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Ge M, Zhu Y, Wei M, Piao H, He M. Improving the efficacy of anti-EGFR drugs in GBM: Where we are going? Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188996. [PMID: 37805108 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188996] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
The therapies targeting mutations of driver genes in cancer have advanced into clinical trials for a variety of tumors. In glioblastoma (GBM), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is the most commonly mutated oncogene, and targeting EGFR has been widely investigated as a promising direction. However, the results of EGFR pathway inhibitors have not been satisfactory. Limited blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, drug resistance, and pathway compensation mechanisms contribute to the failure of anti-EGFR therapies. This review summarizes recent research advances in EGFR-targeted therapy for GBM and provides insight into the reasons for the unsatisfactory results of EGFR-targeted therapy. By combining the results of preclinical studies with those of clinical trials, we discuss that improved drug penetration across the BBB, the use of multi-target combinations, and the development of peptidomimetic drugs under the premise of precision medicine may be promising strategies to overcome drug resistance in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manxi Ge
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China
| | - Yan Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China
| | - Minjie Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China; Liaoning Medical Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Shenyang, China.
| | - Haozhe Piao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Miao He
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Shenyang, China.
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2
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Luo G, Wang L, Zheng Z, Gao B, Lei C. Cuproptosis-Related Ferroptosis genes for Predicting Prognosis in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:176. [PMID: 37189176 PMCID: PMC10184413 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01137-z] [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: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) is a main subtype of kidney cancers. Cuproptosis and ferroptosis are correlated with immune infiltration and prognosis in tumors. However, the role of Cuproptosis-related Ferroptosis genes (CRFGs) in KIRC has rarely been fully understood. Therefore, we constructed a prognostic signature based on different expression of CRFGs in KIRC. All raw data of this study were extracted from public TCGA datasets. Cuproptosis and Ferroptosis genes were collected from the previous research. Finally, a total of 36 significantly different CRFGs were identified from TCGA-KIRC cohort. Six-gene signature (TRIB3, SLC2A3, PML, CD44, CDKN2A and MIOX) was identified by LASSO Cox regression based on the significantly different CRFGs. The CRFGs signature was correlated with worse overall survival and the AUC was 0.750. Functional enrichment indicated that CRFGs were mainly enriched in metabolism, drug resistance, tumor immunity pathways. Besides, the IC50 and immune checkpoint differentially expressed between different groups. The proposed 6-CRFGs signature is a promising biomarker to predict clinical outcomes and therapeutic responses for KIRC patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Lini Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Ziyu Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Baobao Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Chong Lei
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
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Liao W, Zhang L, Chen X, Xiang J, Zheng Q, Chen N, Zhao M, Zhang G, Xiao X, Zhou G, Zeng J, Tang J. Targeting cancer stem cells and signalling pathways through phytochemicals: A promising approach against colorectal cancer. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 108:154524. [PMID: 36375238 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are strongly associated with high tumourigenicity, chemotherapy or radiotherapy resistance, and metastasis and recurrence, particularly in colorectal cancer (CRC). Therefore, targeting CSCs may be a promising approach. Recently, discovery and research on phytochemicals that effectively target colorectal CSCs have been gaining popularity because of their broad safety profile and multi-target and multi-pathway modes of action. PURPOSE This review aimed to elucidate and summarise the effects and mechanisms of phytochemicals with potential anti-CSC agents that could contribute to the better management of CRC. METHODS We reviewed PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Ovid, ScienceDirect and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases from the original publication date to March 2022 to review the mechanisms by which phytochemicals inhibit CRC progression by targeting CSCs and their key signalling pathways. Phytochemicals were classified and summarised based on the mechanisms of action. RESULTS We observed that phytochemicals could affect the biological properties of colorectal CSCs. Phytochemicals significantly inhibit self-renewal, migration, invasion, colony formation, and chemoresistance and induce apoptosis and differentiation of CSCs by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway (e.g., diallyl trisulfide and genistein), the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway (e.g., caffeic acid and piperlongumine), the neurogenic locus notch homolog protein pathway (e.g., honokiol, quercetin, and α-mangostin), the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway (e.g., curcumin, morin, and ursolic acid), and other key signalling pathways. It is worth noting that several phytochemicals, such as resveratrol, silibinin, evodiamine, and thymoquinone, highlight multi-target and multi-pathway effects in restraining the malignant biological behaviour of CSCs. CONCLUSIONS This review demonstrates the potential of targeted therapies for colorectal CSCs using phytochemicals. Phytochemicals could serve as novel therapeutic agents for CRC and aid in drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhao Liao
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Lanlan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory Basis of Xinjiang Indigenous Medicinal Plants Resource Utilization, Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Chemistry in Arid Regions, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xian Chen
- Department of Pathology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Juyi Xiang
- Center for drug evaluation, National Medical Products Administration, Beijing 100022, China
| | - Qiao Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Nianzhi Chen
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Maoyuan Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Gang Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Xiaolin Xiao
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Gang Zhou
- Center for drug evaluation, National Medical Products Administration, Beijing 100022, China.
| | - Jinhao Zeng
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China; Department of Geriatrics, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China.
| | - Jianyuan Tang
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China.
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Hersh AM, Gaitsch H, Alomari S, Lubelski D, Tyler BM. Molecular Pathways and Genomic Landscape of Glioblastoma Stem Cells: Opportunities for Targeted Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:3743. [PMID: 35954407 PMCID: PMC9367289 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive tumor of the central nervous system categorized by the World Health Organization as a Grade 4 astrocytoma. Despite treatment with surgical resection, adjuvant chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, outcomes remain poor, with a median survival of only 14-16 months. Although tumor regression is often observed initially after treatment, long-term recurrence or progression invariably occurs. Tumor growth, invasion, and recurrence is mediated by a unique population of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). Their high mutation rate and dysregulated transcriptional landscape augment their resistance to conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy, explaining the poor outcomes observed in patients. Consequently, GSCs have emerged as targets of interest in new treatment paradigms. Here, we review the unique properties of GSCs, including their interactions with the hypoxic microenvironment that drives their proliferation. We discuss vital signaling pathways in GSCs that mediate stemness, self-renewal, proliferation, and invasion, including the Notch, epidermal growth factor receptor, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt, sonic hedgehog, transforming growth factor beta, Wnt, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and inhibitors of differentiation pathways. We also review epigenomic changes in GSCs that influence their transcriptional state, including DNA methylation, histone methylation and acetylation, and miRNA expression. The constituent molecular components of the signaling pathways and epigenomic regulators represent potential sites for targeted therapy, and representative examples of inhibitory molecules and pharmaceuticals are discussed. Continued investigation into the molecular pathways of GSCs and candidate therapeutics is needed to discover new effective treatments for GBM and improve survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M. Hersh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.M.H.); (H.G.); (S.A.); (D.L.)
| | - Hallie Gaitsch
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.M.H.); (H.G.); (S.A.); (D.L.)
- NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program, Wellcome—MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
| | - Safwan Alomari
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.M.H.); (H.G.); (S.A.); (D.L.)
| | - Daniel Lubelski
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.M.H.); (H.G.); (S.A.); (D.L.)
| | - Betty M. Tyler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.M.H.); (H.G.); (S.A.); (D.L.)
