1
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Krishna S, Prajapati B, Seth P, Sinha S. Dickopff 1 inhibits cancer stem cell properties and promotes neuronal differentiation of human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2024; 17:73-82. [PMID: 39021664 PMCID: PMC11253693 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2024.05.010] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastomas are pediatric tumors arising from undifferentiated cells of neural crest origin with stem cell-like characteristics. Dysregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been shown to be linked to the development of various tumors. Activated Wnt signaling results in β-catenin accumulation in the nucleus to support pro-neoplastic traits. DKK1, a secreted glycoprotein, is an inhibitor of Wnt signaling, and the addition of DKKI to the culture medium has been used to suppress the Wnt pathway. This study aimed to analyze the role of Dickopff-1 as a potential differentiating agent for the neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y and neurospheres derived from it. The treatment of SH-5Y5Y derived neurospheres by DKK1 resulted in their disintegration and reduced proliferation markers like Ki67, PCNA. DKK1 treatment to the neurospheres also resulted in the loss of cancer stem cell markers like CD133, KIT and pluripotency markers like SOX2, OCT4, NANOG. DKK1 treatment caused reduction in mRNA expression of β-catenin and TCF genes like TCF4, TCF12. When the SH-SY5Y cancer cells were grown under differentiating conditions, DKKI caused neuronal differentiation by itself, and in synergy with retinoic acid. This was verified by the expression of markers like MAPT, DCX, GAP43, ENO2 and also with changes in neurite length. We concluded that Wnt inhibition, as exemplified by DKK1 treatment, is therefore a possible differentiating condition and also suppresses the proliferative and cancer stemness related properties of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bharat Prajapati
- National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Gurugram, India
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Biomedicine, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Pankaj Seth
- National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Gurugram, India
| | - Subrata Sinha
- National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Gurugram, India
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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2
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Jalali F, Fakhari F, Sepehr A, Zafari J, Sarajar BO, Sarihi P, Jafarzadeh E. Synergistic anticancer effects of doxorubicin and metformin combination therapy: A systematic review. Transl Oncol 2024; 45:101946. [PMID: 38636389 PMCID: PMC11040171 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.101946] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Doxorubicin (DOX) a chemotherapy drug often leads to the development of resistance, in cancer cells after prolonged treatment. Recent studies have suggested that using metformin plus doxorubicin could result in synergic effects. This study focuses on exploring the co-treat treatment of doxorubicin and metformin for various cancers. METHOD Following the PRISMA guidelines we conducted a literature search using different databases such as Embase, Scopus, Web of Sciences, PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar until July 2023. We selected search terms based on the objectives of this study. After screening a total of 30 articles were included. RESULTS The combination of doxorubicin and metformin demonstrated robust anticancer effects, surpassing the outcomes of monotherapy drug treatment. In vitro experiments consistently demonstrated inhibition of cancer cell growth and increased rates of cell death. Animal studies confirmed substantial reductions in tumor growth and improved survival rates, emphasizing the synergistic impact of the combined therapy. The research' discoveries collectively emphasize the capability of the co-treat doxorubicin-metformin as a compelling approach in cancer treatment, highlighting its potential to address medicate resistance and upgrade generally helpful results. CONCLUSION The findings of this study show that the combined treatment regimen including doxorubicin and metformin has significant promise in fighting cancer. The observed synergistic effects suggest that this combination therapy could be valuable, in a setting. This study highlights the need for clinical research to validate and enhance the application of the doxorubicin metformin regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fereshtehsadat Jalali
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Fakhari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Afrah Sepehr
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jaber Zafari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behnam Omidi Sarajar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pouria Sarihi
- Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Emad Jafarzadeh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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3
