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Chiba T, Takaguri A, Mikuma T, Kimura T, Maeda T. Smoking-induced suppression of β-casein in milk is associated with an increase in miR-210-5p expression in mammary epithelia. Biochem Biophys Rep 2024; 39:101773. [PMID: 39044768 PMCID: PMC11263956 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2024.101773] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Smoking during lactation harmfully affects the amount and constituents of breast milk. Infants who consume breast milk containing miR-210-5p may have a higher risk of brain-related diseases. We investigated whether smoking during lactation decreases β-casein concentrations in milk and whether miR-210-5p expression is involved in smoking-induced β-casein suppression. During lactation, maternal CD1 mice were exposed to cigarette smoke (1.7 mg of tar and 14 mg of nicotine) in a smoke chamber for 1 h twice/day for five consecutive days. Control mice were placed in an air-filled chamber equivalent in size to the smoke chamber, with maternal separation times identical to those of the smoked mice. Maternal exposure to smoke during lactation significantly decreased β-casein expression in the mammary epithelia of smoked mice compared to that of the control mice. Signal transducer and activator transcription 5 (STAT5) and phosphorylated STAT5 (pSTAT5) are transcription factors involved in β-casein expression. In the mammary epithelia of smoked mice, the pSTAT5 and STAT5 levels were significantly lower, and miR-210-5p expression was significantly higher than that of the control mice. The β-casein, pSTAT5, and STAT5 protein levels of miR-210-5p mimic-transfected human mammary epithelial MCF-12A cells were significantly lower than those of control siRNA-transfected cells. These results indicate that smoke exposure led to an increase in miR-210-5p expression in mammary epithelium and a decrease in pSTAT5 and β-casein protein levels through the inhibition of STAT5 expression. Moreover, nicotine treatment decreased β-casein protein levels and increased miR-210-5p expression in non-malignant human mammary epithelial MCF-12A cells in a concentration-dependent manner, demonstrating that nicotine significantly affects the β-casein and miR-210-5p levels of breast milk. These results highlight the adverse effects of smoking on breast milk, providing essential information for healthcare professionals and general citizens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Chiba
- Department of Pharmacy, Juntendo University Hospital, 3-1-3 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8431, Japan
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Juntendo University, 6-8-1 Hinode, Urayasu-shi, Chiba, 279-0013, Japan
| | - Akira Takaguri
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University of Science, 15-4-1, Maeda 7-jo, Teine-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido, 006-8585, Japan
- Creation Research Institute of Life Science in KITA-no-DAICHI, Hokkaido University of Science, 15-4-1, Maeda 7-jo, Teine-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido, 006-8585, Japan
| | - Toshiyasu Mikuma
- Department of Physical and Analytical Sciences, Nihon Pharmaceutical University, 10281 Komuro, Ina-machi, Kitaadachi-gun, Saitama, 362-0806, Japan
| | - Toshimi Kimura
- Department of Pharmacy, Juntendo University Hospital, 3-1-3 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8431, Japan
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Juntendo University, 6-8-1 Hinode, Urayasu-shi, Chiba, 279-0013, Japan
| | - Tomoji Maeda
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmaceutics, Nihon Pharmaceutical University, 10281 Komuro, Ina-machi, Kitaadachi-gun, Saitama-shi, 362-0806, Japan
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Ochirbat S, Kan TC, Hsu CC, Huang TH, Chuang KH, Chen M, Cheng CC, Chang CC, Rahayu S, Chang J. The angiogenic role of the alpha 9-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in triple-negative breast cancers. Angiogenesis 2024:10.1007/s10456-024-09944-6. [PMID: 39177676 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-024-09944-6] [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: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Nicotine acts as an angiogenic factor by stimulating endogenous cholinergic pathways. Several subtypes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have been demonstrated to be closely correlated to the formation and progression of different types of cancers. Recently, several studies have found that nicotinic acetylcholine receptors α9 (α9-nAChRs) are highly expressed in breast tumors, especially in tumors derived from patients diagnosed at advanced stages. In vitro studies have demonstrated that activation of α9-nAChRs is associated with increased proliferation and migration of breast cancer. To study the tumor-promoting role of α9-nAChRs in breast cancers, we generated a novel anti-α9-nAChR and methoxy-polyethylene glycol (mPEG) bispecific antibody (α9 BsAb) for dissecting the molecular mechanism on α9-nAChR-mediated tumor progression. Unexpectedly, we discovered the angiogenic role of α9-nAChR in nicotine-induced neovascularization of tumors. It revealed α9 BsAbs reduced nicotine-induced endothelial cell tube formation, blood vessel development in Matrigel plug assay and angiogenesis in microtube array membrane murine model (MTAMs). To unbraid the molecular mechanism of α9-nAChR in nicotine-mediated angiogenesis, the α9 BsAbs were applied and revealed the inhibitory roles in nicotine-induced production of hypoxia-inducible factor-2 alpha (HIF-2α), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), phosphorylated vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (p-VEGFR2), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) from triple-negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231), suggesting α9-nAChRs played an important role in nicotine-induced angiogenesis. To confirm our results, the shRNA targeting α9-nAChRs was designed and used to silence α9-nAChR expression and then evaluated the angiogenic role of α9-nAChRs. The results showed α9 shRNA also played an inhibitory effect in blocking the nicotine-induced angiogenic signaling. Taken together, α9-nAChR played a critical role in nicotine-induced angiogenesis and this bispecific antibody (α9 BsAb) may serve as a potential therapeutic candidate for treatments of the α9 positive cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonjid Ochirbat
- International Ph.D. Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Chun Kan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chun Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Hsuan Huang
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, 23561, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Hsiang Chuang
- Graduate Institute of Pharmacognosy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Michael Chen
- Graduate Institute of Pharmacognosy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chia Cheng
- Research Center of Radiation Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 33302, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chao Chang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center for Digestive Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Sri Rahayu
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Jakarta, 13220, Indonesia
| | - Jungshan Chang
- International Ph.D. Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.
- International Ph.D. Program for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.
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Guo X, He L, Xu W, Wang W, Feng X, Fu Y, Zhang X, Ding RB, Qi X, Bao J, Luo S. αO-Conotoxin GeXIVA[1,2] Suppresses In Vivo Tumor Growth of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer by Inhibiting AKT-mTOR, STAT3 and NF-κB Signaling Mediated Proliferation and Inducing Apoptosis. Mar Drugs 2024; 22:252. [PMID: 38921563 PMCID: PMC11205035 DOI: 10.3390/md22060252] [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: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide, and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most problematic subtype. There is an urgent need to develop novel drug candidates for TNBC. Marine toxins are a valuable source for drug discovery. We previously identified αO-conotoxin GeXIVA[1,2] from Conus generalis, which is a selective antagonist of α9 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Recent studies indicated that α9 nAChR expression is positively correlated with breast cancer development; thus, α9 nAChR could serve as a therapeutic target for breast cancer. In this study, we aimed to investigate the in vivo antitumor effects of GeXIVA[1,2] on TNBC and to elucidate its underlying anticancer mechanism. Our data showed that GeXIVA[1,2] effectively suppressed 4T1 tumor growth in vivo at a very low dose of 0.1 nmol per mouse. Our results uncovered that the antitumor mechanism of GeXIVA[1,2] simultaneously induced apoptosis and blocked proliferation. Further investigations revealed that GeXIVA[1,2]-induced Caspase-3-dependent apoptosis was achieved through regulating Bax/Bcl-2 balance, and GeXIVA[1,2]-inhibited proliferation was mediated by the downregulation of the AKT-mTOR, STAT3 and NF-κB signaling pathways. Our study provides valuable arguments to demonstrate the potential of GeXIVA[1,2] as a novel marine-derived anticancer drug candidate for the treatment of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xijun Guo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (X.G.); (L.H.); (W.X.); (W.W.); (X.F.); (Y.F.); (X.Z.); (R.-B.D.); (X.Q.)
| | - Leping He
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (X.G.); (L.H.); (W.X.); (W.W.); (X.F.); (Y.F.); (X.Z.); (R.-B.D.); (X.Q.)
| | - Weifeng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (X.G.); (L.H.); (W.X.); (W.W.); (X.F.); (Y.F.); (X.Z.); (R.-B.D.); (X.Q.)
| | - Wanrong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (X.G.); (L.H.); (W.X.); (W.W.); (X.F.); (Y.F.); (X.Z.); (R.-B.D.); (X.Q.)
| | - Xiaoli Feng
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (X.G.); (L.H.); (W.X.); (W.W.); (X.F.); (Y.F.); (X.Z.); (R.-B.D.); (X.Q.)
| | - Yuanfeng Fu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (X.G.); (L.H.); (W.X.); (W.W.); (X.F.); (Y.F.); (X.Z.); (R.-B.D.); (X.Q.)
| | - Xiaofan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (X.G.); (L.H.); (W.X.); (W.W.); (X.F.); (Y.F.); (X.Z.); (R.-B.D.); (X.Q.)
| | - Ren-Bo Ding
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (X.G.); (L.H.); (W.X.); (W.W.); (X.F.); (Y.F.); (X.Z.); (R.-B.D.); (X.Q.)
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao 999078, China
| | - Xingzhu Qi
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (X.G.); (L.H.); (W.X.); (W.W.); (X.F.); (Y.F.); (X.Z.); (R.-B.D.); (X.Q.)
| | - Jiaolin Bao
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (X.G.); (L.H.); (W.X.); (W.W.); (X.F.); (Y.F.); (X.Z.); (R.-B.D.); (X.Q.)
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao 999078, China
| | - Sulan Luo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (X.G.); (L.H.); (W.X.); (W.W.); (X.F.); (Y.F.); (X.Z.); (R.-B.D.); (X.Q.)
