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Kaufmann J, Haist M, Kur IM, Zimmer S, Hagemann J, Matthias C, Grabbe S, Schmidberger H, Weigert A, Mayer A. Tumor-stroma contact ratio - a novel predictive factor for tumor response to chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced oropharyngeal cancer. Transl Oncol 2024; 46:102019. [PMID: 38833784 PMCID: PMC11190748 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.102019] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The growth pattern of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC) varies from compact tumor cell aggregates to diffusely infiltrating tumor cell-clusters. The influence of the growth pattern on local tumor control and survival has been studied mainly for surgically treated oral cavity carcinomas on a visual basis. In this study, we used multiplex immunofluorescence staining (mIF) to examine the antigens pan-cytokeratin, p16INK4a, Ki67, CD271, PD-L1, and CD8 in pretherapeutic biopsies from 86 OPSCC. We introduce Tumor-stroma contact ratio (TSC), a novel parameter, to quantify the relationship between tumor cells in contact with the stromal surface and the total number of epithelial tumor cells. mIF tumor cores were analyzed at the single-cell level, and tumor-stromal contact area was quantified using the R package "Spatstat". TSC was correlated with the visually assessed invasion pattern by two independent investigators. Furthermore, TSC was analyzed in relation to clinical parameters and patient survival data to evaluate its potential prognostic significance. Higher TSC correlated with poor response to (chemo-)radiotherapy (r = 0.3, p < 0.01), and shorter overall (OS) and progression-free (PFS) survival (median OS: 13 vs 136 months, p < 0.0001; median PFS: 5 vs 85 months, p < 0.0001). Visual categorization of growth pattern according to established criteria of tumor aggressiveness showed interobserver variability increasing with more nuanced categories (2 categories: k = 0.7, 95 %-CI: 0.55 - 0.85; 4 categories k = 0.48, 95 %-CI: 0.35 - 0.61). In conclusion, TSC is an objective and reproducible computer-based parameter to quantify tumor-stroma contact area. We demonstrate its relevance for the response of oropharyngeal carcinomas to primary (chemo-)radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justus Kaufmann
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Radiotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg-University, Mainz 55131, Germany.
| | - Maximilian Haist
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg-University, 55131 Mainz, Germany; Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ivan-Maximiliano Kur
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Stefanie Zimmer
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg-University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Jan Hagemann
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg-University, Mainz 55131, Germany
| | - Christoph Matthias
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg-University, Mainz 55131, Germany
| | - Stephan Grabbe
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg-University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Heinz Schmidberger
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Radiotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg-University, Mainz 55131, Germany
| | - Andreas Weigert
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Arnulf Mayer
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Radiotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg-University, Mainz 55131, Germany; Division of Radiation Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
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Li M, Hu Y, Wang J, Xu Y, Hong Y, Zhang L, Luo Q, Zhen Z, Lu S, Huang J, Zhu J, Zhang Y, Que Y, Sun F. The dual HDAC and PI3K inhibitor, CUDC‑907, inhibits tumor growth and stem‑like properties by suppressing PTX3 in neuroblastoma. Int J Oncol 2024; 64:14. [PMID: 38063204 PMCID: PMC10783937 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2023.5602] [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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is one of the common solid tumors in childhood and poses a threat to the lives of children. Patients with advanced‑stage or recurrent NB have a poor prognosis. CUDC‑907, as a novel dual‑target inhibitor of histone deacetylase (HDAC) and phosphatidylinositol‑3‑kinase (PI3K), has been proven to play an antitumor role in several types of tumors. However, the exact role of CUDC‑907 in NB remains unclear. In the present study, in vivo and in vitro assays were performed to investigate the anti‑NB activity of CUDC‑907. Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) small interfering RNA (siRNA) and PTX3 overexpression plasmid were transfected into cells to define the underlying mechanisms of CUDC‑907. Tumor tissues and clinical information were collected and immunohistochemistry (IHC) was conducted to analyze the association between the expression of HDAC1, HDAC2, HDAC3 and CD44, and the prognosis of patients with NB. The results indicated that CUDC‑907 significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration, and induced the apoptosis of NB cells, downregulating the expression level of MYCN, and suppressing the PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK pathways. Furthermore, CUDC‑907 suppressed the stem‑like properties of NB cells by inhibiting PTX3, a ligand and upstream protein of CD44. IHC revealed that the high expression of HDAC1, 2, 3 and CD44 was associated with a poor prognosis of patients with NB. On the whole, these findings indicate that CUDC‑907 may be developed into a possible therapeutic approach for patients with NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengzhen Li
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Yang Hu
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Yanjie Xu
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Ye Hong
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Qiuyun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Zijun Zhen
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Suying Lu
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Junting Huang
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Jia Zhu
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Yizhuo Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Yi Que
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Feifei Sun
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
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3
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Wang WD, Guo YY, Yang ZL, Su GL, Sun ZJ. Sniping Cancer Stem Cells with Nanomaterials. ACS NANO 2023; 17:23262-23298. [PMID: 38010076 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c07828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) drive tumor initiation, progression, and therapeutic resistance due to their self-renewal and differentiation capabilities. Despite encouraging progress in cancer treatment, conventional approaches often fail to eliminate CSCs, necessitating the development of precise targeted strategies. Recent advances in materials science and nanotechnology have enabled promising CSC-targeted approaches, harnessing the power of tailoring nanomaterials in diverse therapeutic applications. This review provides an update on the current landscape of nanobased precision targeting approaches against CSCs. We elucidate the nuanced application of organic, inorganic, and bioinspired nanomaterials across a spectrum of therapeutic paradigms, encompassing targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and multimodal synergistic therapies. By examining the accomplishments and challenges in this potential field, we aim to inform future efforts to advance nanomaterial-based therapies toward more effective "sniping" of CSCs and tumor clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Da Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Yan-Yu Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Zhong-Lu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Guang-Liang Su
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Zhi-Jun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
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4
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Zhao H, Han R, Wang Z, Xian J, Bai X. Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells and Targeted Agents. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2763. [PMID: 38140103 PMCID: PMC10748092 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15122763] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Since their discovery, cancer stem cells have become a hot topic in cancer therapy research. These cells possess stem cell-like self-renewal and differentiation capacities and are important factors that dominate cancer metastasis, therapy-resistance and recurrence. Worse, their inherent characteristics make them difficult to eliminate. Colorectal cancer is the third-most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Targeting colorectal cancer stem cells (CR-CSCs) can inhibit colorectal cancer metastasis, enhance therapeutic efficacy and reduce recurrence. Here, we introduced the origin, biomarker proteins, identification, cultivation and research techniques of CR-CSCs, and we summarized the signaling pathways that regulate the stemness of CR-CSCs, such as Wnt, JAK/STAT3, Notch and Hh signaling pathway. In addition to these, we also reviewed recent anti-CR-CSC drugs targeting signaling pathways, biomarkers and other regulators. These will help researchers gain insight into the current agents targeting to CR-CSCs, explore new cancer drugs and propose potential therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haobin Zhao
- Department of General Practice, People’s Hospital of Longhua, 38 Jinglong Jianshe Road, Shenzhen 518109, China; (H.Z.); (J.X.)