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Mirzaei S, Paskeh MDA, Moghadam FA, Entezari M, Koohpar ZK, Hejazi ES, Rezaei S, Kakavand A, Aboutalebi M, Zandieh MA, Rajabi R, Salimimoghadam S, Taheriazam A, Hashemi M, Samarghandian S. miRNAs as short non-coding RNAs in regulating doxorubicin resistance. J Cell Commun Signal 2023:10.1007/s12079-023-00789-0. [PMID: 38019354 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-023-00789-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The treatment of cancer patients has been prohibited by chemoresistance. Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anti-tumor compound disrupting proliferation and triggering cell cycle arrest via inhibiting activity of topoisomerase I and II. miRNAs are endogenous RNAs localized in cytoplasm to reduce gene level. Abnormal expression of miRNAs changes DOX cytotoxicity. Overexpression of tumor-promoting miRNAs induces DOX resistance, while tumor-suppressor miRNAs inhibit DOX resistance. The miRNA-mediated regulation of cell death and hallmarks of cancer can affect response to DOX chemotherapy in tumor cells. The transporters such as P-glycoprotein are regulated by miRNAs in DOX chemotherapy. Upstream mediators including lncRNAs and circRNAs target miRNAs in affecting capacity of DOX. The response to DOX chemotherapy can be facilitated after administration of agents that are mostly phytochemicals including curcumol, honokiol and ursolic acid. These agents can regulate miRNA expression increasing DOX's cytotoxicity. Since delivery of DOX alone or in combination with other drugs and genes can cause synergistic impact, the nanoparticles have been introduced for drug sensitivity. The non-coding RNAs determine the response of tumor cells to doxorubicin chemotherapy. microRNAs play a key role in this case and they can be sponged by lncRNAs and circRNAs, showing interaction among non-coding RNAs in the regulation of doxorubicin sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Mirzaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahshid Deldar Abad Paskeh
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farhad Adhami Moghadam
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fauclty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maliheh Entezari
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Khazaei Koohpar
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon Branch, Tonekabon, Iran
| | - Elahe Sadat Hejazi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shamin Rezaei
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirabbas Kakavand
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Aboutalebi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Arad Zandieh
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Romina Rajabi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shokooh Salimimoghadam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Afshin Taheriazam
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mehrdad Hashemi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Saeed Samarghandian
- Healthy Ageing Research Centre, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran.
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4
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Ahmad MH, Ghosh B, Rizvi MA, Ali M, Kaur L, Mondal AC. Neural crest cells development and neuroblastoma progression: Role of Wnt signaling. J Cell Physiol 2023; 238:306-328. [PMID: 36502519 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30931] [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: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is one of the most common heterogeneous extracranial cancers in infancy that arises from neural crest (NC) cells of the sympathetic nervous system. The Wnt signaling pathway, both canonical and noncanonical pathway, is a highly conserved signaling pathway that regulates the development and differentiation of the NC cells during embryogenesis. Reports suggest that aberrant activation of Wnt ligands/receptors in Wnt signaling pathways promote progression and relapse of NB. Wnt signaling pathways regulate NC induction and migration in a similar manner; it regulates proliferation and metastasis of NB. Inhibiting the Wnt signaling pathway or its ligands/receptors induces apoptosis and abrogates proliferation and tumorigenicity in all major types of NB cells. Here, we comprehensively discuss the Wnt signaling pathway and its mechanisms in regulating the development of NC and NB pathogenesis. This review highlights the implications of aberrant Wnt signaling in the context of etiology, progression, and relapse of NB. We have also described emerging strategies for Wnt-based therapies against the progression of NB that will provide new insights into the development of Wnt-based therapeutic strategies for NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mir Hilal Ahmad
- School of Life Sciences, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.,Genome Biology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Balaram Ghosh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Midnapore Medical College & Hospital, West Bengal, Medinipur, India
| | - Moshahid Alam Rizvi
- Genome Biology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Mansoor Ali
- School of Life Sciences, Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Loveleena Kaur
- Division of Cancer Pharmacology, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Srinagar, India
| | - Amal Chandra Mondal
- School of Life Sciences, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
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5
