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Chatterjee B, Bose S, Singh R, Dixit AK, Puia L, Srivastava AK. MiRNA-3163 limits ovarian cancer stem-like cells via targeting SOX-2 transcription factor. Noncoding RNA Res 2024; 9:1308-1314. [PMID: 39050795 PMCID: PMC11268165 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2024.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are pivotal in both cancer progression and the acquisition of drug resistance. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in modulating CSC properties and are being explored as potential targets for therapeutic interventions. MiR-3163 is primarily known for its tumor suppressive properties in various human malignancies, with lower expression reported across different cancer types. However, its role in regulating the ovarian CSC phenotype and the underlying mechanism remain largely unknown. Here, we report a remarkable downregulation of miR-3163 in ovarian cancer stem-like cells (CSLCs). Enforced expression of miR-3163 in ovarian adherent and CSLCs, significantly disrupts the stemness phenotype. Moreover, downregulation of miR-3163 expression in ovarian cancer cells (OV2008 and OVCAR-3) inhibits the stem-like cells characterized by CD44+CD117+ expression. Sphere formation assay results reveal that overexpression of miR-3163 in ovarian cancer cells significantly inhibits spheroid formation ability, confirming the regulatory properties of miR-3163 on ovarian CSLCs. Mechanistic investigation reveals that miR-3163 depletes ovarian CSLCs via targeting SOX-2. Furthermore, we establish SOX-2 as a direct target of miR-3163 through dual-luciferase assay. Taken together, our study demonstrates that overexpression of miR-3163 could be a promising strategy for efficiently eradicating the CSC population to prevent chemoresistance and tumor relapse in ovarian cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilash Chatterjee
- Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder Division, CSIR-Indian Institution of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201002, India
| | - Subhankar Bose
- Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder Division, CSIR-Indian Institution of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201002, India
| | - Richa Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti language University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Amit Kumar Dixit
- CCRAS-Central Ayurveda Research Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Lalrin Puia
- CCRAS-Central Ayurveda Research Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Amit Kumar Srivastava
- Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder Division, CSIR-Indian Institution of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201002, India
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2
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Yoshida K, Chambers JK, Uchida K. The relationships of platelet-derived growth factor, microvascular proliferation, and tumor cell proliferation in canine high-grade oligodendrogliomas: Immunohistochemistry of 45 tumors and an AFOB-01 xenograft mouse model. Vet Pathol 2024; 61:732-742. [PMID: 38577818 DOI: 10.1177/03009858241241793] [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] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
High-grade oligodendroglioma (HGOG) is the most common type of glioma in dogs and expresses platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α (PDGFR-α). Microvascular proliferation is often observed in HGOG. Therefore, the present study investigated the functional relationships between PDGFR-α, microvascular proliferation, and tumor cell proliferation in canine HGOG. The expression of PDGFR-α and PDGF-subunit A (PDGF-A) in tumor cells, as well as endothelial cells and pericytes of tumor-associated microvascular proliferations, in 45 canine HGOGs were examined immunohistochemically. Microvascular proliferation was observed in 24/45 cases (53%). PDGFR-α expression in tumor cells and microvascular proliferations was observed in 45/45 (100%) and 2/24 cases (8%), respectively. Furthermore, PDGF-A expression in tumor cells and microvascular proliferations was detected in 13/45 (29%) and 24/24 cases (100%), respectively. In vitro, stimulation of the canine HGOG cell line AOFB-01 with PDGF-A showed that the doubling time of AOFB-01 cells was significantly shorter with PDGF-A than without PDGF-A. Crenolanib (a PDGFR inhibitor) inhibited AOFB-01 cell proliferation. In vivo, the AOFB-01 xenograft mouse model was treated with crenolanib. Tumor xenografts were smaller in crenolanib-treated mice than in untreated control mice. PDGFR-α expression in tumor cells and PDGF-A expression in microvascular proliferations and tumor cells suggest autocrine and paracrine effects of PDGF-A in canine HGOG. The results of in vitro assays indicate that canine HGOG expresses functional PDGFR-α, which responds to PDGF-A. Therefore, PDGF-A produced by microvascular proliferations and tumor cells may promote the proliferation of PDGFR-α-expressing tumor cells in canine HGOG. PDGFR-α signaling has potential as a therapeutic target.
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Su Q, Yang SP, Guo JP, Rong YR, Sun Y, Chai YR. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute thymus involution in mice via AMPK/Sirt1 pathway. Microbiol Immunol 2024; 68:281-293. [PMID: 38886542 DOI: 10.1111/1348-0421.13159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The thymus, a site to culture the naïve T lymphocytes, is susceptible to atrophy or involution due to aging, inflammation, and oxidation. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has been proven to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor activity. Here, we investigate the effects of EGCG on thymic involution induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxin derived from Gram-negative bacteria. The methodology included an in vivo experiment on female Kunming mice exposed to LPS and EGCG. Morphological assessment of thymic involution, immunohistochemical detection, and thymocyte subsets analysis by flow cytometry were further carried out to evaluate the potential role of EGCG on the thymus. As a result, we found that EGCG alleviated LPS-induced thymic atrophy, increased mitochondrial membrane potential and superoxide dismutase levels, and decreased malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species levels. In addition, EGCG pre-supplement restored the ratio of thymocyte subsets, the expression of autoimmune regulator, sex-determining region Y-box 2, and Nanog homebox, and reduced the number of senescent cells and collagen fiber deposition. Western blotting results indicated that EGCG treatment elevated LPS-induced decrease in pAMPK, Sirt1 protein expression. Collectively, EGCG relieved thymus architecture and function damaged by LPS via regulation of AMPK/Sirt1 signaling pathway. Our findings may provide a new strategy on protection of thymus from involution caused by LPS by using EGCG. And EGCG might be considered as a potential agent for the prevention and treatment of thymic involution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Su
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Shu-Ping Yang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
- School of Medical Technology, Sanquan College of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, PR China
| | - Jun-Ping Guo
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Yi-Ren Rong
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Yun Sun
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Yu-Rong Chai
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
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Simsone Z, Feivalds T, Harju L, Miķelsone I, Blāķe I, Bērziņš J, Buiķis I. Morphological and Immunocytochemical Characterization of Paclitaxel-Induced Microcells in Sk-Mel-28 Melanoma Cells. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1576. [PMID: 39062149 PMCID: PMC11274385 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Biomarkers, including proteins, nucleic acids, antibodies, and peptides, are essential for identifying diseases such as cancer and differentiating between healthy and abnormal cells in patients. To date, studies have shown that cancer stem cells have DNA repair mechanisms that deter the effects of medicinal treatment. Experiments with cell cultures and chemotherapy treatments of these cultures have revealed the presence of small cells, with a small amount of cytoplasm that can be intensively stained with azure eosin, called microcells. Microcells develop during sporosis from a damaged tumor macrocell. After anticancer therapy in tumor cells, a defective macrocell may produce one or more microcells. This study aims to characterize microcell morphology in melanoma cell lines. In this investigation, we characterized the population of cancer cell microcells after applying paclitaxel treatment to a Sk-Mel-28 melanoma cell line using immunocytochemical cell marker detection and fluorescent microscopy. Paclitaxel-treated cancer cells show stronger expression of stem-associated ALDH2, SOX2, and Nanog markers than untreated cells. The proliferation of nuclear antigens in cells and the synthesis of RNA in microcells indicate cell self-defense, promoting resistance to applied therapy. These findings improve our understanding of microcell behavior in melanoma, potentially informing future strategies to counteract drug resistance in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zane Simsone
- Institute of Cardiology and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Latvia, Jelgavas Street 3, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia; (T.F.); (J.B.); (I.B.)
| | - Tālivaldis Feivalds
- Institute of Cardiology and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Latvia, Jelgavas Street 3, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia; (T.F.); (J.B.); (I.B.)
| | - Līga Harju
- Institute of Cardiology and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Latvia, Jelgavas Street 3, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia; (T.F.); (J.B.); (I.B.)
| | - Indra Miķelsone
- Department of Human Physiology and Biochemistry, Rīga Stradiņš University, Dzirciema Street 16, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia;
| | - Ilze Blāķe
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Science, The University of Latvia, Jelgavas Street 1, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia;
| | - Juris Bērziņš
- Institute of Cardiology and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Latvia, Jelgavas Street 3, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia; (T.F.); (J.B.); (I.B.)
| | - Indulis Buiķis
- Institute of Cardiology and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Latvia, Jelgavas Street 3, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia; (T.F.); (J.B.); (I.B.)
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Farhangnia P, Ghods R, Falak R, Zarnani AH, Delbandi AA. Identification of placenta-specific protein 1 (PLAC-1) expression on human PC-3 cell line-derived prostate cancer stem cells compared to the tumor parental cells. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:251. [PMID: 38943028 PMCID: PMC11213845 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01121-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Placenta-specific protein 1 (PLAC-1) is a gene primarily expressed in the placenta and the testis. Interestingly, it is also found to be expressed in many solid tumors, and it is involved in malignant cell features. However, no evidence has been reported regarding the relationship between PLAC-1 and cancer stem cells (CSCs). In the current research, we explored the expression of the PLAC-1 molecule in prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs) derived from the human PC-3 cell line. The enrichment of PCSCs was achieved using a three-dimensional cell culture technique known as the sphere-formation assay. To confirm the identity of PCSCs, we examined the expression of genes associated with stemness and pluripotency, such as SOX2, OCT4, Nanog, C-Myc, and KLF-4, as well as stem cell differentiation molecules like CD44 and CD133. These evaluations were conducted in both the PCSCs and the original tumor cells (parental cells) using real-time PCR and flow cytometry. Subsequently, we assessed the expression of the PLAC-1 molecule in both enriched cells and parental tumor cells at the gene and protein levels using the same techniques. The tumor cells from the PC-3 cell line formed spheroids with CSC characteristics in a non-adherent medium. The expression of SOX2, OCT4, Nanog, and C-Myc genes (p < 0.01), and the molecules CD44 and CD133 (p < 0.05) were significantly elevated in PCSCs compared to the parental cells. The expression of the PLAC-1 molecule in PCSCs showed a significant increase compared to the parental cells at both gene (p < 0.01) and protein (p < 0.001) levels. In conclusion, it was indicated for the first time that PLAC-1 is up-regulated in PCSCs derived from human PC-3 cell line. This study may propose PLAC-1 as a potential target in targeted therapies, which should be confirmed through further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooya Farhangnia
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roya Ghods
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Falak
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir-Hassan Zarnani
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali-Akbar Delbandi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Wan X, Ma D, Song G, Tang L, Jiang X, Tian Y, Yi Z, Jiang C, Jin Y, Hu A, Bai Y. The SOX2/PDIA6 axis mediates aerobic glycolysis to promote stemness in non-small cell lung cancer cells. J Bioenerg Biomembr 2024; 56:323-332. [PMID: 38441855 DOI: 10.1007/s10863-024-10009-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is an aggressive and rapidly expanding lung cancer. Abnormal upregulation or knockdown of PDIA6 expression can predict poor prognosis in various cancers. This study aimed to investigate the biological function of PDIA6 in NSCLC. SOX2 and PDIA6 expression in NSCLC tissues and regulatory relationship between them were analyzed using bioinformatics. GSEA was performed on the enrichment pathway of PDIA6. qRT-PCR was utilized to examine expression of SOX2 and PDIA6 in NSCLC tissues and cells, and dual-luciferase reporter assay and ChIP experiments were performed to validate their regulatory relationship. CCK-8 experiment was conducted to assess cell viability, western blot was to examine levels of stem cell markers and proteins related to aerobic glycolysis pathway in cells. Cell sphere formation assay was used to evaluate efficiency of cell sphere formation. Reagent kits were used to measure glycolysis levels and glycolysis products. High expression of PDIA6 in NSCLC was linked to aerobic glycolysis. Knockdown of PDIA6 reduced cell viability, expression of stem cell surface markers, and cell sphere formation efficiency in NSCLC. Overexpression of PDIA6 could enhance cell viability and promote aerobic glycolysis, but the addition of 2-DG could reverse this result. Bioinformatics predicted the existence of upstream transcription factor SOX2 for PDIA6, and SOX2 was significantly upregulated in NSCLC, and they had a binding relationship. Further experiments revealed that PDIA6 overexpression restored repressive effect of knocking down SOX2 on aerobic glycolysis and cell stemness. This work revealed that the SOX2/PDIA6 axis mediated aerobic glycolysis to promote NSCLC cell stemness, providing new therapeutic strategies for NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoya Wan
- Department Of Oncology, People's Hospital of Yuechi County, Guang 'an, 638300, China
| | - Daiyuan Ma
- Department Of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital Of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China
| | - Guanglin Song
- Department Of Oncology, People's Hospital of Yuechi County, Guang 'an, 638300, China
| | - Lina Tang
- Department Of Oncology, People's Hospital of Yuechi County, Guang 'an, 638300, China
| | - Xianxue Jiang
- Department Of Thoracic Surgery, People's Hospital of Yuechi County, Guang 'an, 638300, China
| | - Yingguo Tian
- Department Of Oncology, People's Hospital of Yuechi County, Guang 'an, 638300, China
| | - Zunli Yi
- Department Of Pathology, People's Hospital of Yuechi County, Guang 'an, 638300, China
| | - Chengying Jiang
- Department Of Oncology, People's Hospital of Yuechi County, Guang 'an, 638300, China
| | - Yong Jin
- Department Of Oncology, People's Hospital of Yuechi County, Guang 'an, 638300, China
| | - Anmu Hu
- Department Of Ultrasound, People's Hospital of Yuechi County, Guang 'an, 638300, China
| | - Yuju Bai
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital Of Zunyi Medical University, Intersection of Xinpu Avenue and Xinlong Avenue, Xinpu New District, Zunyi, 563000, China.
