris I, Carbognin L, Tiberi G, Pavese F, Duranti S, Orlandi A, Tortora G, Scambia G, Fabi A. PI3K Inhibitors in Advanced Breast Cancer: The Past, The Present, New Challenges and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2161. [PMID: 35565291 PMCID: PMC9103982 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in the female population and despite significant efforts made in diagnostic approaches and treatment strategies adopted for advanced breast cancer, the disease still remains incurable. Therefore, development of more effective systemic treatments constitutes a crucial need. Recently, several clinical trials were performed to find innovative predictive biomarkers and to improve the outcome of metastatic breast cancer through innovative therapeutic algorithms. In the pathogenesis of breast cancer, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (PKB/AKT)-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) axis is a key regulator of cell proliferation, growth, survival, metabolism, and motility, making it an interest and therapeutic target. Nevertheless, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR cascade includes a complex network of biological events, needing more sophisticated approaches for their use in cancer treatment. In this review, we described the rationale for targeting the PI3K pathway, the development of PI3K inhibitors and the future treatment directions of different breast cancer subtypes in the metastatic setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Fuso
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (I.P.); (L.C.); (G.T.); (F.P.); (G.S.)
| | - Margherita Muratore
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (I.P.); (L.C.); (G.T.); (F.P.); (G.S.)
| | - Tatiana D’Angelo
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Unit of Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (T.D.); (A.O.); (G.T.)
| | - Ida Paris
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (I.P.); (L.C.); (G.T.); (F.P.); (G.S.)
| | - Luisa Carbognin
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (I.P.); (L.C.); (G.T.); (F.P.); (G.S.)
| | - Giordana Tiberi
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (I.P.); (L.C.); (G.T.); (F.P.); (G.S.)
| | - Francesco Pavese
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (I.P.); (L.C.); (G.T.); (F.P.); (G.S.)
| | - Simona Duranti
- Scientific Directorate, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Armando Orlandi
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Unit of Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (T.D.); (A.O.); (G.T.)
| | - Giampaolo Tortora
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Unit of Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (T.D.); (A.O.); (G.T.)
- Medical Oncology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Scambia
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (I.P.); (L.C.); (G.T.); (F.P.); (G.S.)
- Scientific Directorate, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
- Istituto di Ginecologia e Ostetricia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Fabi
- Precision Medicine in Breast Cancer Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
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Tsao AN, Chuang YS, Lin YC, Su Y, Chao TC. Dinaciclib inhibits the stemness of two subtypes of human breast cancer cells by targeting the FoxM1 and Hedgehog signaling pathway. Oncol Rep 2022; 47:105. [PMID: 35417031 DOI: 10.3892/or.2022.8316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin‑dependent kinase (CDK)4/6 inhibitors in combination with endocrine therapy are the current standard of care used in the first‑line treatment of hormone receptor‑positive/HER2‑negative metastatic breast cancer (BC). Although CDK4/6 inhibitors mainly target the cell cycle, emerging evidence has indicated further potential roles of CDKs other than regulating cell cycle progression. The G1 and G2/M transition regulators, including cyclins D and E, as well as their catalytic partners, CDK2, CDK4 and CDK6, have been reported to play crucial roles in pluripotency maintenance and cell fate decisions of human pluripotent stem cells by controlling transcription factors, signaling pathways and epigenetic regulators. Dinaciclib, a CDK1/2/5/9 inhibitor, is currently being evaluated in clinical trials against various cancer types, including BC. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of CDK1/2/5/9 inhibitors in regulating BC stemness remain poorly understood. The present study aimed to examine the stemness‑inhibitory effects of dinaciclib in MCF‑7 (luminal) and HCC‑1806 (triple‑negative) BC cells. We found that this drug not only effectively reduced the self‑renewal abilities and other malignant properties, but also dose‑dependently decreased the protein expression levels of three BC stem cell markers, CD44, aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A1 (ALDH1A1) and BMI1 proto‑oncogene, polycomb ring finger (Bmi1), as well as three embryonic stem cell markers, Oct4, Nanog and Sox2. Moreover, the dinaciclib‑induced decrease of Oct4 and Nanog protein expression was able to be restored by co‑treatment with MG‑132, a proteasome inhibitor. Forkhead box M1 (FoxM1), both a stemness‑stimulating transcription factor and a cell cycle regulator, along with the Hedgehog signaling pathway, were identified as the therapeutic targets of dinaciclib. Collectively, the present results demonstrated a novel role of dinaciclib in suppressing BC stemness and indicated its potential use for future cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Ni Tsao
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11200, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yu-Syuan Chuang
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11200, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yen-Chun Lin
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11200, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yeu Su
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11200, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Ta-Chung Chao
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11200, Taiwan, R.O.C
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40
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Zhang X, Mu X, Huang O, Wang Z, Chen J, Chen D, Wang G. ZNF703 promotes triple-negative breast cancer cells through cell-cycle signaling and associated with poor prognosis. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:226. [PMID: 35236318 PMCID: PMC8889678 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09286-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The oncogenic drivers of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which is characterized by worst prognosis compared with other subtypes, are poorly understood. Although next-generation sequencing technology has facilitated identifying potential targets, few of the findings have been translated into daily clinical practice. The present study is aimed to explore ZNF703 (Zinc finger 703) function and its underlying mechanism in TNBC. Methods ZNF703 expressions in tissue microarray were retrospectively examined by immunohistochemistry. The cell proliferation by SRB assay and colony formation assay, as well as cell cycle distribution by flow cytometry were assessed. The protein levels associated with possible underlying molecular mechanisms were evaluated by western blotting. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to plot survival analysis. Results Our data suggest that ZNF703 expressed in 34.2% of triple-negative human breast tumors by immunohistochemistry. In vitro, ZNF703 knockdown had potent inhibitory effects on TNBC cell proliferation and cell cycle, with cyclin D1, CDK4, CDK6, and E2F1 downregulated, while Rb1 upregulated. Moreover, Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that high mRNA expression of ZNF703 was correlated to worse overall survival (HR for high expression was 3.04; 95% CI, 1.22 to 7.57, P = 0.017). Conclusions Taken together, the results identified that targeting ZNF703 contributed to the anti-proliferative effects in TNBC cells, due to induced G1-phase arrest. This study is the first to identify ZNF703 as a potentially important protein that is involved in TNBC progression. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09286-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zhang
- Department of Breast Oncology, The First Hospital of Quanzhou Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Anji Rd, 362000, Quanzhou, China. .,Comprehensive Breast Health Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xin Mu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 362000, Quanzhou, China
| | - Ou Huang
- Comprehensive Breast Health Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhitang Wang
- Department of Breast Oncology, The First Hospital of Quanzhou Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Anji Rd, 362000, Quanzhou, China
| | - Jialin Chen
- Department of Breast Oncology, The First Hospital of Quanzhou Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Anji Rd, 362000, Quanzhou, China
| | - Debo Chen
- Department of Breast Oncology, The First Hospital of Quanzhou Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Anji Rd, 362000, Quanzhou, China.
| | - Gen Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Pharmacology, Fujian Medical University, University Town, 1 Xue Yuan Road, 350122, Fuzhou, China.