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
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Vikram HP, Kumar TP, Kumar G, Beeraka NM, Deka R, Suhail SM, Jat S, Bannimath N, Padmanabhan G, Chandan RS, Kumar P, Gurupadayya B. Nitrosamines crisis in pharmaceuticals - Insights on toxicological implications, root causes and risk assessment: A systematic review. J Pharm Anal 2024; 14:100919. [PMID: 38799236 PMCID: PMC11126534 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2023.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The presence of N-nitroso compounds, particularly N-nitrosamines, in pharmaceutical products has raised global safety concerns due to their significant genotoxic and mutagenic effects. This systematic review investigates their toxicity in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), drug products, and pharmaceutical excipients, along with novel analytical strategies for detection, root cause analysis, reformulation strategies, and regulatory guidelines for nitrosamines. This review emphasizes the molecular toxicity of N-nitroso compounds, focusing on genotoxic, mutagenic, carcinogenic, and other physiological effects. Additionally, it addresses the ongoing nitrosamine crisis, the development of nitrosamine-free products, and the importance of sensitive detection methods and precise risk evaluation. This comprehensive overview will aid molecular biologists, analytical scientists, formulation scientists in research and development sector, and researchers involved in management of nitrosamine-induced toxicity and promoting safer pharmaceutical products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemanth P.R. Vikram
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy Mysuru, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSSAHER), Mysuru, 570015, India
- Xenone Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, 110076, India
| | - Tegginamath Pramod Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy Mysuru, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSSAHER), Mysuru, 570015, India
| | - Gunjan Kumar
- Xenone Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, 110076, India
| | - Narasimha M. Beeraka
- Department of Human Anatomy, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
- Department of Pharmacology, Raghavendra Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (RIPER), Ananthapuramu, 515721, India
- Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Rajashree Deka
- Animal Physiology and Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Gauhati University, Guwahati, 781014, India
| | - Sheik Mohammed Suhail
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy Mysuru, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSSAHER), Mysuru, 570015, India
| | - Sandeep Jat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, 781101, India
| | - Namitha Bannimath
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Galway, Galway, H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Gayatiri Padmanabhan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy Mysuru, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSSAHER), Mysuru, 570015, India
| | - Ravandur S. Chandan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy Mysuru, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSSAHER), Mysuru, 570015, India
| | - Pramod Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, 781101, India
| | - Bannimath Gurupadayya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy Mysuru, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSSAHER), Mysuru, 570015, India
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Lee CH, Hsu KW, Hsieh YY, Li WT, Long Y, Lin CY, Chen SH. Unveiling IL6R and MYC as Targeting Biomarkers in Imatinib-Resistant Chronic Myeloid Leukemia through Advanced Non-Invasive Apoptosis Detection Sensor Version 2 Detection. Cells 2024; 13:616. [PMID: 38607055 PMCID: PMC11011921 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070616] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The management of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) has seen significant progress with the introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), particularly Imatinib. However, a notable proportion of CML patients develop resistance to Imatinib, often due to the persistence of leukemia stem cells and resistance mechanisms independent of BCR::ABL1 This study investigates the roles of IL6R, IL7R, and MYC in Imatinib resistance by employing CRISPR/Cas9 for gene editing and the Non-Invasive Apoptosis Detection Sensor version 2 (NIADS v2) for apoptosis assessment. The results indicate that Imatinib-resistant K562 cells (K562-IR) predominantly express IL6R, IL7R, and MYC, with IL6R and MYC playing crucial roles in cell survival and sensitivity to Imatinib. Conversely, IL7R does not significantly impact cytotoxicity, either alone or in combination with Imatinib. Further genetic editing experiments confirm the protective functions of IL6R and MYC in K562-IR cells, suggesting their potential as therapeutic targets for overcoming Imatinib resistance in CML. This study contributes to understanding the mechanisms of Imatinib resistance in CML, proposing IL6R and MYC as pivotal targets for therapeutic strategies. Moreover, the utilization of NIADS v2 enhances our capability to analyze apoptosis and drug responses, contributing to a deeper understanding of CML pathogenesis and treatment options.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Apoptosis
- Biomarkers
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
- Imatinib Mesylate/pharmacology
- Imatinib Mesylate/therapeutic use
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/genetics
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/pathology
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Receptors, Interleukin-6
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Hwa Lee
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan;
- Ph.D. Program in Medicine Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-Devices (IDS2B), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan;
| | - Kai-Wen Hsu
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung City 40402, Taiwan;
- Institute of Translational Medicine and New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung City 40402, Taiwan
- Program for Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, Drug Development Center, China Medical University, Taichung City 40402, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Yu Hsieh
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan;
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ting Li
- Department of Physiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
| | - Yuqing Long
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK;
- Chinese Academy of Medical Science Oxford Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Chun-Yu Lin
- Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-Devices (IDS2B), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan;
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan
- School of Dentistry, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Huey Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
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Sun Q, Jin C. Cell signaling and epigenetic regulation of nicotine-induced carcinogenesis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 345:123426. [PMID: 38295934 PMCID: PMC10939829 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Nicotine, a naturally occurring tobacco alkaloid responsible for tobacco addiction, has long been considered non-carcinogenic. However, emerging evidence suggests that nicotine may possess carcinogenic properties in mice and could be a potential carcinogen in humans. This review aims to summarize the potential molecular mechanisms underlying nicotine-induced carcinogenesis, with a specific focus on epigenetic regulation and the activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in addition to genotoxicity and excess reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, we explore a novel hypothesis regarding nicotine's carcinogenicity involving the downregulation of stem-loop binding protein (SLBP), a critical regulator of canonical histone mRNA, and the polyadenylation of canonical histone mRNA. By shedding light on these mechanisms, this review underscores the need for further research to elucidate the carcinogenic potential of nicotine and its implications for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Sun
- Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10010, USA; Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110013, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control and Prevention, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China
| | - Chunyuan Jin
- Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10010, USA; Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
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Bele T, Turk T, Križaj I. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in cancer: Limitations and prospects. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:166875. [PMID: 37673358 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have long been considered to solely mediate neurotransmission. However, their widespread distribution in the human body suggests a more diverse physiological role. Additionally, the expression of nAChRs is increased in certain cancers, such as lung cancer, and has been associated with cell proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal cell transition, angiogenesis and apoptosis prevention. Several compounds that interact with these receptors have been identified as potential therapeutic agents. They have been tested as drugs for treating nicotine addiction, alcoholism, depression, pain and Alzheimer's disease. This review focuses on nAChR-mediated signalling in cancer, presenting opportunities for the development of innovative nAChR-based anticancer drugs. It displays the differences in expression of each nAChR subunit between normal and cancer cells for selected cancer types, highlighting their possible involvement in specific cases. Antagonists of nAChRs that could complement existing cancer therapies are summarised and critically discussed. We hope that this review will stimulate further research on the role of nAChRs in cancer potentially leading to innovative cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Bele
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - T Turk
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 111, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - I Križaj
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Senevirathne A, Aganja RP, Hewawaduge C, Lee JH. Inflammation-Related Immune-Modulatory SLURP1 Prevents the Proliferation of Human Colon Cancer Cells, and Its Delivery by Salmonella Demonstrates Cross-Species Efficacy against Murine Colon Cancer. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2462. [PMID: 37896222 PMCID: PMC10609686 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15102462] [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: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the anticancer properties of the α7-nAChR antagonist SLURP1 with a specific focus on its effect as an inflammation modulator on human colorectal cancer cell lines Caco2, Colo320DM, and H508 cells. The investigation includes the evaluation of cell cycle arrest, cell migration arrest, endogenous expression of SLURP1 and related proteins, calcium influx, and inflammatory responses. The results demonstrate that SLURP1 not only inhibits cell proliferation but also has the potential to arrest the cell cycle at the G1/S interface. The impact of SLURP1 on cell cycle regulation varied among cell lines, with H508 cells displaying the strongest response to exogenous SLURP1. Additionally, SLURP1 affects the nuclear factor kappa B expression and effectively reverses inflammatory responses elicited by purified lipopolysaccharides in H508 and Caco2 cells. This study further confirmed the expression of human SLURP1 by Salmonella, under Ptrc promoter, through Western blot analysis. Moreover, Salmonella secreting SLURP1 revealed a significant tumor regression in a mouse CT26 tumor model, suggesting the cross-species anticancer potential of human SLURP1. However, further investigations are required to fully understand the mechanisms underlying SLURP1's ability to prevent cancer proliferation and its protective function in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal Senevirathne
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 54596, Republic of Korea; (A.S.); (R.P.A.)
| | - Ram Prasad Aganja
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 54596, Republic of Korea; (A.S.); (R.P.A.)
- Institute of Animal Transplantation, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan Campus, Iksan 54596, Republic of Korea
| | - Chamith Hewawaduge
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 54596, Republic of Korea; (A.S.); (R.P.A.)
| | - John Hwa Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 54596, Republic of Korea; (A.S.); (R.P.A.)
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9
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Liao YC, Cheng TC, Tu SH, Chang J, Guo P, Chen LC, Ho YS. Tumor targeting and therapeutic assessments of RNA nanoparticles carrying α9-nAChR aptamer and anti-miR-21 in triple-negative breast cancers. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:351-366. [PMID: 37547295 PMCID: PMC10400867 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly aggressive with a poor prognosis because of a lack of cell markers as drug targets. α9-Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is expressed abundantly in TNBC; thus, it is a valuable biomarker for TNBC detection and treatment. In this study, we utilized thermodynamically stable three-way junction (3WJ) packaging RNA (pRNA) as the core to construct RNA nanoparticles with an α9-nAChR RNA aptamer as a targeting ligand and an anti-microRNA-21 (miR-21) as a therapeutic module. We compared the configuration of the two RNA nanoparticles and found that 3WJ-B-α9-nAChR-aptamer fluorescent RNA nanoparticles (3WJ-B-α9-apt-Alexa) exhibited better specificity for α9-nAChR in TNBC cells compared with 3WJ-C-α9-nAChR. Furthermore, 3WJ-B-α9-apt-Alexa bound more efficiently to TNBC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumors than 3WJ fluorescent RNA nanoparticles (3WJ-Alexa) with little or no accumulation in healthy organs after systemic injection in mice. Moreover, 3WJ-B-α9-nAChR-aptamer RNA nanoparticles carrying anti-miR-21 (3WJ-B-α9-apt-anti-miR-21) significantly suppressed TNBC-PDX tumor growth and induced cell apoptosis because of reduced miR-21 gene expression and upregulated the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) proteins. In addition, no pathological changes were detected upon toxicity examination of treated mice. In conclusion, the 3WJ-B-α9-nAChR-aptamer RNA nanoparticles established in this study efficiently deliver therapeutic anti-miR-21, indicating their potential as a novel TNBC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- You-Cheng Liao
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110031, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Chun Cheng
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hsin Tu
- Department of Surgery, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Jungshan Chang
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110031, Taiwan
- International Master/PhD Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110031, Taiwan
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Li-Ching Chen
- Department of Biological Science & Technology, College of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Soon Ho
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan
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10
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Oz M, King JR, Yang KHS, Khushaish S, Tchugunova Y, Khajah MA, Luqmani YA, Kabbani N. α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor interaction with G proteins in breast cancer cell proliferation, motility, and calcium signaling. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289098. [PMID: 37490473 PMCID: PMC10368273 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic smoking is a primary risk factor for breast cancer due to the presence of various toxins and carcinogens within tobacco products. Nicotine is the primary addictive component of tobacco products and has been shown to promote breast cancer cell proliferation and metastases. Nicotine activates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) that are expressed in cancer cell lines. Here, we examine the role of the α7 nAChR in coupling to heterotrimeric G proteins within breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Pharmacological activation of the α7 nAChR using choline or nicotine was found to increase proliferation, motility, and calcium signaling in MCF-7 cells. This effect of α7 nAChR on cell proliferation was abolished by application of Gαi/o and Gαq protein blockers. Specifically, application of the Gαi/o inhibitor pertussis toxin was found to abolish choline-mediated cell proliferation and intracellular calcium transient response. These findings were corroborated by expression of a G protein binding dominant negative nAChR subunit (α7345-348A), which resulted in significantly attenuating calcium signaling and cellular proliferation in response to choline. Our study shows a new role for G protein signaling in the mechanism of α7 nAChR-associated breast cancer growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Oz
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Justin R King
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Keun-Hang Susan Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, California, United States of America
| | - Sarah Khushaish
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Yulia Tchugunova
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Maitham A Khajah
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Yunus A Luqmani
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Nadine Kabbani
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, United States of America
- School of Systems Biology George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, United States of America
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11
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Xu P, Zhang P, Zhu X, Wu Y, Harvey PJ, Kaas Q, Zhangsun D, Craik DJ, Luo S. Structure-Activity Relationships of Alanine Scan Mutants αO-Conotoxins GeXIVA[1,2] and GeXIVA[1,4]. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37464764 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
αO-Conotoxin GeXIVA is a selective α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) inhibitor displaying two disulfide bonds that can form three isomers. The bead (GeXIVA[1,2]) and ribbon (GeXIVA[1,4]) isomers possess the highest activity on rat and human α9α10 nAChRs. However, the molecular mechanism by which they inhibit the α9α10 nAChR is unknown. Here, an alanine scan of GeXIVA was used to elucidate key interactions between the peptides and the α9α10 nAChR. The majority of GeXIVA[1,2] analogues preserved affinity at α9α10 nAChR, but [R17A]GeXIVA[1,2] enhanced selectivity on the α9α10 nAChR. The I23A replacement of GeXIVA[1,4] increased activity at both rat and human α9α10 nAChRs by 10-fold. Surprisingly, these results do not support the molecular model of an interaction in the orthosteric binding site proposed previously, but rather may involve allosteric coupling with the voltage-sensitive domain of the α9α10 nAChR. These results could help to guide further development of GeXIVA analogues as analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Xu
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Panpan Zhang
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Xiaopeng Zhu
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Yong Wu
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Peta J Harvey
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Quentin Kaas
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Dongting Zhangsun
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Sulan Luo
- School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
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12
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Tae HS, Adams DJ. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtype expression, function, and pharmacology: Therapeutic potential of α-conotoxins. Pharmacol Res 2023; 191:106747. [PMID: 37001708 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
The pentameric nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are typically classed as muscle- or neuronal-type, however, the latter has also been reported in non-neuronal cells. Given their broad distribution, nAChRs mediate numerous physiological and pathological processes including synaptic transmission, presynaptic modulation of transmitter release, neuropathic pain, inflammation, and cancer. There are 17 different nAChR subunits and combinations of these subunits produce subtypes with diverse pharmacological properties. The expression and role of some nAChR subtypes have been extensively deciphered with the aid of knock-out models. Many nAChR subtypes expressed in heterologous systems are selectively targeted by the disulfide-rich α-conotoxins. α-Conotoxins are small peptides isolated from the venom of cone snails, and a number of them have potential pharmaceutical value.