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5
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Elgendy SM, Alyammahi SK, Alhamad DW, Abdin SM, Omar HA. Ferroptosis: An emerging approach for targeting cancer stem cells and drug resistance. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2020; 155:103095. [PMID: 32927333 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2020.103095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance to chemotherapeutic agents remains a major challenge in the fierce battle against cancer. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small population of cells in tumors that possesses the ability to self-renew, initiate tumors, and cause resistance to conventional anticancer agents. Targeting this population of cells was proven as a promising approach to eliminate cancer recurrence and improve the clinical outcome. CSCs are less susceptible to death by classical anticancer agents inducing apoptosis. CSCs can be eradicated by ferroptosis, which is a non-apoptotic-regulated mechanism of cell death. The induction of ferroptosis is an attractive strategy to eliminate tumors due to its ability to selectively target aggressive CSCs. The current review critically explored the crosstalk and regulatory pathways controlling ferroptosis, which can selectively induce CSCs death. In addition, successful chemotherapeutic agents that achieve better therapeutic outcomes through the induction of ferroptosis in CSCs were discussed to highlight their promising clinical impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Elgendy
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates; College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shatha K Alyammahi
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates; College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Dima W Alhamad
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates; College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shifaa M Abdin
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates; College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hany A Omar
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates; College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates.
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6
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Soubéran A, Tchoghandjian A. Practical Review on Preclinical Human 3D Glioblastoma Models: Advances and Challenges for Clinical Translation. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092347. [PMID: 32825103 PMCID: PMC7563542 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fifteen years after the establishment of the Stupp protocol as the standard of care to treat glioblastomas, no major clinical advances have been achieved and increasing patient’s overall survival remains a challenge. Nevertheless, crucial molecular and cellular findings revealed the intra-tumoral and inter-tumoral complexities of these incurable brain tumors, and the essential role played by cells of the microenvironment in the lack of treatment efficacy. Taking this knowledge into account, fulfilling gaps between preclinical models and clinical samples is necessary to improve the successful rate of clinical trials. Since the beginning of the characterization of brain tumors initiated by Bailey and Cushing in the 1920s, several glioblastoma models have been developed and improved. In this review, we focused on the most widely used 3D human glioblastoma models, including spheroids, tumorospheres, organotypic slices, explants, tumoroids and glioblastoma-derived from cerebral organoids. We discuss their history, development and especially their usefulness.
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7
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Cancer Stem Cells: Acquisition, Characteristics, Therapeutic Implications, Targeting Strategies and Future Prospects. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2020; 15:331-355. [PMID: 30993589 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-019-09887-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Since last two decades, the major cancer research has focused on understanding the characteristic properties and mechanism of formation of Cancer stem cells (CSCs), due to their ability to initiate tumor growth, self-renewal property and multi-drug resistance. The discovery of the mechanism of acquisition of stem-like properties by carcinoma cells via epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has paved a way towards a deeper understanding of CSCs and presented a possible avenue for the development of therapeutic strategies. In spite of years of research, various challenges, such as identification of CSC subpopulation, lack of appropriate experimental models, targeting cancer cells and CSCs specifically without harming normal cells, are being faced while dealing with CSCs. Here, we discuss the biology and characteristics of CSCs, mode of acquisition of stemness (via EMT) and development of multi-drug resistance, the role of tumor niche, the process of dissemination and metastasis, therapeutic implications of CSCs and necessity of targeting them. We emphasise various strategies being developed to specifically target CSCs, including those targeting biomarkers, key pathways and microenvironment. Finally, we focus on the challenges that need to be subdued and propose the aspects that need to be addressed in future studies in order to broaden the understanding of CSCs and develop novel strategies to eradicate them in clinical applications. Graphical Abstract Cancer Stem Cells(CSCs) have gained much attention in the last few decades due to their ability to initiate tumor growth and, self-renewal property and multi-drug resistance. Here, we represent the CSC model of cancer, Characteristics of CSCs, acquisition of stemness and metastatic dissemination of cancer, Therapeutic implications of CSCs and Various strategies being employed to target and eradicate CSCs.
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8
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Shiba S, Ikeda K, Suzuki T, Shintani D, Okamoto K, Horie-Inoue K, Hasegawa K, Inoue S. Hormonal Regulation of Patient-Derived Endometrial Cancer Stem-like Cells Generated by Three-Dimensional Culture. Endocrinology 2019; 160:1895-1906. [PMID: 31265065 DOI: 10.1210/en.2019-00362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Low-grade and early-stage endometrial cancer usually has a favorable prognosis, whereas recurrent or metastatic disease is often difficult to cure. Thus, the molecular mechanisms underlying advanced pathophysiology remain to be elucidated. From the perspective of the origin of advanced endometrial cancer, the characterization of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) will be the first step toward the development of clinical management. We established long-term culturable patient-derived cancer cells (PDCs) from patient endometrial tumors by spheroid cell culture, which is favorable for the enrichment of CSCs. PDC-derived xenograft tumors were generated in immunodeficient NOD/Shi-scid, IL-2RγKO Jic mice. Morphologically, PDCs derived from three distinct patient samples and their xenograft tumors recapitulated the corresponding original patient tumors. Of note, CSC-related genes including ALDH1A1 were upregulated in all of these PDCs, and the therapeutic potentiality of aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitors was demonstrated. In addition, these PDCs and their patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models exhibited distinct characteristics on the basis of their hormone responsiveness and metastatic features. Interestingly, genes associated with inflammation and tumor immunity were upregulated by 17β-estradiol in PDC lines with high estrogen receptor expression and were also overexpressed in secondary PDCs obtained from metastatic tumor models. These results suggest that PDC and PDX models from endometrial cancer specimens would be useful to elucidate CSC traits and to develop alternative diagnostic and therapeutic options for advanced disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachiko Shiba
- Division of Gene Regulation and Signal Transduction, Research Center for Genomic Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Ikeda
- Division of Gene Regulation and Signal Transduction, Research Center for Genomic Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Takashi Suzuki
- Department of Pathology and Histotechnology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Daisuke Shintani
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Koji Okamoto
- Division of Cancer Differentiation, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kuniko Horie-Inoue
- Division of Gene Regulation and Signal Transduction, Research Center for Genomic Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kosei Hasegawa
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Satoshi Inoue
- Division of Gene Regulation and Signal Transduction, Research Center for Genomic Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
- Department of Functional Biogerontology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
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Pietrobono S, Gagliardi S, Stecca B. Non-canonical Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Cancer: Activation of GLI Transcription Factors Beyond Smoothened. Front Genet 2019; 10:556. [PMID: 31244888 PMCID: PMC6581679 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog-GLI (HH-GLI) pathway is a highly conserved signaling that plays a critical role in controlling cell specification, cell–cell interaction and tissue patterning during embryonic development. Canonical activation of HH-GLI signaling occurs through binding of HH ligands to the twelve-pass transmembrane receptor Patched 1 (PTCH1), which derepresses the seven-pass transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor Smoothened (SMO). Thus, active SMO initiates a complex intracellular cascade that leads to the activation of the three GLI transcription factors, the final effectors of the HH-GLI pathway. Aberrant activation of this signaling has been implicated in a wide variety of tumors, such as those of the brain, skin, breast, gastrointestinal, lung, pancreas, prostate and ovary. In several of these cases, activation of HH-GLI signaling is mediated by overproduction of HH ligands (e.g., prostate cancer), loss-of-function mutations in PTCH1 or gain-of-function mutations in SMO, which occur in the majority of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), SHH-subtype medulloblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. Besides the classical canonical ligand-PTCH1-SMO route, mounting evidence points toward additional, non-canonical ways of GLI activation in cancer. By non-canonical we refer to all those mechanisms of activation of the GLI transcription factors occurring independently of SMO. Often, in a given cancer type canonical and non-canonical activation of HH-GLI signaling co-exist, and in some cancer types, more than one mechanism of non-canonical activation may occur. Tumors harboring non-canonical HH-GLI signaling are less sensitive to SMO inhibition, posing a threat for therapeutic efficacy of these antagonists. Here we will review the most recent findings on the involvement of alternative signaling pathways in inducing GLI activity in cancer and stem cells. We will also discuss the rationale of targeting these oncogenic pathways in combination with HH-GLI inhibitors as a promising anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pietrobono
- Tumor Cell Biology Unit - Core Research Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Sinforosa Gagliardi
- Tumor Cell Biology Unit - Core Research Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Barbara Stecca
- Tumor Cell Biology Unit - Core Research Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
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10
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Abstract
The hedgehog (Hh) pathway plays an important role in cancer development and maintenance, as ~25% of all cancers have aberrant Hh pathway activation. Targeted therapy for inhibition of the Hh pathway was thought to be promising for achieving clinical response in the Hh-dependent cancers. However, the results of new clinical trials with smoothened (SMO) antagonists do not show much success in cancers other than basal cell carcinoma. The studies suggest that the Hh pathway involves multiple mechanisms of activation or inhibition in primary cilia and interactions between several related pathways in different types of cells, which makes this pathway extremely complex. The SMO-specific antagonists may not stop all relevant pathways that may lead to escape or development of resistance. Therefore, in the Hh-dependent cancers, the inhibition of two or more oncogenic pathways (including the Hh pathway) with use of a single agent of a suitable multitarget profile or a combination of drugs seems promising for achieving clinical response in patients and decrease in resistance development with prolonged use of the specific SMO antagonists. Furthermore, for studying the effect of new treatments, the inclusion criteria should be more specific for selection of patients with aberrant Hh pathway activity confirmed by tests. These considerations will be very helpful for choosing the right patients and the right drugs for the best therapeutic outcome.