- Endocrinology Department, People’s Hospital of Longhua, 38 Jinglong Jianshe Road, Shenzhen 518109, China
| | - Ruining Han
- Obstetric Department, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China;
| | - Zhankun Wang
- Emergency Department, People’s Hospital of Longhua, 38 Jinglong Jianshe Road, Shenzhen 518109, China;
| | - Junfang Xian
- Department of General Practice, People’s Hospital of Longhua, 38 Jinglong Jianshe Road, Shenzhen 518109, China; (H.Z.); (J.X.)
| | - Xiaosu Bai
- Endocrinology Department, People’s Hospital of Longhua, 38 Jinglong Jianshe Road, Shenzhen 518109, China
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5
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Dorna D, Paluszczak J. Targeting cancer stem cells as a strategy for reducing chemotherapy resistance in head and neck cancers. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:13417-13435. [PMID: 37453969 PMCID: PMC10587253 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05136-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy is the primary cause of a poor prognosis in oncological patients. Researchers identified many possible mechanisms involved in gaining a therapy-resistant phenotype by cancer cells, including alterations in intracellular drug accumulation, detoxification, and enhanced DNA damage repair. All these features are characteristic of stem cells, making them the major culprit of chemoresistance. This paper reviews the most recent evidence regarding the association between the stemness phenotype and chemoresistance in head and neck cancers. It also investigates the impact of pharmacologically targeting cancer stem cell populations in this subset of malignancies. METHODS This narrative review was prepared based on the search of the PubMed database for relevant papers. RESULTS Head and neck cancer cells belonging to the stem cell population are distinguished by the high expression of certain surface proteins (e.g., CD10, CD44, CD133), pluripotency-related transcription factors (SOX2, OCT4, NANOG), and increased activity of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). Chemotherapy itself increases the percentage of stem-like cells. Importantly, the intratumor heterogeneity of stem cell subpopulations reflects cell plasticity which has great importance for chemoresistance induction. CONCLUSIONS Evidence points to the advantage of combining classical chemotherapeutics with stemness modulators thanks to the joint targeting of the bulk of proliferating tumor cells and chemoresistant cancer stem cells, which could cause recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawid Dorna
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Ul. Święcickiego 4, 60-781 Poznan, Poland
| | - Jarosław Paluszczak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Ul. Święcickiego 4, 60-781 Poznan, Poland
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6
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Skandalis SS. CD44 Intracellular Domain: A Long Tale of a Short Tail. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5041. [PMID: 37894408 PMCID: PMC10605500 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15205041] [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: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
CD44 is a single-chain transmembrane receptor that exists in multiple forms due to alternative mRNA splicing and post-translational modifications. CD44 is the main cell surface receptor of hyaluronan as well as other extracellular matrix molecules, cytokines, and growth factors that play important roles in physiological processes (such as hematopoiesis and lymphocyte homing) and the progression of various diseases, the predominant one being cancer. Currently, CD44 is an established cancer stem cell marker in several tumors, implying a central functional role in tumor biology. The present review aims to highlight the contribution of the CD44 short cytoplasmic tail, which is devoid of any enzymatic activity, in the extraordinary functional diversity of the receptor. The interactions of CD44 with cytoskeletal proteins through specific structural motifs within its intracellular domain drives cytoskeleton rearrangements and affects the distribution of organelles and transport of molecules. Moreover, the CD44 intracellular domain specifically interacts with various cytoplasmic effectors regulating cell-trafficking machinery, signal transduction pathways, the transcriptome, and vital cell metabolic pathways. Understanding the cell type- and context-specificity of these interactions may unravel the high complexity of CD44 functions and lead to novel improved therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spyros S Skandalis
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis & Matrix Pathobiology Res. Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
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Wang Y, Yang Z, Zhu W, Chen Y, He X, Li J, Han Z, Yang Y, Liu W, Zhang K. Dihydroartemisinin inhibited stem cell-like properties and enhanced oxaliplatin sensitivity of colorectal cancer via AKT/mTOR signaling. Drug Dev Res 2023; 84:988-998. [PMID: 37132439 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22067] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common tumor with high morbidity and mortality. The use of oxaliplatin (L-OHP) as a first-line treatment for CRC is limited due to chemoresistance. Growing evidence have revealed that the existence of cancer stem-like cells (CSLCs) is one of the important reasons for drug resistance and recurrence of cancers. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a derivative of artemisinin, has showed anticancer effects on a variety of malignancies, in addition to its antimalarial effects. However, the effect and mechanism of DHA on CSLCs and chemosensitivity in CRC cells remains unclear. In this study, we found that DHA inhibited cell viability in HCT116 and SW620 cells. Moreover, DHA decreased cell clonogenicity, and improved L-OHP sensitivity. Furthermore, DHA treatment attenuated tumor sphere formation, and the expressions of stem cell surface marker (CD133 and CD44) and stemness-associated transcription factor (Nanog, c-Myc, and OCT4). Mechanistically, the present findings showed that DHA inhibited of AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. The activation of AKT/mTOR signaling reversed DHA-decreased cell viability, clonogenicity, L-OHP resistance, tumor sphere, and expressions of stemness-associated protein in CRC. The inhibitory effect of DHA on tumorigenicity of CRC cells has also been demonstrated in BALB/c nude mice. In conclusion, this study revealed that DHA inhibited CSLCs properties in CRC via AKT/mTOR signaling, suggesting that DHA may be used as a potential therapeutic agent for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujun Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhirong Yang
- Pathology Department, Deyang People's Hospital, Deyang, China
| | - Wanglong Zhu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuzhuo Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Xingqiang He
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiaofeng Li
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhengyu Han
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuhan Yang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
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Hosseini A, Eghtedari AR, Mirzaei A, Babaheidarian P, Nekoufar S, Khademian N, Jamshidi K, Tavakoli-Yaraki M. The clinical significance of CD44v6 in malignant and benign primary bone tumors. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2023; 24:607. [PMID: 37491225 PMCID: PMC10367246 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-023-06738-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to assess the expression profile of CD44v6, a potential cancer stem cell marker, and its diagnostic and predictive significance in three distinct types of primary bone tumors. METHODS In this study, we utilized real-time qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry to examine the gene and protein levels of CD44v6 in a total of 138 fresh bone tissues. This included 69 tumor tissues comprising osteosarcoma (N = 23), chondrosarcoma (N = 23), and GCT (N = 23), as well as 69 corresponding non-cancerous tumor margins. Furthermore, we investigated the circulating level of CD44v6 by isolating peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 92 blood samples. Among these, 69 samples were obtained from patients diagnosed with primary bone tumors, while the remaining 23 samples were from healthy donors. The primary objectives of our investigation were to assess the correlation between CD44v6 expression levels and clinic-pathological features of the patients, as well as to evaluate the diagnostic and predictive values of CD44v6 in this context. RESULTS In patients with osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma tumors, both the gene and protein expression of CD44v6 were found to be significantly higher compared to the GCT group. Furthermore, the circulating level of CD44v6 was notably elevated in patients diagnosed with osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma in comparison to the GCT group and patients with malignant tumor characteristics. Additionally, we observed a strong correlation between the gene and protein levels of CD44v6 and important tumor indicators such as tumor grade, metastasis, recurrence, and size at the tumor site. CD44v6 shows potential in differentiating patients with bone tumors from both control groups and tumor groups with severe and invasive characteristics from those with non-severe features. Importantly, the expression level of CD44v6 also demonstrated predictive value for determining tumor grade and the likelihood of recurrence. CONCLUSION CD44v6 is likely to play a role in the development of primary bone tumors and has the potential to serve as a diagnostic biomarker for bone cancer. However, to obtain more accurate and conclusive findings, further mechanistic investigations involving larger population samples are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameinh Hosseini
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 1449614535, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Reza Eghtedari
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 1449614535, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Mirzaei
- Bone and Joint Reconstruction Research Center, Shafa Orthopedic Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pegah Babaheidarian
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Nekoufar
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 1449614535, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narges Khademian
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Khodamorad Jamshidi
- Bone and Joint Reconstruction Research Center, Shafa Orthopedic Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Tavakoli-Yaraki
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 1449614535, Tehran, Iran.