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13
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Calaf GM. Breast carcinogenesis induced by organophosphorous pesticides. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2023; 96:71-117. [PMID: 36858780 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a major health threat to women worldwide and the leading cause of cancer-related death. The use of organophosphorous pesticides has increased in agricultural environments and urban settings, and there is evidence that estrogen may increase breast cancer risk in women. The mammary gland is an excellent model for examining its susceptibility to different carcinogenic agents due to its high cell proliferation capabilities associated with the topography of the mammary parenchyma and specific stages of gland development. Several experimental cellular models are presented here, in which the animals were exposed to chemical compounds such as pesticides, and endogenous substances such as estrogens that exert a significant effect on normal breast cell processes at different levels. Such models were developed by the effect of malathion, parathion, and eserine, influenced by estrogen demonstrating features of cancer initiation in vivo as tumor formation in rodents; and in vitro in the immortalized normal breast cell line MCF-10F, that when transformed showed signs of carcinogenesis such as increased cell proliferation, anchorage independence, invasive capabilities, modulation of receptors and genomic instability. The role of acetylcholine was also demonstrated in the MCF-10F, suggesting a role not only as a neurotransmitter but also with other functions, such as induction of cell proliferation, playing an important role in cancer. Of note, this is a unique experimental approach that identifies mechanistic signs that link organophosphorous pesticides with breast carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria M Calaf
- Instituto de Alta Investigación, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica, Chile.
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14
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Conus regius-Derived Conotoxins: Novel Therapeutic Opportunities from a Marine Organism. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20120773. [PMID: 36547920 PMCID: PMC9783627 DOI: 10.3390/md20120773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Conus regius is a marine venomous mollusk of the Conus genus that captures its prey by injecting a rich cocktail of bioactive disulfide bond rich peptides called conotoxins. These peptides selectively target a broad range of ion channels, membrane receptors, transporters, and enzymes, making them valuable pharmacological tools and potential drug leads. C. regius-derived conotoxins are particularly attractive due to their marked potency and selectivity against specific nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes, whose signalling is involved in pain, cognitive disorders, drug addiction, and cancer. However, the species-specific differences in sensitivity and the low stability and bioavailability of these conotoxins limit their clinical development as novel therapeutic agents for these disorders. Here, we give an overview of the main pharmacological features of the C. regius-derived conotoxins described so far, focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying their potential therapeutic effects. Additionally, we describe adoptable chemical engineering solutions to improve their pharmacological properties for future potential clinical translation.
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15
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Yaman I, Ağaç Çobanoğlu D, Xie T, Ye Y, Amit M. Advances in understanding cancer-associated neurogenesis and its implications on the neuroimmune axis in cancer. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 239:108199. [PMID: 35490859 PMCID: PMC9991830 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nerves and immunologic mediators play pivotal roles in body homeostasis by interacting with each other through diverse mechanisms. The spread of nerves in the tumor microenvironment increases tumor cell proliferation and disease progression, and this correlates with poor patient outcomes. The effects of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves on cancer regulation are being investigated. Recent findings demonstrate the possibility of developing therapeutic strategies that target the tumor microenvironment and its components such as immune cells, neurotransmitters, and extracellular vesicles. Therefore, examining and understanding the mechanisms and pathways associated with the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, neurotransmitters, cancer-derived mediators and their interactions with the immune system in the tumor microenvironment may lead to the development of new cancer treatments. This review discusses the effects of nerve cells, immune cells, and cancer cells have on each other that regulate neurogenesis, cancer progression, and dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismail Yaman
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Didem Ağaç Çobanoğlu
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tongxin Xie
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yi Ye
- Bluestone Center for Clinical Research, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY, USA
| | - Moran Amit
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Head and Neck Surgery, MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA.
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16
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Hone AJ, McIntosh JM. Alkaloid ligands enable function of homomeric human α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:981760. [PMID: 36188578 PMCID: PMC9523446 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.981760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the nervous system, nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) rapidly transduce a chemical signal into one that is electrical via ligand-gated ion flux through the central channel of the receptor. However, some nAChR subunits are expressed by non-excitable cells where signal transduction apparently occurs through non-ionic mechanisms. One such nAChR subunit, α10, is present in a discreet subset of immune cells and has been implicated in pathologies including cancer, neuropathic pain, and chronic inflammation. Longstanding convention holds that human α10 subunits require co-assembly with α9 subunits for function. Here we assessed whether cholinergic ligands can enable or uncover ionic functions from homomeric α10 nAChRs. Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing human α10 subunits were exposed to a panel of ligands and examined for receptor activation using voltage-clamp electrophysiology. Functional expression of human α10 nAChRs was achieved by exposing the oocytes to the alkaloids strychnine, brucine, or methyllycaconitine. Furthermore, acute exposure to the alkaloid ligands significantly enhanced ionic responses. Acetylcholine-gated currents mediated by α10 nAChRs were potently inhibited by the snake toxins α-bungarotoxin and α-cobratoxin but not by α-conotoxins that target α9 and α9α10 nAChRs. Our findings indicate that human α10 homomers are expressed in oocytes and exposure to certain ligands can enable ionic functions. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that human α10 subunits can assemble as functional homomeric nAChRs. These findings have potential implications for receptor regulatory-mechanisms and will enable structural, functional, and further pharmacological characterization of human α10 nAChRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arik J. Hone
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- MIRECC, George E. Whalen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - J. Michael McIntosh
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- George E. Whalen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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17
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Aronowitz AL, Ali SR, Glaun MDE, Amit M. Acetylcholine in Carcinogenesis and Targeting Cholinergic Receptors in Oncology. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2022; 6:e2200053. [PMID: 35858206 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Tumor cells modulate and are modulated by their microenvironments, which include the nervous system. Accumulating evidence links the overexpression and activity of nicotinic and muscarinic cholinergic receptor subtypes to tumorigenesis in breast, ovarian, prostate, gastric, pancreatic, and head and neck cancers. Nicotinic and muscarinic receptors have downstream factors are associated with angiogenesis, cell proliferation and migration, antiapoptotic signaling, and survival. Clinical trials analyzing the efficacy of various therapies targeting cholinergic signaling or downstream pathways of acetylcholine have shed promising light on novel cancer therapeutics. Although the evidence for cholinergic signaling involvement in tumor development is substantial, a more detailed understanding of the acetylcholine-induced mechanisms of tumorigenesis remains to be unlocked. Such an understanding would enable the development of clinical applications ranging from the identification of novel biomarkers to the utilization of existing drugs to modulate cholinergic signaling to the development of novel cancer therapies, as discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra L Aronowitz
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Shahrukh R Ali
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Mica D E Glaun
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Moran Amit
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
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18
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Zhang B, Ren M, Yang F, Li R, Yu L, Luo A, Zhangsun D, Luo S, Dong S. Oligo-basic amino acids, potential nicotinic acetylcholine receptor inhibitors. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 152:113215. [PMID: 35667234 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligo-basic amino acids have been extensively studied in molecular biology and pharmacology, but the inhibitory activity on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) was unknown. In this study, the inhibitory activity of 8 oligopeptides, including both basic and acidic amino acids, was evaluated on 9 nAChR subtypes by a two-electrode voltage clamp (TEVC). Among them, the oligo-lysine K9, K12, d-K9, d-K9F, and oligo-arginine R9 showed nanomolar inhibitory activity on various nAChRs, especially for α7 and α9α10 nAChRs. d-K9 containing N-Fmoc protecting group (d-K9F) has an enhanced inhibitory activity on most of the nAChRs, including 47-fold promotion on α1β1δε nAChR. However, H9 and H12 only showed weak inhibitory activity on α9α10 and α1β1δε nAChRs, and the acidic oligopeptide D9 has no inhibitory activity on nAChRs. Flexible docking of K9 in α10(+) α9(-) and α7(+) α7(-) binding pockets showed particularly strong dipole-dipole interactions, which may be responsible for the inhibition of nAChRs. These results demonstrated that oligo-basic amino acids have the potential to be the lead compounds as selective nAChR subtype inhibitors, and oligo-lysines deserved to be modified for further exploitation and utilization. On the other hand, the toxicity and side effects of these nAChR inhibitory peptides should be contemplated in the application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baojian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Maomao Ren
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Fang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Rui Li
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liutong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - An Luo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Dongting Zhangsun
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Sulan Luo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Shuai Dong
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China.