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11
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Dimou A, Bamias A, Gogas H, Syrigos K. Inhibition of the Hedgehog pathway in lung cancer. Lung Cancer 2019; 133:56-61. [PMID: 31200829 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Inhibitors of the hedgehog pathway are effective in patients with basal cell carcinoma and a subgroup of patients with medulloblastoma with active hedgehog signaling. Despite preclinical work suggesting otherwise, clinical trials in solid tumors of epithelial origin have not shown added benefit with these drugs. Here, we review the preclinical and clinical data of hedgehog pathway inhibition in the most common histologic types of lung cancer. We focus on highlighting areas of uncertainty, where further research might define a niche for hedgehog pathway inhibition in patients with lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Dimou
- University of Colorado, Division of Medical Oncology, 12801 E. 17th Avenue, Mail Stop 8117, Research 1 South, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - A Bamias
- Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, 80 Vasilisis Sofias Avenue, Athens, Greece.
| | - H Gogas
- Laiko General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, 1st Department of Medicine, 17 Agiou Thoma St. Athens, Greece.
| | - K Syrigos
- Sotiria Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, 3rd Department of Medicine, 152 Masogeion Avenue, Athens, Greece.
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12
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Saleem H, Kulsoom Abdul U, Küçükosmanoglu A, Houweling M, Cornelissen FMG, Heiland DH, Hegi ME, Kouwenhoven MCM, Bailey D, Würdinger T, Westerman BA. The TICking clock of EGFR therapy resistance in glioblastoma: Target Independence or target Compensation. Drug Resist Updat 2019; 43:29-37. [PMID: 31054489 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Targeted therapy against driver mutations responsible for cancer progression has been shown to be effective in many tumor types. For glioblastoma (GBM), the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene is the most frequently mutated oncogenic driver and has therefore been considered an attractive target for therapy. However, so far responses to EGFR-pathway inhibitors have been disappointing. We performed an exhaustive analysis of the mechanisms that might account for therapy resistance against EGFR inhibition. We define two major mechanisms of resistance and propose modalities to overcome them. The first resistance mechanism concerns target independence. In this case, cells have lost expression of the EGFR protein and experience no negative impact of EGFR targeting. Loss of extrachromosomally encoded EGFR as present in double minute DNA is a frequent mechanism for this type of drug resistance. The second mechanism concerns target compensation. In this case, cells will counteract EGFR inhibition by activation of compensatory pathways that render them independent of EGFR signaling. Compensatory pathway candidates are platelet-derived growth factor β (PDGFβ), Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGFR1) and cMET and their downstream targets, all not commonly mutated at the time of diagnosis alongside EGFR mutation. Given that both mechanisms make cells independent of EGFR expression, other means have to be found to eradicate drug resistant cells. To this end we suggest rational strategies which include the use of multi-target therapies that hit truncation mutations (mechanism 1) or multi-target therapies to co-inhibit compensatory proteins (mechanism 2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamza Saleem
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - U Kulsoom Abdul
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Asli Küçükosmanoglu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Megan Houweling
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Fleur M G Cornelissen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Division of Biology, Nature Science Building, 9500 Gilman Drive, CA, 92093-0377, United States
| | - Dieter H Heiland
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Monika E Hegi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital, Chemin des Boveresses 155, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Mathilde C M Kouwenhoven
- Department of Neurology, Brain Tumor Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - David Bailey
- IOTA Pharmaceuticals Ltd, St Johns Innovation Centre, Cowley Road, Cambridge, CB4 0WS, UK
| | - Tom Würdinger
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bart A Westerman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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13
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Ghanbari A, Cheraghzadeh Z, Mahmoudi R, Zibara K, Hosseini E. GLI inhibitors overcome Erlotinib resistance in human pancreatic cancer cells by modulating E-cadherin. J Chemother 2019; 31:141-149. [PMID: 30983542 DOI: 10.1080/1120009x.2019.1584422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of hedgehog (Hh) signalling pathway, including its end effector GLI1, can reverse epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) which plays an important role in drug resistance of pancreatic cancer cells to Erlotinib (ETB). This study investigated the effect of GLI inhibitors Forskolin (FSK), GANT-61 (GNT), and Arsenic trioxide (ATX) on suppressing the resistance of pancreatic cancer cells to ETB. The effect of GLI inhibitors was evaluated by measuring mRNA expression levels of EMT factors using quantitative RT-PCR. Immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry were used to assess E-cadherin (E-Cad) and GLI1 protein levels. MTT and apoptosis assays were used to evaluate the synergistic effects for the combination treatment of each GLI inhibitor with ETB. Pancreatic cancer cells PANC-1 treated by GNT showed the highest significant reduction in mRNA levels of GLI1 and other EMT pathway genes. Moreover, GNT was able to upregulate E-Cad and downregulate GLI1 proteins, more than FSK, while ATX had no effect. Apoptosis levels of PANC-1 cells following treatment with LD30 concentrations of FSK, GNT, or ATX, showed 57%, 62% and 67%, respectively, in comparison to ETB (∼48%). Importantly, combination treatments of ETB with either FSK, GNT, or ATX demonstrated a significant increase in apoptotic cells reaching 61% (ETB + FSK), 80% (ETB + GNT) or 88% (ETB + ATX). FSK did not have much effect on the drug resistance of PANC-1 cells to ETB. However, GNT, but more effectively ATX, were able to reduce the drug resistance of this cell line to ETB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Ghanbari
- a Cellular and Molecular Research Center , Yasuj University of Medical Sciences , Yasuj , Iran
| | - Zeinab Cheraghzadeh
- a Cellular and Molecular Research Center , Yasuj University of Medical Sciences , Yasuj , Iran
| | - Reza Mahmoudi
- a Cellular and Molecular Research Center , Yasuj University of Medical Sciences , Yasuj , Iran
| | - Kazem Zibara
- b PRASE, Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences-I , Lebanese University , Beirut , Lebanon
| | - Ebrahim Hosseini
- a Cellular and Molecular Research Center , Yasuj University of Medical Sciences , Yasuj , Iran
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14
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Guishard AF, Yakisich JS, Azad N, Iyer AKV. Translational gap in ongoing clinical trials for glioma. J Clin Neurosci 2018; 47:28-42. [PMID: 29066236 PMCID: PMC5733731 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Despite the vast amounts of information gathered about gliomas, the overall survival of glioma patients has not improved in the last four decades. This could partially be due to an apparent failure to include basic concepts of glioma biology into clinical trials. Specifically, attempts to overcome the limitations of the blood brain barrier (BBB) and the chemoresistance of glioma stem cells (GSCs) were seldom included (a phenomenon known as the translational gap, TG) in a study involving 29 Phase I/II clinical trials (P2CT) published in 2011. The aim of this study was to re-evaluate this finding with a new series of 100 ongoing, but still unpublished, P2CT in order to determine if there is a TG reduction. As indicators, we evaluated in each P2CT the number of drugs tested, concomitant radiotherapy, and the ability of drugs to pass the BBB and to target GSCs. Compared to clinical trials published in 2011, we found that while in OCT there is an increase in the number of P2CT using two drugs (from 24.1% to 44.9%), and an increase in the number of drugs able to pass the BBB (7.14% versus 64.29%) and target GSCs (0% versus 16.3%), there was a decrease in the number of P2CT using concomitant radiotherapy (34.5% versus 18.37%). Overall our results suggest that there is only a modest improvement regarding reducing the TG because the vast majority of ongoing P2CT are still not including well known concepts of glioma biology important for a successful treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juan Sebastian Yakisich