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Qiu X, Zhao T, Luo R, Qiu R, Li Z. Tumor-Associated Macrophages: Key Players in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:772615. [PMID: 35237507 PMCID: PMC8882594 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.772615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) refers to the subtype of breast cancer which is negative for ER, PR, and HER-2 receptors. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) refer to the leukocyte infiltrating tumor, derived from circulating blood mononuclear cells and differentiating into macrophages after exuding tissues. TAMs are divided into typical activated M1 subtype and alternately activated M2 subtype, which have different expressions of receptors, cytokines and chemokines. M1 is characterized by expressing a large amount of inducible nitric oxide synthase and TNF-α, and exert anti-tumor activity by promoting pro-inflammatory and immune responses. M2 usually expresses Arginase 1 and high levels of cytokines, growth factors and proteases to support their carcinogenic function. Recent studies demonstrate that TAMs participate in the process of TNBC from occurrence to metastasis, and might serve as potential biomarkers for prognosis prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Qiu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tianjiao Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Cell Biology, Wuhan Institute of Bioengineering, Wuhan, China
| | - Ran Luo
- Department of Cell Biology, Wuhan Institute of Bioengineering, Wuhan, China
| | - Ran Qiu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zhaoming Li, ; Ran Qiu,
| | - Zhaoming Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zhaoming Li, ; Ran Qiu,
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42
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Duan L, Calhoun S, Perez RE, Macias V, Mir F, Pergande MR, Gattuso P, Borgia JA, Maki CG. Prolyl Carboxypeptidase Maintains Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Signaling and Is a Potential Therapeutic Target in Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030739. [PMID: 35159006 PMCID: PMC8833515 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive cancer type with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Our research has revealed that a protein called prolylcarboxypeptidase (PRCP) is a potential therapy target for TNBC. We found that high levels of PRCP in tumors coincides with worse prognosis in TNBC patients. Inhibition of PRCP with a small molecule inhibitor blocked TNBC cell and tumor growth and inhibited the activity of several receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), proteins that are located on the surface of cells and that are important for cancer development and progression. Our findings suggest that PRCP is a novel prognostic factor for TNBC and that specific inhibitors of PRCP could be developed for TNBC treatment. Abstract TNBC is an aggressive cancer sub-type with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. New therapeutic targets are needed to improve outcomes in TNBC patients. PRCP is a lysosomal serine protease that cleaves peptide substrates when the penultimate amino acid is proline. A role for PRCP in TNBC or other cancers, and its potential as a therapy target has not yet been tested. In the current study, we found high tumor expression of PRCP associates with worse outcome and earlier recurrence in TNBC patients. Knockdown of PRCP or treatment with a small molecule PRCP inhibitor blocked proliferation and survival in TNBC cell lines and inhibited growth of TNBC tumors in mice. Mechanistically, we found PRCP maintains signaling from multiple receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), potentially by promoting crosstalk between RTKs and G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Lastly, we found that the PRCP inhibitor caused synergistic killing of TNBC cells when combined with the EGFR and ErbB2 inhibitor lapatinib. Our results suggest that PRCP is potential prognostic marker for TNBC patient outcome and a novel therapeutic target for TNBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Duan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, 600 S. Paulina Ave, AcFac 507, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (L.D.); (S.C.); (R.E.P.); (M.R.P.); (J.A.B.)
| | - Sarah Calhoun
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, 600 S. Paulina Ave, AcFac 507, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (L.D.); (S.C.); (R.E.P.); (M.R.P.); (J.A.B.)
| | - Ricardo E. Perez
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, 600 S. Paulina Ave, AcFac 507, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (L.D.); (S.C.); (R.E.P.); (M.R.P.); (J.A.B.)
| | - Virgilia Macias
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 909 S. Wolcott St, Rm 6128, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - Fatima Mir
- Department of Pathology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (F.M.); (P.G.)
| | - Melissa R. Pergande
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, 600 S. Paulina Ave, AcFac 507, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (L.D.); (S.C.); (R.E.P.); (M.R.P.); (J.A.B.)
| | - Paolo Gattuso
- Department of Pathology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (F.M.); (P.G.)
| | - Jeffrey A. Borgia
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, 600 S. Paulina Ave, AcFac 507, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (L.D.); (S.C.); (R.E.P.); (M.R.P.); (J.A.B.)
| | - Carl G. Maki
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, 600 S. Paulina Ave, AcFac 507, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (L.D.); (S.C.); (R.E.P.); (M.R.P.); (J.A.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +312-563-3380
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Arachidin-1, a Prenylated Stilbenoid from Peanut, Induces Apoptosis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031139. [PMID: 35163062 PMCID: PMC8835363 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031139] [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] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is unresponsive to typical hormonal treatments, causing it to be one of the deadliest forms of breast cancer. Investigating alternative therapies to increase survival rates for this disease is essential. The goal of this study was to assess cytotoxicity and apoptosis mechanisms of prenylated stilbenoids in TNBC cells. The prenylated stilbenoids arachidin-1 (A-1) and arachidin-3 (A-3) are analogs of resveratrol (RES) produced in peanut upon biotic stress. The anticancer activity of A-1 and A-3 isolated from peanut hairy root cultures was determined in TNBC cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-436. After 24 h of treatment, A-1 exhibited higher cytotoxicity than A-3 and RES with approximately 11-fold and six-fold lower IC50, respectively, in MDA-MB-231 cells, and nine-fold and eight-fold lower IC50, respectively, in MDA-MB-436 cells. A-1 did not show significant cytotoxicity in the non-cancerous cell line MCF-10A. While A-1 blocked cell division in G2-M phases in the TNBC cells, it did not affect cell division in MCF-10A cells. Furthermore, A-1 induced caspase-dependent apoptosis through the intrinsic pathway by activating caspase-9 and PARP cleavage, and inhibiting survivin. In conclusion, A-1 merits further research as a potential lead molecule for the treatment of TNBC.