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Cianciosi D, Armas Diaz Y, Alvarez-Suarez JM, Chen X, Zhang D, Martínez López NM, Briones Urbano M, Quiles JL, Amici A, Battino M, Giampieri F. Can the phenolic compounds of Manuka honey chemosensitize colon cancer stem cells? A deep insight into the effect on chemoresistance and self-renewal. Food Chem 2023; 427:136684. [PMID: 37418807 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.136684] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Manuka honey, which is rich in pinocembrin, quercetin, naringenin, salicylic, p-coumaric, ferulic, syringic and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acids, has been shown to have pleiotropic effects against colon cancer cells. In this study, potential chemosensitizing effects of Manuka honey against 5-Fluorouracil were investigated in colonspheres enriched with cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are responsible for chemoresistance. Results showed that 5-Fluorouracil increased when it was combined with Manuka honey by downregulating the gene expression of both ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 2, an efflux pump and thymidylate synthase, the main target of 5-Fluorouracil which regulates the ex novo DNA synthesis. Manuka honey was associated with decreased self-renewal ability by CSCs, regulating expression of several genes in Wnt/β-catenin, Hedgehog and Notch pathways. This preliminary study opens new areas of research into the effects of natural compounds in combination with pharmaceuticals and, potentially, increase efficacy or reduce adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danila Cianciosi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Specialistiche e Odontostomatologiche - Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Ranieri 65, 60130 Ancona, Italy
| | - Yasmany Armas Diaz
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Specialistiche e Odontostomatologiche - Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Ranieri 65, 60130 Ancona, Italy
| | - José M Alvarez-Suarez
- Departamento de Ingeniería en Alimentos. Colegio de Ciencias e Ingenierías, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Diego de Robles s/n, Quito 170901, Ecuador
| | - Xiumin Chen
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; Institute of Food Physical Processing, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; International Joint Research Laboratory of Intelligent Agriculture and Agri-Products Processing, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Di Zhang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Nohora Milena Martínez López
- Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana, Campeche 24560, Mexico; Fundación Universitaria Internacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia; Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana Arecibo, Puerto Rico 00613, USA
| | - Mercedes Briones Urbano
- Universidad Europea del Atlántico, 39011 Santander, Spain; Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana, Campeche 24560, Mexico; Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana Arecibo, Puerto Rico 00613, USA
| | - José L Quiles
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology "José Mataix", Biomedical Research Center, University of Granada, Avda del Conocimiento s/n, Parque Tecnologico de la Salud, Armilla, 18016 Granada, Spain; Research Group on Foods, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Isabel Torres, 21, Santander 39011, Spain; Research and Development Functional Food Centre (CIDAF), Health Science Technological Park, Avenida del Conocimiento 37, Granada 18016, Spain
| | - Adolfo Amici
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Specialistiche e Odontostomatologiche - Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Ranieri 65, 60130 Ancona, Italy
| | - Maurizio Battino
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Specialistiche e Odontostomatologiche - Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Ranieri 65, 60130 Ancona, Italy; International Joint Research Laboratory of Intelligent Agriculture and Agri-Products Processing, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; Research Group on Foods, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Isabel Torres, 21, Santander 39011, Spain.
| | - Francesca Giampieri
- Research Group on Foods, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Isabel Torres, 21, Santander 39011, Spain.
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10
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Schäfer M, Schneider M, Müller T, Franz N, Braspenning-Wesch I, Stephan S, Schmidt G, Krijgsveld J, Helm D, Rösl F, Hasche D. Spatial tissue proteomics reveals distinct landscapes of heterogeneity in cutaneous papillomavirus-induced keratinocyte carcinomas. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28850. [PMID: 37322807 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28850] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Infection with certain cutaneous human papillomaviruses (HPV), in conjunction with chronic ultraviolet (UV) exposure, are the major cofactors of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), the most frequent cancer type worldwide. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) as well as tumors in general represent three-dimensional entities determined by both temporal and spatial constraints. Whole tissue proteomics is a straightforward approach to understand tumorigenesis in better detail, but studies focusing on different progression states toward a dedifferentiated SCC phenotype on a spatial level are rare. Here, we applied an innovative proteomic workflow on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) epithelial tumors derived from the preclinical animal model Mastomys coucha. This rodent is naturally infected with its genuine cutaneous papillomavirus and closely mimics skin carcinogenesis in the context of cutaneous HPV infections in humans. We deciphered cellular networks by comparing diverse epithelial tissues with respect to their differentiation level and infection status. Our study reveals novel regulatory proteins and pathways associated with virus-induced tumor initiation and progression of SCCs. This approach provides the basis to better comprehend the multistep process of skin carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Schäfer
- Division of Viral Transformation Mechanisms, Research Program "Infection, Inflammation and Cancer", German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Schneider
- Proteomics Core Facility, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Torsten Müller
- Division Proteomics of Stem Cells and Cancer, Research Program "Functional and Structural Genomics", German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Natascha Franz
- Division of Viral Transformation Mechanisms, Research Program "Infection, Inflammation and Cancer", German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ilona Braspenning-Wesch
- Division of Viral Transformation Mechanisms, Research Program "Infection, Inflammation and Cancer", German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sonja Stephan
- Division of Viral Transformation Mechanisms, Research Program "Infection, Inflammation and Cancer", German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gabriele Schmidt
- Core Facility Unit Light Microscopy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jeroen Krijgsveld
- Division Proteomics of Stem Cells and Cancer, Research Program "Functional and Structural Genomics", German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dominic Helm
- Proteomics Core Facility, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frank Rösl
- Division of Viral Transformation Mechanisms, Research Program "Infection, Inflammation and Cancer", German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daniel Hasche
- Division of Viral Transformation Mechanisms, Research Program "Infection, Inflammation and Cancer", German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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11
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Xu Z, Zhang M, Guo Z, Chen L, Yang X, Li X, Liang Q, Tang Y, Liu J. Stemness-related lncRNAs signature as a biologic prognostic model for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Apoptosis 2023; 28:860-880. [PMID: 36997733 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-023-01832-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are particularly important for tumor cell growth and migration, and recurrence and drug resistance, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The purpose of this study was to explore stemness-related lncRNAs (SRlncRNAs) that could be used for prognosis of patients with HNSCC. HNSCC RNA sequencing data and matched clinical data were obtained from TCGA database, and stem cell characteristic genes related to HNSCC mRNAsi were obtained from the online database by WGCNA analysis, respectively. Further, SRlncRNAs were obtained. Then, the prognostic model was constructed to forecast patient survival through univariate Cox regression and LASSO-Cox method based on SRlncRNAs. Kaplan-Meier, ROC and AUC were used to evaluate the predictive ability of the model. Moreover, we probed the underlying biological functions, signalling pathways and immune status hidden within differences in prognosis of patients. We explored whether the model could guide personalized treatments included immunotherapy and chemotherapy for HNSCC patients. At last, RT-qPCR was performed to analyze the expressions levels of SRlncRNAs in HNSCC cell lines. A SRlncRNAs signature was identified based on 5 SRlncRNAs (AC004943.2, AL022328.1, MIR9-3HG, AC015878.1 and FOXD2-AS1) in HNSCC. Also, risk scores were correlated with the abundance of tumor-infiltrating immune cells, whereas HNSCC-nominated chemotherapy drugs were considerably different from one another. The final finding was that these SRlncRNAs were abnormally expressed in HNSCCCS according to the results of RT-qPCR. These 5 SRlncRNAs signature, as a potential prognostic biomarker, can be utilized for personalized medicine in HNSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zejun Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Hainan, 570100, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Biological Anthropology of Jinzhou Medical University, Liaoning, 110000, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Zhang
- Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiqiang Guo
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, QingPu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, 201700, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Chen
- Community Health Service Center of Zhongshan Street, Songjiang District, Shanghai, 201700, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaolei Yang
- Fourth People's Hospital of Jinan, Jinan, 250031, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Hainan, 570100, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Liang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Yuqing Tang
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TH, UK
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, QingPu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, 201700, People's Republic of China.
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12
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Identity matters: cancer stem cells and tumour plasticity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Expert Rev Mol Med 2023; 25:e8. [PMID: 36740973 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2023.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents frequent yet aggressive tumours that encompass complex ecosystems of stromal and neoplastic components including a dynamic population of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Recently, research in the field of CSCs has gained increased momentum owing in part to their role in tumourigenicity, metastasis, therapy resistance and relapse. We provide herein a comprehensive assessment of the latest progress in comprehending CSC plasticity, including newly discovered influencing factors and their possible application in HNSCC. We further discuss the dynamic interplay of CSCs within tumour microenvironment considering our evolving appreciation of the contribution of oral microbiota and the pressing need for relevant models depicting their features. In sum, CSCs and tumour plasticity represent an exciting and expanding battleground with great implications for cancer therapy that are only beginning to be appreciated in head and neck oncology.