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19
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Khodabandeh Z, Valilo M, Velaei K, Pirpour Tazehkand A. The potential role of nicotine in breast cancer initiation, development, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. Breast Cancer 2022; 29:778-789. [PMID: 35583594 DOI: 10.1007/s12282-022-01369-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
A large body of research studying the relationship between tobacco and cancer has led to the knowledge that smoking cigarettes adversely affects cancer treatment while contributing to the development of various tobacco-related cancers. Nicotine is the main addictive component of tobacco smoke and promotes angiogenesis, proliferation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) while promoting growth and metastasis of tumors. Nicotine generally acts through the induction of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), although the contribution of other receptor subunits has also been reported. Nicotine contributes to the pathogenesis of a wide range of cancers including breast cancer through its carcinogens such as (4-methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) and N-nitrosonornicotine (NNN). Current study aims to review the mechanistic function of nicotine in the initiation, development, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, and apoptosis of breast cancer with the main focus on nicotine acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and nAChR-mediated signaling pathways as well as on its potential for the development of an effective treatment against breast cancer. Moreover, we will try to demonstrate how nicotine leads to poor treatment response in breast cancer by enhancing the population, proliferation, and self-renewal of cancer stem cells (CSCs) through the activation of α7-nAChR receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhila Khodabandeh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mohammad Valilo
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Medical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Kobra Velaei
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Abbas Pirpour Tazehkand
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Medical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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20
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Munoz F, Vicencio-Jimenez S, Jorratt P, Delano PH, Terreros G. Corticofugal and Brainstem Functions Associated With Medial Olivocochlear Cholinergic Transmission. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:866161. [PMID: 35573302 PMCID: PMC9094045 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.866161] [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: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholinergic transmission is essential for survival and reproduction, as it is involved in several physiological responses. In the auditory system, both ascending and descending auditory pathways are modulated by cholinergic transmission, affecting the perception of sounds. The auditory efferent system is a neuronal network comprised of several feedback loops, including corticofugal and brainstem pathways to the cochlear receptor. The auditory efferent system's -final and mandatory synapses that connect the brain with the cochlear receptor- involve medial olivocochlear neurons and outer hair cells. A unique cholinergic transmission mediates these synapses through α9/α10 nicotinic receptors. To study this receptor, it was generated a strain of mice carrying a null mutation of the Chrna9 gene (α9-KO mice), lacking cholinergic transmission between medial olivocochlear neurons and outer hair cells, providing a unique opportunity to study the role of medial olivocochlear cholinergic transmission in auditory and cognitive functions. In this article, we review behavioral and physiological studies carried out to research auditory efferent function in the context of audition, cognition, and hearing impairments. Auditory studies have shown that hearing thresholds in the α9-KO mice are normal, while more complex auditory functions, such as frequency selectivity and sound localization, are altered. The corticofugal pathways have been studied in α9-KO mice using behavioral tasks, evidencing a reduced capacity to suppress auditory distractors during visual selective attention. Finally, we discuss the evolutionary role of the auditory efferent system detecting vocalizations in noise and its role in auditory disorders, such as the prevention of age-related hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Munoz
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de O’Higgins, Rancagua, Chile
- Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Sergio Vicencio-Jimenez
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Center for Hearing and Balance, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Pascal Jorratt
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Paul H. Delano
- Facultad de Medicina, Neuroscience Department, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Centro Avanzado de Ingeniería Eléctrica y Electrónica, AC3E, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Valparaíso, Chile
- Facultad de Medicina, Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gonzalo Terreros
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de O’Higgins, Rancagua, Chile
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21
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Tsai ML, Lee CH, Huang LC, Chen YH, Liu WN, Lin CY, Hsu KW, Lee AW, Lin CL. CRISPR-mediated knockout of VEGFR2/KDR inhibits cell growth in a squamous thyroid cancer cell line. FEBS Open Bio 2022; 12:993-1005. [PMID: 35313079 PMCID: PMC9063427 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13399] [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: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Squamous and anaplastic thyroid cancers are the most aggressive and life‐threatening cancer types in humans, with the involvement of lymph nodes in 59% of cases and distant metastases in 26% of cases of all thyroid cancers. The median survival of squamous thyroid cancer patients is < 8 months and therefore is of high clinical concern. Here, we show that both VEGFC and VEGFR2/KDR are overexpressed in thyroid cancers, indicating that VEGF/VEGFR signaling plays a carcinogenic role in thyroid cancer development. Using CRISPR/Cas9, we established a KDR knockout (KO) SW579 squamous thyroid cancer cell line that exhibited dramatically decreased colony formation and invasion abilities (30% and 60% reduction, respectively) when compared to scrambled control cells. To validate the potential of KDR as a therapeutic target for thyroid cancers, we used the KDR RTK inhibitor sunitinib. Protein analysis and live/dead assay were performed to demonstrate that sunitinib significantly inhibited cell growth signal transduction and induced cell apoptosis of SW579 cells. These results suggest that selective targeting of KDR may have potential for development into novel anti‐cancer therapies to suppress VEGF/VEGFR‐mediated cancer development in patients with clinical advanced thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Lin Tsai
- Department of General Surgery, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hwa Lee
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Ph.D. Program in Medicine Biotechnology, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Chi Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsin Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of cytology, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ni Liu
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yu Lin
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.,Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-devices, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Wen Hsu
- Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan.,Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Ai-Wei Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Ling Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
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22
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Wang J, Li D, Zhao B, Kim J, Sui G, Shi J. Small Molecule Compounds of Natural Origin Target Cellular Receptors to Inhibit Cancer Development and Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052672. [PMID: 35269825 PMCID: PMC8911024 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Receptors are macromolecules that transmit information regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and apoptosis, play key roles in oncogenic processes and correlate with the prognoses of cancer patients. Thus, targeting receptors to constrain cancer development and progression has gained widespread interest. Small molecule compounds of natural origin have been widely used as drugs or adjuvant chemotherapeutic agents in cancer therapies due to their activities of selectively killing cancer cells, alleviating drug resistance and mitigating side effects. Meanwhile, many natural compounds, including those targeting receptors, are still under laboratory investigation for their anti-cancer activities and mechanisms. In this review, we classify the receptors by their structures and functions, illustrate the natural compounds targeting these receptors and discuss the mechanisms of their anti-cancer activities. We aim to provide primary knowledge of mechanistic regulation and clinical applications of cancer therapies through targeting deregulated receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Guangchao Sui
- Correspondence: (G.S.); (J.S.); Tel.: +86-451-82191081 (G.S. & J.S.)
| | - Jinming Shi
- Correspondence: (G.S.); (J.S.); Tel.: +86-451-82191081 (G.S. & J.S.)
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23
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Nicotine treatment regulates PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression via inhibition of Akt pathway in HER2-type breast cancer cells. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0260838. [PMID: 35085258 PMCID: PMC8794171 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune checkpoint molecules such as PD-L1 and PD-L2 have a substantial contribution to cancer immunotherapy including breast cancer. Microarray expression profiling identified several molecular subtypes, namely luminal-type (with a good-prognosis), HER2-type (with an intermediate-prognosis), and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)-type (with a poor-prognosis). We found that PD-L1 and PD-L2 mRNA expressions were highly expressed in TNBC-type cell lines (HCC1937, MDA-MB-231), moderately expressed in HER2-type cell line (SK-BR-3), and poorly expressed in luminal-type cell lines (MDA-MB-361, MCF7). The PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression in SK-BR-3 cells, but not those in HCC1937 and MDA-MB-231 cells, decreased by nicotine stimulation in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, nicotine treatment decreased the phosphorylation of Akt in SK-BR-3 cells, but not in other cell lines. These results show that nicotine regulates the expression of immune checkpoint molecules, PD-L1 and PD-L2, via inhibition of Akt phosphorylation. This findings may provide the new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of breast cancer.
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24
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Pucci S, Zoli M, Clementi F, Gotti C. α9-Containing Nicotinic Receptors in Cancer. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 15:805123. [PMID: 35126059 PMCID: PMC8814915 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.805123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors containing the α9 or the α9 and α10 subunits are expressed in various extra-neuronal tissues. Moreover, most cancer cells and tissues highly express α9-containing receptors, and a number of studies have shown that they are powerful regulators of responses that stimulate cancer processes such as proliferation, inhibition of apoptosis, and metastasis. It has also emerged that their modulation is a promising target for drug development. The aim of this review is to summarize recent data showing the involvement of these receptors in controlling the downstream signaling cascades involved in the promotion of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Pucci
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), Milan, Italy
- NeuroMi Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Zoli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (CfNN), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Clementi
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Gotti
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), Milan, Italy
- NeuroMi Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Cecilia Gotti
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25
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Li Y, Wang K, Chen Y, Cai J, Qin X, Lu A, Guan D, Qin G, Chen W. A System Pharmacology Model for Decoding the Synergistic Mechanisms of Compound Kushen Injection in Treating Breast Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:723147. [PMID: 34899291 PMCID: PMC8660088 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.723147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common malignant tumors among women worldwide and can be treated using various methods; however, side effects of these treatments cannot be ignored. Increasing evidence indicates that compound kushen injection (CKI) can be used to treat BC. However, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is characterized by “multi-components” and “multi-targets”, which make it challenging to clarify the potential therapeutic mechanisms of CKI on BC. Herein, we designed a novel system pharmacology strategy using differentially expressed gene analysis, pharmacokinetics synthesis screening, target identification, network analysis, and docking validation to construct the synergy contribution degree (SCD) and therapeutic response index (TRI) model to capture the critical components responding to synergistic mechanisms of CKI in BC. Through our designed mathematical models, we defined 24 components as a high contribution group of synergistic components (HCGSC) from 113 potentially active components of CKI based on ADME parameters. Pathway enrichment analysis of HCGSC targets indicated that Rhizoma Heterosmilacis and Radix Sophorae Flavescentis could synergistically target the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and the cAMP signaling pathway to treat BC. Additionally, TRI analysis showed that the average affinity of HCGSC and targets involved in the key pathways reached -6.47 kcal/mmol, while in vitro experiments proved that two of the three high TRI-scored components in the HCGSC showed significant inhibitory effects on breast cancer cell proliferation and migration. These results demonstrate the accuracy and reliability of the proposed strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Li
- Department of Radiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kexin Wang
- Institute of Integrated Bioinformedicine and Translational Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Neurosurgery Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Department of Cerebrovascular Surgery, Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yupeng Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Biochip Technology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jieqi Cai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Biochip Technology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuemei Qin
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Aiping Lu
- Institute of Integrated Bioinformedicine and Translational Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Daogang Guan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Biochip Technology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Genggeng Qin
- Department of Radiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiguo Chen
- Department of Radiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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26
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Liu HM, Ma LL, Li C, Cao B, Jiang Y, Han L, Xu R, Lin J, Zhang D. The molecular mechanism of chronic stress affecting the occurrence and development of breast cancer and potential drug therapy. Transl Oncol 2021; 15:101281. [PMID: 34875482 PMCID: PMC8652015 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the 2020 data released by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, breast cancer has surpassed lung cancer as the world's most newly diagnosed first-time cancer. Compared with patients with other types of cancer, those with breast cancer experience greater mental stress and more severe psychological impacts because of the life-threatening diagnosis, physical changes, treatment side effects, and family and social life dysfunctions. These usually manifest as anxiety, depression, nervousness, and insomnia, all of which elicit stress responses. Particularly under chronic stress, the continuous release of neurotransmitters from the neuroendocrine system can have a highly profound impact on the occurrence and prognosis of breast cancer. However, because of the complex mechanisms underlying chronic stress and the variability in individual tolerance, evidence of the role of chronic stress in the occurrence and evolution of breast cancer remains unclear. This article reviewed previous research on the correlation between chronic stress and the occurrence and development of breast cancer, particularly the molecular mechanism through which chronic stress promotes breast cancer via neurotransmitters secreted by the nervous system. We also review the progress in the development of potential drugs or blockers for the treatment of breast cancer by targeting the neuroendocrine system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Min Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1066 Avenue Liutai, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Le-le Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1066 Avenue Liutai, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Chunyu Li
- National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Bo Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1066 Avenue Liutai, Chengdu 611137, China; National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yifang Jiang
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Road Shierqiao, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Li Han
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1066 Avenue Liutai, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Runchun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1066 Avenue Liutai, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Junzhi Lin
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Road Shierqiao, Chengdu 610072, China.