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Peng H, Ye T, Deng L, Yang X, Li Q, Tong J, Guo J. Activin and Hepatocyte Growth Factor Promotes Colorectal Cancer Stemness and Metastasis through FOXM1/SOX2/CXCR4 Signaling. Gut Liver 2024; 18:476-488. [PMID: 37458065 PMCID: PMC11096902 DOI: 10.5009/gnl220531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are believed to drive tumor development and metastasis. Activin and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) are important cytokines with the ability to induce cancer stemness. However, the effect of activin and HGF combination treatment on CSCs is still unclear. Methods In this study, we sequentially treated colorectal cancer cells with activin and HGF and examined CSC marker expression, self-renewal, tumorigenesis, and metastasis. The roles of forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) and sex-determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2), two stemness-related transcription factors, in activin/HGF-induced aggressive phenotype were explored. Results Activin and HGF treatment increased the expression of CSC markers and enhanced sphere formation in colorectal cancer cells. The tumorigenic and metastatic capacities of colorectal cancer cells were enhanced upon activin and HGF treatment. Activin and HGF treatment preferentially promoted stemness and metastasis of CD133+ subpopulations sorted from colorectal cancer cells. FOXM1 was upregulated by activin and HGF treatment, and the knockdown of FOXM1 blocked activin/HGF-induced stemness, tumorigenesis, and metastasis of colorectal cancer cells. Similarly, SOX2 was silencing impaired sphere formation of activin/HGF-treated colorectal cancers. Overexpression of SOX2 rescued the stem cell-like phenotype in FOXM1-depleted colorectal cancer cells with activin and HGF treatment. Additionally, the inhibition of FOXM1 via thiostrepton suppressed activin/HGF-induced stemness, tumorigenesis and metastasis. Conclusions Sequential treatment with activin and HGF promotes colorectal cancer stemness and metastasis through activation of the FOXM1/SOX2 signaling. FOXM1 could be a potential target for the treatment of colorectal cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Bishan Hospital of Chongqing, Bishan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ting Ye
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, Chongqing University Central Hospital, Chongqing University School of Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Deng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, Chongqing University Central Hospital, Chongqing University School of Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaofang Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, Chongqing University Central Hospital, Chongqing University School of Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Qingling Li
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin Tong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, Chongqing University Central Hospital, Chongqing University School of Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Jinjun Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Bishan Hospital of Chongqing, Bishan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Battistella ME, Freire NH, Toson B, Dalmolin M, Fernandes MAC, Tassinari ID, Jaeger M, Brunetto AT, Brunetto AL, Gregianin L, de Farias CB, Roesler R. Stemness and Cell Cycle Regulators and Their Modulation by Retinoic Acid in Ewing Sarcoma. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:3990-4003. [PMID: 38785514 PMCID: PMC11119684 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46050246] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA) regulates stemness and differentiation in human embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Ewing sarcoma (ES) is a pediatric tumor that may arise from the abnormal development of ESCs. Here we show that RA impairs the viability of SK-ES-1 ES cells and affects the cell cycle. Cells treated with RA showed increased levels of p21 and its encoding gene, CDKN1A. RA reduced mRNA and protein levels of SRY-box transcription factor 2 (SOX2) as well as mRNA levels of beta III Tubulin (TUBB3), whereas the levels of CD99 increased. Exposure to RA reduced the capability of SK-ES-1 to form tumorspheres with high expression of SOX2 and Nestin. Gene expression of CD99 and CDKN1A was reduced in ES tumors compared to non-tumoral tissue, whereas transcript levels of SOX2 were significantly higher in tumors. For NES and TUBB3, differences between tumors and control tissue did not reach statistical significance. Low expression of CD99 and NES, and high expression of SOX2, were significantly associated with a poorer patient prognosis indicated by shorter overall survival (OS). Our results indicate that RA may display rather complex modulatory effects on multiple target genes associated with the maintenance of stem cell's features versus their differentiation, cell cycle regulation, and patient prognosis in ES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eduarda Battistella
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Natália Hogetop Freire
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre 90620-110, Brazil
- National Science and Technology Institute for Children’s Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology—INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Bruno Toson
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Matheus Dalmolin
- National Science and Technology Institute for Children’s Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology—INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
- InovAI Lab, nPITI/IMD, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, Brazil
- Bioinformatics Multidisciplinary Environment (BioME), Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, Brazil
| | - Marcelo A. C. Fernandes
- National Science and Technology Institute for Children’s Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology—INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
- InovAI Lab, nPITI/IMD, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, Brazil
- Bioinformatics Multidisciplinary Environment (BioME), Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, Brazil
- Department of Computer Engineering and Automation, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, Brazil
| | - Isadora D. Tassinari
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Metabolism (NeuroMet), Department of Physiology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Physiology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Mariane Jaeger
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre 90620-110, Brazil
- National Science and Technology Institute for Children’s Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology—INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
| | - André T. Brunetto
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre 90620-110, Brazil
- National Science and Technology Institute for Children’s Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology—INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Algemir L. Brunetto
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre 90620-110, Brazil
- National Science and Technology Institute for Children’s Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology—INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Lauro Gregianin
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
- National Science and Technology Institute for Children’s Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology—INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
- Pediatric Oncology Service, Clinical Hospital, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Caroline Brunetto de Farias
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre 90620-110, Brazil
- National Science and Technology Institute for Children’s Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology—INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Rafael Roesler
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
- National Science and Technology Institute for Children’s Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology—INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
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9
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MacLean MR, Walker OL, Arun RP, Fernando W, Marcato P. Informed by Cancer Stem Cells of Solid Tumors: Advances in Treatments Targeting Tumor-Promoting Factors and Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4102. [PMID: 38612911 PMCID: PMC11012648 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074102] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subpopulation within tumors that promote cancer progression, metastasis, and recurrence due to their self-renewal capacity and resistance to conventional therapies. CSC-specific markers and signaling pathways highly active in CSCs have emerged as a promising strategy for improving patient outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic targets associated with CSCs of solid tumors across various cancer types, including key molecular markers aldehyde dehydrogenases, CD44, epithelial cellular adhesion molecule, and CD133 and signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and Sonic Hedgehog. We discuss a wide array of therapeutic modalities ranging from targeted antibodies, small molecule inhibitors, and near-infrared photoimmunotherapy to advanced genetic approaches like RNA interference, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, aptamers, antisense oligonucleotides, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, CAR natural killer cells, bispecific T cell engagers, immunotoxins, drug-antibody conjugates, therapeutic peptides, and dendritic cell vaccines. This review spans developments from preclinical investigations to ongoing clinical trials, highlighting the innovative targeting strategies that have been informed by CSC-associated pathways and molecules to overcome therapeutic resistance. We aim to provide insights into the potential of these therapies to revolutionize cancer treatment, underscoring the critical need for a multi-faceted approach in the battle against cancer. This comprehensive analysis demonstrates how advances made in the CSC field have informed significant developments in novel targeted therapeutic approaches, with the ultimate goal of achieving more effective and durable responses in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya R. MacLean
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Olivia L. Walker
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Raj Pranap Arun
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Wasundara Fernando
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Paola Marcato
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
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10
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Liu Y, Chen H, Xiao L, Dong P, Ma Y, Zhou Y, Yang J, Bian B, Xie G, Chen L, Shen L. Notum enhances gastric cancer stem-like cell properties through upregulation of Sox2 by PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024; 47:463-480. [PMID: 37749430 PMCID: PMC11090966 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00875-w] [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] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Considerable evidence suggests that tumor cells with stemness features contribute to initiation, progression, recurrence of gastric cancer (GC) and resistance to therapy, but involvement of underlying regulators and mechanisms remain largely unclear. However, the clinical significance and biological function of Notum in GC tumor sphere formation and tumorigenesis remain unclear. METHODS Bioinformatics analysis, RT-qPCR, western blot and imunohistochemistry staining were applied to characterize Notum expression in GC specimens. The early diagnostic value of Notum was analyzed by logistic regression analysis method. Cancer stemness assays were used in Notum knockdown and overexpressing cells in vitro and in vivo. RNA-seq was employed to reveal the downstream effectors of Notum. RESULTS Notum is highly expressed in early stage of GC patients and stem-like GC cells. For discriminating the early-stage and advanced GC patients, the joint analysis had a better diagnostic value. Overexpression of Notum markedly increased stemness features of GC cells to promote tumor sphere formation and tumorigenesis. Conversely, Notum knockdown attenuated the stem-like cell properties in vitro and in vivo. Mechanically, Notum upregulates Sox2 through activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Notum inhibitor Caffeine exhibited a potent inhibitory effect on stemness features by impairing the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway activity and targeting Sox2. CONCLUSION Our findings confer a comprehensive and mechanistic function of Notum in GC tumor sphere formation and tumorigenesis that may provide a novel and promising target for early diagnosis and clinical therapy of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Lanshu Xiao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Ping Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yanhui Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yunlan Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Junyao Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Bingxian Bian
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Guohua Xie
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Lisong Shen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Experimental Medicine, Shanghai, 200240, China.
- Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Science and Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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11
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Rodrigues DB, Moreira HR, Jarnalo M, Horta R, Marques AP, Reis RL, Pirraco RP. Generation of 3D melanoma models using an assembloid-based approach. Acta Biomater 2024; 178:93-110. [PMID: 38382833 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.02.023] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
While 3D tumor models have greatly evolved over the past years, there is still a strong requirement for more biosimilar models which are capable of recapitulating cellular crosstalk within the tumor microenvironment while equally displaying representative levels of tumor aggressiveness and invasion. Herein, we disclose an assembloid melanoma model based on the fusion of individual stromal multicellular spheroids (MCSs). In contrast to more traditional tumor models, we show that it is possible to develop self-organizing, heterotypic melanoma models where tumor cells present stem-cell like features like up-regulated pluripotency master regulators SOX2, POU5F1 and NANOG. Additionally, these assembloids display high levels of invasiveness while embedded in 3D matrices as evidenced by stromal cell promotion of melanoma cell invasion via metalloproteinase production. Furthermore, sensitivity to anticancer drug doxorubicin was demonstrated for the melanoma assembloid model. These findings suggest that melanoma assembloids may play a significant role in the field of 3D cancer models as they more closely mimic the tumor microenvironment when compared to more traditional MCSs, opening the doors to a better understanding of the role of tumor microenvironment in supporting tumor progression. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The development of complex 3D tumor models that better recapitulate the tumor microenvironment is crucial for both an improved comprehension of intercellular crosstalk and for more efficient drug screening. We have herein developed a self-organizing heterotypic assembloid-based melanoma model capable of closely mimicking the tumor microenvironment. Key features recapitulated were the preservation of cancer cell stemness, sensitivity to anti-cancer agents and tumor cell invasion promoted by stromal cells. The approach of pre-establishing distinct stromal domains for subsequent combination into more complex tumor constructs provides a route for developing superior tumor models with a higher degree of similarity to native cancer tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B Rodrigues
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães 4805-017, Portugal
| | - Helena R Moreira
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães 4805-017, Portugal
| | - Mariana Jarnalo
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Burn Unity, Centro Hospitalar de São João, Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine - University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Horta
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Burn Unity, Centro Hospitalar de São João, Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine - University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Alexandra P Marques
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães 4805-017, Portugal
| | - Rui L Reis
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães 4805-017, Portugal
| | - Rogério P Pirraco
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães 4805-017, Portugal.
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12
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Bae SH, Lee KY, Han S, Yun CW, Park C, Jang H. SOX2 Expression Does Not Guarantee Cancer Stem Cell-like Characteristics in Lung Adenocarcinoma. Cells 2024; 13:216. [PMID: 38334608 PMCID: PMC10854781 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Effectively targeting cancer stemness is essential for successful cancer therapy. Recent studies have revealed that SOX2, a pluripotent stem cell factor, significantly contributes to cancer stem cell (CSC)-like characteristics closely associated with cancer malignancy. However, its contradictory impact on patient survival in specific cancer types, including lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), underscores the need for more comprehensive research to clarify its functional effect on cancer stemness. In this study, we demonstrate that SOX2 is not universally required for the regulation of CSC-like properties in LUAD. We generated SOX2 knockouts in A549, H358, and HCC827 LUAD cells using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Our results reveal unchanged CSC characteristics, including sustained proliferation, tumor sphere formation, invasion, migration, and therapy resistance, compared to normal cells. Conversely, SOX2 knockdown using conditional shRNA targeting SOX2, significantly reduced CSC traits. However, these loss-of-function effects were not rescued by SOX2 resistant to shRNA, underscoring the potential for SOX2 protein level-independent results in prior siRNA- or shRNA-based research. Ultimately, our findings demonstrate that SOX2 is not absolutely essential in LUAD cancer cells. This emphasizes the necessity of considering cancer subtype-dependent and context-dependent factors when targeting SOX2 overexpression as a potential therapeutic vulnerability in diverse cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Hyun Bae
- Division of Rare and Refractory Cancer, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Republic of Korea; (S.-H.B.)