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13
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Tsochantaridis I, Roupas A, Mohlin S, Pappa A, Voulgaridou GP. The Concept of Cancer Stem Cells: Elaborating on ALDH1B1 as an Emerging Marker of Cancer Progression. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:life13010197. [PMID: 36676146 PMCID: PMC9863106 DOI: 10.3390/life13010197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a multifactorial, complex disease exhibiting extraordinary phenotypic plasticity and diversity. One of the greatest challenges in cancer treatment is intratumoral heterogeneity, which obstructs the efficient eradication of the tumor. Tumor heterogeneity is often associated with the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), a cancer cell sub-population possessing a panel of stem-like properties, such as a self-renewal ability and multipotency potential. CSCs are associated with enhanced chemoresistance due to the enhanced efflux of chemotherapeutic agents and the existence of powerful antioxidant and DNA damage repair mechanisms. The distinctive characteristics of CSCs make them ideal targets for clinical therapeutic approaches, and the identification of efficient and specific CSCs biomarkers is of utmost importance. Aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) comprise a wide superfamily of metabolic enzymes that, over the last years, have gained increasing attention due to their association with stem-related features in a wide panel of hematopoietic malignancies and solid cancers. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1B1 (ALDH1B1) is an isoform that has been characterized as a marker of colon cancer progression, while various studies suggest its importance in additional malignancies. Here, we review the basic concepts related to CSCs and discuss the potential role of ALDH1B1 in cancer development and its contribution to the CSC phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilias Tsochantaridis
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Angelos Roupas
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Sofie Mohlin
- Division of Pediatrics, Clinical Sciences, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University Cancer Center, 22384 Lund, Sweden
| | - Aglaia Pappa
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Georgia-Persephoni Voulgaridou
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
- Correspondence:
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14
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Siqueira JM, Heguedusch D, Rodini CO, Nunes FD, Rodrigues MFSD. Mechanisms involved in cancer stem cell resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2023; 6:116-137. [PMID: 37065869 PMCID: PMC10099599 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2022.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Despite scientific advances in the Oncology field, cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide. Molecular and cellular heterogeneity of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a significant contributor to the unpredictability of the clinical response and failure in cancer treatment. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are recognized as a subpopulation of tumor cells that can drive and maintain tumorigenesis and metastasis, leading to poor prognosis in different types of cancer. CSCs exhibit a high level of plasticity, quickly adapting to the tumor microenvironment changes, and are intrinsically resistant to current chemo and radiotherapies. The mechanisms of CSC-mediated therapy resistance are not fully understood. However, they include different strategies used by CSCs to overcome challenges imposed by treatment, such as activation of DNA repair system, anti-apoptotic mechanisms, acquisition of quiescent state and Epithelial-mesenchymal transition, increased drug efflux capacity, hypoxic environment, protection by the CSC niche, overexpression of stemness related genes, and immune surveillance. Complete elimination of CSCs seems to be the main target for achieving tumor control and improving overall survival for cancer patients. This review will focus on the multi-factorial mechanisms by which CSCs are resistant to radiotherapy and chemotherapy in HNSCC, supporting the use of possible strategies to overcome therapy failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Mota Siqueira
- Department of Stomatology, Discipline of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Daniele Heguedusch
- Department of Stomatology, Discipline of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Camila Oliveira Rodini
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 17012-230, Brazil
| | - Fabio Daumas Nunes
- Department of Stomatology, Discipline of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Maria Fernanda Setúbal Destro Rodrigues
- Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Nove de Julho University, UNINOVE, São Paulo 01504-001, Brazil
- Correspondence to: PhD. Maria Fernanda Setúbal Destro Rodrigues. Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Nove de Julho University, UNINOVE, Rua Vergueiro, 235/249 - Liberdade, São Paulo 01504-001, Brazil. E-mail:
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15
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Haist M, Kaufmann J, Kur IM, Zimmer S, Grabbe S, Schmidberger H, Weigert A, Mayer A. Response to primary chemoradiotherapy of locally advanced oropharyngeal carcinoma is determined by the degree of cytotoxic T cell infiltration within tumor cell aggregates. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1070203. [PMID: 37187729 PMCID: PMC10175951 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1070203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Effective anti-tumor immune responses are mediated by T cells and require organized, spatially coordinated interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Understanding coordinated T-cell-behavior and deciphering mechanisms of radiotherapy resistance mediated by tumor stem cells will advance risk stratification of oropharyngeal cancer (OPSCC) patients treated with primary chemoradiotherapy (RCTx). Methods To determine the role of CD8 T cells (CTL) and tumor stem cells for response to RCTx, we employed multiplex immunofluorescence stains on pre-treatment biopsy specimens from 86 advanced OPSCC patients and correlated these quantitative data with clinical parameters. Multiplex stains were analyzed at the single-cell level using QuPath and spatial coordination of immune cells within the TME was explored using the R-package Spatstat. Results Our observations demonstrate that a strong CTL-infiltration into the epithelial tumor compartment (HR for overall survival, OS: 0.35; p<0.001) and the expression of PD-L1 on CTL (HR: 0.36; p<0.001) were both associated with a significantly better response and survival upon RCTx. As expected, p16 expression was a strong predictor of improved OS (HR: 0.38; p=0.002) and correlated with overall CTL infiltration (r: 0.358, p<0.001). By contrast, tumor cell proliferative activity, expression of the tumor stem cell marker CD271 and overall CTL infiltration, regardless of the affected compartment, were not associated with response or survival. Conclusion In this study, we could demonstrate the clinical relevance of the spatial organization and the phenotype of CD8 T cells within the TME. In particular, we found that the infiltration of CD8 T cells specifically into the tumor cell compartment was an independent predictive marker for response to chemoradiotherapy, which was strongly associated with p16 expression. Meanwhile, tumor cell proliferation and the expression of stem cell markers showed no independent prognostic effect for patients with primary RCTx and thus requires further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Haist
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Maximilian Haist,
| | - Justus Kaufmann
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Radiotherapy, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ivan-Maximiliano Kur
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Stefanie Zimmer
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Stephan Grabbe
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Heinz Schmidberger
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Radiotherapy, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Andreas Weigert
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Arnulf Mayer
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
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16
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A Gold Nanoparticle Bioconjugate Delivery System for Active Targeted Photodynamic Therapy of Cancer and Cancer Stem Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194558. [PMID: 36230480 PMCID: PMC9559518 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), also called tumor-initiating cells, are a subpopulation of cancer cells believed to be the leading cause of cancer initiation, growth, metastasis, and recurrence. Presently there are no effective treatments targeted at eliminating CSCs. Hence, an urgent need to develop measures to target CSCs to eliminate potential recurrence and metastasis associated with CSCs. Cancer stem cells have inherent and unique features that differ from other cancer cells, which they leverage to resist conventional therapies. Targeting such features with photodynamic therapy (PDT) could be a promising treatment for drug-resistant cancer stem cells. Photodynamic therapy is a light-mediated non-invasive treatment modality. However, PDT alone is unable to eliminate cancer stem cells effectively, hence the need for a targeted approach. Gold nanoparticle bioconjugates with PDT could be a potential approach for targeted photodynamic therapy of cancer and CSCs. This approach has the potential for enhanced drug delivery, selective and specific attachment to target tumor cells/CSCs, as well as the ability to efficiently generate ROS. This review examines the impact of a smart gold nanoparticle bioconjugate coupled with a photosensitizer (PS) in promoting targeted PDT of cancer and CSC.