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Re-Sensitizing Cancer Stem Cells to Conventional Chemotherapy Agents. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032122. [PMID: 36768445 PMCID: PMC9917165 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells are found in many cancer types. They comprise a distinct subpopulation of cells within the tumor that exhibit properties of stem cells. They express a number of cell surface markers, such as CD133, CD44, ALDH, and EpCAM, as well as embryonic transcription factors Oct4, Nanog, and SOX2. CSCs are more resistant to conventional chemotherapy and can potentially drive tumor relapse. Therefore, it is essential to understand the molecular mechanisms that drive chemoresistance and to target them with specific therapy effectively. Highly conserved developmental signaling pathways such as Wnt, Hedgehog, and Notch are commonly reported to play a role in CSCs chemoresistance development. Studies show that particular pathway inhibitors combined with conventional therapy may re-establish sensitivity to the conventional therapy. Another significant contributor of chemoresistance is a specific tumor microenvironment. Surrounding stroma in the form of cancer-associated fibroblasts, macrophages, endothelial cells, and extracellular matrix components produce cytokines and other factors, thus creating a favorable environment and decreasing the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy. Anti-stromal agents may potentially help to overcome these effects. Epigenetic changes and autophagy were also among the commonly reported mechanisms of chemoresistance. This review provides an overview of signaling pathway components involved in the development of chemoresistance of CSCs and gathers evidence from experimental studies in which CSCs can be re-sensitized to conventional chemotherapy agents across different cancer types.
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6
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Bahmad HF, Daher D, Aljamal AA, Elajami MK, Oh KS, Alvarez Moreno JC, Delgado R, Suarez R, Zaldivar A, Azimi R, Castellano A, Sackstein R, Poppiti RJ. Repurposing of Anticancer Stem Cell Drugs in Brain Tumors. J Histochem Cytochem 2021; 69:749-773. [PMID: 34165342 PMCID: PMC8647630 DOI: 10.1369/00221554211025482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors in adults may be infrequent when compared with other cancer etiologies, but they remain one of the deadliest with bleak survival rates. Current treatment modalities encompass surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. However, increasing resistance rates are being witnessed, and this has been attributed, in part, to cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are a subpopulation of cancer cells that reside within the tumor bulk and have the capacity for self-renewal and can differentiate and proliferate into multiple cell lineages. Studying those CSCs enables an increasing understanding of carcinogenesis, and targeting CSCs may overcome existing treatment resistance. One approach to weaponize new drugs is to target these CSCs through drug repurposing which entails using drugs, which are Food and Drug Administration-approved and safe for one defined disease, for a new indication. This approach serves to save both time and money that would otherwise be spent in designing a totally new therapy. In this review, we will illustrate drug repurposing strategies that have been used in brain tumors and then further elaborate on how these approaches, specifically those that target the resident CSCs, can help take the field of drug repurposing to a new level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisham F. Bahmad
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology
and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach,
Florida
| | - Darine Daher
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of
Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Abed A. Aljamal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mount Sinai
Medical Center, Miami Beach, Florida
| | - Mohamad K. Elajami
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mount Sinai
Medical Center, Miami Beach, Florida
| | - Kei Shing Oh
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology
and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach,
Florida
| | - Juan Carlos Alvarez Moreno
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology
and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach,
Florida
| | - Ruben Delgado
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology
and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach,
Florida
| | - Richard Suarez
- Department of Pathology, Herbert Wertheim
College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | - Ana Zaldivar
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology
and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach,
Florida
| | - Roshanak Azimi
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology
and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach,
Florida
| | - Amilcar Castellano
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology
and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach,
Florida
- Department of Pathology, Herbert Wertheim
College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | - Robert Sackstein
- Department of Translational Medicine,
Translational Glycobiology Institute, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine,
Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | - Robert J. Poppiti
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology
and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach,
Florida
- Department of Pathology, Herbert Wertheim
College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
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7