- Department of Cancer Biomedical Science, National Cancer Center Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, Goyang 10408, Republic of Korea;
| | - Kyung Yong Lee
- Department of Cancer Biomedical Science, National Cancer Center Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, Goyang 10408, Republic of Korea;
- Division of Cancer Biology, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Republic of Korea
| | - Suji Han
- Division of Rare and Refractory Cancer, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Republic of Korea; (S.-H.B.)
| | - Chul Won Yun
- Division of Rare and Refractory Cancer, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Republic of Korea; (S.-H.B.)
| | - ChanHyeok Park
- Division of Rare and Refractory Cancer, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Republic of Korea; (S.-H.B.)
- Department of Cancer Biomedical Science, National Cancer Center Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, Goyang 10408, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hyonchol Jang
- Division of Rare and Refractory Cancer, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Republic of Korea; (S.-H.B.)
- Department of Cancer Biomedical Science, National Cancer Center Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, Goyang 10408, Republic of Korea;
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13
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Barbosa S, Laureano NK, Hadiwikarta WW, Visioli F, Bonrouhi M, Pajdzik K, Conde-Lopez C, Herold-Mende C, Eidt G, Langie R, Lamers ML, Stögbauer F, Hess J, Kurth I, Jou A. The Role of SOX2 and SOX9 in Radioresistance and Tumor Recurrence. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:439. [PMID: 38275880 PMCID: PMC10814462 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) exhibits considerable variability in patient outcome. It has been reported that SOX2 plays a role in proliferation, tumor growth, drug resistance, and metastasis in a variety of cancer types. Additionally, SOX9 has been implicated in immune tolerance and treatment failures. SOX2 and SOX9 induce treatment failure by a molecular mechanism that has not yet been elucidated. This study explores the inverse association of SOX2/SOX9 and their distinct expression in tumors, influencing the tumor microenvironment and radiotherapy responses. Through public RNA sequencing data, human biopsy samples, and knockdown cellular models, we explored the effects of inverted SOX2 and SOX9 expression. We found that patients expressing SOX2LowSOX9High showed decreased survival compared to SOX2HighSOX9Low. A survival analysis of patients stratified by radiotherapy and human papillomavirus brings additional clinical relevance. We identified a gene set signature comprising newly discovered candidate genes resulting from inverted SOX2/SOX9 expression. Moreover, the TGF-β pathway emerges as a significant predicted contributor to the overexpression of these candidate genes. In vitro findings reveal that silencing SOX2 enhances tumor radioresistance, while SOX9 silencing enhances radiosensitivity. These discoveries lay the groundwork for further studies on the therapeutic potential of transcription factors in optimizing HNSCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Barbosa
- Division of Radiooncology/Radiobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Institute of Basic Health Science, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil
| | - Natalia Koerich Laureano
- Division of Radiooncology/Radiobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90035-004, RS, Brazil
| | - Wahyu Wijaya Hadiwikarta
- Division of Radiooncology/Radiobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Core Center Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fernanda Visioli
- Department of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90035-004, RS, Brazil
| | - Mahnaz Bonrouhi
- Division of Radiooncology/Radiobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kinga Pajdzik
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Cristina Conde-Lopez
- Division of Radiooncology/Radiobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christel Herold-Mende
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gustavo Eidt
- Division of Radiooncology/Radiobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Renan Langie
- Division of Radiooncology/Radiobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90035-004, RS, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Lazzaron Lamers
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Institute of Basic Health Science, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil
| | - Fabian Stögbauer
- Tissue Bank of the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, Germany and Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Jochen Hess
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ina Kurth
- Division of Radiooncology/Radiobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Core Center Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Adriana Jou
- Molecular Mechanisms of Head and Neck Tumors, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Dentistry, Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Pontifícial Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre 90619-900, RS, Brazil
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14
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Chaudhuri R, Samanta A, Saha P, Ghosh S, Sinha D. The Potential of Epigallocatechin Gallate in Targeting Cancer Stem Cells: A Comprehensive Review. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:5255-5280. [PMID: 38243984 DOI: 10.2174/0109298673281666231227053726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
The dreadful scenario of cancer prevails due to the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which contribute to tumor growth, metastasis, invasion, resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy, and recurrence. CSCs are a small subpopulation of cells within the tumor that are characterized by self-renewal capability and have the potential to manifest heterogeneous lineages of cancer cells that constitute the tumor. The major bioactive green tea polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has been fruitful in downgrading cancer stemness signaling and CSC biomarkers in cancer progression. EGCG has been evidenced to maneuver extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways in order to decrease the viability of CSCs. Cancer stemness is intricately related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis and therapy resistance, and EGCG has been evidenced to regress all these CSC-related effects. By inhibiting CSC characteristics EGCG has also been evidenced to sensitize the tumor cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, the use of EGCG in in vitro and in vivo cancer models raises concern about its bioavailability, stability and efficacy against spheroids raised from parental cells. Therefore, novel nano formulations of EGCG and adjuvant therapy of EGCG with other phytochemicals or drugs or small molecules may have a better prospect in targeting CSCs. However, extensive clinical research is still awaited to elucidate a full proof impact of EGCG in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupa Chaudhuri
- Department of Receptor Biology and Tumor Metastasis, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, 700026, India
| | - Anurima Samanta
- Department of Receptor Biology and Tumor Metastasis, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, 700026, India
| | - Priyanka Saha
- Department of Receptor Biology and Tumor Metastasis, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, 700026, India
| | - Sukanya Ghosh
- Department of Receptor Biology and Tumor Metastasis, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, 700026, India
| | - Dona Sinha
- Department of Receptor Biology and Tumor Metastasis, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, 700026, India
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15
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Zhang S, Yang R, Ouyang Y, Shen Y, Hu L, Xu C. Cancer stem cells: a target for overcoming therapeutic resistance and relapse. Cancer Biol Med 2023; 20:j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0333. [PMID: 38164743 PMCID: PMC10845928 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0333] [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: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subset of cells in cancers that are thought to initiate tumorous transformation and promote metastasis, recurrence, and resistance to treatment. Growing evidence has revealed the existence of CSCs in various types of cancers and suggested that CSCs differentiate into diverse lineage cells that contribute to tumor progression. We may be able to overcome the limitations of cancer treatment with a comprehensive understanding of the biological features and mechanisms underlying therapeutic resistance in CSCs. This review provides an overview of the properties, biomarkers, and mechanisms of resistance shown by CSCs. Recent findings on metabolic features, especially fatty acid metabolism and ferroptosis in CSCs, are highlighted, along with promising targeting strategies. Targeting CSCs is a potential treatment plan to conquer cancer and prevent resistance and relapse in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610042, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Chengdu Wenjiang District People’s Hospital, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yujie Ouyang
- Acupuncture and Massage College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yang Shen
- Department of Oncology & Cancer Institute, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau SAR 999078, China
| | - Lanlin Hu
- Department of Oncology & Cancer Institute, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Yu-Yue Pathology Scientific Research Center, Chongqing 400039, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing 401329, China
| | - Chuan Xu
- Department of Oncology & Cancer Institute, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Yu-Yue Pathology Scientific Research Center, Chongqing 400039, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing 401329, China
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16
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Ashouri A, Zhang C, Gaiti F. Decoding Cancer Evolution: Integrating Genetic and Non-Genetic Insights. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1856. [PMID: 37895205 PMCID: PMC10606072 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of cancer begins with cells transitioning from their multicellular nature to a state akin to unicellular organisms. This shift leads to a breakdown in the crucial regulators inherent to multicellularity, resulting in the emergence of diverse cancer cell subpopulations that have enhanced adaptability. The presence of different cell subpopulations within a tumour, known as intratumoural heterogeneity (ITH), poses challenges for cancer treatment. In this review, we delve into the dynamics of the shift from multicellularity to unicellularity during cancer onset and progression. We highlight the role of genetic and non-genetic factors, as well as tumour microenvironment, in promoting ITH and cancer evolution. Additionally, we shed light on the latest advancements in omics technologies that allow for in-depth analysis of tumours at the single-cell level and their spatial organization within the tissue. Obtaining such detailed information is crucial for deepening our understanding of the diverse evolutionary paths of cancer, allowing for the development of effective therapies targeting the key drivers of cancer evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arghavan Ashouri
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada
| | - Chufan Zhang
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Federico Gaiti
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
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17
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Fleifel D, Cook JG. G1 Dynamics at the Crossroads of Pluripotency and Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4559. [PMID: 37760529 PMCID: PMC10526231 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184559] [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: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
G1 cell cycle phase dynamics are regulated by intricate networks involving cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), and CDK inhibitors, which control G1 progression and ensure proper cell cycle transitions. Moreover, adequate origin licensing in G1 phase, the first committed step of DNA replication in the subsequent S phase, is essential to maintain genome integrity. In this review, we highlight the intriguing parallels and disparities in G1 dynamics between stem cells and cancer cells, focusing on their regulatory mechanisms and functional outcomes. Notably, SOX2, OCT4, KLF4, and the pluripotency reprogramming facilitator c-MYC, known for their role in establishing and maintaining stem cell pluripotency, are also aberrantly expressed in certain cancer cells. In this review, we discuss recent advances in understanding the regulatory role of these pluripotency factors in G1 dynamics in the context of stem cells and cancer cells, which may offer new insights into the interconnections between pluripotency and tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeanette Gowen Cook
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
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Davies A, Zoubeidi A, Beltran H, Selth LA. The Transcriptional and Epigenetic Landscape of Cancer Cell Lineage Plasticity. Cancer Discov 2023; 13:1771-1788. [PMID: 37470668 PMCID: PMC10527883 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-0225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Lineage plasticity, a process whereby cells change their phenotype to take on a different molecular and/or histologic identity, is a key driver of cancer progression and therapy resistance. Although underlying genetic changes within the tumor can enhance lineage plasticity, it is predominantly a dynamic process controlled by transcriptional and epigenetic dysregulation. This review explores the transcriptional and epigenetic regulators of lineage plasticity and their interplay with other features of malignancy, such as dysregulated metabolism, the tumor microenvironment, and immune evasion. We also discuss strategies for the detection and treatment of highly plastic tumors. SIGNIFICANCE Lineage plasticity is a hallmark of cancer and a critical facilitator of other oncogenic features such as metastasis, therapy resistance, dysregulated metabolism, and immune evasion. It is essential that the molecular mechanisms of lineage plasticity are elucidated to enable the development of strategies to effectively target this phenomenon. In this review, we describe key transcriptional and epigenetic regulators of cancer cell plasticity, in the process highlighting therapeutic approaches that may be harnessed for patient benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alastair Davies
- Oncology Research Discovery, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Amina Zoubeidi
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Himisha Beltran
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Luke A. Selth
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute and Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042 Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005 Australia
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19
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Da-Veiga MA, Coppieters N, Lombard A, Rogister B, Neirinckx V, Piette C. Comprehensive profiling of stem-like features in pediatric glioma cell cultures and their relation to the subventricular zone. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:96. [PMID: 37328883 PMCID: PMC10276389 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-023-01586-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGG) are brain tumors occurring in children and adolescents associated with a dismal prognosis despite existing treatments. Therapeutic failure in both adult and pHGG has been partially imputed to glioma stem cells (GSC), a subset of cancer cells endowed with stem-like cell potential and malignant, invasive, adaptative, and treatment-resistant capabilities. Whereas GSC have largely been portrayed in adult tumors, less information has been provided in pHGG. The aim of our study was to comprehensively document the stem-like capacities of seven in-use pediatric glioma cell cultures (Res259, UW479, SF188, KNS42, SF8628, HJSD-DIPG-007 and HJSD-DIPG-012) using parallel in vitro assays assessing stem cell-related protein expression, multipotency, self-renewal and proliferation/quiescence, and in vivo investigation of their tumorigenicity and invasiveness. Data obtained from in vitro experiments revealed glioma subtype-dependent expression of stem cell-related markers and varying abilities for differentiation, self-renewal, and proliferation/quiescence. Among tested cultures, DMG H3-K27 altered cultures displayed a particular pattern of stem-like markers expression and a higher fraction of cells with self-renewal potential. Four cultures displaying distinctive stem-like profiles were further tested for their ability to initiate tumors and invade the brain tissue in mouse orthotopic xenografts. The selected cell cultures all showed a great tumor formation capacity, but only DMG H3-K27 altered cells demonstrated a highly infiltrative phenotype. Interestingly, we detected DMG H3-K27 altered cells relocated in the subventricular zone (SVZ), which has been previously described as a neurogenic area, but also a potential niche for brain tumor cells. Finally, we observed an SVZ-induced phenotypic modulation of the glioma cells, as evidenced by their increased proliferation rate. In conclusion, this study recapitulated a systematic stem-like profiling of various pediatric glioma cell cultures and call to a deeper characterization of DMG H3-K27 altered cells nested in the SVZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc-Antoine Da-Veiga