| | - Dingkun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1066 Avenue Liutai, Chengdu 611137, China.
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27
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Ahmad S, Hossain MN, Ahmadi S, Kerman K, Kraatz HB. Electrochemical distinction of neuronal and neuroblastoma cells via the phosphorylation of the cellular extracellular membrane. Anal Biochem 2021; 645:114434. [PMID: 34785194 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2021.114434] [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: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In this contribution we establish a proof of concept method for monitoring, quantifying and differentiating the extracellular phosphorylation of Human SHSY5Y undifferentiated neuronal cells and neuroblastoma cells by three prominent ectokinases PKA, PKC and Src. Herein it is demonstrated that a combination of different experimental techniques, including fluroesence microscopy, quartz crystal microscopy (QCM) and electrochemistry, can be used to detect extracellular phosphorylation levels of neuronal and neuroblastoma cells. Phosphorylation profiles of the three ectokinases, PKA, PKC and Src, were investigated using fluorescence microscopy and the number of phosphorylation sites per kinase was estimated using QCM. Finally, the phosphorylation of the extracellular membrane was determined using electrochemistry. Our results clearly demonstrate that the extracellular phosphorylation of neuronal cells differs significantly in terms of its phosphorylation profile from diseased neuroblastoma cells and the strength of surface electrochemical techniques in the differentiation process. We reveal that using electrochemistry, the percent compositions of neuronal and neuroblastoma cells can also be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ahmad
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, M1C 1A4, Canada; Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - M N Hossain
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, M1C 1A4, Canada; Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - S Ahmadi
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, M1C 1A4, Canada; Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - K Kerman
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, M1C 1A4, Canada; Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - H-B Kraatz
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, M1C 1A4, Canada; Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, M5S 3H6, Canada.
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28
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Lin CL, Tsai ML, Chen YH, Liu WN, Lin CY, Hsu KW, Huang CY, Chang YJ, Wei PL, Chen SH, Huang LC, Lee CH. Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor-α Subunit Targeting Suppresses Metastasis in Advanced Thyroid Cancer In Vitro and In Vivo. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2021; 29:551-561. [PMID: 34031270 PMCID: PMC8411021 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2020.205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy. Patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancers, such as papillary and follicular cancers, have a favorable prognosis. However, poorly differentiated thyroid cancers, such as medullary, squamous and anaplastic advanced thyroid cancers, are very aggressive and insensitive to radioiodine treatment. Thus, novel therapies that attenuate metastasis are urgently needed. We found that both PDGFC and PDGFRA are predominantly expressed in thyroid cancers and that the survival rate is significantly lower in patients with high PDGFRA expression. This finding indicates the important role of PDGF/PDGFR signaling in thyroid cancer development. Next, we established a SW579 squamous thyroid cancer cell line with 95.6% PDGFRA gene insertion and deletions (indels) through CRISPR/Cas9. Protein and invasion analysis showed a dramatic loss in EMT marker expression and metastatic ability. Furthermore, xenograft tumors derived from PDGFRA gene-edited SW579 cells exhibited a minor decrease in tumor growth. However, distant lung metastasis was completely abolished upon PDGFRA gene editing, implying that PDGFRA could be an effective target to inhibit distant metastasis in advanced thyroid cancers. To translate this finding to the clinic, we used the most relevant multikinase inhibitor, imatinib, to inhibit PDGFRA signaling. The results showed that imatinib significantly suppressed cell growth, induced cell cycle arrest and cell death in SW579 cells. Our developed noninvasive apoptosis detection sensor (NIADS) indicated that imatinib induced cell apoptosis through caspase-3 activation. In conclusion, we believe that developing a specific and selective targeted therapy for PDGFRA would effectively suppress PDGFRA-mediated cancer aggressiveness in advanced thyroid cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Ling Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei 10630, Taiwan.,Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei 10630, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lin Tsai
- Department of General Surgery, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei 10630, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsin Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei 10630, Taiwan.,Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei 10630, Taiwan.,Department of Cytology, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei 10630, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ni Liu
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yu Lin
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan.,Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-Devices, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Wen Hsu
- Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan.,Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Yu Huang
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.,Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jia Chang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.,TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Po-Li Wei
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.,TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.,Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Huey Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.,Department of Pediatrics, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
| | - Li-Chi Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei 10630, Taiwan.,Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei 10630, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hwa Lee
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.,TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.,Ph. D. Program in Medical Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
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29
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Clarke MR, Jones B, Squires CLM, Imhoff FM, Harwood DT, Rhodes L, Selwood AI, McNabb PS, Baird SK. Cyclic Imine Pinnatoxin G is Cytotoxic to Cancer Cell Lines via Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor-Driven Classical Apoptosis. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2021; 84:2035-2042. [PMID: 34170700 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.1c00418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Pinnatoxin G is a cyclic imine neurotoxin produced by dinoflagellates that has been reported in shellfish. Like other members of the pinnatoxin family, it has been shown to have its effects via antagonism of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, with preferential binding to the α7 subunit often upregulated in cancer. Because increased activity of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors contributes to increased growth and resistance to apoptosis, the effect of pinnatoxin G on cancer cell viability was tested. In a panel of six cancer cell lines, all cell types lost viability, but HT29 colon cancer and LN18 and U373 glioma cell lines were more sensitive than MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, PC3 prostate cancer cells, and U87 glioma cells, correlating with expression levels of α7, α4, and α9 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Some loss of cell viability could be attributed to cell cycle arrest, but significant levels of classical apoptosis were found, characterized by caspase activity, phosphatidylserine exposure, mitochondrial membrane permeability, and fragmented DNA. Intracellular Ca2+ levels also dropped immediately upon pinnatoxin G treatment, which may relate to antagonism of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-mediated Ca2+ inflow. In conclusion, pinnatoxin G can decrease cancer cell viability, with both cytostatic and cytotoxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell R Clarke
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Ben Jones
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Chloe L M Squires
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Floriane M Imhoff
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - D Tim Harwood
- Cawthron Institute, Private Bag 2, Nelson 7040, New Zealand
| | - Lesley Rhodes
- Cawthron Institute, Private Bag 2, Nelson 7040, New Zealand
| | | | - Paul S McNabb
- Cawthron Institute, Private Bag 2, Nelson 7040, New Zealand
| | - Sarah K Baird
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
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30
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Binzel DW, Li X, Burns N, Khan E, Lee WJ, Chen LC, Ellipilli S, Miles W, Ho YS, Guo P. Thermostability, Tunability, and Tenacity of RNA as Rubbery Anionic Polymeric Materials in Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine-Specific Cancer Targeting with Undetectable Toxicity. Chem Rev 2021; 121:7398-7467. [PMID: 34038115 PMCID: PMC8312718 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RNA nanotechnology is the bottom-up self-assembly of nanometer-scale architectures, resembling LEGOs, composed mainly of RNA. The ideal building material should be (1) versatile and controllable in shape and stoichiometry, (2) spontaneously self-assemble, and (3) thermodynamically, chemically, and enzymatically stable with a long shelf life. RNA building blocks exhibit each of the above. RNA is a polynucleic acid, making it a polymer, and its negative-charge prevents nonspecific binding to negatively charged cell membranes. The thermostability makes it suitable for logic gates, resistive memory, sensor set-ups, and NEM devices. RNA can be designed and manipulated with a level of simplicity of DNA while displaying versatile structure and enzyme activity of proteins. RNA can fold into single-stranded loops or bulges to serve as mounting dovetails for intermolecular or domain interactions without external linking dowels. RNA nanoparticles display rubber- and amoeba-like properties and are stretchable and shrinkable through multiple repeats, leading to enhanced tumor targeting and fast renal excretion to reduce toxicities. It was predicted in 2014 that RNA would be the third milestone in pharmaceutical drug development. The recent approval of several RNA drugs and COVID-19 mRNA vaccines by FDA suggests that this milestone is being realized. Here, we review the unique properties of RNA nanotechnology, summarize its recent advancements, describe its distinct attributes inside or outside the body and discuss potential applications in nanotechnology, medicine, and material science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W Binzel
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, College of Pharmacy, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Xin Li
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, College of Pharmacy, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Nicolas Burns
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, College of Pharmacy, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Eshan Khan
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Wen-Jui Lee
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Li-Ching Chen
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Satheesh Ellipilli
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, College of Pharmacy, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Wayne Miles
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Yuan Soon Ho
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, College of Pharmacy, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
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The association between RAPSN methylation in peripheral blood and breast cancer in the Chinese population. J Hum Genet 2021; 66:1069-1078. [PMID: 33958711 DOI: 10.1038/s10038-021-00933-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation in peripheral blood is associated with breast cancer (BC) but has mainly been studied in Caucasian populations. We investigated the association between blood-based methylation of receptor-associated protein of the synapse (RAPSN) and BC in Chinese population. The methylation levels of 12 RAPSN CpG sites were quantitatively evaluated by mass spectrometry in two case-control studies with 283 sporadic BC cases and 331 controls totally. The association was analyzed by logistic regression adjusted for covariants. The RAPSN methylation levels in patients with variant clinical characteristics were investigated by non-parametric tests. We found a significant association between BC and altered RAPSN methylation in blood in women at premenopausal and perimenopausal (age < 50 years old), but not in the elder women. This was approved by two independent case-control studies as well as by combining the subjects of the two studies (taken all subjects together, age < 50 years old, per 5% of methylation, odds ratio (OR) range from 1.17 to 1.30 for two CpG sites; OR = 0.75 for one CpG site; all p values < 0.02). This age-related RAPSN methylation was further modified by human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status (age < 50 years old, HER2 negative, per 5% of methylation, OR range from 1.27 to 1.48 for two CpG sites; OR = 0.76 for one CpG site; all p values < 0.02). We elucidated an association between BC and blood-based RAPSN methylation influenced by age and the status of HER2 in Chinese population.