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Zafar A, Wang W, Liu G, Wang X, Xian W, McKeon F, Foster J, Zhou J, Zhang R. Molecular targeting therapies for neuroblastoma: Progress and challenges. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:961-1021. [PMID: 33155698 PMCID: PMC7906923 DOI: 10.1002/med.21750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to identify novel therapies for childhood cancers. Neuroblastoma is the most common pediatric solid tumor, and accounts for ~15% of childhood cancer‐related mortality. Neuroblastomas exhibit genetic, morphological and clinical heterogeneity, which limits the efficacy of existing treatment modalities. Gaining detailed knowledge of the molecular signatures and genetic variations involved in the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma is necessary to develop safer and more effective treatments for this devastating disease. Recent studies with advanced high‐throughput “omics” techniques have revealed numerous genetic/genomic alterations and dysfunctional pathways that drive the onset, growth, progression, and resistance of neuroblastoma to therapy. A variety of molecular signatures are being evaluated to better understand the disease, with many of them being used as targets to develop new treatments for neuroblastoma patients. In this review, we have summarized the contemporary understanding of the molecular pathways and genetic aberrations, such as those in MYCN, BIRC5, PHOX2B, and LIN28B, involved in the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma, and provide a comprehensive overview of the molecular targeted therapies under preclinical and clinical investigations, particularly those targeting ALK signaling, MDM2, PI3K/Akt/mTOR and RAS‐MAPK pathways, as well as epigenetic regulators. We also give insights on the use of combination therapies involving novel agents that target various pathways. Further, we discuss the future directions that would help identify novel targets and therapeutics and improve the currently available therapies, enhancing the treatment outcomes and survival of patients with neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atif Zafar
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.,Drug Discovery Institute, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Gang Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Chemical Biology Program, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Xinjie Wang
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Wa Xian
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Stem Cell Center, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Frank McKeon
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Stem Cell Center, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jennifer Foster
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Section of Hematology-Oncology Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Chemical Biology Program, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Ruiwen Zhang
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.,Drug Discovery Institute, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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8
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Zhang J, Si J, Gan L, Guo M, Yan J, Chen Y, Wang F, Xie Y, Wang Y, Zhang H. Inhibition of Wnt signalling pathway by XAV939 enhances radiosensitivity in human cervical cancer HeLa cells. ARTIFICIAL CELLS NANOMEDICINE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 48:479-487. [PMID: 31975621 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2020.1716779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is the second most common malignant tumour threatening women's health. In recent years, heavy-ion beam therapy is becoming a newly emerging therapeutic mean of cancer; however, radio-resistance and radiation-induced damage constitute the main obstacles for curative treatment of cervical cancer. Therefore, to identify the radiosensitizers is essential. Here, we investigated the effects of Wnt signalling pathway on the response of 12C6+ radiation in HeLa cells. XAV939, an inhibitor of Wnt signalling pathway, was added two hours before 12C6+ radiation.12C6+ radiation inhibited the viability of HeLa cells in a time-dependent manner, and inhibiting Wnt signalling using XAV939 significantly intensified this stress. Meanwhile, 12C6+ radiation induced a significant increased cell apoptosis, G2/M phase arrest, and the number of γ-H2AX foci. Supplementation with XAV939 significantly increased the effects induced by 12C6+ radiation alone. Combining XAV939 with 12C6+ irradiation, the expression of apoptotic genes (p53, Bax, Bcl-2) was significantly increased, while the expression of Wnt-related genes (Wnt3a, Wnt5a, β-catenin, cyclin D1 and c-Myc) was significantly decreased. Overall, these findings suggested that blockage of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway effectively sensitizes HeLa cells to 12C6+ irradiation, and it may be a potential therapeutic approach in terms of increasing the clinical efficacy of 12C6+ beams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhua Zhang
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Si
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Gan
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Menghuan Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Junfang Yan
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhong Chen
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Xie
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yupei Wang
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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9