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Down-regulating GRP78 reverses pirarubicin resistance of triple negative breast cancer by miR-495-3p mimics and involves the p-AKT/mTOR pathway. Biosci Rep 2021; 42:230551. [PMID: 34935899 PMCID: PMC8738866 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20210245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the lack of known therapeutic targets for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), chemotherapy is the only available pharmacological treatment. Pirarubicin (tetrahydropyranyl Adriamycin, THP) is the most commonly used anthracycline chemotherapy agent. However, TNBC has a high recurrence rate after chemotherapy, and the mechanisms of chemoresistance and recurrence are not entirely understood. To study the chemoresistance mechanisms, we first screened compounds on a pirarubicin-resistant cell line (MDA-MB-231R) derived from MDA-MB-231. The drug resistance index of MDA-MB-231R cells was approximately five times higher than that of MDA-MB-231 cells. MDA-MB-231R cells have higher GRP78 and lower miR-495-3p expression levels than MDA-MB-231 cells. Transfecting MDA-MB-231R cells with a siGRP78 plasmid reduced GRP78 expression, which restored pirarubicin sensitivity. Besides, transfecting MDA-MB-231R cells with miR-495-3p mimics increased miR-495-3p expression, which also reversed pirarubicin chemoresistance. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), EdU, wound healing, and Transwell assays showed that the miR-495-3p mimics also inhibited cell proliferation and migration. Based on our results, miR-495-3p mimics could down-regulate GRP78 expression via the p-AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in TNBC cells. Remarkably, chemo-resistant and chemo-sensitive TNBC tissues had opposite trends in GRP78 and miR-495-3p expressions. The lower the GRP78 and the higher the miR-495-3p expression, the better prognosis in TNBC patients. Therefore, the mechanism of pirarubicin resistance might involve the miR-495-3p/GRP78/Akt axis, which would provide a possible strategy for treating TNBC.
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45
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Song H, Wang H, Gong M, Wu L, Liu X, Cao W, Gao X, Dou R, Chen Q, Hu H. Augmentation of antitumor function of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes against triple-negative breast cancer by PD-1 blockade. Cell Biol Int 2021; 46:278-287. [PMID: 34854515 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
T-cell-based immunotherapy and immune checkpoint blockade have been successfully used to treat several human solid cancers. The present study attempted to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of the antitumor effect of adoptive cell therapy along with programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitor on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Tumor infiltration lymphocytes (TILs) from TNBC mouse tumor tissues were isolated and expanded, and TILs for adoptive cell therapy (TILs-ACT) were applied in combination with a PD-1 inhibitor to the TNBC mouse model. The pre- and post-therapy antitumor efficacy, cytokine secretion, and pathological changes were assessed both in vitro and in vivo. We found that TILs exhibited higher IFN-γ and TNF-α secretion than conventional T cells. The TILs-ACT combined with PD-1 inhibitor promoted active T-cell infiltration into the tumor tissue and exerted a strong antitumor effect in an in vivo model. Additionally, the strategy could downregulate the expression of inhibitory marker PD-1 on TILs. In conclusion, PD-1 blockade regulated T-cell exhaustion that synergized with adoptive TIL transfer immunotherapy, leading to eradication of established TNBC tumors. These findings might be useful in developing a feasible and effective therapeutic approach for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongming Song
- Breast Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Haibo Wang
- Breast Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Mingkai Gong
- Breast Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Li Wu
- Breast Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xiangping Liu
- Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Weihong Cao
- Breast Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xueqiang Gao
- Breast Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Rongrong Dou
- Breast Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Qiaoyu Chen
- Breast Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Haiyan Hu
- Breast Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