- Laboratory of Nervous System Diseases and Therapy, GIGA Neuroscience, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Natacha Coppieters
- Laboratory of Nervous System Diseases and Therapy, GIGA Neuroscience, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Arnaud Lombard
- Laboratory of Nervous System Diseases and Therapy, GIGA Neuroscience, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHU Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Bernard Rogister
- Laboratory of Nervous System Diseases and Therapy, GIGA Neuroscience, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, CHU Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Virginie Neirinckx
- Laboratory of Nervous System Diseases and Therapy, GIGA Neuroscience, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Caroline Piette
- Laboratory of Nervous System Diseases and Therapy, GIGA Neuroscience, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, CHU Liège, Liège, Belgium
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20
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Martins-Neves SR, Sampaio-Ribeiro G, Gomes CMF. Self-Renewal and Pluripotency in Osteosarcoma Stem Cells' Chemoresistance: Notch, Hedgehog, and Wnt/β-Catenin Interplay with Embryonic Markers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098401. [PMID: 37176108 PMCID: PMC10179672 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098401] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is a highly malignant bone tumor derived from mesenchymal cells that contains self-renewing cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are responsible for tumor progression and chemotherapy resistance. Understanding the signaling pathways that regulate CSC self-renewal and survival is crucial for developing effective therapies. The Notch, Hedgehog, and Wnt/β-Catenin developmental pathways, which are essential for self-renewal and differentiation of normal stem cells, have been identified as important regulators of osteosarcoma CSCs and also in the resistance to anticancer therapies. Targeting these pathways and their interactions with embryonic markers and the tumor microenvironment may be a promising therapeutic strategy to overcome chemoresistance and improve the prognosis for osteosarcoma patients. This review focuses on the role of Notch, Hedgehog, and Wnt/β-Catenin signaling in regulating CSC self-renewal, pluripotency, and chemoresistance, and their potential as targets for anti-cancer therapies. We also discuss the relevance of embryonic markers, including SOX-2, Oct-4, NANOG, and KLF4, in osteosarcoma CSCs and their association with the aforementioned signaling pathways in overcoming drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara R Martins-Neves
- iCBR-Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Gabriela Sampaio-Ribeiro
- iCBR-Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBB-Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- CACC-Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Célia M F Gomes
- iCBR-Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBB-Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- CACC-Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
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21
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von Eyben FE, Kristiansen K, Kapp DS, Hu R, Preda O, Nogales FF. Epigenetic Regulation of Driver Genes in Testicular Tumorigenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044148. [PMID: 36835562 PMCID: PMC9966837 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In testicular germ cell tumor type II (TGCT), a seminoma subtype expresses an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) panel with four upregulated genes, OCT4/POU5F1, SOX17, KLF4, and MYC, and embryonal carcinoma (EC) has four upregulated genes, OCT4/POU5F1, SOX2, LIN28, and NANOG. The EC panel can reprogram cells into iPSC, and both iPSC and EC can differentiate into teratoma. This review summarizes the literature on epigenetic regulation of the genes. Epigenetic mechanisms, such as methylations of cytosines on the DNA string and methylations and acetylations of histone 3 lysines, regulate expression of these driver genes between the TGCT subtypes. In TGCT, the driver genes contribute to well-known clinical characteristics and the driver genes are also important for aggressive subtypes of many other malignancies. In conclusion, epigenetic regulation of the driver genes are important for TGCT and for oncology in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finn E. von Eyben
- Center for Tobacco Control Research, Birkevej 17, 5230 Odense, Denmark
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-66145862
| | - Karsten Kristiansen
- Laboratory of Genomics and Molecular Biomedicine, August Krogh Building Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 13, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- BGI-Research, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518120, China
- Institute of Metagenomics, Qingdao-Europe Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, BGI-Qingdao, Qingdao 166555, China
| | - Daniel S. Kapp
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Rong Hu
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Ovidiu Preda
- Department of Pathology, San Cecilio University Hospital, 18071 Granada, CP, Spain
| | - Francisco F. Nogales
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University Granada, 18071 Granada, CP, Spain
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Gómez-Gallegos AA, Ramírez-Vidal L, Becerril-Rico J, Pérez-Islas E, Hernandez-Peralta ZJ, Toledo-Guzmán ME, García-Carrancá A, Langley E, Hernández-Guerrero A, López-Casillas F, Herrera-Goepfert R, Oñate-Ocaña LF, Ortiz-Sánchez E. CD24+CD44+CD54+EpCAM+ gastric cancer stem cells predict tumor progression and metastasis: clinical and experimental evidence. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:16. [PMID: 36737794 PMCID: PMC9898964 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03241-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer (GC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Specific and thorough identification of cancer cell subsets with higher tumorigenicity and chemoresistance, such as cancer stem cells (CSCs), could lead to the development of new and promising therapeutic targets. For better CSC identification, a complete or extended surface marker phenotype is needed to provide increased specificity for new cell targeting approaches. Our goal is to identify and characterize a putative extended phenotype for CSCs derived from patients with GC before treatment, as well as to evaluate its clinical value. In addition, we aim to ensure that cells with this phenotype have stemness and self-renewal capabilities. METHODS This is a cohort study including 127 treatment-naïve patients with GC who attended the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología. Multiparametric flow cytometry analysis was performed to determine the extended phenotype of cells derived from gastric biopsies. The tumorigenic capability of cells identified in patients was assessed in a zebrafish model. RESULTS CD24+CD44+CD54+EpCAM+ cells were present in all treatment-naïve patients included, with a median abundance of 1.16% (0.57-1.89%). The percentage of CD24+CD44+CD54+EpCAM+ cells was categorized as high or low using 1.19% as the cutoff for the CD24+CD44+CD54+EpCAM+ cell subset. Additionally, a higher TNM stage correlated with a higher percentage of CD24+CD44+CD54+EpCAM+ cells (Rho coefficient 0.369; p < 0.0001). We also demonstrated that a higher percentage of CD24+CD44+CD54+EpCAM+ cells was positively associated with metastasis. The metastatic potential of these cells was confirmed in a zebrafish model. Ultimately, under our conditions, we conclude that CD24+CD44+CD54+EpCAM+ cells are true gastric cancer stem cells (GCSCs). CONCLUSION The CD24+CD44+CD54+EpCAM+ cells present in tissue samples from patients are true GCSCs. This extended phenotype results in better and more specific characterization of these highly tumorigenic cells. The relative quantification of CD24+CD44+CD54+EpCAM+ cells has potential clinical value, as these cells are associated with metastatic disease, making their presence an additional prognostic marker and possibly a target for the design of new antineoplastic treatments in the era of precision oncology. Overall, the extended CD24+CD44+CD54+EpCAM+ phenotype of GCSCs could support their isolation for the study of their stemness mechanisms, leading to the identification of better molecular targets for the development of both new therapeutic approaches such as oncoimmunotherapy and new diagnostic and clinical prognostic strategies for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel A. Gómez-Gallegos
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Unidad de Posgrado, Edificio A, 1° Piso, Circuito de Posgrados, Ciudad Universitaria, C.P. 04510 Coyoacán, Distrito Federal, Mexico ,grid.419167.c0000 0004 1777 1207Subdirección de Investigación Básica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Av. San Fernando 22, Colonia Seccion XVI, Tlalpan, 14080 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Lizbeth Ramírez-Vidal
- grid.9486.30000 0001 2159 0001Posgrado de Ciencias Biomédicas. Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior s/n Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, 04510 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jared Becerril-Rico
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Unidad de Posgrado, Edificio A, 1° Piso, Circuito de Posgrados, Ciudad Universitaria, C.P. 04510 Coyoacán, Distrito Federal, Mexico ,grid.419167.c0000 0004 1777 1207Subdirección de Investigación Básica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Av. San Fernando 22, Colonia Seccion XVI, Tlalpan, 14080 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Elizabeth Pérez-Islas
- grid.419167.c0000 0004 1777 1207Departamento de Patología, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Av. San Fernando 22, Colonia Sección XVI, Tlalpan, 14080 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Zuly J. Hernandez-Peralta
- grid.419167.c0000 0004 1777 1207Subdirección de Investigación Básica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Av. San Fernando 22, Colonia Seccion XVI, Tlalpan, 14080 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mariel E. Toledo-Guzmán
- grid.419167.c0000 0004 1777 1207Subdirección de Investigación Básica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Av. San Fernando 22, Colonia Seccion XVI, Tlalpan, 14080 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alejandro García-Carrancá
- grid.419167.c0000 0004 1777 1207Subdirección de Investigación Básica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Av. San Fernando 22, Colonia Seccion XVI, Tlalpan, 14080 Mexico City, Mexico ,grid.9486.30000 0001 2159 0001Unidad de Investigación en Cáncer, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Elizabeth Langley
- grid.419167.c0000 0004 1777 1207Subdirección de Investigación Básica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Av. San Fernando 22, Colonia Seccion XVI, Tlalpan, 14080 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Angélica Hernández-Guerrero
- grid.419167.c0000 0004 1777 1207Unidad de Endoscopia, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Av. San Fernando 22, Colonia Sección XVI, Tlalpan, 14080 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Fernando López-Casillas
- grid.9486.30000 0001 2159 0001Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior s/n Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, 04510 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Roberto Herrera-Goepfert
- grid.419167.c0000 0004 1777 1207Departamento de Patología, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Av. San Fernando 22, Colonia Sección XVI, Tlalpan, 14080 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Luis F. Oñate-Ocaña
- grid.419167.c0000 0004 1777 1207Subdirección de Investigación Clínica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Av. San Fernando 22, Colonia Sección XVI, Tlalpan, 14080 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Elizabeth Ortiz-Sánchez
- Subdirección de Investigación Básica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Av. San Fernando 22, Colonia Seccion XVI, Tlalpan, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Wen X, Wu Y, Lou Y, Xia Y, Yu X. The roles of Linc-ROR in the regulation of cancer stem cells. Transl Oncol 2022; 28:101602. [PMID: 36535192 PMCID: PMC9791587 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are considered to be a kind of tumor cell population characterized by self-renewal, easy to metastasize and drug resistance, which play an indispensable role in the occurrence, development, metastasis and drug resistance of tumors, and their existence is an important reason for high metastasis and recurrence of tumors. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs), which are more than 200 nucleotides in length, have a close relationship with the malignant progression of cancer.In recent years, abundant studies have reavling that LncRNAs are beneficial to the regulation of various cancer stem cells. Linc-ROR, as a newly discovered intergenic non-protein-coding RNA in recent years, is considered to be a key regulator affecting the development of human tumors. Dysregulation of Linc-ROR is related to stemness phenotype and functional regulation of cancer stem cells. For that, Linc-ROR has the potential to be used as a diagnostic biomarker for cancer patients and can serve as a clinically meaningful potential therapeutic target. In this review, we generalize the existing research results on the important role of Linc-ROR in regulation of CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Wen
- Department of Gynecology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003,China
| | - Yingying Wu
- Department of Gynecology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003,China
| | - Yanhui Lou
- Department of Gynecology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003,China..
| | - Yufang Xia
- Department of Gynecology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003,China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Department of Gynecology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003,China
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lncRNA-mediated ceRNA network in bladder cancer. Noncoding RNA Res 2022; 8:135-145. [PMID: 36605618 PMCID: PMC9792360 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer is a common disease associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Although immunotherapy approaches such as adoptive T-cell therapy and immune checkpoint blockade have been investigated for the treatment of bladder cancer, their off-target effects and ability to affect only single targets have led to clinical outcomes that are far from satisfactory. Therefore, it is important to identify novel targets that can effectively control tumor growth and metastasis. It is well known that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are powerful regulators of gene expression. Increasing evidence has shown that dysregulated lncRNAs in bladder cancer are involved in cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In this review, we focus on the roles and underlying mechanisms of lncRNA-mediated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks in the regulation of bladder cancer progression. In addition, we discuss the potential of targeting lncRNA-mediated ceRNA networks to overcome cancer treatment resistance and its association with clinicopathological features and outcomes in bladder cancer patients. We hope this review will stimulate research to develop more effective therapeutic approaches for bladder cancer treatment.