- School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hampton University, VA 23668, USA
| | - Neelam Azad
- School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hampton University, VA 23668, USA
| | - Anand Krishnan V Iyer
- School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hampton University, VA 23668, USA.
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15
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Organotypic three-dimensional cancer cell cultures mirror drug responses in vivo: lessons learned from the inhibition of EGFR signaling. Oncotarget 2017; 8:107423-107440. [PMID: 29296175 PMCID: PMC5746077 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Complex three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models that recapitulate human tumor biology are essential to understand the pathophysiology of the disease and to aid in the discovery of novel anti-cancer therapies. 3D organotypic cultures exhibit intercellular communication, nutrient and oxygen gradients, and cell polarity that is lacking in two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cultures. In the present study, we demonstrate that 2D and 3D cancer models exhibit different drug sensitivities towards both targeted inhibitors of EGFR signaling and broad acting cytotoxic agents. Changes in the kinase activities of ErbB family members and differential expression of apoptosis- and survival-associated genes before and after drug treatment may account for the differential drug sensitivities. Importantly, EGFR oncoprotein addiction was evident only in the 3D cultures mirroring the effect of EGFR inhibition in the clinic. Furthermore, targeted drug efficacy was strongly increased when incorporating cancer-associated fibroblasts into the 3D cultures. Taken together, we provide conclusive evidence that complex 3D cultures are more predictive of the clinical outcome than their 2D counterparts. In the future, 3D cultures will be instrumental for understanding the mode of action of drugs, identifying genotype-drug response relationships and developing patient-specific and personalized cancer treatments.
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16
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Gan HK, van den Bent M, Lassman AB, Reardon DA, Scott AM. Antibody-drug conjugates in glioblastoma therapy: the right drugs to the right cells. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2017; 14:695-707. [PMID: 28675164 DOI: 10.1038/nrclinonc.2017.95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastomas are high-grade brain tumours with a poor prognosis and, currently, few available therapeutic options. This lack of effective treatments has been linked to diverse factors, including target selection, tumour heterogeneity and poor penetrance of therapeutic agents through the blood-brain barrier and into tumours. Therapies using monoclonal antibodies, alone or linked to cytotoxic payloads, have proved beneficial for patients with different solid tumours; these approaches are currently being explored in patients with glioblastoma. In this Review, we summarise clinical data regarding antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) against a variety of targets in glioblastoma, and compare the efficacy and toxicity of targeting EGFR with ADCs versus naked antibodies in order to illustrate key aspects of the use of ADCs in this malignancy. Finally, we discuss the complex challenges related to the biology and mutational changes of glioblastoma that can affect the use of ADC-based therapies in patients with this disease, and highlight potential strategies to improve efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui K Gan
- Austin Health and Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia.,La Trobe University School of Cancer Medicine, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
| | - Martin van den Bent
- Brain Tumour Centre, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Groene Hilledijk 301, 3075 EA Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Andrew B Lassman
- Department of Neurology & Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, 161 Fort Washington Avenue, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - David A Reardon
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Dana 2134, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - Andrew M Scott
- Austin Health and Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia.,La Trobe University School of Cancer Medicine, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
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17
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ErbB Family Signalling: A Paradigm for Oncogene Addiction and Personalized Oncology. Cancers (Basel) 2017; 9:cancers9040033. [PMID: 28417948 PMCID: PMC5406708 DOI: 10.3390/cancers9040033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
ErbB family members represent important biomarkers and drug targets for modern precision therapy. They have gained considerable importance as paradigms for oncoprotein addiction and personalized medicine. This review summarizes the current understanding of ErbB proteins in cell signalling and cancer and describes the molecular rationale of prominent cases of ErbB oncoprotein addiction in different cancer types. In addition, we have highlighted experimental technologies for the development of innovative cancer cell models that accurately predicted clinical ErbB drug efficacies. In the future, such cancer models might facilitate the identification and validation of physiologically relevant novel forms of oncoprotein and non-oncoprotein addiction or synthetic lethality. The identification of genotype-drug response relationships will further advance personalized oncology and improve drug efficacy in the clinic. Finally, we review the most important drugs targeting ErbB family members that are under investigation in clinical trials or that made their way already into clinical routine. Taken together, the functional characterization of ErbB oncoproteins have significantly increased our knowledge on predictive biomarkers, oncoprotein addiction and patient stratification and treatment.
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18
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Hedgehog Pathway Inhibition Hampers Sphere and Holoclone Formation in Rhabdomyosarcoma. Stem Cells Int 2017; 2017:7507380. [PMID: 28243259 PMCID: PMC5294584 DOI: 10.1155/2017/7507380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common type of soft tissue sarcoma in children and can be divided into two main subtypes: embryonal (eRMS) and alveolar (aRMS). Among the cellular heterogeneity of tumors, the existence of a small fraction of cells called cancer stem cells (CSC), thought to be responsible for the onset and propagation of cancer, has been demonstrated in some neoplasia. Although the existence of CSC has been reported for eRMS, their existence in aRMS, the most malignant subtype, has not been demonstrated to date. Given the lack of suitable markers to identify this subpopulation in aRMS, we used cancer stem cell-enriched supracellular structures (spheres and holoclones) to study this subpopulation. This strategy allowed us to demonstrate the capacity of both aRMS and eRMS cells to form these structures and retain self-renewal capacity. Furthermore, cells contained in spheres and holoclones showed significant Hedgehog pathway induction, the inhibition of which (pharmacologic or genetic) impairs the formation of both holoclones and spheres. Our findings point to a crucial role of this pathway in the maintenance of these structures and suggest that Hedgehog pathway targeting in CSC may have great potential in preventing local relapses and metastases.