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17
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Yan J, Long X, Liang Y, Li F, Yu H, Li Y, Li Z, Tian Y, He B, Sun Y. Nanodrug delivery systems and cancer stem cells: From delivery carriers to treatment. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2022.112701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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18
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Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Metastasis: Focus on Laryngeal Carcinoma. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092148. [PMID: 36140250 PMCID: PMC9496235 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092148] [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: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In epithelial neoplasms, such as laryngeal carcinoma, the survival indexes deteriorate abruptly when the tumor becomes metastatic. A molecular phenomenon that normally appears during embryogenesis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), is reactivated at the initial stage of metastasis when tumor cells invade the adjacent stroma. The hallmarks of this phenomenon are the abolishment of the epithelial and acquisition of mesenchymal traits by tumor cells which enhance their migratory capacity. EMT signaling is mediated by complex molecular pathways that regulate the expression of crucial molecules contributing to the tumor’s metastatic potential. Effectors of EMT include loss of adhesion, cytoskeleton remodeling, evasion of apoptosis and immune surveillance, upregulation of metalloproteinases, neovascularization, acquisition of stem-cell properties, and the activation of tumor stroma. However, the current approach to EMT involves a holistic model that incorporates the acquisition of potentials beyond mesenchymal transition. As EMT is inevitably associated with a reverse mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET), a model of partial EMT is currently accepted, signifying the cell plasticity associated with invasion and metastasis. In this review, we identify the cumulative evidence which suggests that various aspects of EMT theory apply to laryngeal carcinoma, a tumor of significant morbidity and mortality, introducing novel molecular targets with prognostic and therapeutic potential.
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19
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Zheng S, Luo J, Xie S, Lu S, Liu Q, Xiao H, Luo W, Huang Y, Liu K. Tumor budding of cervical squamous cell carcinoma: epithelial-mesenchymal transition-like cancer stem cells? PeerJ 2022; 10:e13745. [PMID: 35860042 PMCID: PMC9291004 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence indicates that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the origin of cancers. Scientists have identified CSCs in various tumors and have suggested the existence of a variety of states of CSCs. The existence of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like CSCs has been confirmed in vitro, but they have not been identified in vivo. Tumor budding was defined as single cell or clusters of ≤ 5 cells at the invasive front of cancers. Such tumor budding is hypothesized to be closely related to EMT and linked to CSCs, especially to those migrating at the invasive front. Therefore, tumor budding has been proposed to represent EMT-like stem cells. However, this hypothesis has not yet been proven. Thus, we studied the expression of EMT markers, certain CSC markers of tumor budding, and the tumor center of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CxSCC). We performed tissue chip analyses of 95 primary CxSCCs from patients. Expression of EMT and CSC markers (E-cadherin, β-catenin, vimentin, Ki67, CD44, SOX2 , and ALDH1A1) in a set of tumor samples on tissue chips (87 cases of tumor budding/the main tumor body) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. We found that the cell-membranous expression of β-catenin was stronger in the main tumor body than in tumor buds. Compared with the main tumor body, tumor buds had reduced proliferative activity as measured by Ki67. Moreover, vimentin expression was high and E-cadherin expression was low in tumor buds. Expression of EMT-related markers suggested that tumor buds were correlated with EMT. We noted that CxSCC tumor buds had a CD44negative/low/SOX2high/ALDH1A1high staining pattern, indicating that tumor buds of CxSCC present CSC-like immunophenotypic features. Taken together, our data indicate that tumor buds in CxSCC may represent EMT-like CSCs in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoqiu Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Meizhou People’s Hospital, Meizhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Luo
- Department of Pelvic Radiotherapy, Meizhou People’s Hospital, Meizhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shoucheng Xie
- Department of Pathology, Meizhou People’s Hospital, Meizhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shanming Lu
- Department of Pathology, Meizhou People’s Hospital, Meizhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qinghua Liu
- Department of Pathology, Meizhou People’s Hospital, Meizhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Huanqin Xiao
- Department of Pathology, Meizhou People’s Hospital, Meizhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenjuan Luo
- Department of Pathology, Meizhou People’s Hospital, Meizhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanfang Huang
- Department of Pathology, Meizhou People’s Hospital, Meizhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Kun Liu
- Department of Pathology, Meizhou People’s Hospital, Meizhou, Guangdong, China
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20
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miRNA-Mediated Low Expression of EPHX3 Is Associated with Poor Prognosis and Tumor Immune Infiltration in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:7633720. [PMID: 35401746 PMCID: PMC8993555 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7633720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the regulatory role of epoxide hydrolase 3 (EPHX3) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and to analyze its bioinformatic function, as well as, to screen and predict the miRNAs that can regulate EPHX3 expression in HNSCC. We examined the expression profile and prognostic potential of EPHX3 in TCGA and GTEX databases and performed functional enrichment analysis of EPHX3 using string database. Subsequently, we analyzed the regulatory role of miRNAs on EPHX3, including expression analysis, correlation analysis, and survival analysis. In addition, we also used TIMER to investigate the relationship among EPHX3 expression level, immune checkpoints, and immune infiltration in HNSCC. The results of data analysis after TGCA showed that EPHX3 is a key regulator of tumorigenesis in 13 cancers and can be used as a marker of poor prognosis in HNSCC patients. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that miR-4713-3p is a key miRNA of EPHX3 in HNSCC. Together, our findings indicate that EPHX3 exerts its anticancer effects by suppressing tumor immune checkpoint expression and immune cell infiltration. Overall, our data uncovered miRNA-mediated EPHX3 downregulation as a contributor to poor HNSCC prognosis and reduced tumor immune infiltration.
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21
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Wu Y, Wu H, Lu X, Chen Y, Zhang X, Ju J, Zhang D, Zhu B, Huang S. Development and Evaluation of Targeted Optical Imaging Probes for Image‐Guided Surgery in Head and Neck Cancer. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202100196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Shandong Provincial Hospital Cheeloo College of Medicine Shandong University Jinan Shandong 250021 China
| | - Haiwei Wu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Shandong Provincial Hospital Cheeloo College of Medicine Shandong University Jinan Shandong 250021 China
| | - Xiaoya Lu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Shandong Provincial Hospital Cheeloo College of Medicine Shandong University Jinan Shandong 250021 China
| | - Yi Chen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Shandong Provincial Hospital Cheeloo College of Medicine Shandong University Jinan Shandong 250021 China
| | - Xue Zhang
- University of Jinan Jinan Shandong 250021 China
| | - Jiandong Ju
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Shandong Provincial Hospital Cheeloo College of Medicine Shandong University Jinan Shandong 250021 China
| | - Dongsheng Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Shandong Provincial Hospital Cheeloo College of Medicine Shandong University Jinan Shandong 250021 China
| | - Baocun Zhu
- University of Jinan Jinan Shandong 250021 China
| | - Shengyun Huang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Shandong Provincial Hospital Cheeloo College of Medicine Shandong University Jinan Shandong 250021 China
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22
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Strohmayer C, Klang A, Kummer S, Walter I, Jindra C, Weissenbacher-Lang C, Redmer T, Kneissl S, Brandt S. Tumor Cell Plasticity in Equine Papillomavirus-Positive Versus-Negative Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11020266. [PMID: 35215208 PMCID: PMC8875230 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) is a common malignant tumor in humans and animals. In humans, papillomavirus (PV)-induced HNSCCs have a better prognosis than papillomavirus-unrelated HNSCCs. The ability of tumor cells to switch from epithelial to mesenchymal, endothelial, or therapy-resistant stem-cell-like phenotypes promotes disease progression and metastasis. In equine HNSCC, PV-association and tumor cell phenotype switching are poorly understood. We screened 49 equine HNSCCs for equine PV (EcPV) type 2, 3 and 5 infection. Subsequently, PV-positive versus -negative lesions were analyzed for expression of selected epithelial (keratins, β-catenin), mesenchymal (vimentin), endothelial (COX-2), and stem-cell markers (CD271, CD44) by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF; keratins/vimentin, CD44/CD271 double-staining) to address tumor cell plasticity in relation to PV infection. Only EcPV2 PCR scored positive for 11/49 equine HNSCCs. IHC and IF from 11 EcPV2-positive and 11 EcPV2-negative tumors revealed epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition events, with vimentin-positive cells ranging between <10 and >50%. CD44- and CD271-staining disclosed the intralesional presence of infiltrative tumor cell fronts and double-positive tumor cell subsets independently of the PV infection status. Our findings are indicative of (partial) epithelial–mesenchymal transition events giving rise to hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal and stem-cell-like tumor cell phenotypes in equine HNSCCs and suggest CD44 and CD271 as potential malignancy markers that merit to be further explored in the horse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Strohmayer
- Clinical Unit of Diagnostic Imaging, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (C.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Andrea Klang
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (A.K.); (C.W.-L.)
| | - Stefan Kummer
- VetCore Facility for Research, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (I.W.)
| | - Ingrid Walter
- VetCore Facility for Research, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (I.W.)