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Rotherham M, Nahar T, Goodman T, Telling N, Gates M, El Haj A. Magnetic Mechanoactivation of Wnt Signaling Augments Dopaminergic Differentiation of Neuronal Cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 3:e1900091. [PMID: 32648650 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201900091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Wnt signaling is a key developmental pathway that regulates dopaminergic progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation during neuronal development. This makes Wnt signaling an important therapeutic target for neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson's disease. Wnt signaling can be modulated using peptides such as UM206, which bind to the Wnt receptor Frizzled. Previous work has demonstrated remote activation of the Wnt pathway through Frizzled using peptide-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) with magnetic field stimulation. Using this technology, Wnt signaling is remotely activated in the neuronal cell line SH-SY5Y, and the phenotypic response to stimulation is assessed. Results indicate β-catenin translocalization and activation of TCF/LEF responsive transcription in response to MNP and magnetic fields, which result in dopaminergic marker expression when synergistically combined with differentiation factors retinoic acid and the phorbol ester phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. This approach is translated into ex vivo postnatal rat brain slices modeling the developing nigrostriatal pathway. Dopaminergic marker expression is maintained in MNP-labeled SH-SY5Y cells after injection and magnetic stimulation. These results demonstrate the translational value of remote control of signal transduction for controlling neuronal precursor cell behavior and highlight the potential applications for controlled cell differentiation as part of cell therapies for neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Rotherham
- Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Guy Hilton Research Centre, Thornburrow Drive, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 7QB, UK
| | - Tasmin Nahar
- Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Guy Hilton Research Centre, Thornburrow Drive, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 7QB, UK
| | - Timothy Goodman
- Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Guy Hilton Research Centre, Thornburrow Drive, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 7QB, UK
| | - Neil Telling
- Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Guy Hilton Research Centre, Thornburrow Drive, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 7QB, UK
| | - Monte Gates
- Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Guy Hilton Research Centre, Thornburrow Drive, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 7QB, UK
| | - Alicia El Haj
- Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Guy Hilton Research Centre, Thornburrow Drive, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 7QB, UK.,Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Birmingham, Heritage Building, Mindelsohn Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TH, UK
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10
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Nolan JC, Frawley T, Tighe J, Soh H, Curtin C, Piskareva O. Preclinical models for neuroblastoma: Advances and challenges. Cancer Lett 2020; 474:53-62. [PMID: 31962141 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a paediatric cancer of the sympathetic nervous system and the most common solid tumour of infancy, contributing to 15% of paediatric oncology deaths. Current therapies are not effective in the long-term treatment of almost 80% of patients with this clinically aggressive disease. The primary challenge in the identification and validation of new agents for paediatric drug development is the accurate representation of tumour biology and diversity. In addition to this limitation, the low incidence of neuroblastoma makes the recruitment of eligible patients for early phase clinical trials highly challenging and highlights the need for robust preclinical testing to ensure that the best treatments are selected. The research field requires new preclinical models, technologies, and concepts to tackle these problems. Tissue engineering offers attractive tools to assist in the development of three-dimensional (3D) cell models using various biomaterials and manufacturing approaches that recreate the geometry, mechanics, heterogeneity, metabolic gradients, and cell communication of the native tumour microenvironment. In this review, we discuss current experimental models and assess their abilities to reflect the structural organisation and physiological conditions of the human body, in addition to current and new techniques to recapitulate the tumour niche using tissue-engineered platforms. Finally, we will discuss the possible use of novel 3D in vitro culture systems to address open questions in neuroblastoma biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Nolan
- Cancer Bio-Engineering Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland; School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland; National Children's Research Centre, Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - T Frawley
- Cancer Bio-Engineering Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland; School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland; National Children's Research Centre, Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - J Tighe
- Cancer Bio-Engineering Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - H Soh
- Cancer Bio-Engineering Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - C Curtin
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland; Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre (AMBER), RCSI and TCD, Dublin, Ireland
| | - O Piskareva
- Cancer Bio-Engineering Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland; School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland; National Children's Research Centre, Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland; Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre (AMBER), RCSI and TCD, Dublin, Ireland.