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Afrashteh Nour M, Hajiasgharzadeh K, Kheradmand F, Asadzadeh Z, Bolandi N, Baradaran B. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in chemotherapeutic drugs resistance: An emerging targeting candidate. Life Sci 2021; 278:119557. [PMID: 33930371 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
There is no definitive cure for cancer, and most of the current chemotherapy drugs have limited effects due to the development of drug resistance and toxicity at high doses. Therefore, there is an ongoing need for identifying the causes of chemotherapeutic resistance, and it will be possible to develop innovative treatment approaches based on these novel targeting candidates. Cigarette smoking is known to be one of the main causes of resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. Nicotine as a component of cigarette smoke is an exogenous activator of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). It can inhibit apoptosis, increase cell proliferation and cell survival, reducing the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy drugs and cause a reduced therapeutic response. Recent studies have demonstrated that nAChRs and their downstream signaling pathways have considerable implications in different cancer's initiation, progression, and chemoresistance. In some previous studies, nAChRs have been targeted to obtain better efficacies for chemotherapeutics. Besides, nAChRs-based therapies have been used in combination with chemotherapy drugs to reduce the side effects. This strategy requires lower doses of chemotherapy drugs compared to the conditions that must be used alone. Here, we discussed the experimental and clinical studies that show the nAChRs involvement in response to chemotherapy agents. Also, controversies relating to the effects of nAChR on chemotherapy-induced apoptosis are in our focus in this review article. Delineating the complex influences of nAChRs would be of great interest in establishing new effective chemotherapy regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Afrashteh Nour
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Khalil Hajiasgharzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Connective Tissue Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Kheradmand
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Zahra Asadzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nadia Bolandi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Pharmaceutical Analysis Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Neurosciences Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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CHRNA5 belongs to the secondary estrogen signaling network exhibiting prognostic significance in breast cancer. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2021; 44:453-472. [PMID: 33469842 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-020-00581-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Cholinergic signals can be important modulators of cellular signaling in cancer. We recently have shown that knockdown of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit alpha 5, CHRNA5, diminishes the proliferative potential of breast cancer cells. However, modulation of CHRNA5 expression in the context of estrogen signaling and its prognostic implications in breast cancer remained unexplored. METHODS Meta-analyses of large breast cancer microarray cohorts were used to evaluate the association of CHRNA5 expression with estrogen (E2) treatment, estrogen receptor (ER) status and patient prognosis. The results were validated through RT-qPCR analyses of multiple E2 treated cell lines, CHRNA5 depleted MCF7 cells and across a breast cancer patient cDNA panel. We also calculated a predicted secondary (PS) score representing direct/indirect induction of gene expression by E2 based on a public dataset (GSE8597). Co-expression analysis was performed using a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) pipeline. Multiple other publicly available datasets such as CCLE, COSMIC and TCGA were also analyzed. RESULTS Herein we found that CHRNA5 expression was induced by E2 in a dose- and time-dependent manner in breast cancer cell lines. ER- breast tumors exhibited higher CHRNA5 expression levels than ER+ tumors. Independent meta-analysis for survival outcome revealed that higher CHRNA5 expression was associated with a worse prognosis in untreated breast cancer patients. Furthermore, CHRNA5 and its co-expressed gene network emerged as secondarily induced targets of E2 stimulation. These targets were largely downregulated by exposure to CHRNA5 siRNA in MCF7 cells while the response of primary ESR1 targets was dependent on the direction of the PS-score. Moreover, primary and secondary target genes were uncoupled and clustered distinctly based on multiple public datasets. CONCLUSION Our findings strongly associate increased expression of CHRNA5 and its co-expression network with secondary E2 signaling and a worse prognosis in breast cancer.
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Pfitzinger PL, Fangmann L, Wang K, Demir E, Gürlevik E, Fleischmann-Mundt B, Brooks J, D'Haese JG, Teller S, Hecker A, Jesinghaus M, Jäger C, Ren L, Istvanffy R, Kühnel F, Friess H, Ceyhan GO, Demir IE. Indirect cholinergic activation slows down pancreatic cancer growth and tumor-associated inflammation. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2020; 39:289. [PMID: 33357230 PMCID: PMC7758936 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01796-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Nerve-cancer interactions are increasingly recognized to be of paramount importance for the emergence and progression of pancreatic cancer (PCa). Here, we investigated the role of indirect cholinergic activation on PCa progression through inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) via clinically available AChE-inhibitors, i.e. physostigmine and pyridostigmine. Methods We applied immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, MTT-viability, invasion, flow-cytometric-cell-cycle-assays, phospho-kinase arrays, multiplex ELISA and xenografted mice to assess the impact of AChE inhibition on PCa cell growth and invasiveness, and tumor-associated inflammation. Survival analyses were performed in a novel genetically-induced, surgically-resectable mouse model of PCa under adjuvant treatment with gemcitabine+/−physostigmine/pyridostigmine (n = 30 mice). Human PCa specimens (n = 39) were analyzed for the impact of cancer AChE expression on tumor stage and survival. Results We discovered a strong expression of AChE in cancer cells of human PCa specimens. Inhibition of this cancer-cell-intrinsic AChE via pyridostigmine and physostigmine, or administration of acetylcholine (ACh), diminished PCa cell viability and invasion in vitro and in vivo via suppression of pERK signaling, and reduced tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) infiltration and serum pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. In the novel genetically-induced, surgically-resectable PCa mouse model, adjuvant co-therapy with AChE blockers had no impact on survival. Accordingly, survival of resected PCa patients did not differ based on tumor AChE expression levels. Patients with higher-stage PCa also exhibited loss of the ACh-synthesizing enzyme, choline-acetyltransferase (ChAT), in their nerves. Conclusion For future clinical trials of PCa, direct cholinergic stimulation of the muscarinic signaling, rather than indirect activation via AChE blockade, may be a more effective strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo L Pfitzinger
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Laura Fangmann
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Kun Wang
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Hepatic, Biliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University School of Oncology, Beijing Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100710, China
| | - Elke Demir
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Engin Gürlevik
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Bettina Fleischmann-Mundt
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jennifer Brooks
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jan G D'Haese
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplantation Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Steffen Teller
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Hecker
- Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Moritz Jesinghaus
- Institute of Pathology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Carsten Jäger
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Lei Ren
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.,Department of General Surgery (Gastrointestinal Surgery), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Rouzanna Istvanffy
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Kühnel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Helmut Friess
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany.,CRC 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany
| | - Güralp Onur Ceyhan
- Department of General Surgery, HPB-Unit, School of Medicine, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ihsan Ekin Demir
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany. .,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany. .,CRC 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany. .,Department of General Surgery, HPB-Unit, School of Medicine, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Li X, Tae HS, Chu Y, Jiang T, Adams DJ, Yu R. Medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and therapeutic potential of α-conotoxins antagonizing the α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 222:107792. [PMID: 33309557 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
α-Conotoxins are disulfide-rich and well-structured peptides, most of which can block nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) with exquisite selectivity and potency. There are various nAChR subtypes, of which the α9α10 nAChR functions as a heteromeric ionotropic receptor in the mammalian cochlea and mediates postsynaptic transmission from the medial olivocochlear. The α9α10 nAChR subtype has also been proposed as a target for the treatment of neuropathic pain and the suppression of breast cancer cell proliferation. Therefore, α-conotoxins targeting the α9α10 nAChR are potentially useful in the development of specific therapeutic drugs and pharmacological tools. Despite dissimilarities in their amino acid sequence and structures, these conopeptides are potent antagonists of the α9α10 nAChR subtype. Consequently, the activity and stability of these peptides have been subjected to chemical modifications. The resulting synthetic analogues have not only functioned as molecular probes to explore ligand binding sites of the α9α10 nAChR, but also have the potential to become candidates for drug development. From the perspectives of medicinal chemistry and pharmacology, we highlight the structure and function of the α9α10 nAChR and review studies of α-conotoxins targeting it, including their three-dimensional structures, structure optimization strategies, and binding modes at the α9α10 nAChR, as well as their therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Han-Shen Tae
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Yanyan Chu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China; Innovation Platform of Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong 266100, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - David J Adams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia.
| | - Rilei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China; Innovation Platform of Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong 266100, China.
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Pucci S, Fasoli F, Moretti M, Benfante R, Di Lascio S, Viani P, Daga A, Gordon TJ, McIntosh M, Zoli M, Clementi F, Gotti C. Choline and nicotine increase glioblastoma cell proliferation by binding and activating α7- and α9- containing nicotinic receptors. Pharmacol Res 2020; 163:105336. [PMID: 33276105 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastomas (GBMs), the most frequent and aggressive human primary brain tumours, have altered cell metabolism, and one of the strongest indicators of malignancy is an increase in choline compounds. Choline is also a selective agonist of some neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtypes. As little is known concerning the expression of nAChR in glioblastoma cells, we analysed in U87MG human grade-IV astrocytoma cell line and GBM5 temozolomide-resistant glioblastoma cells selected from a cancer stem cell-enriched culture, molecularly, pharmacologically and functionally which nAChR subtypes are expressed and,whether choline and nicotine can affect GBM cell proliferation. We found that U87MG and GBM5 cells express similar nAChR subtypes, and choline and nicotine increase their proliferation rate and activate the anti-apoptotic AKT and pro-proliferative ERK pathways. These effects are blocked by the presence of non-cell-permeable peptide antagonists selective for α7- and α9-containing nicotinic receptors. siRNA-mediated silencing of α7 or α9 subunit expression also selectively prevents the effects of nicotine and choline on GBM cell proliferation. Our findings indicate that nicotine and choline activate the signalling pathways involved in the proliferation of GBM cells, and that these effects are mediated by α7 and α9-containing nAChRs. This suggests that these nicotinic receptors may contribute to the aggressive behaviour of this tumor and may indicate new therapeutic strategies against high-grade human brain tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Pucci
- CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy; NeuroMi Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy; Hunimed University, Via Rita Levi-Montalcini 4, 20090 Pieve Emanuele (MI), Italy
| | - Francesca Fasoli
- CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy; NeuroMi Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy
| | - Milena Moretti
- CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Benfante
- CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy; NeuroMi Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Di Lascio
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Viani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Daga
- Cellular Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Thomas J Gordon
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Michael McIntosh
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Michele Zoli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (CfNN), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Clementi
- CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Gotti
- CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy; NeuroMi Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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Functional Characterization of Cholinergic Receptors in Melanoma Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113141. [PMID: 33120929 PMCID: PMC7693616 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last two decades, the scientific community has come to terms with the importance of non-neural acetylcholine in light of its multiple biological and pathological functions within and outside the nervous system. Apart from its well-known physiological role both in the central and peripheral nervous systems, in the autonomic nervous system, and in the neuromuscular junction, the expression of the acetylcholine receptors has been detected in different peripheral organs. This evidence has contributed to highlight new roles for acetylcholine in various biological processes, (e.g., cell viability, proliferation, differentiation, migration, secretion). In addition, growing evidence in recent years has also demonstrated new roles for acetylcholine and its receptors in cancer, where they are involved in the modulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and epithelial mesenchymal transition. In this review, we describe the functional characterization of acetylcholine receptors in different tumor types, placing attention on melanoma. The latest set of data accessible through literature, albeit limited, highlights how cholinergic receptors both of muscarinic and nicotinic type can play a relevant role in the migratory processes of melanoma cells, suggesting their possible involvement in invasion and metastasis.