- Institute of Morphology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Jindra
- Research Group Oncology (RGO), Clinical Unit of Equine Surgery, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Christiane Weissenbacher-Lang
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (A.K.); (C.W.-L.)
| | - Torben Redmer
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Sibylle Kneissl
- Clinical Unit of Diagnostic Imaging, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (C.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Sabine Brandt
- Research Group Oncology (RGO), Clinical Unit of Equine Surgery, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-12-5077-5308
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23
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Ellegate J, Mastri M, Isenhart E, Krolewski JJ, Chatta G, Kauffman E, Moffitt M, Eng KH. Loss of MAGEC3 Expression Is Associated with Prognosis in Advanced Ovarian Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030731. [PMID: 35158998 PMCID: PMC8833712 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Familial studies connect variants in the X-linked gene MAGEC3 to early-onset ovarian cancers. In this retrospective cohort study, we determined that, unlike other MAGE family members, the MAGEC3 protein is normally expressed in ovarian tissue but is lost in half of the ovarian cancers. Similar to other predisposition genes like BRCA2, survival modeling suggests that expression loss is associated with favorable progression-free survival, and continued expression is associated with response to platinum therapy. Because of the assumed antigenicity of MAGE genes, we tested and observed associations with lymphocyte infiltration, NY-ESO-1 seropositivity, and the co-expression of tumor antigens at Xq28. Using transcriptomic modeling, we predicted that MAGEC3 expression is associated with stress-related cell cycle stalling and DNA repair pathway expression. Abstract Rare variants in MAGEC3 are associated with BRCA negative, early-onset ovarian cancers. Given this association, we evaluated the impact of MAGEC3 protein expression on prognosis and transcription. We quantified normal and tumor protein expression of MAGEC3 via immunohistochemistry in n = 394 advanced ovarian cancers, assessed the correlation of these values with clinicopathologic and immunological features and modeled survival using univariate and multivariate models. To extend these results, we quantified MAGEC3 protein expression in n = 180 cancers and used matching RNA sequencing data to determine MAGEC3-associated differentially expressed genes and to build an RNA-based model of MAGEC3 protein levels. This model was tested in a third independent cohort of patients from TCGA’s OV dataset (n = 282). MAGEC3 protein was sporadically lost in ovarian cancers, with half of the cases falling below the 9.5th percentile of normal tissue expression. Cases with MAGEC3 loss demonstrated better progression-free survival [HR = 0.71, p = 0.004], and analyses performed on predicted protein scores were consistent [HR = 0.57 p = 0.002]. MAGEC3 protein was correlated with CD8 protein expression [Pearson’s r = 0.176, p = 0.011], NY-ESO-1 seropositivity, and mRNA expression of tumor antigens at Xq28. Results of gene set enrichment analysis showed that genes associated with MAGEC3 protein expression cluster around G2/M checkpoint (NES = 3.20, FDR < 0.001) and DNA repair (NES = 2.28, FDR < 0.001) hallmark pathways. These results show that MAGEC3 is a prognostic biomarker in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Ellegate
- Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; (J.E.J.); (M.M.); (E.I.); (J.J.K.)
| | - Michalis Mastri
- Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; (J.E.J.); (M.M.); (E.I.); (J.J.K.)
| | - Emily Isenhart
- Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; (J.E.J.); (M.M.); (E.I.); (J.J.K.)
| | - John J. Krolewski
- Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; (J.E.J.); (M.M.); (E.I.); (J.J.K.)
| | - Gurkamal Chatta
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA;
| | - Eric Kauffman
- Department of Urology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA;
| | - Melissa Moffitt
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA;
| | - Kevin H. Eng
- Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; (J.E.J.); (M.M.); (E.I.); (J.J.K.)
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
- Correspondence:
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24
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Joshi J, Patel H, Bhavnagari H, Tarapara B, Pandit A, Shah F. Eliminating Cancer Stem-Like Cells in Oral Cancer by Targeting Elementary Signaling Pathways. Crit Rev Oncog 2022; 27:65-82. [PMID: 37199303 DOI: 10.1615/critrevoncog.2022047207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Oral cancer is a heterogeneous, aggressive, and complex entity. Current major treatment options for the disease are surgery, chemo, and/or radiotherapy either alone or in combination with each other. Each treatment method has its own limitations such as a significant journey with deformities and a protracted rehabilitation process leading to loss of self-esteem, loss of tolerance, and therapeutic side effects. Conventional therapies are frequently experienced with regimen resistance and recurrence attributed to the cancer stem cells (CSCs). Given that CSCs exert their tumorigenesis by affecting several cellular and molecular targets and pathways an improved understanding of CSCs' actions is required. Hence, more research is recommended to fully understand the fundamental mechanisms driving CSC-mediated treatment resistance. Despite the difficulties and disagreements surrounding the removal of CSCs from solid tumors, a great amount of knowledge has been derived from the characterization of CSCs. Various efforts have been made to identify the CSCs using several cell surface markers. In the current review, we will discuss numerous cell surface markers such as CD44, ALDH1, EPCAM, CD24, CD133, CD271, CD90, and Cripto-1 for identifying and isolating CSCs from primary oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Further, a spectrum of embryonic signaling pathways has been thought to be the main culprit of CSCs' active state in cancers, resulting in conventional therapeutic resistance. Hence, we discuss the functional and molecular bases of several signaling pathways such as the Wnt/beta;-catenin, Notch, Hedgehog, and Hippo pathways and their associations with disease aggressiveness. Moreover, numerous inhibitors targeting the above mentioned signaling pathways have already been identified and some of them are already undergoing clinical trials. Hence, the present review encapsulates the characterization and effectiveness of the prospective potential targeted therapies for eradicating CSCs in oral cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jigna Joshi
- Molecular Diagnostic and Research Lab-III, Department of Cancer Biology, The Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Hitarth Patel
- Molecular Diagnostic and Research Lab-III, Department of Cancer Biology, The Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Hunayna Bhavnagari
- Molecular Diagnostic and Research Lab-III, Department of Cancer Biology, The Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Bhoomi Tarapara
- Molecular Diagnostic and Research Lab-III, Department of Cancer Biology, The Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Apexa Pandit
- Molecular Diagnostic and Research Lab-III, Department of Cancer Biology, The Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Franky Shah
- Molecular Diagnostic and Research Lab-III, Department of Cancer Biology, The Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
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25
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Bashir N, Ishfaq M, Mazhar K, Khan JS, Shahid R. Upregulation of CD271 transcriptome in breast cancer promotes cell survival via NFκB pathway. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 49:487-495. [PMID: 34755264 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06900-1] [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: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biological treatment of many cancers currently targets membrane bound receptors located on a cell surface. We are in a great to need identify novel membrane proteins associated with migration and metastasis of breast cancer cells. CD271, a single transmembrane protein belongs to tumor necrosis factor receptor family acts and play its role in proliferation of cancer cell. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of CD271 in breast cancer. METHODS AND RESULTS In this study we analyzed the mRNA expression of CD271 in breast tumor tissue, breast cancer cell line MCF7 and isolated cancer stem cells (MCF7-CSCs) by RT-qPCR. We also measured the protein levels through western blotting in MCF-7 cell line. CD271 was upregulated in breast cancer patients among all age groups. Within the promoter region of CD271, there is a binding site for NF-κB1 which overlaps a putative quadraplex forming sequence. While CD271 also activates NF-κB pathway, down regulation of CD271 through quadraplex targeting resulted in inhibition of NF-κB and its downstream targets Nanog and Sox2. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our data shows that CD271 and NF-κB are regulated in interdependent manner. Upon CD271 inhibition, the NF-κB expression also reduces which in turn affects the cell proliferation and migration. These results suggest that CD271 is playing a crucial rule in cancer progression by regulating NF-κB and is a good candidate for the therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabiha Bashir
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Mehreen Ishfaq
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Kehkashan Mazhar
- Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering (IBGE), KRL Hospital Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Jahangir Sarwar Khan
- Department of General Surgery, Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Ramla Shahid
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Islamabad, Pakistan.