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25
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Ervin EH, French R, Chang CH, Pauklin S. Inside the stemness engine: Mechanistic links between deregulated transcription factors and stemness in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 87:48-83. [PMID: 36347438 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Cell identity is largely determined by its transcriptional profile. In tumour, deregulation of transcription factor expression and/or activity enables cancer cell to acquire a stem-like state characterised by capacity to self-renew, differentiate and form tumours in vivo. These stem-like cancer cells are highly metastatic and therapy resistant, thus warranting a more complete understanding of the molecular mechanisms downstream of the transcription factors that mediate the establishment of stemness state. Here, we review recent research findings that provide a mechanistic link between the commonly deregulated transcription factors and stemness in cancer. In particular, we describe the role of master transcription factors (SOX, OCT4, NANOG, KLF, BRACHYURY, SALL, HOX, FOX and RUNX), signalling-regulated transcription factors (SMAD, β-catenin, YAP, TAZ, AP-1, NOTCH, STAT, GLI, ETS and NF-κB) and unclassified transcription factors (c-MYC, HIF, EMT transcription factors and P53) across diverse tumour types, thereby yielding a comprehensive overview identifying shared downstream targets, highlighting unique mechanisms and discussing complexities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egle-Helene Ervin
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Rhiannon French
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Chao-Hui Chang
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Siim Pauklin
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
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26
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Mirzaei S, Paskeh MDA, Entezari M, Mirmazloomi SR, Hassanpoor A, Aboutalebi M, Rezaei S, Hejazi ES, Kakavand A, Heidari H, Salimimoghadam S, Taheriazam A, Hashemi M, Samarghandian S. SOX2 function in cancers: Association with growth, invasion, stemness and therapy response. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 156:113860. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Chhetri D, Vengadassalapathy S, Venkadassalapathy S, Balachandran V, Umapathy VR, Veeraraghavan VP, Jayaraman S, Patil S, Iyaswamy A, Palaniyandi K, Gnanasampanthapandian D. Pleiotropic effects of DCLK1 in cancer and cancer stem cells. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:965730. [PMID: 36250024 PMCID: PMC9560780 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.965730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1), a protein molecule, has been identified as a tumor stem cell marker in the cancer cells of gastrointestinal, pancreas, and human colon. DCLK1 expression in cancers, such as breast carcinoma, lung carcinoma, hepatic cell carcinoma, tuft cells, and human cholangiocarcinoma, has shown a way to target the DCLK1 gene and downregulate its expression. Several studies have discussed the inhibition of tumor cell proliferation along with neoplastic cell arrest when the DCLK1 gene, which is expressed in both cancer and normal cells, was targeted successfully. In addition, previous studies have shown that DCLK1 plays a vital role in various cancer metastases. The correlation of DCLK1 with numerous stem cell receptors, signaling pathways, and genes suggests its direct or an indirect role in promoting tumorigenesis. Moreover, the impact of DCLK1 was found to be related to the functioning of an oncogene. The downregulation of DCLK1 expression by using targeted strategies, such as embracing the use of siRNA, miRNA, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, nanomolecules, specific monoclonal antibodies, and silencing the pathways regulated by DCLK1, has shown promising results in both in vitro and in vivo studies on gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. In this review, we will discuss about the present understanding of DCLK1 and its role in the progression of GI cancer and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dibyashree Chhetri
- Cancer Science Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India
| | - Srinivasan Vengadassalapathy
- Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India
| | | | - Varadharaju Balachandran
- Department of Physiology, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Vidhya Rekha Umapathy
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, India
| | - Vishnu Priya Veeraraghavan
- Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Selvaraj Jayaraman
- Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Shankargouda Patil
- College of Dental Medicine, Roseman University of Health Sciences, South Jordan, UT, United States
| | - Ashok Iyaswamy
- Centre for Parkinsons Disease Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kanagaraj Palaniyandi
- Cancer Science Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India
- *Correspondence: Kanagaraj Palaniyandi, ; Dhanavathy Gnanasampanthapandian,
| | - Dhanavathy Gnanasampanthapandian
- Cancer Science Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India
- *Correspondence: Kanagaraj Palaniyandi, ; Dhanavathy Gnanasampanthapandian,
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Yang J, Xu H, Li C, Li Z, Hu Z. An explorative study for leveraging transcriptomic data of embryonic stem cells in mining cancer stemness genes, regulators, and networks. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2022; 19:13949-13966. [PMID: 36654075 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2022650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Due to the exquisite ability of cancer stemness to facilitate tumor initiation, metastasis, and cancer therapy resistance, targeting cancer stemness is expected to have clinical implications for cancer treatment. Genes are fundamental for forming and maintaining stemness. Considering shared genetic programs and pathways between embryonic stem cells and cancer stem cells, we conducted a study analyzing transcriptomic data of embryonic stem cells for mining potential cancer stemness genes. Firstly, we integrated co-expression and regression models and predicted 820 stemness genes. Results of gene enrichment analysis confirmed the good prediction performance for enriched signatures in cancer stem cells. Secondly, we provided an application case using the predicted stemness genes to construct a breast cancer stemness network. Mining on the network identified CD44, SOX2, TWIST1, and DLG4 as potential regulators of breast cancer stemness. Thirdly, using the signature of 31,028 chemical perturbations and their correlation with stemness marker genes, we predicted 67 stemness inhibitors with reasonable accuracy of 78%. Two drugs, namely Rigosertib and Proscillaridin A, were first identified as potential stemness inhibitors for melanoma and colon cancer, respectively. Overall, mining embryonic stem cell data provides a valuable way to identify cancer stemness regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihong Yang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- BoYu Intelligent Health Innovation Laboratory, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Guangdong 524001, China
| | - Congshu Li
- BoYu Intelligent Health Innovation Laboratory, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Zhenhao Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- BoYu Intelligent Health Innovation Laboratory, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Zhe Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Guangdong 524001, China
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Rogers MP, Kothari A, Read M, Kuo PC, Mi Z. Maintaining Myofibroblastic-Like Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts by Cancer Stemness Signal Transduction Feedback Loop. Cureus 2022; 14:e29354. [PMID: 36284815 PMCID: PMC9583706 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.29354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Myofibroblast-like cancer-associated fibroblasts (myCAF) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) promote cancer stemness, growth, and metastasis. Cancer cell-derived osteopontin (OPN) has been reported as a biomarker related to malignant cancer growth. In this study, we confirm that cancer cell stemness is required for the maintenance of an OPN-induced myCAF phenotype.
Methods: MDA-MB-231 or HepG2 cells and Sox2 knockout variants were co-cultured with human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). In selected instances, the OPN bioactivity inhibitor OPN-R3 aptamer (APT), OPN-R3 mutant aptamer (MuAPT), or cancer cell stemness inhibitor BBI-608 were added separately. MDA-MB-231 cancer stemness and myCAF markers were quantified by real-time PCR. Stemness-lacking cancer cell mice models were created to confirm that stemness is required for the maintenance of the OPN-induced myCAF phenotype in vivo.
Results: In an MDA-MB-231 co-culture system, myCAF and stemness markers increased. Osteopontin and stemness blockade in this co-culture system decreased both myCAF and stemness marker expression, but OPN blockade after 72 hours had no effect. In contrast, when BBI608 was added at 72 hours, myCAF markers were abated after 36-hour treatment. Replacing wildtype with MDA-MB-231(-/-sox2) in co-cultures at 72 hours decreased myCAF marker expression to baseline despite the Western blot confirming the presence of OPN. Conversely, replacing MDA-MB-231(-/-sox2) cells with wildtype increased myCAF marker expression to a level equivalent to the MDA-MB-231+MSC co-culture system. In vivo osteopontin blockade diminished stemness and myCAF marker expression and stemness lacking cancer cell models, indicated by decreasing myCAF presence. Experiments were repeated in a HepG2 cell line with identical results.
Conclusions: Cancer and myCAF crosstalk increases myCAF maintenance and cancer cell stemness. In this study using human breast and liver cancer cell lines, maintenance of the OPN-induced myCAF phenotype also requires cancer stemness. This indicates that the myCAF phenotype requires two distinct signaling pathways: initiation and maintenance.
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Nong X, Zhang C, Wang J, Ding P, Ji G, Wu T. The mechanism of branched-chain amino acid transferases in different diseases: Research progress and future prospects. Front Oncol 2022; 12:988290. [PMID: 36119495 PMCID: PMC9478667 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.988290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well known that the enzyme catalyzes the first step of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolism is branched-chain amino transferase (BCAT), which is involved in the synthesis and degradation of leucine, isoleucine and valine. There are two main subtypes of human branched chain amino transferase (hBCAT), including cytoplasmic BCAT (BCAT1) and mitochondrial BCAT (BCAT2). In recent years, the role of BCAT in tumors has attracted the attention of scientists, and there have been continuous research reports that BCAT plays a role in the tumor, Alzheimer’s disease, myeloid leukaemia and other diseases. It plays a significant role in the growth and development of diseases, and new discoveries about this gene in some diseases are made every year. BCAT usually promotes cancer proliferation and invasion by activating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway and activating Wnt/β-catenin signal transduction. This article reviews the role and mechanism of BCAT in different diseases, as well as the recent biomedical research progress. This review aims to make a comprehensive summary of the role and mechanism of BCAT in different diseases and to provide new research ideas for the treatment, prognosis and prevention of certain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiazhen Nong
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Caiyun Zhang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Junmin Wang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Peilun Ding
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guang Ji
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Guang Ji, ; ; Tao Wu, ;
| | - Tao Wu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Guang Ji, ; ; Tao Wu, ;
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Nishimura T, Takadate T, Maeda S, Suzuki T, Minowa T, Fukuda T, Bando Y, Unno M. Disease-related protein co-expression networks are associated with the prognosis of resectable node-positive pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14709. [PMID: 36038612 PMCID: PMC9424258 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19182-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a multifactorial disease, the molecular profile of which remains unclear. This study aimed at unveiling the disease-related protein networks associated with different outcomes of resectable, node-positive PDAC cases. We assessed laser-microdissected cancerous cells from PDAC tissues of a poor outcome group (POG; n = 4) and a better outcome group (BOG; n = 4). Noncancerous pancreatic duct tissues (n = 5) were used as the reference. We identified four representative network modules by applying a weighted network correlation analysis to the obtained quantitative PDAC proteome datasets. Two network modules that were significant for POG were associated with the heat shock response to hypoxia-related stress; in the latter, a large involvement of the non-canonical Hedgehog pathway (regulated by GLI1), the internal ribosome entry site-mediated cap-independent translation, the inositol requiring enzyme 1-alpha (IRE1α)/X-box binding protein 1 pathway of the unfolding protein response (UPR), and the aerobic glycolysis was observed. By contrast, the BOG characteristic module was involved in the inactivation of the UPR pathway via the synoviolin 1-dependent proteasomal degradation of IRE1α, the activation of SOX2, and the loss of PALB2 (partner and localizer of BRCA2) function, all potentially suppressing malignant tumor development. Our findings might facilitate future therapeutic strategies for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihide Nishimura
- Department of Translational Medicine Informatics, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 216-8511, Japan. .,Biosys Technologies, Inc., Tokyo, Tokyo, 153-8904, Japan.