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11
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Ornell KJ, Coburn JM. Developing preclinical models of neuroblastoma: driving therapeutic testing. BMC Biomed Eng 2019; 1:33. [PMID: 32903387 PMCID: PMC7422585 DOI: 10.1186/s42490-019-0034-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in cancer therapeutics, particularly in the area of immuno-oncology, successful treatment of neuroblastoma (NB) remains a challenge. NB is the most common cancer in infants under 1 year of age, and accounts for approximately 10% of all pediatric cancers. Currently, children with high-risk NB exhibit a survival rate of 40–50%. The heterogeneous nature of NB makes development of effective therapeutic strategies challenging. Many preclinical models attempt to mimic the tumor phenotype and tumor microenvironment. In vivo mouse models, in the form of genetic, syngeneic, and xenograft mice, are advantageous as they replicated the complex tumor-stroma interactions and represent the gold standard for preclinical therapeutic testing. Traditional in vitro models, while high throughput, exhibit many limitations. The emergence of new tissue engineered models has the potential to bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo models for therapeutic testing. Therapeutics continue to evolve from traditional cytotoxic chemotherapies to biologically targeted therapies. These therapeutics act on both the tumor cells and other cells within the tumor microenvironment, making development of preclinical models that accurately reflect tumor heterogeneity more important than ever. In this review, we will discuss current in vitro and in vivo preclinical testing models, and their potential applications to therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly J Ornell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA 01605 USA
| | - Jeannine M Coburn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA 01605 USA
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12
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Becker J, Wilting J. WNT Signaling in Neuroblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11071013. [PMID: 31331081 PMCID: PMC6679057 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11071013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The term WNT (wingless-type MMTV integration site family) signaling comprises a complex molecular pathway consisting of ligands, receptors, coreceptors, signal transducers and transcriptional modulators with crucial functions during embryonic development, including all aspects of proliferation, morphogenesis and differentiation. Its involvement in cancer biology is well documented. Even though WNT signaling has been divided into mainly three distinct branches in the past, increasing evidence shows that some molecular hubs can act in various branches by exchanging interaction partners. Here we discuss developmental and clinical aspects of WNT signaling in neuroblastoma (NB), an embryonic tumor with an extremely broad clinical spectrum, ranging from spontaneous differentiation to fatal outcome. We discuss implications of WNT molecules in NB onset, progression, and relapse due to chemoresistance. In the light of the still too high number of NB deaths, new pathways must be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juergen Becker
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Medical School Goettingen, Kreuzbergring 36, 37075 Goettingen, Germany.
| | - Joerg Wilting
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Medical School Goettingen, Kreuzbergring 36, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
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13
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Bahmad HF, Chamaa F, Assi S, Chalhoub RM, Abou-Antoun T, Abou-Kheir W. Cancer Stem Cells in Neuroblastoma: Expanding the Therapeutic Frontier. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:131. [PMID: 31191243 PMCID: PMC6546065 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor often diagnosed in childhood. Despite intense efforts to develop a successful treatment, current available therapies are still challenged by high rates of resistance, recurrence and progression, most notably in advanced cases and highly malignant tumors. Emerging evidence proposes that this might be due to a subpopulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) or tumor-initiating cells (TICs) found in the bulk of the tumor. Therefore, the development of more targeted therapy is highly dependent on the identification of the molecular signatures and genetic aberrations characteristic to this subpopulation of cells. This review aims at providing an overview of the key molecular players involved in NB CSCs and focuses on the experimental evidence from NB cell lines, patient-derived xenografts and primary tumors. It also provides some novel approaches of targeting multiple drivers governing the stemness of CSCs to achieve better anti-tumor effects than the currently used therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisham F Bahmad
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Farah Chamaa
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sahar Assi
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Reda M Chalhoub
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Tamara Abou-Antoun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Wassim Abou-Kheir