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19
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Müller S, Cañeque T, Acevedo V, Rodriguez R. Targeting Cancer Stem Cells with Small Molecules. Isr J Chem 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/ijch.201600109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Müller
- Institut Curie Research Center; CNRS UMR 3666; Organic Synthesis and Cell Biology Group; 26 rue d'Ulm 75248 Paris France
| | - Tatiana Cañeque
- Institut Curie Research Center; CNRS UMR 3666; Organic Synthesis and Cell Biology Group; 26 rue d'Ulm 75248 Paris France
| | - Verónica Acevedo
- Institut Curie Research Center; CNRS UMR 3666; Organic Synthesis and Cell Biology Group; 26 rue d'Ulm 75248 Paris France
| | - Raphaël Rodriguez
- Institut Curie Research Center; CNRS UMR 3666; Organic Synthesis and Cell Biology Group; 26 rue d'Ulm 75248 Paris France
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20
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Wang A, Qu L, Wang L. At the crossroads of cancer stem cells and targeted therapy resistance. Cancer Lett 2017; 385:87-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2016.10.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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21
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Sun M, Zhang N, Wang X, Li Y, Qi W, Zhang H, Li Z, Yang Q. Hedgehog pathway is involved in nitidine chloride induced inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cells-like properties in breast cancer cells. Cell Biosci 2016; 6:44. [PMID: 27313840 PMCID: PMC4910241 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-016-0104-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The complications of clinical metastatic disease are responsible for the majority of breast cancer related deaths, and fewer therapies substantially prolong survival. Nitidine chloride (NC), a natural polyphenolic compound, has been shown to exhibit potent anticancer effects in many cancer types, including breast cancer. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the acquisition of cancer stem cells (CSCs)-like properties emerge as critical steps in the metastasis of human cancers. However, the effects of NC on the EMT and the CSCs-like properties in breast cancer cells, and the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Results In the present study, MDA-MB-468 and MCF-7 cancer cells were treated with NC. Scratch and Transwell assays were performed to determine whether NC could attenuate the migratory and invasive capability of cancer cells; Mammosphere formation and flow cytometry analysis were performed to confirm that NC decreased CSCs-like phenotype; RT-PCR and western blot analysis were used to examine the expression level of EMT and CSC related markers in both cells. Mechanistically, NC could inhibit the components of Hedgehog pathway (smoothened, patched, Gli1 and Gli2), subsequently inhibited the expression of Snail, Slug and Zeb1, which were correlated with the significant changes of the expression of EMT related markers (N-cadherin, E-cadherin, and Vimentin) to reverse EMT. On the other hand, NC could also inhibit the expression of CSCs related factors such as Nanog, Nestin, Oct-4 and CD44 via Hedgehog pathway. Furthermore, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced increment of EMT and CSCs properties could be reversed by NC. Conclusions Taken together, these data indicated that NC suppressed breast cancer EMT and CSCs-like properties through inhibiting Hedgehog signaling pathway. Our study suggested that NC may be a potential anticancer agent for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjuan Sun
- Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Jiyan Road 440, Jinan, 250117 Shandong Province People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Wenhua Xi Road No. 107, Jinan, 250012 Shandong Province People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaolong Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Wenhua Xi Road No. 107, Jinan, 250012 Shandong Province People's Republic of China
| | - Yaming Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Wenhua Xi Road No. 107, Jinan, 250012 Shandong Province People's Republic of China
| | - Wenwen Qi
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Wenhua Xi Road No. 107, Jinan, 250012 Shandong Province People's Republic of China
| | - Hanwen Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Wenhua Xi Road No. 107, Jinan, 250012 Shandong Province People's Republic of China
| | - Zengjun Li
- Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Jiyan Road 440, Jinan, 250117 Shandong Province People's Republic of China
| | - Qifeng Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Wenhua Xi Road No. 107, Jinan, 250012 Shandong Province People's Republic of China ; Pathology Tissue Bank, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Wenhua Xi Road No.107, Jinan, 250012 Shandong Province People's Republic of China
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22
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Venkatesan S, Lamfers MLM, Dirven CMF, Leenstra S. Genetic biomarkers of drug response for small-molecule therapeutics targeting the RTK/Ras/PI3K, p53 or Rb pathway in glioblastoma. CNS Oncol 2016; 5:77-90. [PMID: 26986934 DOI: 10.2217/cns-2015-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most deadly and frequently occurring primary malignant tumor of the central nervous system. Genomic studies have shown that mutated oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in glioblastoma mainly occur in three pathways: the RTK/Ras/PI3K signaling, the p53 and the Rb pathways. In this review, we summarize the modulatory effects of genetic aberrations in these three pathways to drugs targeting these specific pathways. We also provide an overview of the preclinical efforts made to identify genetic biomarkers of response and resistance. Knowledge of biomarkers will finally promote patient stratification in clinical trials, a prerequisite for trial design in the era of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subramanian Venkatesan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Center of the Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,UCL Cancer Institute, Paul O'Gorman Building, London, UK
| | - Martine L M Lamfers
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Center of the Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Clemens M F Dirven
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Center of the Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sieger Leenstra
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Center of the Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurosurgery, Elisabeth Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands
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23
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Li H, Li J, Feng L. Hedgehog signaling pathway as a therapeutic target for ovarian cancer. Cancer Epidemiol 2015; 40:152-7. [PMID: 26724464 DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2015.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Revised: 10/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal cause of death among gynecological malignancies. Despite advancements in surgery and chemotherapy treatment strategies, the prognosis of ovarian cancer patients remains poor; a majority of patients relapse and eventually succumb to this disease. Therefore, novel therapeutic approaches to improve patient outcome are urgently needed. The hedgehog signaling pathway is vital for embryonic development and tissue homeostasis, and its deregulation is implicated in cancer cell growth, survival, differentiation, and metastasis. The critical role of hedgehog signaling in multiple biologic processes raises concerns about its potential therapeutic use in cancer. Consequently, many studies are focusing on hedgehog signaling as an attractive target in cancer treatment. In this review, we present an overview of the hedgehog pathway and its pathological aberrations in ovarian cancer. We also discuss inhibitors of the hedgehog signaling pathway that are currently being investigated in the laboratory and in early clinical trials; as well as the clinical challenges these inhibitors face.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing TianTan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China
| | - Jinghua Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing TianTan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China
| | - Limin Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing TianTan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China.
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24
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Sensitivity of glioma initiating cells to a monoclonal anti-EGFR antibody therapy under hypoxia. Life Sci 2015; 137:74-80. [PMID: 26239438 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2015.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Revised: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Glioma initiating cells (GICs) represent a subpopulation of tumor cells endowed with self-renewal and multilineage differentiation capacity but also with innate resistance to cytotoxic agents, a feature likely to pose major clinical challenges towards the complete eradication of minimal residual disease in glioma patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this work, GICs were obtained from two patient-derived high-grade gliomas xenograft model, expressing differently EGFR. GICs were exposed to anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody cetuximab during 48h in 1% or 21% oxygen tension. Cell viability and self-renewal capacity were then evaluated as well as their angiogenic properties. KEY FINDINGS GICs were sensitive to cetuximab only in normoxic condition whatever the EGFR status. Nevertheless, under hypoxia cetuximab was able to decrease the self-renewal capacity as well as the expression of CD133 while expression of GFAP increased. Moreover, cetuximab decreased the effect of GICs on endothelial cell migration under hypoxia. SIGNIFICANCE Consequently, anti-EGFR therapy can be envisaged to target specifically GICs in order to limit the tumor recurrence.