| | - Tatsuyuki Takadate
- Department of Surgery, National Hospital Organization Sendai Medical Center, Sendai, Miyagi, 983-8520, Japan
| | - Shimpei Maeda
- Department of Surgery, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Takashi Suzuki
- Department of Pathology and Histotechnology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Takashi Minowa
- Nanotechnology Innovation Station, National Institute for Materials Science, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Fukuda
- Biosys Technologies, Inc., Tokyo, Tokyo, 153-8904, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Bando
- Biosys Technologies, Inc., Tokyo, Tokyo, 153-8904, Japan
| | - Michiaki Unno
- Department of Surgery, National Hospital Organization Sendai Medical Center, Sendai, Miyagi, 983-8520, Japan.,Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan
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32
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Li J, Ek F, Olsson R, Belting M, Bengzon J. Glioblastoma CD105 + cells define a SOX2 - cancer stem cell-like subpopulation in the pre-invasive niche. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2022; 10:126. [PMID: 36038950 PMCID: PMC9426031 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-022-01422-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and most aggressive primary brain tumor in adults. Glioma stem like cells (GSC) represent the highest cellular hierarchy in GBM and have a determining role in tumor growth, recurrence and patient prognosis. However, a better definition of GSC subpopulations, especially at the surgical resection margin, is warranted for improved oncological treatment options. The present study interrogated cells expressing CD105 (CD105+) specifically within the tumor front and the pre-invasive niche as a potential GSC subpopulation. GBM primary cell lines were generated from patients (n = 18) and CD105+ cells were isolated and assessed for stem-like characteristics. In vitro, CD105+ cells proliferated and enriched in serum-containing medium but not in serum-free conditions. CD105+ cells were characterized by Nestin+, Vimentin+ and SOX2-, clearly distinguishing them from SOX2+ GCS. GBM CD105+ cells differentiated into osteocytes and adipocytes but not chondrocytes. Exome sequencing revealed that GBM CD105+ cells matched 83% of somatic mutations in the Cancer cell line encyclopedia, indicating a malignant phenotype and in vivo xenotransplantation assays verified their tumorigenic potential. Cytokine assays showed that immunosuppressive and protumorigenic cytokines such as IL6, IL8, CCL2, CXCL-1 were produced by CD105+ cells. Finally, screening for 88 clinical drugs revealed that GBM CD105+ cells are resistant to most chemotherapeutics except Doxorubicin, Idarubicin, Fludarabine and ABT-751. Our study provides a rationale for targeting tumoral CD105+ cells in order to reshape the tumor microenvironment and block GBM progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Li
- Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Fredrik Ek
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Roger Olsson
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Mattias Belting
- Section of Oncology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Radiophysics, Skane University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics, and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johan Bengzon
- Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Neurosurgery, Skane University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
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Zheng WJ, Wang PX, Sun YF, Cheng JW, Zhong YC, Xu Y, Guo W, Hu B, Zhou J, Fan J, Chen X, Yang XR. Uncovering the Heterogeneity and Clinical Relevance of Circulating Tumor-Initiating Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using an Integrated Immunomagnetic-Microfluidic Platform. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:36425-36437. [PMID: 35917454 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c09085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumor-initiating cells (CTICs) with stem cell-like properties play pivotal roles in tumor metastasis and recurrence. However, little is known about the biology and clinical relevance of CTICs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we investigated the molecular heterogeneity and clinical relevance of CTICs in HCC using a novel integrated immunomagnetic-microfluidic platform (iMAC). We constructed the iMAC and evaluated its ability to detect CTICs using a series of spiked cell experiments. A four-channel microfluidic chip was applied to investigate the composition of CTICs in patients with primary and recurrent HCC utilizing microbeads labeled with one of four stem-related markers: epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), CD133, CD90, and CD24. The dynamic changes of these four CTIC subsets were serially monitored during treatment courses. Finally, single-cell RNA profiling was used to reveal the molecular characteristics of the four CTIC subsets. The iMAC platform detected significantly more EpCAM+ CTICs in the blood samples from 33 HCC patients than the FDA-approved CellSearch system (0.92 ± 0.94 vs 0.23 ± 0.36, P < 0.001). The number of EpCAM+ CTICs (≥0.75/mL) detected by iMAC was a predictor of early recurrence (P = 0.007). The distinct stem-related markers' expression of CTICs could distinguish primary HCC, recurrent HCC, and TACE-resistant HCC. Single-cell transcriptional profiling proved the heterogeneity among individual CTICs and separated the four CTIC subsets into distinct phenotypes. Dissecting the heterogeneity of CTICs using the iMAC represents a novel and informative method for accurate CTIC detection and characterization. This innovative technology will enable more indepth cancer biology research and clinical cancer management than is currently available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jing Zheng
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shenzhen Key Laboratory, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University, 1098 Xueyuan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P. R. China
| | - Peng-Xiang Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Yun-Fan Sun
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Jian-Wen Cheng
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Chen Zhong
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Bo Hu
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Jia Fan
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Xiang Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Micro/Nano Fabrication, Department of Micro/Nano Electronics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Xin-Rong Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
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Oria VO, Zhang H, Zito CR, Rane CK, Ma XY, Provance OK, Tran TT, Adeniran A, Kluger Y, Sznol M, Bosenberg MW, Kluger HM, Jilaveanu LB. Coupled fibromodulin and SOX2 signaling as a critical regulator of metastatic outgrowth in melanoma. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:377. [PMID: 35737114 PMCID: PMC9226089 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04364-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to study mechanisms controlling metastatic outgrowth of melanoma into clinically relevant lesions, a critical process responsible for the majority of melanoma deaths. To this end, we developed novel in vivo models and identified molecular events that can be ascribed to their distinct phenotypes, indolent or highly metastatic. Induction of a proliferative state at distant sites was associated with high levels of the stem-like/progenitor marker, SOX2, and required the upregulation of FMOD, an extracellular matrix component, which modulates tumor-stroma interactions. Functional studies revealed a possible link between FMOD and SOX2; dual FMOD and SOX2 silencing nearly abolished brain metastasis and had a similar effect on distant metastasis to other sites. Our in vitro data suggests that FMOD and SOX2 cooperation plays an important role in tumor vasculogenic mimicry. Furthermore, we found that FMOD and SOX2 functional roles might converge at the activation of transcriptional co-factors YAP and TAZ, possibly via crosstalk with the tumor suppressor Hippo pathway. Finally, high expression of both genes in patient specimens predicted early development of brain metastasis. Thus, our study identifies FMOD and SOX2 cooperation as a novel regulatory mechanism that might be linked functionally to melanoma metastatic competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor O Oria
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, SHM234E, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hongyi Zhang
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, SHM234E, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Christopher R Zito
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, SHM234E, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Department of Biology, School of Arts, Sciences, Business, and Education, University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Chetan K Rane
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, SHM234E, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Xian-Yong Ma
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, SHM234E, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Olivia K Provance
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, SHM234E, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Thuy T Tran
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, SHM234E, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Adebowale Adeniran
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yuval Kluger
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mario Sznol
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, SHM234E, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Marcus W Bosenberg
- Department of Dermatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Harriet M Kluger
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, SHM234E, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Lucia B Jilaveanu
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, SHM234E, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
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Puglisi C, Giuffrida R, Borzì G, Illari S, Caronia F, Di Mattia P, Colarossi C, Ferini G, Martorana E, Sette G, Eramo A, Lorico A, Di Grazia A, Forte S. Ex Vivo Irradiation of Lung Cancer Stem Cells Identifies the Lowest Therapeutic Dose Needed for Tumor Growth Arrest and Mass Reduction In Vivo. Front Oncol 2022; 12:837400. [PMID: 35646627 PMCID: PMC9133629 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.837400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy represents a first-line treatment for many inoperable lung tumors. New technologies offer novel opportunities for the treatment of lung cancer with the administration of higher doses of radiation in smaller volumes. Because both therapeutic and toxic treatment effects are dose-dependent, it is important to identify a minimal dose protocol for each individual patient that maintains efficacy while decreasing toxicity. Cancer stem cells sustain tumor growth, promote metastatic dissemination, and may give rise to secondary resistance. The identification of effective protocols targeting these cells may improve disease-free survival of treated patients. In this work, we evaluated the existence of individual profiles of sensitivity to radiotherapy in patient-derived cancer stem cells (CSCs) using both in vitro and in vivo models. Both CSCs in vitro and mice implanted with CSCs were treated with radiotherapy at different dose intensities and rates. CSC response to different radiation doses greatly varied among patients. In vitro radiation sensitivity of CSCs corresponded to the therapeutic outcome in the corresponding mouse tumor model. On the other side, the dose administration rate did not affect the response. These findings suggest that in vitro evaluation of CSCs may potentially predict patients’ response, thus guiding clinical decision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Puglisi
- Genomics and Experimental oncology unit, IOM Ricerca, Viagrande, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppina Borzì
- Operative Unit of Radiotherapy, Rem Radioterapia, Viagrande, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Paolo Caronia
- Unit of Thoracic Surgery, Azienda di Rilievo Nazionale ad Alta Specializzazione (ARNAS) Civico, Palermo, Italy
| | - Paolo Di Mattia
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, Viagrande, Italy
| | - Cristina Colarossi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, Viagrande, Italy
| | - Gianluca Ferini
- Operative Unit of Radiotherapy, Rem Radioterapia, Viagrande, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Sette
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Adriana Eramo
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Aurelio Lorico
- Genomics and Experimental oncology unit, IOM Ricerca, Viagrande, Italy
- Department of Basic Sciences, Touro University Nevada College of Medicine, Henderson, NV, United States
| | - Alfio Di Grazia
- Operative Unit of Radiotherapy, Rem Radioterapia, Viagrande, Italy
| | - Stefano Forte
- Genomics and Experimental oncology unit, IOM Ricerca, Viagrande, Italy
- *Correspondence: Stefano Forte,
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Da-Veiga MA, Rogister B, Lombard A, Neirinckx V, Piette C. Glioma Stem Cells in Pediatric High-Grade Gliomas: From Current Knowledge to Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092296. [PMID: 35565425 PMCID: PMC9099564 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pediatric high-grade glioma (pHGG) has a dismal prognosis in which the younger the patient, the more restricted the treatments are, in regard to the incurred risks. Current therapies destroy many tumor cells but fail to target the highly malignant glioma stem cells (GSCs) that adapt quickly to give rise to recurring, treatment-resistant cancers. Despite a lack of consensus around an efficient detection, GSCs are well described in adult brain tumors but remain poorly investigated in pediatric cases, mostly due to their rarity. An improved knowledge about GSC roles in pediatric tumors would provide a key leverage towards the elimination of this sub-population, based on targeted treatments. The aim of this review is to sum up the state of art about GSCs in pHGG. Abstract In children, high-grade gliomas (HGG) and diffuse midline gliomas (DMG) account for a high proportion of death due to cancer. Glioma stem cells (GSCs) are tumor cells in a specific state defined by a tumor-initiating capacity following serial transplantation, self-renewal, and an ability to recapitulate tumor heterogeneity. Their presence was demonstrated several decades ago in adult glioblastoma (GBM), and more recently in pediatric HGG and DMG. In adults, we and others have previously suggested that GSCs nest into the subventricular zone (SVZ), a neurogenic niche, where, among others, they find shelter from therapy. Both bench and bedside evidence strongly indicate a role for the GSCs and the SVZ in GBM progression, fostering the development of innovative targeting treatments. Such new therapeutic approaches are of particular interest in infants, in whom standard therapies are often limited due to the risk of late effects. The aim of this review is to describe current knowledge about GSCs in pediatric HGG and DMG, i.e., their characterization, the models that apply to their development and maintenance, the specific signaling pathways that may underlie their activity, and their specific interactions with neurogenic niches. Finally, we will discuss the clinical relevance of these observations and the therapeutic advantages of targeting the SVZ and/or the GSCs in infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc-Antoine Da-Veiga
- Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders and Therapy, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (M.-A.D.-V.); (B.R.); (A.L.); (V.N.)
| | - Bernard Rogister
- Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders and Therapy, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (M.-A.D.-V.); (B.R.); (A.L.); (V.N.)
- Department of Neurology, CHU of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Arnaud Lombard
- Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders and Therapy, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (M.-A.D.-V.); (B.R.); (A.L.); (V.N.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHU of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Virginie Neirinckx
- Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders and Therapy, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (M.-A.D.-V.); (B.R.); (A.L.); (V.N.)