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Low-Dose Nicotine Activates EGFR Signaling via α5-nAChR and Promotes Lung Adenocarcinoma Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186829. [PMID: 32957649 PMCID: PMC7555382 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nicotine in tobacco smoke is considered carcinogenic in several malignancies including lung cancer. The high incidence of lung adenocarcinoma (LAC) in non-smokers, however, remains unexplained. Although LAC has long been less associated with smoking behavior based on previous epidemiological correlation studies, the effect of environmental smoke contributing to low-dose nicotine exposure in non-smoking population could be underestimated. Here we provide experimental evidence of how low-dose nicotine promotes LAC growth in vitro and in vivo. Screening of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits in lung cancer cell lines demonstrated a particularly high expression level of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit α5 (α 5-nAChR) in LAC cell lines. Clinical specimen analysis revealed up-regulation of α 5-nAChR in LAC tumor tissues compared to non-tumor counterparts. In LAC cell lines α 5-nAChR interacts with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), positively regulates EGFR pathway, enhances the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers, and is essential for low-dose nicotine-induced EGFR phosphorylation. Functionally, low-dose nicotine requires α 5-nAChR to enhance cell migration, invasion, and proliferation. Knockdown of α 5-nAChR inhibits the xenograft tumor growth of LAC. Clinical analysis indicated that high level of tumor α 5-nAChR is correlated with poor survival rates of LAC patients, particularly in those expressing wild-type EGFR. Our data identified α 5-nAChR as an essential mediator for low-dose nicotine-dependent LAC progression possibly through signaling crosstalk with EGFR, supporting the involvement of environmental smoke in tumor progression in LAC patients.
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Salem A, Martínez Pulido P, Sanchez F, Sanchez Y, Español A, Sales M. Effect of low dose metronomic therapy on MCF-7 tumor cells growth and angiogenesis. Role of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 84:106514. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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Chen SH, Hsieh YY, Tzeng HE, Lin CY, Hsu KW, Chiang YS, Lin SM, Su MJ, Hsieh WS, Lee CH. ABL Genomic Editing Sufficiently Abolishes Oncogenesis of Human Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Cells In Vitro and In Vivo. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1399. [PMID: 32485885 PMCID: PMC7352505 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is the most common type of leukemia in adults, and more than 90% of CML patients harbor the abnormal Philadelphia chromosome (Ph) that encodes the BCR-ABL oncoprotein. Although the ABL kinase inhibitor (imatinib) has proven to be very effective in achieving high remission rates and improving prognosis, up to 33% of CML patients still cannot achieve an optimal response. Here, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to specifically target the BCR-ABL junction region in K562 cells, resulting in the inhibition of cancer cell growth and oncogenesis. Due to the variety of BCR-ABL junctions in CML patients, we utilized gene editing of the human ABL gene for clinical applications. Using the ABL gene-edited virus in K562 cells, we detected 41.2% indels in ABL sgRNA_2-infected cells. The ABL-edited cells reveled significant suppression of BCR-ABL protein expression and downstream signals, inhibiting cell growth and increasing cell apoptosis. Next, we introduced the ABL gene-edited virus into a systemic K562 leukemia xenograft mouse model, and bioluminescence imaging of the mice showed a significant reduction in the leukemia cell population in ABL-targeted mice, compared to the scramble sgRNA virus-injected mice. In CML cells from clinical samples, infection with the ABL gene-edited virus resulted in more than 30.9% indels and significant cancer cell death. Notably, no off-target effects or bone marrow cell suppression was found using the ABL gene-edited virus, ensuring both user safety and treatment efficacy. This study demonstrated the critical role of the ABL gene in maintaining CML cell survival and tumorigenicity in vitro and in vivo. ABL gene editing-based therapy might provide a potential strategy for imatinib-insensitive or resistant CML patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Huey Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
- Department of Pediatrics, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Yu Hsieh
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan;
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Huey-En Tzeng
- Ph.D. Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yu Lin
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan;
- Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-devices, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Wen Hsu
- Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung City 40402, Taiwan;
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung City 40402, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Shan Chiang
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Su-Mei Lin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei 11101, Taiwan;
| | - Ming-Jang Su
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan;
- Department of Family Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Shyang Hsieh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan;
| | - Chia-Hwa Lee
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan;
- Ph.D. Program in Medical Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
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41
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ABL Genomic Editing Sufficiently Abolishes Oncogenesis of Human Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Cells In Vitro and In Vivo. Cancers (Basel) 2020. [PMID: 32485885 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061399.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is the most common type of leukemia in adults, and more than 90% of CML patients harbor the abnormal Philadelphia chromosome (Ph) that encodes the BCR-ABL oncoprotein. Although the ABL kinase inhibitor (imatinib) has proven to be very effective in achieving high remission rates and improving prognosis, up to 33% of CML patients still cannot achieve an optimal response. Here, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to specifically target the BCR-ABL junction region in K562 cells, resulting in the inhibition of cancer cell growth and oncogenesis. Due to the variety of BCR-ABL junctions in CML patients, we utilized gene editing of the human ABL gene for clinical applications. Using the ABL gene-edited virus in K562 cells, we detected 41.2% indels in ABL sgRNA_2-infected cells. The ABL-edited cells reveled significant suppression of BCR-ABL protein expression and downstream signals, inhibiting cell growth and increasing cell apoptosis. Next, we introduced the ABL gene-edited virus into a systemic K562 leukemia xenograft mouse model, and bioluminescence imaging of the mice showed a significant reduction in the leukemia cell population in ABL-targeted mice, compared to the scramble sgRNA virus-injected mice. In CML cells from clinical samples, infection with the ABL gene-edited virus resulted in more than 30.9% indels and significant cancer cell death. Notably, no off-target effects or bone marrow cell suppression was found using the ABL gene-edited virus, ensuring both user safety and treatment efficacy. This study demonstrated the critical role of the ABL gene in maintaining CML cell survival and tumorigenicity in vitro and in vivo. ABL gene editing-based therapy might provide a potential strategy for imatinib-insensitive or resistant CML patients.
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42
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Papke RL, Lindstrom JM. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: Conventional and unconventional ligands and signaling. Neuropharmacology 2020; 168:108021. [PMID: 32146229 PMCID: PMC7610230 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Postsynaptic nAChRs in the peripheral nervous system are critical for neuromuscular and autonomic neurotransmission. Pre- and peri-synaptic nAChRs in the brain modulate neurotransmission and are responsible for the addictive effects of nicotine. Subtypes of nAChRs in lymphocytes and non-synaptic locations may modulate inflammation and other cellular functions. All AChRs that function as ligand-gated ion channels are formed from five homologous subunits organized to form a central cation channel whose opening is regulated by ACh bound at extracellular subunit interfaces. nAChR subtype subunit composition can range from α7 homomers to α4β2α6β2β3 heteromers. Subtypes differ in affinities for ACh and other agonists like nicotine and in efficiencies with which their channels are opened and desensitized. Subtypes also differ in affinities for antagonists and for positive and negative allosteric modulators. Some agonists are "silent" with respect to channel opening, and AChRs may be able to signal metabotropic pathways by releasing G-proteins independent of channel opening. Electrophysiological studies that can resolve single-channel openings and molecular genetic approaches have allowed characterization of the structures of ligand binding sites, the cation channel, and the linkages between them, as well as the organization of AChR subunits and their contributions to function. Crystallography and cryo-electron-microscopy are providing increasing insights into the structures and functions of AChRs. However, much remains to be learned about both AChR structure and function, the in vivo functional roles of some AChR subtypes, and the development of better pharmacological tools directed at AChRs to treat addiction, pain, inflammation, and other medically important issues. This article is part of the special issue on 'Contemporary Advances in Nicotine Neuropharmacology'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger L Papke
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, P.O. Box 100267, Gainesville, FL, 32610-0267, USA.
| | - Jon M Lindstrom
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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43
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Mussina K, Toktarkhanova D, Filchakova O. Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors of PC12 Cells. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2020; 41:17-29. [PMID: 32335772 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-00846-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have gained much attention in the scientific community since they play a significant role in multiple physiological and pathophysiological processes. Multiple approaches to study the receptors exist, with characterization of the receptors' functionality at a single cellular level using cell culturing being one of them. Derived from an adrenal medulla tumor, PC12 cells express nicotinic receptor subunits and form functional nicotinic receptors. Thus, the cells offer a convenient environment to address questions related to the functionality of the receptors. The review summarizes the findings on nicotinic receptors' expression and functions which were conducted using PC12 cells. Specific focus is given to α3-containing receptors as well as α7 receptor. Critical evaluation of findings is provided alongside insights into what can still be learned about nAChRs, using PC12 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamilla Mussina
- Biology Department, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, NurSultan, Republic of Kazakhstan
| | - Dana Toktarkhanova
- Biology Department, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, NurSultan, Republic of Kazakhstan
| | - Olena Filchakova
- Biology Department, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, NurSultan, Republic of Kazakhstan.