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25
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Maugeri-Saccà M, Vici P, Di Lauro L, Barba M, Amoreo CA, Gallo E, Mottolese M, De Maria R. Cancer stem cells: are they responsible for treatment failure? Future Oncol 2015; 10:2033-44. [PMID: 25396775 DOI: 10.2217/fon.14.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Overcoming resistance to standard anticancer treatments represents a significant challenge. The interest regarding cancer stem cells, a cellular population that has the ability to self-renew and to propagate the tumor, was prompted by experimental evidence delineating the molecular mechanisms that are selectively activated in this cellular subset in order to survive chemotherapy. This has also stimulated combination strategies aimed at rendering cancer stem cells vulnerable to anticancer agents. Moreover, cancer stem cells offer a unique opportunity for modeling human cancers in mice, thus emerging as a powerful tool for testing novel drugs and combinations in a simulation of human disease. These novel animal models may lay the foundation for a new generation of clinical trials aimed at anticipating the benefit to patients of anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Maugeri-Saccà
- Division of Medical Oncology B, 'Regina Elena' National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
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26
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Roth P, Weller M. Challenges to targeting epidermal growth factor receptor in glioblastoma: escape mechanisms and combinatorial treatment strategies. Neuro Oncol 2015; 16 Suppl 8:viii14-9. [PMID: 25342600 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/nou222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene amplification and activating mutations are common findings in glioblastomas. EGFR is at the top of a downstream signaling cascade that regulates important characteristics of glioblastoma cells, including cellular proliferation, migration, and survival. Targeting EGFR has therefore been regarded as a promising therapeutic strategy in glioblastoma for decades. However, although various pharmacological inhibitors and anti-EGFR antibodies are available, the antiglioma activity of these agents has been largely limited to preclinical models, whereas their administration to glioblastoma patients was characterized by lack of clinical benefit. Comprehensive efforts have been made within the last years to understand the underlying mechanisms that confer resistance to EGFR inhibition in glioma cells. The absence of well-known mutations that predict response to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in gliomas as well as the presence of redundant and alternative compensatory pathways are among the most important escape mechanisms that prevent potent antiglioma effects of EGFR-targeting drugs. Accordingly, an increasing number of in vitro and in vivo studies are aimed at overcoming this resistance by combinatorial approaches using anti-EGFR treatment together with one or more additional drugs. Novel insights into the molecular mechanisms mediating resistance to anti-EGFR treatment and promising combinatorial approaches may help to better define a future role for EGFR inhibition in the treatment of glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Roth
- Department of Neurology and Brain Tumor Center Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (P.R., M.W.)
| | - Michael Weller
- Department of Neurology and Brain Tumor Center Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (P.R., M.W.)
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27
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EGFR Amplification and Glioblastoma Stem-Like Cells. Stem Cells Int 2015; 2015:427518. [PMID: 26136784 PMCID: PMC4468289 DOI: 10.1155/2015/427518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2015] [Revised: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM), the most common malignant brain tumor in adults, contains a subpopulation of cells with a stem-like phenotype (GS-cells). GS-cells can be maintained in vitro using serum-free medium supplemented with epidermal growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor-2, and heparin. However, this method does not conserve amplification of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) gene, which is present in over 50% of all newly diagnosed GBM cases. GS-cells with retained EGFR amplification could overcome the limitations of current in vitro model systems and contribute significantly to preclinical research on EGFR-targeted therapy. This review recapitulates recent methodological approaches to expand stem-like cells from GBM with different EGFR status in order to maintain EGFR-dependent intratumoral heterogeneity in vitro. Further, it will summarize the current knowledge about the impact of EGFR amplification and overexpression on the stem-like phenotype of GBM-derived GS-cells and different approaches to target the EGFR-dependent GS-cell compartment of GBM.
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28
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Cooperative integration between HEDGEHOG-GLI signalling and other oncogenic pathways: implications for cancer therapy. Expert Rev Mol Med 2015; 17:e5. [PMID: 25660620 PMCID: PMC4836208 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2015.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The HEDGEHOG-GLI (HH-GLI) signalling is a key pathway critical in embryonic development, stem cell biology and tissue homeostasis. In recent years, aberrant activation of HH-GLI signalling has been linked to several types of cancer, including those of the skin, brain, lungs, prostate, gastrointestinal tract and blood. HH-GLI signalling is initiated by binding of HH ligands to the transmembrane receptor PATCHED and is mediated by transcriptional effectors that belong to the GLI family, whose activity is finely tuned by a number of molecular interactions and post-translation modifications. Several reports suggest that the activity of the GLI proteins is regulated by several proliferative and oncogenic inputs, in addition or independent of upstream HH signalling. The identification of this complex crosstalk and the understanding of how the major oncogenic signalling pathways interact in cancer is a crucial step towards the establishment of efficient targeted combinatorial treatments. Here we review recent findings on the cooperative integration of HH-GLI signalling with the major oncogenic inputs and we discuss how these cues modulate the activity of the GLI proteins in cancer. We then summarise the latest advances on SMO and GLI inhibitors and alternative approaches to attenuate HH signalling through rational combinatorial therapies.
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Xu C, Li X, Topham MK, Kuwada SK. Regulation of sonic hedgehog expression by integrin β1 and epidermal growth factor receptor in intestinal epithelium. IUBMB Life 2014; 66:694-703. [PMID: 25355554 DOI: 10.1002/iub.1319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/01/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
We previously found that conditional deletion of integrin β1 in intestinal epithelium of mice caused early postnatal lethality and intestinal phenotypic changes including excessive proliferation and defective differentiation of intestinal epithelium due to loss of Hedgehog expression. Here, we link these defects to the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway and show that loss of integrin β1 leads to excessive phosphorylation of MEK-1 and increased expression of ErbB receptors, including the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). We show that increased EGFR signaling attenuates Hh abundance and that an EGFR inhibitor rescues conditional β1 integrin null pups from postnatal lethality. These studies link the loss of Hh expression in the intestinal epithelium of integrin β1-deficient mice to excessive EGFR/MAPK signaling, and identify a unique mechanism for crosstalk between stromal and epithelial signaling pathways that is critical for intestinal epithelial differentiation and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changxin Xu
- Department of Oncological Sciences and Medicine, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Collet B, Avril T, Aubry M, Hamlat A, Le Reste PJ, Chiforeanu D, Vauleon E, Mosser J, Quillien V. Proteomic analysis underlines the usefulness of both primary adherent and stem-like cell lines for studying proteins involved in human glioblastoma. J Proteomics 2014; 110:7-19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2014.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2014] [Revised: 07/08/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Du W, Liu X, Chen L, Dou Z, Lei X, Chang L, Cai J, Cui Y, Yang D, Sun Y, Li Y, Jiang C. Targeting the SMO oncogene by miR-326 inhibits glioma biological behaviors and stemness. Neuro Oncol 2014; 17:243-53. [PMID: 25173582 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/nou217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have associated microRNAs (miRNAs) with the hedgehog (Hh) pathway. Here, we investigated whether targeting smoothened (SMO) with miR-326 would affect glioma biological behavior and stemness. METHODS To investigate the expression of SMO and miR-326 in glioma specimens and cell lines, we utilized quantitative real-time (qRT)-PCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and fluorescence in situ hybridization. The luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the relationship between SMO and miR-326. We performed cell counting kit-8, transwell, and flow cytometric assays using annexin-V labeling to detect changes after transfection with siRNA against SMO or miR-326. qRT-PCR assays, neurosphere formation, and immunofluorescence were utilized to detect the modification of self-renewal and stemness in U251 tumor stem cells. A U251-implanted intracranial model was used to study the effect of miR-326 on tumor volume and SMO suppression efficacy. RESULTS SMO was upregulated in gliomas and was associated with tumor grade and survival period. SMO inhibition suppressed the biological behaviors of glioma cells. SMO expression was inversely correlated with miR-326 and was identified as a novel direct target of miR-326. miR-326 overexpression not only repressed SMO and downstream genes but also decreased the activity of the Hh pathway. Moreover, miR-326 overexpression decreased self-renewal and stemness and partially prompted differentiation in U251 tumor stem cells. In turn, the inhibition of Hh partially elevated miR-326 expression. Intracranial tumorigenicity induced by the transfection of miR-326 was reduced and was partially mediated by the decreased SMO expression. CONCLUSIONS This work suggests a possible molecular mechanism of the miR- 326/SMO axis, which can be a potential alternative therapeutic pathway for gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhong Du
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China (W.D., X.L., Z.D., X.L., L.C., J.C., Y.C., D.Y., Y.S., Y.L., C.J.); Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China (L.C.)