| | - Caroline Piette
- Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders and Therapy, GIGA Institute, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (M.-A.D.-V.); (B.R.); (A.L.); (V.N.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, CHU Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
- Correspondence:
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Marayati R, Stafman LL, Williams AP, Bownes LV, Quinn CH, Markert HR, Easlick JL, Stewart JE, Crossman DK, Mroczek-Musulman E, Beierle EA. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of PIM3 suppresses tumorigenesis and cancer cell stemness in human hepatoblastoma cells. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 29:558-572. [PMID: 33864024 PMCID: PMC8521561 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-021-00334-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma remains one of the most difficult childhood tumors to treat and is alarmingly understudied. We previously demonstrated that Proviral Insertion site in Maloney murine leukemia virus (PIM) kinases, specifically PIM3, are overexpressed in human hepatoblastoma cells and function to promote tumorigenesis. We aimed to use CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing with dual gRNAs to introduce large inactivating deletions in the PIM3 gene and achieve stable PIM3 knockout in the human hepatoblastoma cell line, HuH6. PIM3 knockout of hepatoblastoma cells led to significantly decreased proliferation, viability, and motility, inhibited cell-cycle progression, decreased tumor growth in a xenograft murine model, and increased animal survival. Analysis of RNA sequencing data revealed that PIM3 knockout downregulated expression of pro-migratory and pro-invasive genes and upregulated expression of genes involved in apoptosis and differentiation. Furthermore, PIM3 knockout decreased hepatoblastoma cancer cell stemness as evidenced by decreased tumorsphere formation, decreased mRNA abundance of stemness markers, and decreased cell surface expression of CD133, a marker of hepatoblastoma stem cell-like cancer cells. Reintroduction of PIM3 into PIM3 knockout cells rescued the malignant phenotype. Successful CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of PIM3 kinase in human hepatoblastoma cells confirmed the role of PIM3 in promoting hepatoblastoma tumorigenesis and cancer cell stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raoud Marayati
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Laura L. Stafman
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Adele P. Williams
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Laura V. Bownes
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Colin H. Quinn
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Hooper R. Markert
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Juliet L. Easlick
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Jerry E. Stewart
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - David K. Crossman
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth A. Beierle
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
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Xie H, Yao J, Wang Y, Ni B. Exosome-transmitted circVMP1 facilitates the progression and cisplatin resistance of non-small cell lung cancer by targeting miR-524-5p-METTL3/SOX2 axis. Drug Deliv 2022; 29:1257-1271. [PMID: 35467477 PMCID: PMC9045767 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2022.2057617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play important regulatory roles in multiple human malignancies, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we explored the role of circRNA vacuole membrane protein 1 (circVMP1) in NSCLC progression and cisplatin (DDP) resistance. Methods The DDP resistance, proliferation, sphere formation ability, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of NSCLC cells were analyzed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay, 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, sphere formation assay, wound healing assay, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry. Methylated RIP-qPCR (MeRIP-qPCR) was conducted to analyze the m6A modification level of SRY-box transcription factor 2 (SOX2). Dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay, and RNA-pull down assay were performed to confirm the intermolecular interaction. Exosomes were identified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Results CircVMP1 expression was markedly elevated in DDP-resistant NSCLC cell lines compared with their parental cell lines. CircVMP1 absence restrained the proliferation, sphere formation, migration, invasion, and DDP resistance and promoted the apoptosis of DDP-resistant NSCLC cells. CircVMP1 acted as microRNA-524-5p (miR-524-5p) sponge to up-regulate the expression of methyltransferase 3, N6-adenosine-methyltransferase complex catalytic subunit (METTL3) and SOX2. CircVMP1 silencing restrained the malignant behaviors and DDP resistance of A549/DDP and H1299/DDP cells by targeting miR-524-5p. Exosomal circVMP1 disseminated the malignant properties and DDP resistance to DDP-sensitive cells. Exosomal circVMP1 elevated the DDP resistance of xenograft tumors in vivo. Exosomal circVMP1 was up-regulated in the serum samples of DDP-resistant NSCLC patients compared with DDP-sensitive patients. Conclusion Exosome-mediated transmission of circVMP1 promoted NSCLC progression and DDP resistance by targeting miR-524-5p-METTL3/SOX2 axis.Highlights CircVMP1 level is up-regulated in DDP-resistant NSCLC cell lines compared with DDP-sensitive cell lines. CircVMP1 absence restrains the malignant behaviors and DDP resistance of A549/DDP and H1299/DDP cells. CircVMP1-miR-524-5p/METTL3/SOX2 axis is identified for the first time. CircVMP1 plays an oncogenic role by targeting miR-524-5p-METTL3/SOX2 axis in A549/DDP and H1299/DDP cells. Exosomal circVMP1 transmits the malignant properties and DDP resistance to DDP-sensitive cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongya Xie
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jie Yao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yuxuan Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Bin Ni
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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Chen H, Ma J, Kong F, Song N, Wang C, Ma X. UPF1 contributes to the maintenance of endometrial cancer stem cell phenotype by stabilizing LINC00963. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:257. [PMID: 35318304 PMCID: PMC8940903 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04707-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Endometrial cancer stem cells (ECSCs) play a vital role in endometrial cancer (EC) metastasis, relapse, and chemoresistance. However, the molecular mechanisms that sustain ECSCs remain elusive. Here, we showed that the expression of UPF1 was upregulated in EC tissues and ECSCs and correlated with poor clinicopathological characteristics. UPF1 silencing suppressed ECSC hallmarks, such as sphere formation ability, carboplatin resistance, migration and invasion, and cell cycle progression. UPF1 regulated the behavior and fate of ECSCs by stabilizing LINC00963. LINC00963 further shares the same miRNA response element with the core transcription factor SOX2 and relieved the suppression of SOX2 by miR-508-5p in self-renewing ECSCs. Notably, inhibition of UPF1 and LINC00963 in combination severely impaired the in vivo tumorigenic potential of ECSCs. We demonstrate that the UPF1/LINC00963/miR-508-5p/SOX2 axis has potential value in modulating ECSC maintenance, chemoresistance, and tumorigenesis in EC, which highlights a novel promising target for EC treatment.
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The Application of Molecular Techniques for Assessment of SOX2 and miR126 Expression as Prognostic Markers in Esophageal Carcinoma. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/1514412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective. To study the problem in esophageal cancer, the function of SOX2 and miR-126 has not been completely explored. The objective of this study was to find out how SOX2 and miR-126 act in esophageal cancer and their relation to the clinical and prognostic features. Methods. The expression of SOX2 and miR-126 was properly assessed in the carcinoma of the esophagus, and the nearby healthy tissues surgically excised from 35 included patients. Results. SOX2 was elevated in esophageal cancer relative to normal tissues contrary to the miR-126 levels. This inverse relationship was linked to adverse clinical features. Background. SOX2 has been involved as an oncogene in various types of malignant tumors; microRNA-126 (miR-126) is extensively expressed in vascular endothelial cells, which control angiogenesis. Furthermore, many published reports reasonably concluded that based on the prime characteristic of malignant cells, miR-126 may act appropriately as a promotor or a suppressor for the malignant growth. Conclusion. In esophageal cancer, SOX2 works as an oncogene, whereas miR-126 acts as a tumor suppressor gene. SOX2 overexpression and miR-126 downregulation were shown to be linked to a poor prognosis.
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Nolan E, Bridgeman VL, Ombrato L, Karoutas A, Rabas N, Sewnath CAN, Vasquez M, Rodrigues FS, Horswell S, Faull P, Carter R, Malanchi I. Radiation exposure elicits a neutrophil-driven response in healthy lung tissue that enhances metastatic colonization. NATURE CANCER 2022; 3:173-187. [PMID: 35221334 PMCID: PMC7612918 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-022-00336-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Radiotherapy is one of the most effective approaches to achieve tumor control in cancer patients, although healthy tissue injury due to off-target radiation exposure can occur. In this study, we used a model of acute radiation injury to the lung, in the context of cancer metastasis, to understand the biological link between tissue damage and cancer progression. We exposed healthy mouse lung tissue to radiation before the induction of metastasis and observed a strong enhancement of cancer cell growth. We found that locally activated neutrophils were key drivers of the tumor-supportive preconditioning of the lung microenvironment, governed by enhanced regenerative Notch signaling. Importantly, these tissue perturbations endowed arriving cancer cells with an augmented stemness phenotype. By preventing neutrophil-dependent Notch activation, via blocking degranulation, we were able to significantly offset the radiation-enhanced metastases. This work highlights a pro-tumorigenic activity of neutrophils, which is likely linked to their tissue regenerative functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Nolan
- Tumour Host Interaction laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | | | - Luigi Ombrato
- Tumour Host Interaction laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Adam Karoutas
- Tumour Host Interaction laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Nicolas Rabas
- Tumour Host Interaction laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | | | - Marcos Vasquez
- Cancer Immunology Unit, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Stuart Horswell
- Bioinformatics & Biostatistics Unit, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Peter Faull
- Proteomics Unit, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Center for Biomedical Research Support Biological Mass Spectrometry Facility, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Rebecca Carter
- Preclinical Radiotherapy TTP, CRUK-City of London Centre, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ilaria Malanchi
- Tumour Host Interaction laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
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SOX2 expression in the pathogenesis of premalignant lesions of the uterine cervix: its histo-topographical distribution distinguishes between low- and high-grade CIN. Histochem Cell Biol 2022; 158:545-559. [PMID: 35945296 PMCID: PMC9726813 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-022-02145-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
SOX2 expression in high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN3) and cervical squamous cell carcinoma is increased compared to that in the normal cervical epithelium. However, data on the expression and histological distribution of SOX2 in squamous epithelium during progression of CIN are largely lacking. We studied SOX2 expression throughout the epithelium in 53 cases of CIN1, 2, and 3. In general, SOX2 expression increased and expanded from basal/parabasal to the intermediate/superficial compartment during early stages of progression of CIN. An unexpected, specific expression pattern was found in areas classified as CIN2 and CIN3. This pattern was characterized by the absence or low expression of SOX2 in the basal/parabasal compartment and variable levels in the intermediate and superficial compartments. It was significantly associated with CIN3 (p = 0.009), not found in CIN1 and only seen in part of the CIN2 lesions. When the different patterns were correlated with the genetic make-up and presence of HPV, the CIN3-related pattern contained HPV-positive cells in the basal/parabasal cell compartment that were disomic. This is in contrast to the areas exhibiting the CIN1 and CIN2 related patterns, which frequently exhibited aneusomic cells. Based on their SOX2 localisation pattern, CIN1 and CIN2 could be delineated from CIN3. These data shed new light on the pathogenesis and dynamics of progression in premalignant cervical lesions, as well as on the target cells in the epithelium for HPV infection.
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Mao L, Chen J, Lu X, Yang C, Ding Y, Wang M, Zhang Y, Tian Y, Li X, Fu Y, Yang Y, Gu Y, Gao F, Huang J, Liao L. Proteomic analysis of lung cancer cells reveals a critical role of BCAT1 in cancer cell metastasis. Theranostics 2021; 11:9705-9720. [PMID: 34646394 PMCID: PMC8490523 DOI: 10.7150/thno.61731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the major cause of high mortality in lung cancer. Exploring the underlying mechanisms of metastasis thus holds promise for identifying new therapeutic strategies that may enhance survival. Methods: We applied quantitative mass spectrometry to compare protein expression profiles between primary and metastatic lung cancer cells whilst investigating metastasis-related molecular features. Results: We discovered that BCAT1, the key enzyme in branched-chain amino acid metabolism, is overexpressed at the protein level in metastatic lung cancer cells, as well as in metastatic tissues from lung cancer patients. Analysis of transcriptomic data available in the TCGA database revealed that increased BCAT1 transcription is associated with poor overall survival of lung cancer patients. In accord with a critical role in metastasis, shRNA-mediated knockdown of BCAT1 expression reduced migration of metastatic cells in vitro and the metastasis of these cells to distal organs in nude mice. Mechanistically, high levels of BCAT1 depleted α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) and promoted expression of SOX2, a transcription factor regulating cancer cell stemness and metastasis. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that BCAT1 plays an important role in promoting lung cancer cell metastasis, and may define a novel pathway to target as an anti-metastatic therapy.
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Armando F, Pigoli C, Gambini M, Ghidelli A, Ghisleni G, Corradi A, Passeri B, Caniatti M, Grieco V, Baumgärtner W, Puff C. Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors Resembling Human Atypical Neurofibroma in Goldfish ( Carassius auratus, Linnaeus, 1758). Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092621. [PMID: 34573587 PMCID: PMC8467327 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In animals, especially in fish, dermal neoplasms are a common finding. A distinction between peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs) and other spindle cell tumors (SCTs) is not always possible when relying exclusively on routine cytological and histopathological findings. The current study aims to determine a minimal subset of stains required to correctly identify PNSTs in goldfish and describes, in detail, six dermal nodules that resemble atypical neurofibroma in humans. Interestingly, muscular and fibroblastic tumors were excluded using Azan trichrome staining, while Alcian blue and Gomori’s reticulin stains revealed the presence of intratumoral areas of mucins and basement membrane fragments, respectively. In addition, PAS and PAS with diastase pretreatment confirmed the latter finding and revealed intra- and extracellular glycogen granules. Immunohistochemistry displayed reactivity for S100 protein, CNPase, and phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated neurofilament-positive axons. Altogether, these findings suggested that Azan trichrome staining, Gomori’s reticulin staining, and immunohistochemistry for S100 protein and CNPase represent a useful set of stains to identify and characterize PNSTs in goldfish. Abstract Skin spindle cell tumors (SSTs) frequently occur in fishes, with peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs) being the most commonly reported neoplasms in goldfish. However, distinguishing PNSTs from other SCTs is not always possible when relying exclusively on routine cytological and histopathological findings. Therefore, the aim of this study is to characterize six skin nodules, resembling atypical neurofibromas in humans, found in six cohabiting goldfish (Carassius auratus), and to determine a minimal subset of special stains required to correctly identify PNSTs in this species. Routine cytology and histopathology were indicative of an SCT with nuclear atypia in all cases, with randomly distributed areas of hypercellularity and loss of neurofibroma architecture. Muscular and fibroblastic tumors were excluded using Azan trichrome staining. Alcian blue and Gomori’s reticulin stains revealed the presence of intratumoral areas of glycosaminoglycans or mucins and basement membrane fragments, respectively. PAS and PAS–diastase stains confirmed the latter finding and revealed intra- and extracellular glycogen granules. Immunohistochemistry displayed multifocal, randomly distributed aggregates of neoplastic cells positive for S100 protein and CNPase, intermingled with phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated neurofilament-positive axons. Collectively, these findings are consistent with a PNST resembling atypical neurofibroma in humans, an entity not previously reported in goldfish, and suggest that Azan trichrome staining, reticulin staining, and immunohistochemistry for S100 protein and CNPase represent a useful set of special stains to identify and characterize PNSTs in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Armando
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (F.A.); (M.G.); (C.P.)
- Pathology Unit, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy; (A.C.); (B.P.)
| | - Claudio Pigoli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria (DIMEVET), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (C.P.); (G.G.); (M.C.); (V.G.)
- Laboratorio di Istologia, Sede Territoriale di Milano, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna (IZSLER), 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Matteo Gambini
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (F.A.); (M.G.); (C.P.)
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria (DIMEVET), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (C.P.); (G.G.); (M.C.); (V.G.)
| | - Andrea Ghidelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy;
| | - Gabriele Ghisleni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria (DIMEVET), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (C.P.); (G.G.); (M.C.); (V.G.)