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Li Y, Zhan Z, Yin X, Fu S, Deng X. Targeted Therapeutic Strategies for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:731535. [PMID: 34778045 PMCID: PMC8581040 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.731535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer, which is characterized by the absence of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) expression and the absence of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression/amplification. Conventional chemotherapy is the mainstay of systemic treatment for TNBC. However, lack of molecular targeted therapies and poor prognosis of TNBC patients have prompted a great effort to discover effective targets for improving the clinical outcomes. For now, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors (PARPi's) and immune checkpoint inhibitors have been approved for the treatment of TNBC. Moreover, agents that target signal transduction, angiogenesis, epigenetic modifications, and cell cycle are under active preclinical or clinical investigations. In this review, we highlight the current major developments in targeted therapies of TNBC, with some descriptions about their (dis)advantages and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Department of Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhijun Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Department of Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Xuemin Yin
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Department of Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Shujun Fu
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Department of Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiyun Deng
- Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Department of Pathophysiology, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Stem Cell Research, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
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El-Houjeiri L, Biondini M, Paquette M, Kuasne H, Pacis A, Park M, Siegel PM, Pause A. Folliculin impairs breast tumor growth by repressing TFE3-dependent induction of the Warburg effect and angiogenesis. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:144871. [PMID: 34779410 DOI: 10.1172/jci144871] [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] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing tumors exist in metabolically compromised environments that require activation of multiple pathways to scavenge nutrients to support accelerated rates of growth. The folliculin (FLCN) tumor suppressor complex (FLCN, FNIP1, FNIP2) is implicated in the regulation of energy homeostasis via 2 metabolic master kinases: AMPK and mTORC1. Loss-of-function mutations of the FLCN tumor suppressor complex have only been reported in renal tumors in patients with the rare Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome. Here, we revealed that FLCN, FNIP1, and FNIP2 are downregulated in many human cancers, including poor-prognosis invasive basal-like breast carcinomas where AMPK and TFE3 targets are activated compared with the luminal, less aggressive subtypes. FLCN loss in luminal breast cancer promoted tumor growth through TFE3 activation and subsequent induction of several pathways, including autophagy, lysosomal biogenesis, aerobic glycolysis, and angiogenesis. Strikingly, induction of aerobic glycolysis and angiogenesis in FLCN-deficient cells was dictated by the activation of the PGC-1α/HIF-1α pathway, which we showed to be TFE3 dependent, directly linking TFE3 to Warburg metabolic reprogramming and angiogenesis. Conversely, FLCN overexpression in invasive basal-like breast cancer models attenuated TFE3 nuclear localization, TFE3-dependent transcriptional activity, and tumor growth. These findings support a general role of a deregulated FLCN/TFE3 tumor suppressor pathway in human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Morag Park
- Goodman Cancer Institute.,Department of Biochemistry.,Department of Medicine, and.,Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Peter M Siegel
- Goodman Cancer Institute.,Department of Biochemistry.,Department of Medicine, and
| | - Arnim Pause
- Goodman Cancer Institute.,Department of Biochemistry
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Sacituzumab govitecan in metastatic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC): Four design features in the ASCENT trial potentially favored the experimental arm. Transl Oncol 2021; 15:101248. [PMID: 34688044 PMCID: PMC8531666 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Substandard control arm is an important issue when appraising results from a trial. A “physician's choice” should not be restricted: it may penalize the control arm. Dose reduction differences between a trial and the real life question the surrogacy of the reported results for real life patients.