| | - Xing Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China (W.D., X.L., Z.D., X.L., L.C., J.C., Y.C., D.Y., Y.S., Y.L., C.J.); Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China (L.C.)
| | - Lingchao Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China (W.D., X.L., Z.D., X.L., L.C., J.C., Y.C., D.Y., Y.S., Y.L., C.J.); Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China (L.C.)
| | - Zhijin Dou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China (W.D., X.L., Z.D., X.L., L.C., J.C., Y.C., D.Y., Y.S., Y.L., C.J.); Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China (L.C.)
| | - Xuhui Lei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China (W.D., X.L., Z.D., X.L., L.C., J.C., Y.C., D.Y., Y.S., Y.L., C.J.); Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China (L.C.)
| | - Liang Chang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China (W.D., X.L., Z.D., X.L., L.C., J.C., Y.C., D.Y., Y.S., Y.L., C.J.); Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China (L.C.)
| | - Jinquan Cai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China (W.D., X.L., Z.D., X.L., L.C., J.C., Y.C., D.Y., Y.S., Y.L., C.J.); Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China (L.C.)
| | - Yuqiong Cui
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China (W.D., X.L., Z.D., X.L., L.C., J.C., Y.C., D.Y., Y.S., Y.L., C.J.); Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China (L.C.)
| | - Dongbo Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China (W.D., X.L., Z.D., X.L., L.C., J.C., Y.C., D.Y., Y.S., Y.L., C.J.); Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China (L.C.)
| | - Ying Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China (W.D., X.L., Z.D., X.L., L.C., J.C., Y.C., D.Y., Y.S., Y.L., C.J.); Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China (L.C.)
| | - Yongli Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China (W.D., X.L., Z.D., X.L., L.C., J.C., Y.C., D.Y., Y.S., Y.L., C.J.); Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China (L.C.)
| | - Chuanlu Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China (W.D., X.L., Z.D., X.L., L.C., J.C., Y.C., D.Y., Y.S., Y.L., C.J.); Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China (L.C.)
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Quintin J, Le Péron C, Palierne G, Bizot M, Cunha S, Sérandour AA, Avner S, Henry C, Percevault F, Belaud-Rotureau MA, Huet S, Watrin E, Eeckhoute J, Legagneux V, Salbert G, Métivier R. Dynamic estrogen receptor interactomes control estrogen-responsive trefoil Factor (TFF) locus cell-specific activities. Mol Cell Biol 2014; 34:2418-36. [PMID: 24752895 PMCID: PMC4054307 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00918-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2013] [Revised: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Estradiol signaling is ideally suited for analyzing the molecular and functional linkages between the different layers of information directing transcriptional regulations: the DNA sequence, chromatin modifications, and the spatial organization of the genome. Hence, the estrogen receptor (ER) can bind at a distance from its target genes and engages timely and spatially coordinated processes to regulate their expression. In the context of the coordinated regulation of colinear genes, identifying which ER binding sites (ERBSs) regulate a given gene still remains a challenge. Here, we investigated the coordination of such regulatory events at a 2-Mb genomic locus containing the estrogen-sensitive trefoil factor (TFF) cluster of genes in breast cancer cells. We demonstrate that this locus exhibits a hormone- and cohesin-dependent reduction in the plasticity of its three-dimensional organization that allows multiple ERBSs to be dynamically brought to the vicinity of estrogen-sensitive genes. Additionally, by using triplex-forming oligonucleotides, we could precisely document the functional links between ER engagement at given ERBSs and the regulation of particular genes. Hence, our data provide evidence of a formerly suggested cooperation of enhancers toward gene regulation and also show that redundancy between ERBSs can occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Quintin
- Equipe SP@RTE, UMR CNRS 6290, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Université de Rennes I, Rennes, France
| | - Christine Le Péron
- Equipe SP@RTE, UMR CNRS 6290, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Université de Rennes I, Rennes, France
| | - Gaëlle Palierne
- Equipe SP@RTE, UMR CNRS 6290, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Université de Rennes I, Rennes, France
| | - Maud Bizot
- Equipe SP@RTE, UMR CNRS 6290, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Université de Rennes I, Rennes, France
| | - Stéphanie Cunha
- Equipe SP@RTE, UMR CNRS 6290, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Université de Rennes I, Rennes, France
| | - Aurélien A Sérandour
- Equipe SP@RTE, UMR CNRS 6290, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Université de Rennes I, Rennes, France
| | - Stéphane Avner
- Equipe SP@RTE, UMR CNRS 6290, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Université de Rennes I, Rennes, France
| | - Catherine Henry
- Cytogenetics and Cellular Biology Department, CHU, Rennes, France
| | - Frédéric Percevault
- Equipe SP@RTE, UMR CNRS 6290, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Université de Rennes I, Rennes, France
| | - Marc-Antoine Belaud-Rotureau
- Cytogenetics and Cellular Biology Department, CHU, Rennes, France BIOSIT, UMR CNRS 6290, Université de Rennes I, Faculté de Médecine, Rennes, France
| | - Sébastien Huet
- Equipe SP@RTE, UMR CNRS 6290, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Université de Rennes I, Rennes, France
| | - Erwan Watrin
- Equipe CC, UMR CNRS 6290, Université de Rennes I, Faculté de Médecine, Rennes, France
| | - Jérôme Eeckhoute
- Equipe SP@RTE, UMR CNRS 6290, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Université de Rennes I, Rennes, France INSERM U1011, Université Lille-Nord de France, Faculté de Médecine de Lille-Pôle Recherche, Lille, France
| | - Vincent Legagneux
- Equipe EGD, UMR CNRS 6290, Université de Rennes I, Faculté de Médecine, Rennes, France
| | - Gilles Salbert
- Equipe SP@RTE, UMR CNRS 6290, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Université de Rennes I, Rennes, France
| | - Raphaël Métivier
- Equipe SP@RTE, UMR CNRS 6290, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Université de Rennes I, Rennes, France
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Rama AR, Alvarez PJ, Madeddu R, Aranega A. ABC transporters as differentiation markers in glioblastoma cells. Mol Biol Rep 2014; 41:4847-51. [PMID: 25028266 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-014-3423-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 05/17/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumour, characterized by a high aggressivity, a huge heterogeneity attending a hierarchical model and resistance to therapy. Drug resistance has been correlated with the presence of the ABC efflux transporters which are able to exclude drugs for the cellular cytoplasm. In the nucleus of the GBM, initiating cells (ICs) can self-renew and give rise to cancer stem cells, which differ to the side population cells and the different cellular subtypes that form the mass around them. The ICs do not express or express ATP binding cassette (ABC) at very low levels, but this expression may increase with the differentiation process. We suggest that the differentiation process may be responsible of chemoresistance of the GBM cells. We compared three ABC transporters expression: ABCA1, MRP4 and MRP5, in the ICs obtained from 9 patients with GBM and their respective differentiated GBM cells. We show an overexpression of the three ABC transporters in the differentiated GBM cells in comparison to ICs. IMPLICATIONS OF THE HYPOTHESIS The blockade of these ABC transporters could help to improve the drug effectivity and thus reduce the tumour growth and prevent the tumour recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana R Rama