- Biessea Laboratorio Analisi Veterinarie, Via Amedeo D’Aosta 7, 20129 Milano, Italy
| | - Attilio Corradi
- Pathology Unit, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy; (A.C.); (B.P.)
| | - Benedetta Passeri
- Pathology Unit, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy; (A.C.); (B.P.)
| | - Mario Caniatti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria (DIMEVET), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (C.P.); (G.G.); (M.C.); (V.G.)
| | - Valeria Grieco
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria (DIMEVET), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (C.P.); (G.G.); (M.C.); (V.G.)
| | - Wolfgang Baumgärtner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (F.A.); (M.G.); (C.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Christina Puff
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (F.A.); (M.G.); (C.P.)
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Yang P, Rhea PR, Conway T, Nookala S, Hegde V, Gagea M, Ajami NJ, Harribance SL, Ochoa J, Sastry JK, Cohen L. Human Biofield Therapy Modulates Tumor Microenvironment and Cancer Stemness in Mouse Lung Carcinoma. Integr Cancer Ther 2021; 19:1534735420940398. [PMID: 32975128 PMCID: PMC7522816 DOI: 10.1177/1534735420940398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies have demonstrated that purported biofield therapy emitted from humans can inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and suppress tumor growth in various cancers. We explored the effects of biofield therapy on tumor growth in the Lewis lung carcinoma and expanded mechanistic outcomes. We found biofield therapy did not inhibit tumor growth. However, the experimental (Ex) condition exposed tumors had a significantly higher percentage of necrosis (24.4 ± 6.8%) compared with that of the Control condition (6.5 ± 2.7%; P < .02) and cleaved caspase-3 positive cells were almost 2.3-fold higher (P < .05). Similarly, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes profiling showed that CD8+/CD45+ immune cell population was significantly increased by 2.7-fold in Ex condition (P < .01) whereas the number of intratumoral FoxP3+/CD4+ (T-reg cells) was 30.4% lower than that of the Control group (P = .01), leading to a significant 3.1-fold increase in the ratio of CD8+/T-reg cells (P < .01). Additionally, there was a 51% lower level of strongly stained CD68+ cells (P < .01), 57.9% lower level of F4/80high/CD206+ (M2 macrophages; P < .02) and a significant 1.8-fold increase of the ratio of M1/M2 macrophages (P < .02). Furthermore, Ex exposure resulted in a 15% reduction of stem cell marker CD44 and a significant 33% reduction of SOX2 compared with that of the Controls (P < .02). The Ex group also engaged in almost 50% less movement throughout the session than the Controls. These findings suggest that exposure to purported biofields from a human is capable of enhancing cancer cell death, in part mediated through modification of the tumor microenvironment and stemness of tumor cells in mouse Lewis lung carcinoma model. Future research should focus on defining the optimal treatment duration, replication with different biofield therapists, and exploring the mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiying Yang
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Patrea R Rhea
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tara Conway
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sita Nookala
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Venkatesh Hegde
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mihai Gagea
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nadim J Ajami
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Jewel Ochoa
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Lorenzo Cohen
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Hirata N, Yamada S, Yanagida S, Ono A, Kanda Y. FTY720 Inhibits Expansion of Breast Cancer Stem Cells via PP2A Activation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147259. [PMID: 34298877 PMCID: PMC8329924 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that breast cancer originates from a minor population of cancer cells termed cancer stem cells (CSCs), which can be identified by aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity-based flow cytometry analysis. However, novel therapeutic drugs for the eradication of CSCs have not been discovered yet. Recently, drug repositioning, which finds new medical uses from existing drugs, has been expected to facilitate drug discovery. We have previously reported that sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) induced proliferation of breast CSCs. In the present study, we focused on the immunosuppressive agent FTY720 (also known as fingolimod or Gilenya), since FTY720 is known to be an inhibitor of SphK1. We found that FTY720 blocked both proliferation of ALDH-positive cells and formation of mammospheres. In addition, we showed that FTY720 reduced the expression of stem cell markers such as Oct3/4, Sox2 and Nanog via upregulation of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). These results suggest that FTY720 is an effective drug for breast CSCs in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoya Hirata
- Division of Pharmacology, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan; (N.H.); (S.Y.); (S.Y.)
- Pharmacological Evaluation Institute of Japan (PEIJ), Kanagawa 210-0821, Japan
| | - Shigeru Yamada
- Division of Pharmacology, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan; (N.H.); (S.Y.); (S.Y.)
- Pharmacological Evaluation Institute of Japan (PEIJ), Kanagawa 210-0821, Japan
| | - Shota Yanagida
- Division of Pharmacology, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan; (N.H.); (S.Y.); (S.Y.)
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduated School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan;
| | - Atsushi Ono
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduated School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan;
| | - Yasunari Kanda
- Division of Pharmacology, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan; (N.H.); (S.Y.); (S.Y.)
- Correspondence:
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Rajarajan D, Kaur B, Penta D, Natesh J, Meeran SM. miR-145-5p as a predictive biomarker for breast cancer stemness by computational clinical investigation. Comput Biol Med 2021; 135:104601. [PMID: 34186326 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2021.104601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast tumors enriched with breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), play a crucial role in metastasis and tumor relapse. Hence, targeting BCSCs may lead to efficacious breast cancer therapy. BCSCs have a unique expression of stemness markers, including Nanog, POU5F1, SOX2, and CD44, which play a vital role in cancer stem cell properties. However, the regulation of microRNAs (miRNAs)-mediated cancer stem cell marker expressions is largely unclear. METHODS MIENTURNET was used to predict miRNA-target interactions. miR-TV, UALCAN and GEPIA databases were used to analyze the expression of miR-145-5p and SOX2. Survival analysis was obtained by cBioportal, KM plotter and Breast Cancer Gene-Expression Miner. RNAComposer was used to perform miRNA-mRNA duplex prediction. In vitro mRNA and miRNA analysis was performed by qRT-PCR. RESULTS It was observed that miR-145-5p was the common miRNA targeting stemness markers. miR-145-5p expression was found to be lower in breast cancer patients compared to healthy subjects. Based on survival analysis, low expression of miR-145-5p and high expression of SOX2 led to a poor overall survival rate in breast cancer patients. Pathway enrichment analysis indicated that SOX2 was highly enriched with transcription factors. Moreover, SOX2 expression level was also upregulated in axillary metastatic lymph nodules. Further, in vitro ectopic expression of miR-145-5p by its mimic downregulated the SOX2 expression compared to the control mimic. Overall, SOX2 was a direct target for miR-145-5p as per the binding and minimal-free energy. CONCLUSIONS In this study, miR-145-5p targeting SOX2 was identified as a potential predictive biomarker for breast cancer stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dheeran Rajarajan
- Department of Biochemistry, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, 570020, Karnataka, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201 002, India
| | - Bhavjot Kaur
- Department of Biochemistry, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, 570020, Karnataka, India
| | - Dhanamjai Penta
- Department of Biochemistry, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, 570020, Karnataka, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201 002, India
| | - Jagadish Natesh
- Department of Biochemistry, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, 570020, Karnataka, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201 002, India
| | - Syed Musthapa Meeran
- Department of Biochemistry, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, 570020, Karnataka, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201 002, India.
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Wang P, Gong S, Pan J, Wang J, Zou D, Xiong S, Zhao L, Yan Q, Deng Y, Wu N, Liao B. Hyperbaric oxygen promotes not only glioblastoma proliferation but also chemosensitization by inhibiting HIF1α/HIF2α-Sox2. Cell Death Discov 2021; 7:103. [PMID: 33986256 PMCID: PMC8119469 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00486-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
There exists a consensus that combining hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) and chemotherapy promotes chemotherapy sensitivity in GBM cells. However, few studies have explored the mechanism involved. HIF1α and HIF2α are the two main molecules that contribute to GBM malignant progression by inhibiting apoptosis or maintaining stemness under hypoxic conditions. Moreover, Sox2, a marker of stemness, also contributes to GBM malignant progression through stemness maintenance or cell cycle arrest. Briefly, HIF1α, HIF2α and Sox2 are highly expressed under hypoxia and contribute to GBM growth and chemoresistance. However, after exposure to HBO for GBM, whether the expression of the above factors is decreased, resulting in chemosensitization, remains unknown. Therefore, we performed a series of studies and determined that the expression of HIF1α, HIF2α and Sox2 was decreased after HBO and that HBO promoted GBM cell proliferation through cell cycle progression, albeit with a decrease in stemness, thus contributing to chemosensitization via the inhibition of HIF1α/HIF2α-Sox2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 401147, China.,Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Sheng Gong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Jinyu Pan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Junwei Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Dewei Zou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Shuanglong Xiong
- Department of Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Lu Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Qian Yan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Yangming Deng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Nan Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 401147, China.
| | - Bin Liao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 401147, China.
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49
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Mohan A, Raj R R, Mohan G, K P P, Thomas Maliekal T. Reporters of Cancer Stem Cells as a Tool for Drug Discovery. Front Oncol 2021; 11:669250. [PMID: 33968778 PMCID: PMC8100607 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.669250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In view of the importance of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in chemoresistance, metastasis and recurrence, the biology of CSCs were explored in detail. Based on that, several modalities were proposed to target them. In spite of the several clinical trials, a successful CSC-targeting drug is yet to be identified. The number of molecules screened and entered for clinical trial for CSC-targeting is comparatively low, compared to other drugs. The bottle neck is the lack of a high-throughput adaptable screening strategy for CSCs. This review is aimed to identify suitable reporters for CSCs that can be used to identify the heterogeneous CSC populations, including quiescent CSCs, proliferative CSCs, drug resistant CSCs and metastatic CSCs. Analysis of the tumor microenvironment regulating CSCs revealed that the factors in CSC-niche activates effector molecules that function as CSC markers, including pluripotency markers, CD133, ABCG2 and ALDH1A1. Among these factors OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, ABCG2 and ALDH1A1 are ideal for making reporters for CSCs. The pluripotency molecules, like OCT4, SOX2 and NANOG, regulate self-renewal, chemoresistance and metastasis. ABCG2 is a known regulator of drug resistance while ALDH1A1 modulates self-renewal, chemoresistance and metastasis. Considering the heterogeneity of CSCs, including a quiescent population and a proliferative population with metastatic ability, we propose the use of a combination of reporters. A dual reporter consisting of a pluripotency marker and a marker like ALDH1A1 will be useful in screening drugs that target CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrutha Mohan
- Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India.,Centre for Doctoral Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Reshma Raj R
- Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Gayathri Mohan
- Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Padmaja K P
- Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
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Wang L, He S, Xiong Z, Lu J, Lin Y, Jin H, Yang L. Chronic nickel (II) exposure induces the stemness properties of cancer cells through repressing isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH1). ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 213:112031. [PMID: 33578097 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nickel is a component of biomedical alloys that is released during corrosion or friction and causes cytotoxicity, mutation, differentiation or even carcinogenesis in tissues. However, the mechanisms underlying the potential hazards of Nickel-containing alloys implanted in the human body by surgery remain uncertain. OBJECTIVE To study the effect of Ni(II) (NiCl2•6H2O) on cancer cells. METHODS A549 and RKO cells were treated with various concentrations of Ni(II) to determine the effect of Ni(II) on cellular viability using a CCK8 assay. Flow cytometry was performed to analyze the effect of Ni(II) on apoptosis and the cell cycle. Sphere-forming assays were conducted to examine the stemness properties of A549 and RKO cells. Western blotting was to evaluate the expression levels of SOX2, IDH1, HIF-1ɑ and β-catenin. The expression of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH1) in rectum adenocarcinoma (READ) was analyzed by Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA). Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to calculate the correlation between survival and IDH1 expression. RESULTS Long-term exposure (120 days) to 100 µM Ni(II) significantly repressed cell proliferation, decreased colony formation and arrested the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase. In addition, the stem-like traits of A549 and RKO cells were significantly augmented. Ni(II) also significantly decreased the protein expression of IDH1 and the synthesis rate of NAPDH, which competitively inhibited α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) generation. The downregulation of IDH1 not only promoted β-catenin accumulation in the cell nucleus in a HIF-1ɑ signaling-dependent manner but also induced the expression of the transcription factor SOX2 to maintain the stemness properties of cancer cells. Moreover, IDH1 expression negatively correlated with the clinicopathologic characteristics of READ. CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate that chronic and continuous release of Ni(II) to the microenvironment suppresses IDH1 expression and augments the stemness properties of cancer cells via the activation HIF-1ɑ/β-catenin/SOX2 pathway to enhance local tumor recurrence in patients with implanted Nickel-containing alloys at surgical sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingqiao Wang
- Department of Environmental Hygiene, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, PR China
| | - Shengnan He
- Biobank of Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen 518035, PR China
| | - Zhen Xiong
- Wuhan Children's Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan 430015, PR China
| | - Jingxiao Lu
- Biobank of Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen 518035, PR China
| | - Yuntao Lin
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, PR China
| | - Huidong Jin
- Department of Environmental Hygiene, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, PR China
| | - Lan Yang
- Biobank of Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen 518035, PR China; Department of Gastroenterology of Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen 518035, PR China.
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