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26
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Kort-Mascort J, Bao G, Elkashty O, Flores-Torres S, Munguia-Lopez JG, Jiang T, Ehrlicher AJ, Mongeau L, Tran SD, Kinsella JM. Decellularized Extracellular Matrix Composite Hydrogel Bioinks for the Development of 3D Bioprinted Head and Neck in Vitro Tumor Models. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021; 7:5288-5300. [PMID: 34661396 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c00812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Reinforced extracellular matrix (ECM)-based hydrogels recapitulate several mechanical and biochemical features found in the tumor microenvironment (TME) in vivo. While these gels retain several critical structural and bioactive molecules that promote cell-matrix interactivity, their mechanical properties tend toward the viscous regime limiting their ability to retain ordered structural characteristics when considered as architectured scaffolds. To overcome this limitation characteristic of pure ECM hydrogels, we present a composite material containing alginate, a seaweed-derived polysaccharide, and gelatin, denatured collagen, as rheological modifiers which impart mechanical integrity to the biologically active decellularized ECM (dECM). After an optimization process, the reinforced gel proposed is mechanically stable and bioprintable and has a stiffness within the expected physiological values. Our hydrogel's elastic modulus has no significant difference when compared to tumors induced in preclinical xenograft head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) mouse models. The bioprinted cell-laden model is highly reproducible and allows proliferation and reorganization of HNSCC cells while maintaining cell viability above 90% for periods of nearly 3 weeks. Cells encapsulated in our bioink produce spheroids of at least 3000 μm2 of cross-sectional area by day 15 of culture and are positive for cytokeratin in immunofluorescence quantification, a common marker of HNSCC model validation in 2D and 3D models. We use this in vitro model system to evaluate the standard-of-care small molecule therapeutics used to treat HNSCC clinically and report a 4-fold increase in the IC50 of cisplatin and an 80-fold increase for 5-fluorouracil compared to monolayer cultures. Our work suggests that fabricating in vitro models using reinforced dECM provides a physiologically relevant system to evaluate malignant neoplastic phenomena in vitro due to the physical and biological features replicated from the source tissue microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Kort-Mascort
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, McConnell Engineering Building, 3480 University, Room 350, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0E9, Canada
| | - Guangyu Bao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, Macdonald Engineering Building, Room 270, 817 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Osama Elkashty
- Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, 3640 rue University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C7, Canada.,Oral Pathology Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University, Mansoura 29R6+Q3F, Egypt
| | - Salvador Flores-Torres
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, McConnell Engineering Building, 3480 University, Room 350, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0E9, Canada
| | - Jose G Munguia-Lopez
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, McConnell Engineering Building, 3480 University, Room 350, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0E9, Canada.,Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, 3640 rue University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C7, Canada
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Intelligent Machinery and Instrument, College of Intelligence Science and Technology, National University of Defense Technology Changsha, No. 109 Deya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan 410073, China
| | - Allen J Ehrlicher
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, McConnell Engineering Building, 3480 University, Room 350, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0E9, Canada.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, Macdonald Engineering Building, Room 270, 817 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Luc Mongeau
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, Macdonald Engineering Building, Room 270, 817 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Simon D Tran
- Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, 3640 rue University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C7, Canada
| | - Joseph M Kinsella
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, McConnell Engineering Building, 3480 University, Room 350, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0E9, Canada
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27
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Mare M, Colarossi L, Veschi V, Turdo A, Giuffrida D, Memeo L, Stassi G, Colarossi C. Cancer Stem Cell Biomarkers Predictive of Radiotherapy Response in Rectal Cancer: A Systematic Review. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12101502. [PMID: 34680897 PMCID: PMC8535834 DOI: 10.3390/genes12101502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rectal cancer (RC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed and particularly challenging tumours to treat due to its location in the pelvis and close proximity to critical genitourinary organs. Radiotherapy (RT) is recognised as a key component of therapeutic strategy to treat RC, promoting the downsizing and downstaging of large RCs in neoadjuvant settings, although its therapeutic effect is limited due to radioresistance. Evidence from experimental and clinical studies indicates that the likelihood of achieving local tumour control by RT depends on the complete eradication of cancer stem cells (CSC), a minority subset of tumour cells with stemness properties. METHODS A systematic literature review was conducted by querying two scientific databases (Pubmed and Scopus). The search was restricted to papers published from 2009 to 2021. RESULTS After assessing the quality and the risk of bias, a total of 11 studies were selected as they mainly focused on biomarkers predictive of RT-response in CSCs isolated from patients affected by RC. Specifically these studies showed that elevated levels of CD133, CD44, ALDH1, Lgr5 and G9a are associated with RT-resistance and poor prognosis. CONCLUSIONS This review aimed to provide an overview of the current scenario of in vitro and in vivo studies evaluating the biomarkers predictive of RT-response in CSCs derived from RC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzia Mare
- Medical Oncology Unit, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, 95029 Viagrande, Italy; (M.M.); (D.G.)
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Imaging Sciences, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Colarossi
- Pathology Unit, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, 95029 Viagrande, Italy; (L.C.); (L.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Veronica Veschi
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Alice Turdo
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Dario Giuffrida
- Medical Oncology Unit, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, 95029 Viagrande, Italy; (M.M.); (D.G.)
| | - Lorenzo Memeo
- Pathology Unit, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, 95029 Viagrande, Italy; (L.C.); (L.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Giorgio Stassi
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-091-2389-0813
| | - Cristina Colarossi
- Pathology Unit, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, 95029 Viagrande, Italy; (L.C.); (L.M.); (C.C.)