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44
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Sun Z, Bao J, Zhangsun M, Dong S, Zhangsun D, Luo S. αO-Conotoxin GeXIVA Inhibits the Growth of Breast Cancer Cells via Interaction with α9 Nicotine Acetylcholine Receptors. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:md18040195. [PMID: 32272701 PMCID: PMC7231225 DOI: 10.3390/md18040195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The α9-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is increasingly emerging as a new tumor target owing to its high expression specificity in breast cancer. αO-Conotoxin GeXIVA is a potent antagonist of α9α10 nAChR. Nevertheless, the anti-tumor effect of GeXIVA on breast cancer cells remains unclear. Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was used to study the cell viability of breast cancer MDA-MD-157 cells and human normal breast epithelial cells, which were exposed to different doses of GeXIVA. Flow cytometry was adopted to detect the cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of GeXIVA in breast cancer cells. Migration ability was analyzed by wound healing assay. Western blot (WB), quantitative real-time PCR (QRT-PCR) and flow cytometry were used to determine expression of α9-nAChR. Stable MDA-MB-157 breast cancer cell line, with the α9-nAChR subunit knocked out (KO), was established using the CRISPR/Cas9 technique. GeXIVA was able to significantly inhibit the proliferation and promote apoptosis of breast cancer MDA-MB-157 cells. Furthermore, the proliferation of breast cancer MDA-MB-157 cells was inhibited by GeXIVA, which caused cell cycle arrest through downregulating α9-nAChR. GeXIVA could suppress MDA-MB-157 cell migration as well. This demonstrates that GeXIVA induced a downregulation of α9-nAChR expression, and the growth of MDA-MB-157 α9-nAChR KO cell line was inhibited as well, due to α9-nAChR deletion. GeXIVA inhibits the growth of breast cancer cell MDA-MB-157 cells in vitro and may occur in a mechanism abolishing α9-nAChR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihua Sun
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (Z.S.); (J.B.); (M.Z.); (S.D.)
| | - Jiaolin Bao
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (Z.S.); (J.B.); (M.Z.); (S.D.)
| | - Manqi Zhangsun
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (Z.S.); (J.B.); (M.Z.); (S.D.)
| | - Shuai Dong
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (Z.S.); (J.B.); (M.Z.); (S.D.)
| | - Dongting Zhangsun
- Medical School, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (Z.S.); (J.B.); (M.Z.); (S.D.)
- Correspondence: (D.Z.); (S.L.)
| | - Sulan Luo
- Medical School, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (Z.S.); (J.B.); (M.Z.); (S.D.)
- Correspondence: (D.Z.); (S.L.)
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45
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Liang J, Tae HS, Xu X, Jiang T, Adams DJ, Yu R. Dimerization of α-Conotoxins as a Strategy to Enhance the Inhibition of the Human α7 and α9α10 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. J Med Chem 2020; 63:2974-2985. [PMID: 32101438 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The affinity of α-conotoxins, a class of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) peptide inhibitors, can be enhanced by dendrimerization. It has been hypothesized that this improvement arose from simultaneous binding of the α-conotoxins to several spatially adjacent sites. We here engineered several α-conotoxin dimers using a linker length compatible between neighboring binding sites on the same receptor. Remarkably, the dimer of α-conotoxin PeIA compared to the monomer displayed an increase in potency by 11-fold (IC50 = 1.9 nM) for the human α9α10 nAChR. The dimerization of α-conotoxin RgIA# resulted in a dual inhibitor that targets both α9α10 and α7 nAChR subtypes with an IC50 = ∼50 nM. The RgIA# dimer is therapeutically interesting because it is the first dual inhibitor that potently and selectively inhibits these two nAChR subtypes, which are both involved in the etiology of several cancers. We propose that the dimerization of α-conotoxins is a simpler and efficient alternative strategy to dendrimers for enhancing the activity of α-conotoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiazhen Liang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Han-Shen Tae
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Xiaoxiao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - David J Adams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Rilei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China.,Innovation Center for Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
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46
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Differential Expression of Nicotine Acetylcholine Receptors Associates with Human Breast Cancer and Mediates Antitumor Activity of αO-Conotoxin GeXIVA. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:md18010061. [PMID: 31963558 PMCID: PMC7024346 DOI: 10.3390/md18010061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are membrane receptors and play a major role in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Here, we have investigated the differential expression of nAChR subunits in human breast cancer cell lines and breast epithelial cell lines at mRNA and protein levels and the effects of the αO-conotoxin GeXIVA, antagonist of α9α10 nAChR, on human breast cancer cells. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) demonstrated that all nAChR subunits, except α6, were expressed in the 20 tested cell lines. Real time quantitative PCR (QRT-PCR) suggested that the mRNA of α5, α7, α9 and β4 nAChR subunits were overexpressed in all the breast cancer cell lines compared with the normal epithelial cell line HS578BST. α9 nAChR was highly expressed in almost all the breast cancer cell lines in comparison to normal cells. The different expression is prominent (p < 0.001) as determined by flow cytometry and Western blotting, except for MDA-MB-453 and HCC1395 cell lines. αO-conotoxin GeXIVA that targeted α9α10 nAChR were able to significantly inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation in vitro and merits further investigation as potential agents for targeted therapy.
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47
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Nguyen HD, Liao YC, Ho YS, Chen LC, Chang HW, Cheng TC, Liu D, Lee WR, Shen SC, Wu CH, Tu SH. The α9 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Mediates Nicotine-Induced PD-L1 Expression and Regulates Melanoma Cell Proliferation and Migration. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1991. [PMID: 31835799 PMCID: PMC6966517 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11121991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cigarette smoking is associated with an increased risk of melanoma metastasis. Smokers show higher PD-L1 expression and better responses to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors than nonsmokers. Here, we investigate whether nicotine, a primary constituent of tobacco, induces PD-L1 expression and promotes melanoma cell proliferation and migration, which is mediated by the α9 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α9-nAChR). α9-nAChR overexpression in melanoma using melanoma cell lines, human melanoma tissues, and assessment of publicly available databases. α9-nAChR expression was significantly correlated with PD-L1 expression, clinical stage, lymph node status, and overall survival (OS). Overexpressing or knocking down α9-nAChR in melanoma cells up- or downregulated PD-L1 expression, respectively, and affected melanoma cell proliferation and migration. Nicotine-induced α9-nAChR activity promoted melanoma cell proliferation through stimulation of the α9-nAChR-mediated AKT and ERK signaling pathways. In addition, nicotine-induced α9-nAchR activity promoted melanoma cell migration via activation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover, PD-L1 expression was upregulated in melanoma cells after nicotine treatment via the transcription factor STAT3 binding to the PD-L1 promoter. These results highlight that nicotine-induced α9-nAChR activity promotes melanoma cell proliferation, migration, and PD-L1 upregulation. This study may reveal important insights into the mechanisms underlying nicotine-induced melanoma growth and metastasis through α9-nAChR-mediated carcinogenic signals and PD-L1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Duong Nguyen
- International Master Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
| | - You-Cheng Liao
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; (Y.-C.L.); (W.-R.L.); (S.-C.S.)
| | - Yuan-Soon Ho
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; (Y.-S.H.); (L.-C.C.)
- Taipei Cancer Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
| | - Li-Ching Chen
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; (Y.-S.H.); (L.-C.C.)
- Taipei Cancer Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Wen Chang
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
| | - Tzu-Chun Cheng
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
| | - Donald Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Taipei Medical University Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City 237, Taiwan;
| | - Woan-Ruoh Lee
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; (Y.-C.L.); (W.-R.L.); (S.-C.S.)
- Department of Dermatology, Taipei Medical University Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City 237, Taiwan;
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Shing-Chuan Shen
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; (Y.-C.L.); (W.-R.L.); (S.-C.S.)
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- International Master/PhD Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 101, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hsiung Wu
- Department of Surgery, EnChu Kong Hospital, New Taipei City 237, Taiwan;
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hsin Tu
- Taipei Cancer Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
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48
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Identification of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits in different lung cancer cell lines and the inhibitory effect of alpha-conotoxin TxID on lung cancer cell growth. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 865:172674. [PMID: 31634461 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.172674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Revised: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer is an aggressive tumor with high incidence and mortality rate. There was growing evidence supporting that nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) play vital role inlung cancer development. In this study, the expression of α3, α4, α5, α6, α7, α9, α10, β2, β3, β4 nAChR subunits on protein and mRNA level were studied in A549, NCI-H1299, NCI-H1688, DMS114 and normal human embryonic lung fibroblast (HEL) cell lines by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blot assay respectively. The results indicated that most of these nAChR subunits were expressed in these five cell lines. Compared with normal cells, the expression of α3 and β4 nAChR subunits were upregulated in A549 and NCI-H1299. Thus, we treated A549 and NCI-H1299 with an antagonist α-conotoxin TxID which potently and selectively blocks α3β4 nAChRs. TxID treatment could inhibit A549 and NCI-H1299 cell growth and enhance the inhibitory effect of adriamycin when treated simultaneously. To sum up, our study identified the expression of nAChR subunits in different lung cells and the anti-tumor effect of α-conotoxin TxID, which may provide novel strategies for lung cancer therapy.
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49
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Chen J, Cheuk IWY, Shin VY, Kwong A. Acetylcholine receptors: Key players in cancer development. Surg Oncol 2019; 31:46-53. [PMID: 31536927 DOI: 10.1016/j.suronc.2019.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Acetylcholine (ACh) was first identified as a classic neuromodulator and transmit signals through two subgroups of receptors, namely muscarinic receptors (mAChRs) and nicotinic receptors (nAChRs). Apart from its well-established physiological role in central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS), autonomic nervous system and neuromuscular junction, the widely distributed expression of AChRs in different human organs suggests roles in other biological processes in addition to synaptic transmission. Accumulating evidence revealed that cancer cell processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and even epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are mediated by overexpression of AChRs in different kinds of tumors. In breast cancer, α7-nAChR and α9-nAChR were reported to be oncogenic. On the other hand, research on the role of mAChRs in breast cancer tumorgenesis is limited and confined to M3 receptor only. Since AChRs distributed in both CNS and PNS even non-neuronal tissues, there is an urgent need for the development of subtype-specific AChR antagonist which inhibits cancer cell progression with minimal intervention on the normal acetylcholine-regulated system within human body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Chen
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | | | | | - Ava Kwong
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Department of Surgery, Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, Hong Kong; Centre of Cancer Genetics Centre, Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, Hong Kong.
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50
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Abstract
Alterations in membrane proteins (MPs) and their regulated pathways have been established as cancer hallmarks and extensively targeted in clinical applications. However, the analysis of MP-interacting proteins and downstream pathways across human malignancies remains challenging. Here, we present a systematically integrated method to generate a resource of cancer membrane protein-regulated networks (CaMPNets), containing 63,746 high-confidence protein-protein interactions (PPIs) for 1962 MPs, using expression profiles from 5922 tumors with overall survival outcomes across 15 human cancers. Comprehensive analysis of CaMPNets links MP partner communities and regulated pathways to provide MP-based gene sets for identifying prognostic biomarkers and druggable targets. For example, we identify CHRNA9 with 12 PPIs (e.g., ERBB2) can be a therapeutic target and find its anti-metastasis agent, bupropion, for treatment in nicotine-induced breast cancer. This resource is a study to systematically integrate MP interactions, genomics, and clinical outcomes for helping illuminate cancer-wide atlas and prognostic landscapes in tumor homo/heterogeneity.
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