The ASCENT trial reports impressive results with a median overall survival (OS) increased from 6.7 months to 12.1 months with sacituzumab govitecan over single-agent chemotherapy, in metastatic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients in second and subsequent line of therapy. We described design features in the ASCENT trial casting doubt on the extrapolation of the reported results to real world patients. First, the open-label design may exaggerate the effect of the experimental arm. Second, the choice of progression-free-survival (PFS) as a primary endpoint, debatable in metastatic TNBC, can lead to biases: early stopping rules may exaggerate efficacy results and informative censoring can bias PFS results interpretation. Third, the control arm was not a complete “physician's choice”: it was restricted, preventing from using effective agents in this setting, and leading to a substandard control arm. Fourth and lastly, dose reduction and supportive care recommendations for the experimental drug were different between the trial protocol and the FDA labels, and favored the experimental arm as compared with the control arm. In conclusion, we described four design features in the ASCENT trial having the potential to favor the experimental arm or to penalize the control arm. It thus remains uncertain in which extent the reported outcomes will translate in the real world. Efforts should be made to avoid trial biases that will eventually prevent to conclude about their true impact in patients when applied broadly.
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Jou AF, Chou Y, Willner I, Ho JA. Imaging of Cancer Cells and Dictated Cytotoxicity Using Aptamer‐Guided Hybridization Chain Reaction (HCR)‐Generated G‐Quadruplex Chains. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202106147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amily Fang‐Ju Jou
- Bioanalytical Chemistry and Nanobiomedicine Laboratory Department of Biochemical Science and Technology National Taiwan University No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road Taipei 10617 Taiwan
- Department of Chemistry Chung Yuan Christian University No. 200, Chung Pei Road Taoyuan City 320314 Taiwan
| | - Yi‐Te Chou
- Bioanalytical Chemistry and Nanobiomedicine Laboratory Department of Biochemical Science and Technology National Taiwan University No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road Taipei 10617 Taiwan
| | - Itamar Willner
- Institute of Chemistry Hebrew University of Jerusalem Jerusalem 91904 Israel
| | - Ja‐an Annie Ho
- Bioanalytical Chemistry and Nanobiomedicine Laboratory Department of Biochemical Science and Technology National Taiwan University No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road Taipei 10617 Taiwan
- Department of Chemistry National (Taiwan) University No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road Taipei 10617 Taiwan
- Center for Emerging Materials and Advance Devices National (Taiwan) University No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road Taipei 10617 Taiwan
- Center for Biotechnology National (Taiwan) University No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road Taipei 10617 Taiwan
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50
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Wang N, Gu Y, Chi J, Liu X, Xiong Y, Zhong C, Wang F, Wang X, Li L. Screening of DNA Damage Repair Genes Involved in the Prognosis of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Patients Based on Bioinformatics. Front Genet 2021; 12:721873. [PMID: 34408776 PMCID: PMC8365772 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.721873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a special subtype of breast cancer with poor prognosis. DNA damage response (DDR) is one of the hallmarks of this cancer. However, the association of DDR genes with the prognosis of TNBC is still unclear. Methods: We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between normal and TNBC samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). DDR genes were obtained from the Molecular Signatures Database through six DDR gene sets. After the expression of six differential genes were verified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), we then overlapped the DEGs with DDR genes. Based on univariate and LASSO Cox regression analyses, a prognostic model was constructed to predict overall survival (OS). Kaplan–Meier analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve were used to assess the performance of the prognostic model. Cox regression analysis was applied to identify independent prognostic factors in TNBC. The Human Protein Atlas was used to study the immunohistochemical data of six DEGs. The prognostic model was validated using an independent dataset. Gene Ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis were performed by using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis was employed to estimate immune cells related to this prognostic model. Finally, we constructed a transcriptional factor (TF) network and a competing endogenous RNA regulatory network. Results: Twenty-three differentially expressed DDR genes were detected between TNBC and normal samples. The six-gene prognostic model we developed was shown to be related to OS in TNBC using univariate and LASSO Cox regression analyses. All the six DEGs were identified as significantly up-regulated in the tumor samples compared to the normal samples in qRT-PCR. The GSEA analysis indicated that the genes in the high-risk group were mainly correlated with leukocyte migration, cytokine interaction, oxidative phosphorylation, autoimmune diseases, and coagulation cascade. The mutation data revealed the mutated genes were different. The gene-TF regulatory network showed that Replication Factor C subunit 4 occupied the dominant position. Conclusion: We identified six gene markers related to DDR, which can predict prognosis and serve as an independent biomarker for TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuanting Gu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiangrui Chi
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xinwei Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Youyi Xiong
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chaochao Zhong
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xinxing Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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