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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14
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Szemes M, Greenhough A, Melegh Z, Malik S, Yuksel A, Catchpoole D, Gallacher K, Kollareddy M, Park JH, Malik K. Wnt Signalling Drives Context-Dependent Differentiation or Proliferation in Neuroblastoma. Neoplasia 2018; 20:335-350. [PMID: 29505958 PMCID: PMC5909736 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2018.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is one of the commonest and deadliest solid tumours of childhood, and is thought to result from disrupted differentiation of the developing sympathoadrenergic lineage of the neural crest. Neuroblastoma exhibits intra- and intertumoural heterogeneity, with high risk tumours characterised by poor differentiation, which can be attributable to MYCN-mediated repression of genes involved in neuronal differentiation. MYCN is known to co-operate with oncogenic signalling pathways such as Alk, Akt and MEK/ERK signalling, and, together with c-MYC has been shown to be activated by Wnt signalling in various tissues. However, our previous work demonstrated that Wnt3a/Rspo2 treatment of some neuroblastoma cell lines can, paradoxically, decrease c-MYC and MYCN proteins. This prompted us to define the neuroblastoma-specific Wnt3a/Rspo2-driven transcriptome using RNA sequencing, and characterise the accompanying changes in cell biology. Here we report the identification of ninety Wnt target genes, and show that Wnt signalling is upstream of numerous transcription factors and signalling pathways in neuroblastoma. Using live-cell imaging, we show that Wnt signalling can drive differentiation of SK-N-BE(2)-C and SH-SY5Y cell-lines, but, conversely, proliferation of SK-N-AS cells. We show that cell-lines that differentiate show induction of pro-differentiation BMP4 and EPAS1 proteins, which is not apparent in the SK-N-AS cells. In contrast, SK-N-AS cells show increased CCND1, phosphorylated RB and E2F1 in response to Wnt3a/Rspo2, consistent with their proliferative response, and these proteins are not increased in differentiating lines. By meta-analysis of the expression of our 90 genes in primary tumour gene expression databases, we demonstrate discrete expression patterns of our Wnt genes in patient cohorts with different prognosis. Furthermore our analysis reveals interconnectivity within subsets of our Wnt genes, with one subset comprised of novel putative drivers of neuronal differentiation repressed by MYCN. Assessment of β-catenin immunohistochemistry shows high levels of β-catenin in tumours with better differentiation, further supporting a role for canonical Wnt signalling in neuroblastoma differentiation.
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Key Words
- alk, anaplastic lymphoma kinase
- atra, all-trans-retinoic acid
- bmp4, bone morphogenetic protein 4
- ccnd1, cyclin d1
- egf, epidermal growth factor
- epas1, endothelial pas domain protein 1
- erk, extracellular signal-regulated kinases
- emt, epithelial-mesenchymal transition
- kegg, kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes
- mapk, mitogen-activated protein kinase
- mek, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase
- pbs, phosphate-buffered saline
- qrt-pcr, quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction
- rb, retinoblastoma
- rnaseq, rna sequencing
- rspo2, r-spondin-2
- sds-page, sodium-dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
- tcf/lef, t-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer binding factor
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Szemes
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Alexander Greenhough
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Zsombor Melegh
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
| | - Sally Malik
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Aysen Yuksel
- The Kids Research Institute, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Westmead NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Daniel Catchpoole
- The Kids Research Institute, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Westmead NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Kelli Gallacher
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Madhu Kollareddy
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Ji Hyun Park
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Karim Malik
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
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15
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Becker J, Wilting J. WNT signaling, the development of the sympathoadrenal-paraganglionic system and neuroblastoma. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:1057-1070. [PMID: 29058015 PMCID: PMC5814469 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2685-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a tumor of the sympathoadrenal system arising in children under 15 years of age. In Germany, NB accounts for 7% of childhood cancer cases, but 11% of cancer deaths. It originates from highly migratory progenitor cells that leave the dorsal neural tube and contribute neurons and glial cells to sympathetic ganglia, and chromaffin and supportive cells to the adrenal medulla and paraganglia. Clinically, histologically and molecularly, NBs present as extremely heterogeneous, ranging from very good to very poor prognosis. The etiology of NB still remains unclear and needs to be elucidated, however, aberrant auto- and paracrine embryonic cell communications seem to be likely candidates to initiate or facilitate the emergence, progression and regression of NB. The wingless-type MMTV integration site (WNT) family of proteins represents an evolutionary highly conserved signaling system that orchestrates embryogenesis. At least 19 ligands in the human, numerous receptors and co-receptors are known, which control not only proliferation, but also cell polarity, migration and differentiation. Here we seek to interconnect aspects of WNT signaling with sympathoadrenal and paraganglionic development to define new WNT signaling cues in the etiology and progression of NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Becker