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaen, Campus Las Lagunillas, s/n, 23071, Jaen, Spain,
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Brechbiel J, Miller-Moslin K, Adjei AA. Crosstalk between hedgehog and other signaling pathways as a basis for combination therapies in cancer. Cancer Treat Rev 2014; 40:750-9. [PMID: 24613036 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2014.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Revised: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The hedgehog (Hh) pathway is aberrantly activated in a number of tumors. In medulloblastoma, basal cell carcinoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma, mutations in Hh pathway genes lead to ligand-independent pathway activation. In many other tumor types, ligand-dependent activation of Hh signaling is potentiated through crosstalk with other critical molecular signaling pathways. Among such pathways, RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, EGFR, and Notch are of particular interest because agents that selectively inhibit these pathways are available and can be readily combined with agents such as vismodegib, sonidegib (LDE225), and BMS-833923, which target smoothened-a key Hh pathway regulator. Numerous preclinical studies have revealed the ways in which Hh intersects with each of these pathways, and combination therapies have resulted in improved antitumor efficacy and survival in animal models. Hh also plays an important role in hematopoiesis and in the maintenance of BCR-ABL-driven leukemic stem cells. Thus, combined inhibition of the Hh pathway and BCR-ABL has emerged as a promising potential therapeutic strategy in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). A number of clinical trials evaluating combinations of Hh inhibitors with other targeted agents are now underway in CML and a variety of solid tumors. This review highlights these trials and summarizes preclinical evidence of crosstalk between Hh and four other actionable pathways-RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, EGFR, and Notch-as well as the role of Hh in the maintenance of BCR-ABL-driven leukemic stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Brechbiel
- Articulate Science, 300 American Metro Boulevard, Suite 132, Hamilton, NJ 08619, USA.
| | - Karen Miller-Moslin
- Articulate Science, 300 American Metro Boulevard, Suite 132, Hamilton, NJ 08619, USA.
| | - Alex A Adjei
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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Chai F, Zhou J, Chen C, Xie S, Chen X, Su P, Shi J. The Hedgehog inhibitor cyclopamine antagonizes chemoresistance of breast cancer cells. Onco Targets Ther 2013; 6:1643-7. [PMID: 24250231 PMCID: PMC3829677 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s51914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemoresistance of cancer cells has been a severe problem in multiple types of cancers. One possibility is to combine different drugs with chemotherapy for improved efficacy. Cyclopamine blocks Hedgehog signaling by antagonizing Smo function, which induces tumor apoptosis. Here, we show that the combined use of cyclopamine and paclitaxel (chemotherapy drugs) was able to induce breast cancer cell apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro. The results suggest that Hedgehog signaling is a prospective drug target for chemoresistant cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Chai
- Oncology Department, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
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Unraveling the therapeutic potential of the Hedgehog pathway in cancer. Nat Med 2013; 19:1410-22. [PMID: 24202394 DOI: 10.1038/nm.3389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 420] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/01/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Major progress has been made in recent years in the development of Hedgehog (Hh) pathway inhibitors for the treatment of patients with cancer. Promising clinical trial results have been obtained in cancers that harbor activating mutations of the Hh pathway, such as basal cell carcinoma and medulloblastoma. However, for many cancers, in which Hh ligand overexpression is thought to drive tumor growth, results have been disappointing. Here we review the preclinical data that continue to shape our understanding of the Hh pathway in tumorigenesis and the emerging clinical experience with smoothened inhibitors.
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Filbin MG, Dabral SK, Pazyra-Murphy MF, Ramkissoon S, Kung AL, Pak E, Chung J, Theisen MA, Sun Y, Franchetti Y, Sun Y, Shulman DS, Redjal N, Tabak B, Beroukhim R, Wang Q, Zhao J, Dorsch M, Buonamici S, Ligon KL, Kelleher JF, Segal RA. Coordinate activation of Shh and PI3K signaling in PTEN-deficient glioblastoma: new therapeutic opportunities. Nat Med 2013; 19:1518-23. [PMID: 24076665 DOI: 10.1038/nm.3328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2013] [Accepted: 08/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
In glioblastoma, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling is frequently activated by loss of the tumor suppressor phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). However, it is not known whether inhibiting PI3K represents a selective and effective approach for treatment. We interrogated large databases and found that sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling is activated in PTEN-deficient glioblastoma. We demonstrate that the SHH and PI3K pathways synergize to promote tumor growth and viability in human PTEN-deficient glioblastomas. A combination of PI3K and SHH signaling inhibitors not only suppressed the activation of both pathways but also abrogated S6 kinase (S6K) signaling. Accordingly, targeting both pathways simultaneously resulted in mitotic catastrophe and tumor apoptosis and markedly reduced the growth of PTEN-deficient glioblastomas in vitro and in vivo. The drugs tested here appear to be safe in humans; therefore, this combination may provide a new targeted treatment for glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariella Gruber Filbin
- 1] Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. [2] Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. [3] Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. [4] Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Maugeri-Saccà M, Di Martino S, De Maria R. Biological and clinical implications of cancer stem cells in primary brain tumors. Front Oncol 2013; 3:6. [PMID: 23355974 PMCID: PMC3555082 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2013.00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Accepted: 01/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite therapeutic advances, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains a lethal disease. The infiltrative nature of this disease and the presence of a cellular population resistant to current medical treatments account for the poor prognosis of these patients. Growing evidence indicates the existence of a fraction of cancer cells sharing the functional properties of adult stem cells, including self-renewal and a greater ability to escape chemo-radiotherapy-induced death stimuli. Therefore, these cells are commonly defined as cancer stem cells (GBM-SCs). The initial GBM-SC concept has been challenged, and refined according to the emerging molecular taxonomy of GBM. This allowed to postulate the existence of multiple CSC types, each one driving a given molecular entity. Furthermore, it is becoming increasingly clear that GBM-SCs thrive through a dynamic and bidirectional interaction with the surrounding microenvironment. In this article, we discuss recent advances in GBM-SC biology, mechanisms through which these cells adapt to hostile conditions, pharmacological strategies for selectively killing GBM-SCs, and how novel CSC-associated endpoints have been investigated in the clinical setting.
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