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28
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29
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Ma S, Cheng J, Wang H, Ding N, Zhou F, Ji R, Zhu L, Zhu C, Pan Y. A novel regulatory loop miR-101/ANXA2/EGR1 mediates malignant characteristics of liver cancer stem cells. Carcinogenesis 2021; 42:93-104. [PMID: 32531042 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgaa055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) are the cellular determinants that promote tumor recurrence and metastases. Aberrantly expressed miRNAs were identified in LCSCs and found to play a significant role in modulating biological characteristics of LCSCs. In this study, we implemented miRNA microarrays in CD133+ LCSCs and found miR-101 expression was downregulated. Increasing miR-101 expression repressed the metastasis and tumorigenic potential in LCSCs. Further investigations showed that ANXA2 was a novel target of miR-101. And we revealed that ANXA2 plays a critical role in acceleration of cell cycle and enhancing the migration and invasion abilities of LCSCs. Elevated ANXA2 increased activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) which regulated SOX2 and cell cycle-related kinases. Moreover, ERK phosphorylation inhibited the expression of early growth response 1 (EGR1) which in turn restrained the transcription of miR-101. In vivo experiments, overexpression of miR-101 produced potent inhibitory effects on the growth of LCSCs xenograft tumors as well as ANXA2 knockdown. Taken together, our findings suggest a novel regulatory loop miR-101/ANXA2/EGR1 in LCSCs and may serve as potential therapeutic targets in liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Ma
- Department of Laboratory, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Junping Cheng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Infectious Diseases Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Infectious Diseases Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ningling Ding
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Infectious Diseases Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Feng Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Infectious Diseases Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Runing Ji
- Department of Laboratory, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Li Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Infectious Diseases Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chuanwu Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Infectious Diseases Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yunzhi Pan
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Infectious Diseases Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
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30
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Zhang DY, Monteiro MJ, Liu JP, Gu WY. Mechanisms of cancer stem cell senescence: Current understanding and future perspectives. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2021; 48:1185-1202. [PMID: 34046925 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small population of heterogeneous tumor cells with the capacity of self-renewal and aberrant differentiation for immortality and divergent lineages of cancer cells. In contrast to bulky tumor cells, CSCs remain less differentiated and resistant to therapy even when targeted with tissue-specific antigenic markers. This makes CSCs responsible for not only tumor initiation, development, but also tumor recurrence. Emerging evidence suggests that CSCs can undergo cell senescence, a non-proliferative state of cells in response to stress. While cell senescence attenuates tumor cell proliferation, it is commonly regarded as a tumor suppressive mechanism. However, mounting research indicates that CSC senescence also provides these cells with the capacity to evade cytotoxic effects from cancer therapy, exacerbating cancer relapse and metastasis. Recent studies demonstrate that senescence drives reprogramming of cancer cell toward stemness and promotes CSC generation. In this review, we highlight the origin, heterogeneity and senescence regulatory mechanisms of CSCs, the complex relationship between CSC senescence and tumor therapy, and the recent beneficial effects of senotherapy on eliminating senescent tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-Yong Zhang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, China.,Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Michael J Monteiro
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Jun-Ping Liu
- Institute of Ageing Research, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Immunology, Monash University Faculty of Medicine, Prahran, Vic, Australia.,Hudson Institute of Medical Research, and Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University Faculty of Medicine, Clayton, Vic, Australia
| | - Wen-Yi Gu
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
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31
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Keyvani-Ghamsari S, Khorsandi K, Rasul A, Zaman MK. Current understanding of epigenetics mechanism as a novel target in reducing cancer stem cells resistance. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:120. [PMID: 34051847 PMCID: PMC8164819 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01107-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
At present, after extensive studies in the field of cancer, cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been proposed as a major factor in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and recurrence. CSCs are a subpopulation of bulk tumors, with stem cell-like properties and tumorigenic capabilities, having the abilities of self-renewal and differentiation, thereby being able to generate heterogeneous lineages of cancer cells and lead to resistance toward anti-tumor treatments. Highly resistant to conventional chemo- and radiotherapy, CSCs have heterogeneity and can migrate to different organs and metastasize. Recent studies have demonstrated that the population of CSCs and the progression of cancer are increased by the deregulation of different epigenetic pathways having effects on gene expression patterns and key pathways connected with cell proliferation and survival. Further, epigenetic modifications (DNA methylation, histone modifications, and RNA methylations) have been revealed to be key drivers in the formation and maintenance of CSCs. Hence, identifying CSCs and targeting epigenetic pathways therein can offer new insights into the treatment of cancer. In the present review, recent studies are addressed in terms of the characteristics of CSCs, the resistance thereof, and the factors influencing the development thereof, with an emphasis on different types of epigenetic changes in genes and main signaling pathways involved therein. Finally, targeted therapy for CSCs by epigenetic drugs is referred to, which is a new approach in overcoming resistance and recurrence of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Khatereh Khorsandi
- Department of Photodynamic, Medical Laser Research Center, Yara Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Azhar Rasul
- Department of Zoology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Khatir Zaman
- Department of Biotechnology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan (AWKUM), Mardan, 23200, Pakistan
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32
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Broccoli extract increases drug-mediated cytotoxicity towards cancer stem cells of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Br J Cancer 2020; 123:1395-1403. [PMID: 32773768 PMCID: PMC7591858 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-1025-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are malignant neoplasms with poor prognosis. Treatment-resistant cancer stem cell (CSC) is one reason for treatment failure. Considerable attention has been focused on sulforaphane (SF), a phytochemical from broccoli possessing anticancer properties. We investigated whether SF could enhance the chemotherapeutic effects of cisplatin (CIS) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) against HNSCC–CSCs, and its mechanisms of action. Methods CD44+/CD271+ FACS-isolated CSCs from SCC12 and SCC38 human cell lines were treated with SF alone or combined with CIS or 5-FU. Cell viability, colony- and sphere-forming ability, apoptosis, CSC-related gene and protein expression and in vivo tumour growth were assessed. Safety of SF was tested on non-cancerous stem cells and in vivo. Results SF reduced HNSCC–CSC viability in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Combining SF increased the cytotoxicity of CIS twofold and 5-FU tenfold, with no effects on non-cancerous stem cell viability and functions. SF-combined treatments inhibited CSC colony and sphere formation, and tumour progression in vivo. Potential mechanisms of action included the stimulation of caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway, inhibition of SHH pathway and decreased expression of SOX2 and OCT4. Conclusions Combining SF allowed lower doses of CIS or 5-FU while enhancing these drug cytotoxicities against HNSCC–CSCs, with minimal effects on healthy cells.
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Huo M, Zhang Y, Chen Z, Zhang S, Bao Y, Li T. Tumor microenvironment characterization in head and neck cancer identifies prognostic and immunotherapeutically relevant gene signatures. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11163. [PMID: 32636465 PMCID: PMC7341839 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68074-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is of great clinical significance for predicting the therapeutic effect of tumors. Nonetheless, there was no systematic analysis of cellular interactions in the TME of head and neck cancer (HNSC). This study used gene expression data from 816 patients with HNSC to analyze the scores of 22 immune cells. On this basis, we have established a novel TMEscore-based prognostic risk model. The relationship between TMEscore and clinical and genomic characteristics was analyzed. The sample was divided into risk-H and risk-L groups based on the prognosis risk model of TMEscore, with significant differences in overall survival between the two groups (log rank p < 0.001). In terms of clinical features, the TMEscore is closely related to the T staging, Grade, and HPV. As for genomic characteristics, the genomic features of the Risk-H samples are a low expression of immune-related genes and high-frequency mutations of TP53 and CEP152. This model was validated in an external test set, in which the prognosis for Risk-H group and Risk-L group was also significantly different (log rank p = 0.017). A quantitative method of TME infiltration pattern is established, which may be a potential predictor of HNSC prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Huo
- School of Chinese Material Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Stomatology, The Third Hospital of Shijiazhuang City, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Zhong Chen
- Department of Stomatology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Suxin Zhang
- Department of Stomatology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Yang Bao
- Department of Stomatology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Tianke Li
- Department of Stomatology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China.
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Pei S, Chen L, Yang Y, Zhu X. Identification of genes associated with cancer stem cell characteristics in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma through co-expression network analysis. Head Neck 2020; 42:2460-2472. [PMID: 32459022 DOI: 10.1002/hed.26266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a type of invasive malignancy and the seventh most common cancer in the worldwide. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are self-renewal cells in tumors and can produce heterogeneous tumor cells, which play an important role in the development of HNSCC. In our research, we aimed to identify genes related to the CSCs characteristics in HNSCC. METHODS Messenger RNA (mRNA) expression-based stiffness index (mRNAsi) can be used as a quantitative characterization of CSCs. We used one-class logistic regression machine learning algorithm (OCLR) to calculate the mRNAsi and investigate the relationship between mRNAsi and clinical characteristics of HNSCC. Then, a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to screen hub genes related to mRNAsi of HNSCC. RESULTS The results indicated that the score of mRNAsi in HNSCC tissues is higher than in paracancer tissues, while the mRNAsi was not statistically correlated with the prognosis and clinical characteristics of HNSCC. Six positive and six negative hub genes related to mRNAsi of HNSCC were selected, which may act as therapeutic targets for inhibiting CSCs within HNSCC. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our research selected 12 hub genes related to mRNAsi of HNSCC through weighted gene co-expression network analysis. These genes may become therapeutic targets to inhibit the CSCs of HNSCC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Pei
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Hospital affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Nangning, China
| | - Long Chen
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Hospital affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Nangning, China
| | - Yunli Yang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Hospital affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Nangning, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Hospital affiliated to Guangxi Medical University, Nangning, China
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