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Medical School Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Jörg Wilting
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Medical School Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
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16
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Effects of Acetylcholine on β-Amyloid-Induced cPLA2 Activation in the TB Neuroectodermal Cell Line: Implications for the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2017; 38:817-826. [PMID: 28993924 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-017-0555-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The role of β-amyloid (Aβ) in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is still considered crucial. The state of Aβ aggregation is critical in promoting neuronal loss and neuronal function impairment. Recently, we demonstrated that Acetylcholine (ACh) is neuroprotective against the toxic effects of Aβ in the cholinergic LAN-2 cells. In biophysical experiments, ACh promotes the soluble Aβ peptide conformation rather than the aggregation-prone β-sheet conformation. In order to better understand the biological role of ACh in AD, we studied the effect of Aβ on the phosphorylation of the cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) in the TB neuroectodermal cell line, which differentiates toward a neuronal phenotype when cultured in the presence of retinoic acid (RA). We chose the phosphorylated form of cPLA2 (Ser505, Phospho-cPLA2) as a biomarker to test the influence of ACh on the effects of Aβ in both undifferentiated and RA-differentiated TB cells. Our results show that TB cells are responsive to Aβ. Moreover, in undifferentiated cells 1 h treatment with Aβ induces a 2.5-fold increase of the Phospho-cPLA2 level compared to the control after 24 h in vitro, while no significant difference is observed between Aβ-treated and non-treated cells after 4 and 7 days in vitro. The RA-differentiated cells are not sensitive to Aβ. In TB cell line ACh is able to blunt the effects of Aβ. The ability of ACh to protect non-cholinergic cells against Aβ reinforces the hypothesis that, in addition to its role in cholinergic transmission, ACh could also act as a neuroprotective agent.
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17
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Di Zanni E, Bianchi G, Ravazzolo R, Raffaghello L, Ceccherini I, Bachetti T. Targeting of PHOX2B expression allows the identification of drugs effective in counteracting neuroblastoma cell growth. Oncotarget 2017; 8:72133-72146. [PMID: 29069774 PMCID: PMC5641117 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenic role of the PHOX2B gene in neuroblastoma is indicated by heterozygous mutations in neuroblastoma patients and by gene overexpression in both neuroblastoma cell lines and tumor samples. PHOX2B encodes a transcription factor which is crucial for the correct development and differentiation of sympathetic neurons. PHOX2B overexpression is considered a prognostic marker for neuroblastoma and it is also used by clinicians to monitor minimal residual disease. Furthermore, it has been observed that neuronal differentiation in neuroblastoma is dependent on down-regulation of PHOX2B expression, which confirms that PHOX2B expression may be considered a target in neuroblastoma. Here, PHOX2B promoter or 3′ untranslated region were used as molecular targets in an in vitro high-throughput approach that led to the identification of molecules able to decrease PHOX2B expression at transcriptional and likely even at post-transcriptional levels. Further functional investigations carried out on PHOX2B mRNA levels and biological consequences, such as neuroblastoma cell apoptosis and growth, showed that chloroquine and mycophenolate mofetil are most promising agents for neuroblastoma therapy based on down-regulation of PHOX2B expression. Finally, a strong correlation between the effect of drugs in terms of down-regulation of PHOX2B expression and of biological consequences in neuroblastoma cells confirms the role of PHOX2B as a potential molecular target in neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Di Zanni
- U.O.C. Genetica Medica, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy.,Present Address: Istituto di Biofisica, CNR, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Ravazzolo
- U.O.C. Genetica Medica, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health and CEBR, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | | | | | - Tiziana Bachetti
- U.O.C. Genetica Medica, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
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